WRITING AND LETTERS OF MOTIVATION →Do you like writing? Do you prefer writing or typing? Are you a good writer? →When you write in English, what sort of texts/documents do you write/type? →What problems do you encounter when writing/typing in English? →What is a motivation letter? Why would you write it? What should it contain? A motivation letter, a motivational letter, a letter of motivation – usually attached to or accompanying another document such as a resume or CV=curriculum vitae. The main purpose of a motivational letter - also called cover letter - is demonstrate persuasively that you are the most suitable candidate for a specific position. It is used when applying for something such as acceptance to a university, a student programme, a non-profit organization, voluntary work, etc. It should contain: why you are interested in the specific activity/university/programme, your motives… etc (see below) →What are some of the typical phrases found in letters of motivation? Dear Sir or Madam, Yours sincerely, I am writing to apply for… 1. Order these questions so that the answer would form an efficient letter of motivation: 4 How do my skills and abilities relate to the position/programme offered? 8 Have I thanked the reader for considering my application? 3 What attracts me to the position? 6 Why should I be chosen? 1 What position/programme am I applying for? 7 When am I available for an interview? 5 What are my strengths? 2 Where did I find out about it? 2. Decide which phrases are appropriate to answer the questions above. - 5 I gained some experience while … - 7 I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with you personally. - 4 6 5 I believe that combination of my skills, experience, and knowledge suits your expectation regarding the profile of successful applicant for the advertised position. - 3 Your position for … strongly appeals to me because … - 1 2 I am writing with reference/in response to your advertisement, which I saw … - 1 2 I am writing to apply for the position of …… as advertised in … - 8 I look forward to hearing from you. - 3 I am particularly interested in this job as… - 4 6 5 I see new tasks / this position as a welcome challenge, which I look forward to. - 4 6 5 My time at … has equipped me with strong … skills - 7 You can contact me as per your convenience - 4 6 I have a lively interest in … and would appreciate the opportunity / chance to broaden my knowledge by working with you. - 8 Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via… - 4 5 I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in … - 6 Furthermore, it would allow me the opportunity to apply this knowledge in both practical and challenging contexts - 6 I would be well suited to the position because… - 5 6 I am highly motivated and look forward to the varied work which a position in your company would offer me. 3. Decide which recommendations will help you write a good motivation letter and why? 1) You should list all the schools you’ve attended, your grades and the jobs you’ve done in a motivation letter. NO, ONLY RELEVANT ONES 2) Assess the employer's needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer's interest. YES 3) You should be as specific as possible and use concrete examples. YES 4) It’s recommendable to insert pictures and links in a motivation letter. NO 5) Copy-pasting is a good tip for preparing a motivation letter especially if you write more of them. NO, DEVELOP YOUR OWN VOICE, BORING 6) Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point. YES 7) A suitable length for a motivation letter is one and half to two pages. EVEN SHORTER 8) Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying. YES 9) Most of the sentences should start with “I”. NO, IT’S REPETITIVE EXAMPLE OF TEST TASK: You want to apply for an Erasmus exchange program to study one semester at the medical school of the prestigious University of Edinburgh. Along with your application, you will need to submit a motivation letter which should explain why you wish to study at the University of Edinburgh and provide any additional information that you feel may support your application. You text should be between 120 to 150 words (approximately 1 page).