What is a motivation statement?

Candidates attach motivation statements to resumes to convince the HR specialist that they are the most suitable hire for the position. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as motivation letters. Motivation statements are a short piece of writing about an individual and their past, interests, aspirations, and personality.

Aspect	Explanation
Definition	A Motivation Statement is a written or verbal declaration that articulates an individual’s or a group’s underlying reasons, desires, and driving forces behind pursuing a particular goal, undertaking a specific action, or making a significant decision. It aims to clarify the motivating factors that propel someone or a team toward a desired outcome, providing insight into their aspirations and the “why” behind their actions. Motivation Statements are commonly used in personal development, goal setting, career planning, and project management.
Key Concepts	– Clarity: Motivation Statements seek to bring clarity to one’s objectives and reasons for pursuing them. – Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: The statement may encompass both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivators. – Goal Alignment: It aligns personal or group goals with motivations for consistency and commitment. – Inspiration: A well-crafted statement can serve as a source of inspiration and determination. – Purpose: The statement highlights the deeper purpose or meaning behind actions.
Characteristics	– Personalized: Motivation Statements are highly personalized and reflect an individual’s unique drivers. – Positive Language: They often use positive and affirmative language to reinforce motivation. – Future-Oriented: These statements typically focus on future goals and aspirations. – Concise: While expressive, Motivation Statements are generally concise and to the point. – Commitment: They express a commitment to taking action to achieve the stated goals.
Implications	– Clarity: A clear Motivation Statement helps individuals understand their own aspirations better. – Commitment: It reinforces commitment to the pursuit of goals by highlighting personal or group motivations. – Focus: The statement serves as a constant reminder, helping to stay focused on objectives. – Resilience: In challenging times, the statement can boost resilience by reminding of underlying motivations. – Decision Support: It aids in decision-making by aligning choices with motivations.
Advantages	– Goal Alignment: It aligns actions and decisions with personal or group motivations. – Increased Persistence: A strong motivation statement can increase perseverance and determination. – Inspiration: It can inspire individuals and teams to overcome obstacles and work toward their goals. – Clarity: It provides clarity about one’s objectives and the path to achieve them. – Goal Achievement: Motivation Statements can contribute to greater success in achieving desired outcomes.
Drawbacks	– Subjectivity: Motivation Statements are highly subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. – Changing Motivations: Motivations may change over time, rendering the statement less applicable. – External Factors: External factors may influence motivation independently of the statement. – Ineffectiveness: If not genuinely felt or believed, a motivation statement may be less effective. – Overreliance: Relying solely on the statement without practical actions may lead to stagnation.
Applications	– Personal Development: Individuals use Motivation Statements in personal growth and self-improvement journeys. – Career Planning: Professionals employ them for career goal setting and decision-making. – Project Management: Teams use motivation statements to align project goals with team motivations. – Education: Students may create motivation statements to stay focused on academic goals. – Leadership: Leaders may use such statements to inspire and motivate their teams toward a common objective.

Table of Contents

Understanding motivation statements

Motivation statements should not be confused with cover letters, however. Motivation statements describe one’s passion for an opportunity while a cover letter is more formal and emphasizes one’s relevant job skills and expertise.

Motivation statements may also be useful as part of an application for:

Mortgages or other types of loans.
Research funding.
Visas to enter or study in another country.
Internship or volunteer programs at a non-profit.
College admission.
Scholarships, and
Conference participation.

How to structure a motivation statement

The most effective motivation statements are no longer than one page, so use the space wisely.

With that in mind, there is no need to overcomplicate a motivation statement. Many use a three-paragraph structure with the following elements:

Introduction (first paragraph) – here, include a short but engaging pitch about who you are and why you’re applying. Like an academic essay, use this section to introduce the key points you’ll expand on later.
Body (second paragraph) – use the body to sell yourself by detailing relevant skills and achievements. Be as factual as possible since the person reading your statement has likely read hundreds and can tell real stories from those that are fabricated.
Conclusion (third paragraph) – to wrap up, summarize the main points, explain your overarching goal, and thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Note that additional paragraphs can be added to the body section to explain multiple points where necessary.

