Letter of Motivation auf Englisch | Aufbau, Tipps & Beispiel

Letter of Motivation auf Englisch schreiben

Aufbau, Formulierungen, Tipps & Beispiel für ein überzeugendes Motivationsschreiben

A Letter of Motivation explains why you are applying for a particular job, university program, internship, scholarship, or other opportunity. It gives you the chance to show your motivation, experience, strengths, and suitability in a more personal way than a CV.

A good Letter of Motivation should answer three important questions:

Why this opportunity? → Why you? → Why are you and the organization a good match?

Unlike a CV, which mainly presents facts, qualifications and professional experience, a Letter of Motivation allows you to connect those facts and tell your story.

What Is a Letter of Motivation?

A Letter of Motivation is a formal letter explaining your reasons for applying and why you believe you are a suitable candidate.

Depending on the situation, you may need one when applying for:

  • a job
  • a university or Master's program
  • an internship
  • a scholarship
  • an exchange program
  • voluntary work
  • an international training program

The exact expectations vary, but the basic principle remains the same: the reader wants to understand your motivation and what you can contribute.

What Is the Purpose of a Letter of Motivation?

A strong Letter of Motivation should:

  • show genuine interest in the specific position or program;
  • explain why you are applying;
  • highlight relevant skills, experience and achievements;
  • demonstrate how your background relates to the opportunity;
  • show what makes you a suitable candidate;
  • add personality and context to the facts contained in your CV.
Important: Do not simply write “I am highly motivated.” Your letter should demonstrate your motivation through specific reasons and examples.

How to Structure a Letter of Motivation

Introduction → Main Body → Conclusion

1. Introduction – Why Are You Writing?

Begin by explaining clearly what you are applying for.

Your introduction should:

  • introduce you briefly;
  • name the position or program;
  • explain the purpose of the letter;
  • establish your interest immediately.

Useful phrases

I am writing to apply for... I am writing to express my interest in... I would like to apply for the position of... I am particularly interested in...
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Project Coordinator at ABC Energy. With several years of experience in project management and a strong interest in renewable energy, I am particularly attracted to the opportunity to contribute to your international projects.

2. Explain Your Motivation – Why Them?

This is one of the most important parts of the letter.

Explain why this particular company, university, course or organization interests you.

Avoid generic statements such as:

Your company is very interesting to me.

Instead, be specific:

I am particularly interested in your company's work in renewable energy and its expansion into international markets.

You could refer to:

  • the organization's activities;
  • a particular project;
  • its values or objectives;
  • the content of a university program;
  • career-development opportunities;
  • international opportunities;
  • a particular area of research or expertise.

3. Present Your Experience – Why You?

Now explain what you can offer.

Relevant information might include:

  • professional experience;
  • education and qualifications;
  • internships;
  • projects;
  • international experience;
  • language skills;
  • technical knowledge;
  • communication skills;
  • leadership experience;
  • voluntary work;
  • achievements.
Do not simply repeat your CV. Explain why your experience is relevant.

Instead of:

I have three years of project management experience.

write:

During my three years in project management, I regularly coordinated international teams and communicated with customers in English. This experience strengthened both my organizational skills and my ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

4. Show the Connection – Why You and Them?

Now bring the two sides together.

Their requirements + Your experience = Good match
My combination of technical knowledge, international experience and strong communication skills would allow me to contribute effectively to your international project team.

You do not need to claim that you are perfect. You need to demonstrate that there is a logical connection between your background and their needs.

5. Write a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion should be short, positive and professional.

You can:

  • reaffirm your interest;
  • summarize your suitability;
  • thank the reader;
  • express your willingness to discuss the application further.

Useful phrases

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. I would be pleased to discuss my experience and motivation in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and motivation with you in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

The Simple Formula: Why Them – Why You – Why Together

WHY THEM?

Why are you interested in this specific organization, position or program?

WHY YOU?

What experience, knowledge, skills and personal qualities can you offer?

WHY TOGETHER?

Why does the combination of you + this opportunity make sense?

Useful English Phrases for Your Letter of Motivation

Starting the letter

  • I am writing to apply for...
  • I am writing to express my interest in...
  • I would like to apply for...
  • I was particularly interested to learn about...

Explaining your motivation

  • I am particularly attracted to this opportunity because...
  • What particularly interests me about this position is...
  • I am keen to develop my knowledge of...
  • This opportunity would allow me to...
  • I would welcome the opportunity to...

Describing your experience

  • I have gained extensive experience in...
  • During my previous role, I was responsible for...
  • My experience has enabled me to develop...
  • Through this experience, I learned how to...
  • I have successfully...

Connecting your experience to the opportunity

  • My background in ... is particularly relevant to...
  • I believe my experience in ... would enable me to...
  • I can bring both ... and ... to the role.
  • My combination of ... and ... makes me well suited to this position.

Ending the letter

  • I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further.
  • Thank you for considering my application.
  • I look forward to hearing from you.

Example Letter of Motivation

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Project Coordinator at ABC Energy. With several years of experience in project management and a strong interest in renewable energy, I am particularly attracted to the opportunity to contribute to your international projects.

In my current position, I coordinate projects involving colleagues, suppliers and customers from several European countries. This has given me extensive experience in planning, communication and problem-solving. I regularly conduct meetings and communicate with international partners in English.

I am particularly interested in ABC Energy because of its focus on sustainable energy solutions and international growth. My combination of project-management experience, technical interest and international communication skills would allow me to contribute effectively to your team.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and motivation with you in more detail. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Repeating your CV Your CV tells the reader what you have done. Your Letter of Motivation should explain why that experience is relevant.
❌ Being too general Avoid statements that could be sent to any company or university.
❌ Claiming without providing evidence Instead of saying you have excellent communication skills, give an example that demonstrates them.
❌ Writing too much In most situations, one well-structured page is more effective than a long letter containing unnecessary information.
❌ Using overly complicated English Professional English does not mean complicated English. Clear and precise sentences usually create a better impression.

Letter of Motivation Checklist

  • Have I clearly stated what I am applying for?
  • Have I explained why this specific opportunity interests me?
  • Have I connected my experience to the requirements?
  • Have I given concrete examples?
  • Have I avoided simply repeating my CV?
  • Is the letter clear and concise?
  • Is the tone professional?
  • Have I checked grammar and spelling?
  • Have I finished with a positive call for further contact?

Letter of Motivation – Persönliche Unterstützung

Writing about yourself in professional English can be difficult. Im persönlichen Englischtraining können wir gemeinsam an Ihrem Letter of Motivation, englischen CV, Ihrer Bewerbung und der Vorbereitung auf ein Vorstellungsgespräch auf Englisch arbeiten.

The aim is not simply to correct your English. It is to help you express your own experience, strengths and motivation convincingly in English.

Bewerbungstraining anfragen Vorstellungsgespräch vorbereiten