As the saying in the Netherlands goes: ‘A good start is half the work done’. Therefore, a good first impression with your resume and motivation letter by customising them to the company and to the vacancy you are applying for increases your likelihood of success. After following the first four steps the Aureus Advice section, it is time for the next step: zoom in at the motivation letter.

The first rule for you motivation letter is: always customise your motivation letter to the vacancy, internship, or business course you are applying for. Your motivation letter supports your resume. Your motivation letter gives you the opportunity to show your personality and express why you are the best candidate for the job. Make sure your motivation letter supports your CV and emphasize relevant information about your competencies and experience.

Take extra time to research the organisation you are applying for, and adjust your motivation letter to the culture of that specific firm. In addition, show the organisation that you paid attention to the information they have provided in the application information.

Below, the structure of your motivation letter is highlighted:

Structure


Your name and address
Company address and name of your contact person
Location and date
Relating to…

Paragraph 1: Grab the reader’s attention 
Short introduction about why you are contacting them. Make sure you grab the attention of the reader and that you are specific about the goal of the letter.

Paragraph 2: Why this company
Why do you want to work for this company? Check the website for the company’s strategy and challenges you might want to focus on.
Furthermore, use previous experiences with the company. For example tell them how you came in to contact with them.

Paragraph 3: STAR
Explain why you are applying for this position: Why this specific internship/vacancy? Use the description mentioned in the application and link this to your own competences, experiences and learning goals. Use the STAR method to explain your experiences.

Situation:
Give an example of a situation you were involved in that resulted in a positive outcome.
While I was in my previous function as….

Task:
Describe the tasks involved in that situation and any challenges you faced. I was responsible for…

Action:
Talk about the various actions involved in the situation’s task :
In order to achieve this I….

Results:
What results directly followed because of your actions:
The result  of this was…

Paragraph 4: Why you?
Why should the company choose you? Shortly mention your motivation again and use examples and characteristics which outline why you are the right person for the job, but make sure you don’t repeat yourself too much.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion
The closing. End your letter with a strong message that resonates the message of your letter.