Motivation statement best practices

To write a motivation statement that stands out from a vast pool of candidates, ensure the content is tailored to the specific organization, program, or position.

If submitting multiple applications, resist the urge to copy and paste and avoid generalizations at all costs.

Then, follow these best practices:

Research contact details – to determine who is responsible for processing the application, research their contact details and address them directly from the start. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith”.
Determine program requirements – list at least three requirements and then explain how you are the best fit for the position.
Build rapport – this can be achieved by telling a short story or concrete personal examples of how you align with the organization’s values.
Be authentic – show that you are passionate about the role without coming across as insincere. To do this, link specific reasons for wanting to work for the organization with demonstrated knowledge while selling yourself at the same time.

How motivation statements differ from Monroe’s Motivated Sequence

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is a five-step tool used to deliver persuasive speeches that inspire the audience to take action.

Developed by American psychologist Alan Monroe in the 1930s, the sequence has been used as the basis for political speeches, public awareness campaigns, and marketing campaigns.

In essence, the outline for persuasive communication involves:

Attracting the audience’s attention.
Establishing that the current situation is unacceptable, negatively impacts them, and needs to change.
Proposing a solution that addresses a need or solves a problem.
Inviting the audience to visualize what their future would look like if the solution were implemented, and
Concluding with a call to action where the speaker tells a motivated and primed audience what they would like them to do.

While Monroe’s framework was designed for public speakers and has more versatility than a motivation statement, both aim to compel the listener (or reader) to take some form of desirable action.

In a motivation statement, the action a candidate wants the recruiter to take is to be convinced of their credentials and hire them for the position.

Both approaches also require the individual to understand and connect with the audience before realizing a beneficial outcome.

In a motivation statement, the audience is usually the organization in question or the person responsible for filling the position.

Applications

Employee Engagement Initiative:
- Case Study: XYZ Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, embarked on an employee engagement initiative to foster a more positive and productive workplace culture.Example Motivation Statement: “At XYZ Corporation, we believe that our greatest asset is our people. Our motivation is rooted in a commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work every day. We strive to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, where employees are encouraged to unleash their full potential and contribute to our collective success. Together, we are driven by a shared purpose: to transform challenges into opportunities, to exceed expectations, and to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.”
Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign:
- Case Study: The ABC Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to support its mission of providing education and healthcare services to underserved communities.Example Motivation Statement: “At the ABC Foundation, our motivation stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of compassion, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. We envision a world where every individual has access to quality education and healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our mission is not just about providing services; it’s about empowering individuals to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Together, we can make a difference by investing in education, promoting health and wellness, and fostering sustainable development. Join us in creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Student Scholarship Application:
- Case Study: University XYZ offered scholarships to exceptional students based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.Example Motivation Statement: “As a first-generation college student, education has always been my pathway to opportunity and empowerment. My motivation to pursue higher education stems from a desire to break the cycle of poverty in my family and to become a catalyst for positive change in my community. I am committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and giving back to others through service and mentorship. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate financial barriers but also affirm my belief in the transformative power of education to create a better future for myself and those around me.”
Community Advocacy Campaign:
- Case Study: The Citizens for Environmental Justice launched a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about the impacts of air pollution on vulnerable communities and advocate for stronger environmental regulations.Example Motivation Statement: “At Citizens for Environmental Justice, our motivation is driven by a deep concern for the health and well-being of our community members, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental injustices. We refuse to accept the status quo of toxic air pollution and its devastating effects on public health and quality of life. Our mission is to mobilize grassroots support, amplify the voices of impacted communities, and hold policymakers and polluters accountable for implementing equitable and sustainable solutions. Together, we can create a healthier, more just future for all.”
Entrepreneurial Pitch Presentation:
- Case Study: Sarah, a social entrepreneur, pitched her startup idea to investors—a mobile app connecting volunteers with local community service opportunities.Example Motivation Statement: “As a passionate advocate for social change, my motivation to create this app stems from a desire to harness the collective power of volunteering to address pressing social and environmental challenges in our communities. I believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and by connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities to give back, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. My personal commitment to this cause is unwavering, and I am dedicated to building a sustainable business that not only generates profit but also creates positive social impact at scale.”
Career Development Planning:
- Case Study: John, a mid-career professional, crafted a motivation statement for his job application to a nonprofit organization focused on environmental conservation.Example Motivation Statement: “Throughout my career journey, my motivation has been guided by a deep-seated passion for environmental conservation and sustainability. From my early experiences volunteering with local conservation groups to my leadership roles in corporate sustainability initiatives, I have always sought opportunities to align my professional skills with my personal values. I am inspired by the opportunity to join [Organization Name] and leverage my expertise in [relevant skills] to advance your mission of protecting our planet for future generations. Together, I am confident that we can make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our natural resources and promoting environmental stewardship.”

