How to write a motivated application

Your dream job is vacant, but how should you write a good job application that gets you to a job interview? Get tips on how to write a motivated application.

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Divide your application into five parts

The very first thing to do when writing an application is to read the job posting closely and research the company. When you are ready to write the application, it is a good idea to divide your application into five parts:

1: Heading
You can get the readers attention with a relevant and targeted heading. The heading can state something about what especially qualifies you for the job, or what you can contribute to the company.

2: Motivation
Look inward. What drives and motivates you? You can motivate your application at three levels:
1) The tasks
2) The role
3) The company/industry.
You may choose to be in-depth at one level or all three of them. It is important to state the reasons why you think that the assignments or the company are interesting. You might give concrete examples . It does not suffice to write: "I think that it would be interesting to work in purchasing." Explain why you find it interesting.

3: Your skills
Focus on your skills: What are you particularly good at? How do you solve the challenges you encounter? How do you get new ideas? Your skills provide the employer with an impression of which assignments you will be good at. Many are afraid of seeming to be bragging in their applications, but it is not bragging to write what you are good at and what you can contribute. It is just what you need to do to show the employer in your job application what you have to offer. And then it is up to the employer to assess if you have the required skills.

4: You as a colleague
You must state your characteristics in relation to others. How will you contribute to good cooperation? How would you describe good cooperation? What will former colleagues and fellow students say about your cooperation?

5: Ending
Write a good ending that makes the employer eager to meet you. You may for instance write that you look forward to elaborating on what you have to offer as a colleague.

Check list for your application

When you have written your application, it is time for a thorough review.

Check for spelling and grammar errors. Write short and precise sentences. Avoid too many repetitions and ensure that you write pointing forward and concretely: which assignments can you solve, and how can you do so? Avoid focusing on your own gain. Instead of writing: "It will be good for me to get the job", you should focus on how to fulfil the employer's dreams: "I can help you with ..."
Are you age 50+ and worried about being rejected because you are "too old"? Are you around 30 and worried about being discarded because you "are probably soon going to go on maternity/paternity leave soon"? Or are you newly educated and worried that you have too little experience? Try to play down your concern. Instead, choose to state your strengths and abilities by being precisely who you are and where you are in your working life.
Remember only to include relevant information in your CV and your application. If you have worked in an ice cream shop as a teenager, only write so if it is of relevance to the job you applying for.
Ensure that the text appears well-arranged. A text without spaces is difficult to read. Use the same font and size on both the CV and the application to create coherence. Remember also to send the application and CV as pdf files to be certain that the layout does not change on the recipient’s end.
Have a friend or a family member read through your application and CV. Remember that you can always have professional and personal feedback on your application and your CV via HK's career counsellors.
  • Your application should be no longer than one page
  • Check what is written about you on social media – the employer is able to google you
  • To use a neutral email address
  • To comply with the deadline for applications
  • That the employer can easily see through standard applications – always write in a targeted way

See examples of how to write a good, motivated application

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