Motivational letters: The most common mistakes and how to avoid them

A good letter of motivation won't open doors for you right away. But it will make someone pause for a moment. It will ensure that your name doesn't just slip through the cracks. It will make you stand out – quietly but clearly.

Many people write what they think “one” wants to read. But in the end, it all sounds the same. And that's exactly the mistake. A strong letter of motivation doesn't just show what you can do. It shows who you are. 

Here are the five most common mistakes – and how you can avoid them.

You write what you think others want to hear

Many people write sentences that have been read a hundred times before. “I am a team player.” “I enjoy working independently.” “I am highly motivated.” It sounds right. But it also sounds generic.

The reason is simple: you want to be liked. You don't want to do anything wrong. So you write what you think is “good.” But that's exactly what often comes across as empty.

What's missing is a piece of you. What really motivates you? Why do you want this job? You don't have to write what you think others want to hear. You can find your own voice. And you'll see: it sounds more credible – and sticks in people's minds.

You repeat your resume

You have your resume. And you have your cover letter. Please don't turn one into the other. Many people simply summarize all the stages of their career – in sentences instead of bullet points. That doesn't help anyone.

What's missing is the why. Why did you choose this path? What has shaped you? Why is now the right time to take this step?

The cover letter is the place for your inner compass, not your timeline.

You're making yourself smaller than you are

“I know I don't have much experience yet...” – you often read this sentence. And every time, it's a shame. Especially when you're just starting out, you tend to apologize. For what you lack. For what you can't do yet.

But no one expects you to be perfect. What counts is your attitude. Your openness. Your willingness to learn.

Be clear about what you have to offer. And honest about what you want to learn. You don't have to hide. You can show that you are motivated and what you are capable of.

You forget who you're writing to

Many people write into the void. No reference to the position, no reference to the company. Just general statements that could apply anywhere. But on the other hand, there is a person reading this. Someone who asks themselves: Does this person really mean us?

If you've done your research, it shows. If you haven't, it shows too.

Show that you understand what the job is about. And why you think you're a good fit. A good letter isn't a lecture. It's the beginning of a conversation.

You're doing too much – or too little

Some people go overboard. They write two pages, use complicated words, and try to impress. Others make hardly any effort—two paragraphs, zero information. Neither approach works.

A good letter of motivation is clear. Not too long. Not too superficial. Concise, but not rushed. Personal, but not too private. Structured, but not stiff.

If you're unsure, one page is enough. Three paragraphs. An introduction that arouses interest. A main section that shows what motivates you. A conclusion that remains open – but makes it clear that you would be happy to discuss your application.

If you need help structuring or wording your application, you can use tools such as Career Starter or CV Creator from talendo. They provide step-by-step support – from structure to language – ideal for students who want to be well prepared but still come across as authentic.

Conclusion

A good letter of motivation cannot be written using a template. It comes from writing honestly. Take the time to say what is important to you.

No text has to explain you completely. But it should reveal something about you. Courage, clarity, interest—these qualities are worth more than any buzzwords.

And sometimes that is all it takes for someone to remember you.