Real-World Case Studies

Google: Motivation Statement: Google’s mission is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” This statement encapsulates Google’s motivation to innovate and provide accessible information globally. It emphasizes user-centricity and societal impact, guiding the company’s product development and service offerings.
Tesla: Motivation Statement: Tesla’s mission is “to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” This statement reflects Tesla’s commitment to combating climate change through the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions. It underscores the company’s motivation to drive innovation in the automotive and energy sectors and serves as a rallying point for employees, investors, and customers.
Patagonia: Motivation Statement: Patagonia’s mission is “to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” This statement embodies Patagonia’s dedication to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. It articulates the company’s motivation to prioritize ethical practices, minimize environmental impact, and drive positive change in the apparel industry and beyond.
Microsoft: Motivation Statement: Microsoft’s mission is “to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” This statement reflects Microsoft’s motivation to leverage technology for social impact and economic empowerment. It underscores the company’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and innovation, guiding its product development, business strategies, and philanthropic initiatives.
Starbucks: Motivation Statement: Starbucks’ mission is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” This statement captures Starbucks’ motivation to create a sense of community and connection through the coffeehouse experience. It emphasizes the company’s commitment to customer experience, social responsibility, and community engagement, guiding its business practices and corporate citizenship efforts.
IKEA: Motivation Statement: IKEA’s mission is “to create a better everyday life for the many people.” This statement reflects IKEA’s motivation to offer affordable, functional, and sustainable home furnishings that improve customers’ quality of life. It underscores the company’s commitment to design, affordability, and sustainability, guiding its product development, store experience, and corporate citizenship initiatives.

Key takeaways:

Motivation statements are a short piece of writing about an individual and their past, interests, aspirations, and personality.
To write a motivation statement that stands out, ensure the content is tailored to the specific organization, program, or position. Best practices for writing them include researching contact details and program requirements, building rapport, and being authentic.
While Monroe’s Motivated Sequence was designed for public speakers and is more versatile than a motivation statement, both aim to compel the listener (or reader) to take some form of desirable action.

Key Highlights

Motivation Statements: Candidates use motivation statements, also known as motivation letters, to express their suitability for a position by highlighting their past experiences, interests, aspirations, and personality.
Difference from Cover Letters: Motivation statements differ from cover letters. Motivation statements focus on passion for an opportunity, while cover letters emphasize relevant job skills and expertise.
Applications Beyond Resumes: Motivation statements can be utilized for various purposes, such as applying for mortgages, research funding, visas, internships, college admissions, scholarships, and conference participation.
Structuring a Motivation Statement: The most effective motivation statements are concise (around one page). A common three-paragraph structure involves an engaging introduction, a detailed body highlighting skills and achievements, and a concluding summary of main points and goals.
Best Practices: Tailor content to the specific organization or position, avoid copying generic content, research contact details for personalized addressing, list program requirements and explain how you meet them, build rapport through personal stories, and maintain authenticity.
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence is a five-step persuasive communication tool designed for speeches. It aims to attract attention, highlight an issue’s negative impact, propose a solution, visualize the positive outcomes, and conclude with a call to action.
Comparison to Motivation Statements: While Monroe’s Sequence is versatile and used for speeches, both it and motivation statements seek to compel the audience (or reader) to take a desirable action. In motivation statements, the action is convincing the recruiter to hire the candidate.
Understanding the Audience: Both approaches require understanding and connecting with the audience. In motivation statements, the audience is the organization or the person responsible for hiring.