By listing all your previous experiences

By criticizing your current situation

By asking for financial assistance

By introducing yourself and stating your interest in the program or role

Your hobbies and personal interests

Specific examples of your skills, experiences, and how they align with the program or role

A list of all the courses you’ve taken

Your salary expectations

1 page or less

2-3 pages

4-5 pages

As long as it takes to list all your achievements

"Please accept me, I really need this opportunity."

"I’m the best candidate, so let’s schedule an interview."

"I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your consideration."

"Thanks, bye!"

Casual and friendly

Formal and professional

Humorous and sarcastic

Emotional and personal

To impress the reader by showing you understand their values and goals

To copy their mission statement word for word

To find out the salary range for the role

To avoid mentioning the organization altogether

Send it immediately without reviewing

Proofread it for errors and ask someone else to review it

Add as much detail as possible to make it longer

Skip the motivation letter and just send your resume

Use exclamation marks excessively (e.g., "I’m so excited!!!")

Mention how much you need the opportunity for financial reasons

Highlight your passion for the field and align it with the program’s or organization’s mission

Write a lengthy paragraph about your personal life

"To Whom It May Concern"

"Dear Sir/Madam"

"Hiring Manager"

"Hello there"

Mentioning the program or role you’re applying for

Using contractions like “don’t” or “it’s”

Explaining how you heard about the opportunity

Highlighting your enthusiasm for the role

A request for an interview or further discussion

A list of references

Your salary expectations

A summary of your resume

Use vague statements like "I did well in my previous role."

Use specific examples and quantifiable results, such as "Led a team of 5 to complete a project 2 weeks ahead of schedule."

List every task you’ve ever completed.

Avoid mentioning achievements altogether.

Thanking the reader for their time

Providing your contact information

Demanding an interview or acceptance in a pushy tone

Expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity

Randomly list your skills and experiences

Focus on one or two key qualifications and elaborate on them

Write one long paragraph with no breaks

Start with your salary expectations

Use colorful fonts and graphics

Share a personal story that relates to the program or role

Copy and paste your resume into the letter

Write in all capital letters for emphasis

"I need money for my education, so please give me this scholarship."

"I am excited to apply for the [Scholarship Name] because it aligns with my academic goals and passion for [Field]."

"I have always been a good student, so I deserve this scholarship."

"I don’t know much about this scholarship, but I’ll take it."

Using specific examples and quantifiable results

Exaggerating or lying about your accomplishments

Connecting your achievements to the program or role

Highlighting skills relevant to the opportunity

Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion

Randomly list your skills and experiences

Write one long paragraph with no breaks

Start with your salary expectations

Use excessive exclamation marks (e.g., "I’m so excited!!!")

Explain how the program’s research focus aligns with your academic interests

Write a lengthy paragraph about your personal life

Avoid mentioning the program altogether