Write a motivation letter for the opportunity below using only the facts I provide. Inputs - Opportunity and recipient: [OPPORTUNITY] - My background and evidence: [MY EVIDENCE] - Why this opportunity specifically: [MY MOTIVATION] - Relevant requirements or selection criteria: [SELECTION CRITERIA]
- Constraints: [LETTER CONSTRAINTS]
Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing. Then write one finished letter in the requested language and length. Use a professional greeting, 3 or 4 focused body paragraphs, and a direct closing.
Open with the precise opportunity and a credible reason for applying, not a broad statement about passion. In the middle, connect exactly two or three achievements, experiences, or responsibilities from my evidence to distinct selection criteria. Explain the action I took, the result where supported, and what it shows about my fit. Include one paragraph showing informed interest in this organization, program, or team, based only on the supplied details. Close by stating the contribution or learning goal I can honestly bring.
Do not restate my CV line by line, use clichés, claim I am uniquely qualified, or invent metrics, tools, responsibilities, names, or enthusiasm. Avoid unsupported claims about the recipient's culture or mission. Keep the tone confident but proportionate to my experience.
After the letter, provide a short “evidence check” with any sentence that needs me to verify a fact and a “criterion coverage” list mapping each selected criterion to the supporting example. Before answering, self-check that every factual claim comes from my inputs and that the letter answers why this opportunity, why me, and why now.Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [OPPORTUNITY] | Enter the role, program, organization, recipient name if known, and the application purpose. | Operations Associate, Harbor Food Bank; addressed to the hiring committee |
| [MY EVIDENCE] | Enter relevant experience, achievements, education, skills, and concrete results you can substantiate. | Two years coordinating weekly deliveries at a community pantry; built a volunteer shift sheet that reduced missed pickups; BA in sociology |
| [MY MOTIVATION] | Explain what draws you to this specific opportunity and what you hope to contribute or learn. | I want to move from volunteer coordination into food-access operations and am drawn to Harbor's neighborhood delivery program |
| [SELECTION CRITERIA] | Paste the main requirements from the posting, prospectus, or selection guidance. | Scheduling experience, calm communication with volunteers, comfort with spreadsheets, commitment to respectful service |
| [LETTER CONSTRAINTS] | State the language, word limit, tone, deadline context, and any required topics. | English, 350 words maximum, warm and professional |
How to use
- Paste the posting criteria and only evidence you could defend in an interview.
- Check that each achievement is linked to a different requirement rather than listed without context.
- Remove any sentence in the evidence check that you cannot verify.
- Follow up with: “Make the opening more direct and keep the criterion coverage unchanged.”
Variations
Graduate program
Use this for a master's, doctoral, or professional program application.
Draft a [WORD LIMIT]-word motivation letter for [PROGRAM] at [INSTITUTION]. Use my academic and practical evidence from [BACKGROUND NOTES] to show preparation for [PROGRAM FOCUS]. Address the program features I named in [PROGRAM REASONS] without claiming knowledge I do not have. Explain a realistic learning goal and future direction, not a guaranteed career outcome. Include an evidence check for unsupported claims. Ask up to 3 questions only if required inputs are missing.
Internal role
Use this when applying for a promotion or transfer within your organization.
Write a [WORD LIMIT]-word motivation letter for the internal [ROLE] position. Base it only on [CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES], [RELEVANT RESULTS], and [ROLE REQUIREMENTS]. Tie two results to two role requirements, acknowledge one development area with a practical plan from [DEVELOPMENT PLAN], and avoid implying entitlement based on tenure. End with the contribution I can make to [TEAM]. Add a factual-claim check. Ask up to 3 questions only if necessary.
Scholarship application
Use this when a scholarship asks for purpose and financial context.
Write a [WORD LIMIT]-word scholarship motivation letter for [SCHOLARSHIP NAME]. Draw only from [ACADEMIC OR COMMUNITY EVIDENCE], [STUDY PLAN], and [FINANCIAL CONTEXT TO SHARE]. Explain how the award would remove a specific barrier or support a specific activity, without exaggerating hardship or promising outcomes. Address [SELECTION VALUES] with concrete examples. End with an evidence check and ask up to 3 questions only if a required input is missing.
Tips
- Use the selection criteria as an outline, but group related requirements so the letter reads as an argument rather than a checklist.
- Choose examples with a visible action and outcome; “supported a project” is weaker than describing your own responsibility.
- Name one or two verified features of the recipient's work or program instead of making broad claims about its reputation.
- Keep a separate source note for every number, award, and outcome so you can answer follow-up questions consistently.
FAQ
How is a motivation letter different from a cover letter?
The formats overlap. A motivation letter usually gives more space to purpose, learning goals, and alignment with a program or mission, while a cover letter centers on job fit and contribution.
Should I mention a weakness?
Only if the application asks or if you can address a material gap with a concrete, credible plan. Do not turn the letter into a list of apologies.
Can AI make my letter sound more personal?
It can improve structure and phrasing, but personal detail must come from your own notes. Do not accept invented anecdotes or feelings.