Including Specific Examples in the Motivation Letter

Question

Do I have to mention specific described situations (like the ones described during behavioral interview) in the motivation letter? In the letters I read, students said that their accomplishments were so and so. And they were parts of so and so. But they never mentioned a specific example like the ones mentioned in the behavioral interview.
Your response would be highly appreciated.
Many thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

What kind of behavioral interview are you talking about? What did you discuss in this interview?

Clive

Tareq mokbel · Answer

Hi Mr. Clive, thank you for your response.

I am preparing my motivation letter for the grad school. I read that while preparing the motivation letter, I should include examples because talking in general does not get the attention of the professors. My question is: What type of examples should I include? Should I mention specific situations I went through like "I brought a gift to a family but I did not find them there, so I thought quickly to leave a paper for them that this gift is from my office instead of dropping the gift and leave" or should I just mention my accomplishments, associations and what I did in general during my life like "I am a member of the biomedical engineering society because I saw this as the best way to catch up with people in the USA and get in touch with professionals"?

I am not talking about behavioral interviews. I was just asking if I have to mention in the motivation letter the situations people mention during the behavioral interview. Sorry I was not clear enough.

Many thanks.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I don't know what 'a behavioral interview' is. I just asked because it seems to be important in your thinking.

It's always better to give examples of what you are talking about, instead of just speaking in generalities. But if you do, use examples that show in some way that you should be accepted into grad school. Your example of the gift and the letter seems in no way to show that you should be accepted. I can't think of why you would want to mention something like that.

Clive

Tareq mokbel · Answer

You are right. I do not want to mention those examples. I was just including types of examples that I may include (to either describe situations in details or mentioning accomplishments and associations).

I am writing my cover letter now. I will post it in the website as soon as it is finished.

Thank you for your response.

P.S. In behavioral interview, the interviewer asks you to mention specific examples to demonstrate your ability of doing specific tasks. They are unlike what you may consider as accomplishments like: having a bachelor's degree, being a member of a society, working on a thesis...etc.
And these two categories are the ones that I do not know which one to include in my cover letter.
Here are some examples of behavioral interview questions. They ask them in job interviews.

Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.

Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Those are all good questions, focused on searching for a job. Just don't forget that a motivation letter for grad school has to focus on getting them to accept you.

Clive

Tareq mokbel · Answer

You are right Clive. Thank you.

Tareq mokbel · Answer

Dear Clive,

I prepared a motivation letter for a PhD position in Catholic University. Can you proofread it please? This would be highly appreciated.

Thank you,

Tareq Mokbel

Clive · Answer

Hi,

All I can suggest is that you post it and see if anyone has time to look at it. We do our best.

Clive

Tareq mokbel · Answer

Thank you for your prompt response Clive.

Shall I post it here? or under which section? Sorry but I don't know much about this website.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

You can just post it here, in this thread.

Clive

Including Specific Examples in the Motivation Letter

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions