How long should a motivation letter be?
Posted at 29/05/2024
The Motivation Letter plays a crucial role in the process of applying for jobs, internships, scholarships and other professional or academic opportunities. It allows candidates to demonstrate their qualifications, experiences, and motivations in a more personal way than a CV. However, finding the right balance between rich content and conciseness is key to ensuring that this document is effective and fulfils its purpose.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF WORDS FOR A MOTIVATION LETTER?
Although there is no ideal length, the consensus on the size of a motivation letter is between 250 and 500 words. This is the number you can take as a reference since it's enough to present the candidate's qualifications and motivations without going on too long and losing objectivity.
Letters that are too short can seem superficial, while those that are too long and text-heavy run the risk of losing the recruiter's attention. Staying within this range is therefore a safe approach.
The importance of conciseness
When writing a Motivation Letter, remember that keeping it concise will have a significant impact on recruiters. A document that is as precise and concise as possible will always be easier to read, clearer and more impactful. Bear in mind that recruiters will have several cover letters and CVs at their disposal daily, so it is essential that when you present a document showing your motivations that represent you professionally, it is direct and relevant to capture the attention of those who read it quickly. Conciseness also ensures that the candidate's qualifications and motivations are expressed more clearly and objectively.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR MOTIVATION LETTER TO THE IDEAL LENGTH
Focus on the key points: Emphasize the qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the job.
Select relevant information: Carefully choose the information that shows your suitability for the opportunity in question.
Avoid repetition: Make sure that each paragraph makes a unique contribution to your cover letter and to what you want to emphasize.
Use short paragraphs and direct language: This will make the letter easier to read and more accessible and engaging.
REVISING AND PERFECTING
In the end, revising your motivation document is extremely important. Don't neglect this step because it's here that you'll be able to perfect what wasn't quite right, eliminating extra words, correcting punctuation, and ensuring the cohesion of the whole message.
At this point you can also ask for feedback from mentors, colleagues, or someone you trust in your professional field to get some suggestions for improvement. All help is welcome, and you can always refine the document based on the feedback you receive.
Always remember that the quality of the content is just as important as its length. A well- written, concise, and relevant motivation letter significantly increases your chances of success in a selection process. So, take the time and attention to ensure that your Motivation Letter is impactful and effective!
