Letter of Motivation: Structure, Content and Examples

Few application documents cause as much confusion as the letter of motivation: isn't that just the cover letter? When do you actually need one? And what should it say that isn't already in your CV? The short answer: the letter of motivation answers the why — and no other document in your application can do that.

Letter of motivation or cover letter: the difference

The two documents are often mixed up — in Germany, some job ads say “Motivationsschreiben” when they simply mean a cover letter. The distinction is clear:

	Cover letter	Letter of motivation
Role	Mandatory part of the application	Additional document (the “third page”)
Content	Fit for the role: requirements ↔ experience	Motives, goals, values, development
Perspective	What do I bring to this role?	Why do I want exactly this — and where am I heading?
Length	max. 1 page	usually 1 page (350–500 words)

Rule of thumb: if the posting only asks for an “Anschreiben” (cover letter), write the classic application letter. If a letter of motivation is requested in addition, the third page is meant — when in doubt, ask.

When a letter of motivation is required

Typical situations in which a genuine letter of motivation is expected:

• University applications — bachelor's programmes with selection procedures, and almost always for a master's
• Scholarships — foundations want to see personality and commitment
• Stays abroad — Erasmus, semesters abroad, funded programmes
• Public sector and NGOs — values and motivation carry particular weight here
• Dual-study places and trainee programmes — employers check whether you are serious about the programme

For a regular job application: only include one if it is requested or if you need to explain a special situation (career change, reorientation). An unsolicited letter of motivation that merely repeats the cover letter weakens the application.

The structure: 5 building blocks with a common thread

A convincing letter of motivation follows a simple dramaturgy — from the trigger through the present into the future:

1. The opening: your personal hook

Start with a concrete experience or moment that makes your motivation credible — not with “I hereby apply for …”:

When I watched a physiotherapist during my school internship retrain a stroke patient's grip, one thing became clear to me: I want to understand how movement and the brain work together.

2. Your motivation for this specific goal

Why this degree programme, this scholarship, this company — and not just any? Show that you have seriously engaged with the programme: its focus areas, values and particularities. The more specific the reference, the more credible you are.

3. What you bring

Pick two or three experiences or strengths that match your goal — backed by examples, not asserted. Unlike in your CV, here you describe what those experiences did to you: what did you learn, what changed as a result?

4. Your perspective

Where is the journey going? One or two sentences about your goals show that the programme is a logical step on your path — not a random hit among many applications.

5. The closing

Confident and free of stock phrases: sum up in one sentence why you and the programme fit, and close with the prospect of a conversation. Delete subjunctive garlands (“I would be delighted if you could perhaps …”) without replacement.

Wording: sound like yourself, not like a template

• ❌ “I have always been fascinated by technology.” → ✅ One concrete moment where that fascination showed.
• ❌ “I am highly motivated and eager to learn.” → ✅ An example of something you taught yourself.
• ❌ “Your renowned university …” → ✅ The specific focus area or module that attracted you.
• ❌ “In conclusion, I would like to emphasise …” → ✅ Just write the key sentence — no announcement needed.

The most common mistakes

1. Retelling the CV — the letter of motivation complements, it does not repeat
2. Generalities instead of experiences — “passion” without evidence reads like generator output
3. No reference to the programme — interchangeable texts fail selection rounds immediately
4. Too long — nobody enjoys reading more than one page in the third round of review
5. Exaggeration — if you “burn for”, “live for” and “dream of” everything at once, you lose credibility

Checklist before sending

• Does the text answer the why — not just the what?
• Personal opening instead of “I hereby apply”?
• Specific reference to the programme, university or company?
• Every strength backed by a real experience?
• One page, cleanly formatted, spelling checked?
• Read aloud — does it sound like you?

The hardest part is almost always getting started. If you don't want to face a blank page: our AI assistant drafts a first version from your profile and your goal — structure and raw text are in place, and you add the personal experiences.