A motivation letter, motivational letter or a letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a resume or curriculum vitae. The main purpose of a motivation letter is to persuade an HR specialist that you are the most suitable candidate for given position.
A letter of motivation is another name for a cover letter. Students typically send these letters to universities when they are applying for specific scholarship opportunities or special programs, such as an honors program or study abroad opportunity. When applying for general admission to school, students usually submit a personal essay. However, the content of the essay may be similar to what appears in a letter of motivation. Letters are important because they allow you to introduce yourself to key decision makers at the school.