Cover letter and motivation letter: main differences

The truth is that in an increasingly competitive professional world, the way we present ourselves to companies is extremely important and can make all the difference for us to become relevant and stand out before a particular job vacancy and other candidates. Learn the main differences between a Cover Letter and a Motivation Letter, how to write them and the main moments when you should present them. 

DIFFERENT OBJECTIVES 

Although both documents can be presented together with the CV during a job application process, both have different objectives and purposes. A Cover Letter is a document that aims at explaining our CV, the various professional experiences and training courses we have gone through during our life. It is our professional identity card. On the other hand, a Motivation Letter should be a document that shows our motivation for that specific position. It is the document that will unveil our true motivations for that position. 

FORM AND CONTENT 

The cover letter should be longer, going through the various professional and curricular experiences we have had throughout life, and should not exceed one page. You should also be aware that you can prepare the same cover letter for several companies, since your experience is always the same. On the other hand, the Cover Letter should be much shorter and succinct, summarizing in a few lines what makes us the right candidate for that job, in detriment of another. nlike the Cover Letter, this one should be totally adapted and directed to the company to which you are applying. 

PRACTICAL TIPS 

Keep in mind that each document has its role at the time of an application. Focus on what you want to highlight at each step of the selection process and know how to adapt to the organisation you are applying to at that moment. 

How to write a Motivation Letter 

• Read the job description of the position you are applying for
• Do not exceed one page: This way you will have a better idea of what is required for the job and will know how to attract the recruiter's attention.
• Present your main characteristics : Throughout the text, highlight the characteristics that you believe are your strongest points. You can do this by highlighting them in bold, for example. This is a way to show confidence and draw attention to them.
• Highlight your motivations: Mention your skills, motivations and the experiences that make you want to do the job you're applying for.
• Be concise, formal but personalize your speech: The Motivation Letter is what distinguishes us from so many other candidates. Therefore, it is important that you take the opportunity to reflect this difference in the way you expose your motivations. Try to do it in a distinctive way in the way you write and present your ideas. 

How to write a Cover Letter

• Focus on the position you are applying for: Only mention experiences, characteristics or competences related to the position you are applying for
• Do not limit yourself to professional and curricular experiences : Make reference to any award you have won or voluntary work you have been involved in
• Use keywords: Be aware that many companies use management systems that filter applications by competencies, qualifications or other factors as a way of selection. In this sense, consider the use of keywords so that the possibility of your Cover Letter being read is greater. 

Finally, if you need help to present yourself to a company, particularly in the area of accounting or finance, Fed Finance has real experts in this sector, who can advise and guide you throughout the recruitment process. Send us your application.