This document provides guidance on writing a letter of motivation, which is required when applying for PhD positions in Germany. It explains that the letter of motivation presents an applicant's personal background, qualifications, experience, and professional goals in an informative but concise way. The document then lists questions applicants should aim to answer in the letter, such as their professional goals, reasons for interest in the specific position and research topic, and how they are qualified. It advises taking time to write the letter, structuring it like an essay, and proofreading thoroughly to present oneself as a clear-headed and motivated individual. The letter should be no more than two pages and focus on thoughtful, factual discussion of relevant topics in an appropriate style.
This document provides guidance on writing a letter of motivation, which is required when applying for PhD positions in Germany. It explains that the letter of motivation presents an applicant's personal background, qualifications, experience, and professional goals in an informative but concise way. The document then lists questions applicants should aim to answer in the letter, such as their professional goals, reasons for interest in the specific position and research topic, and how they are qualified. It advises taking time to write the letter, structuring it like an essay, and proofreading thoroughly to present oneself as a clear-headed and motivated individual. The letter should be no more than two pages and focus on thoughtful, factual discussion of relevant topics in an appropriate style.
This document provides guidance on writing a letter of motivation, which is required when applying for PhD positions in Germany. It explains that the letter of motivation presents an applicant's personal background, qualifications, experience, and professional goals in an informative but concise way. The document then lists questions applicants should aim to answer in the letter, such as their professional goals, reasons for interest in the specific position and research topic, and how they are qualified. It advises taking time to write the letter, structuring it like an essay, and proofreading thoroughly to present oneself as a clear-headed and motivated individual. The letter should be no more than two pages and focus on thoughtful, factual discussion of relevant topics in an appropriate style.
This document provides guidance on writing a letter of motivation, which is required when applying for PhD positions in Germany. It explains that the letter of motivation presents an applicant's personal background, qualifications, experience, and professional goals in an informative but concise way. The document then lists questions applicants should aim to answer in the letter, such as their professional goals, reasons for interest in the specific position and research topic, and how they are qualified. It advises taking time to write the letter, structuring it like an essay, and proofreading thoroughly to present oneself as a clear-headed and motivated individual. The letter should be no more than two pages and focus on thoughtful, factual discussion of relevant topics in an appropriate style.
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How to Write a Letter of Motivation
When applying for a PhD position in Germany, applicants are often asked to submit a letter of motivation (sometimes called a statement of purpose). In contrast to a CV which lists dates and information regarding ones educational and professional background, a letter of motivation presents ones personal background, qualications, experience and professional goals in a short, but informative way. Because of their personal nature, these letters play an important role in the selection process.
How do you write a successful letter of motivation?
1.) Take your time and start early. A letter of motivation is a very important document. Dont try to write it in one evening. 2.) Your letter of motivation should answer the following questions: What are your professional goals? Which sector would you like to work in after obtaining your PhD? Why are you applying for this specic PhD position? Which aspect of the position or research topic is especially interesting to you and/or benecial in pursuing your professional goals? How does the PhD position t into your academic background? Why do you think you are the right person for this position? Have you already gained professional/scientic experience relevant to this position? How could you best apply your knowledge and acquired skills to this position? How could the institution (or organisation), to which you are applying, benet by selecting you and what could you contribute to the project or programme? Try to put yourself in the employers position and avoid writing in the rst-person only. 3.) Your letter of motivation should be well structured very much like an essay. First, think about the questions above, take notes and discuss them with friends. Then make an outline. Afterwards, write a rst draft. (You dont necessarily have to include answers to all the questions above.) Do not include the outline or the questions in your text. Read it again and expect to revise your letter of motivation several times. It can be helpful to put it aside for a day so that you can get a more objective view. This letter represents you; a well-structured, well-formulated letter makes you come across as a clear-headed, motivated individual. 4.) Write the letter in an appropriate style: Avoid platitudes, owery phrases and attery. It could make an unprofessional impression. Deal with your topics thoughtfully and factually. 5.) Proofread the letter and delete all dispensable and redundant parts. When nished, your letter of motivation should not exceed more than two pages. And last but not least, pay attention to grammar and spelling! Good luck!!
