Guidance Programme
Session 5: Motivation Letter

Session aims

  1. Analyse and improve a sample letter
  2. Describe the elements to be included
  3. Use the style and formulaic statements expected in a motivation letter
  4. Write a motivation letter for the opportunity I have chosen
  5. Use a self-assessment to check their letter before they submit
  6.  
  7. Identify opportunities to fill those gaps
  8. Identify documentation (certificates, visas, references) that are needed and start sourcing them

Session plan

[PDF link]

Presentation

[PPT link]

Shareable materials (Takeaways)

Arash Bordbar UNHCR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2HS5zSbRAw 

Letter for analysis [PDF link]

Motivation Letter Template [Word link]

Self-evaluation tool [PDF link]

Reusable phrases  [PDF link]

Assignment

Create your motivation letter in Word. (300-400 words). Use the advice in the session, feedback from others on your draft versions and the checklists to proofread your letter before you submit it. 

Please check this and give detailed constructive feedback and gather some common points for feedback to the group in the next session.

Optional extra feedback and redrafting session

As with the CV session it might be a good idea to give students some more group time to get feedback, edit and refine their motivation letters.

< Previous: Session 4 Next: Session 6 >