What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation

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What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation

What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? Turkey requires a set of papers and documents when applying to Turkish universities or scholarships. Among these documents are the letter of recommendation and the letter of motivation. 

They are used in many fields and for many purposes, and each has its own unique nature and style of conveying the message. Both share the same general purpose, but there are several essential differences between them that we will explain in this article, along with a definition of each of them and the advice followed for writing each of them.

Definition of a letter of recommendation

What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? A letter of recommendation can be defined as an official letter submitted to a university for admission, scholarship, or job application. 

It is submitted by someone other than the applicant, mentioning the student's strengths, skills, and abilities. The letter of recommendation may be submitted by a principal, academic supervisor, teacher, or employer who has worked with the student.

How to write a letter of recommendation

How to write a letter of recommendation may help you to know What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation?

You can follow the following tips when writing a letter of recommendation that will enable you to obtain an educational or job opportunity, as follows:

  1. The introduction should contain personal information about the letter writer, such as his name, position, experience, and the relationship between him and the student or job applicant.
  2. The letter must be specific and addressed to a specific person.
  3. The letter contains the skills and abilities of the student or job applicant and mentions examples of his achievements.
  4. Mention the aspects in which he can play an effective role in the company or organization and how to benefit from his skills and abilities.
  5. At the end of the article, write his name, signature, and ways to contact him, such as phone or email.

Sample letter of recommendation

We will offer a sample letter of recommendation to explain What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? 

The letter of recommendation has a specific format, and its components must be properly understood, as well as the techniques that make it powerful, effective, and convincing to the recipient. 

Here is a sample for clarification:

Dear [Recommender's Name] 

I, [Recommender's Name], am writing to highly recommend Mr. [Recommender's Name], whom I know well in my capacity as [your capacity with the recommended, teacher, colleague, boss, etc.]. My in-depth knowledge of [Recommender's Name] and my direct experience with him/her are sufficient grounds for this recommendation.

During the time I worked with [recommender's name], I was drawn to [list examples of the recommendee's outstanding abilities, skills, and personal qualities, such as commitment, creativity, leadership, dedication, diligence, teamwork, intelligent problem-solving, etc.].

[Recommender's name] not only contributes to the team through his technical skills, but also through his professional ethics and good interpersonal skills. He is someone who constantly strives for self-development and contributes to the success of the teams he joins.

If you need any additional information about [recommender's name] or other details, please feel free to contact me via the email or phone number listed above.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to seeing [recommender's name] succeed in the future. Sincerely, 

[Signature] 

[Sender's Name] 

[Position] 

[Institution/School] 

[Date Written]

Read Also : Altınbaş University

Definition of a letter of motivation

What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? A motivation letter aims to persuade a person to make a decision or take a specific action. It may be required to apply for a job or study opportunity at a university. 

The letter contains the student's reasons for applying for the scholarship or job, and explains the skills, abilities, and interests that make them a suitable candidate for admission.

How to write a letter of motivation

  1. Write the full date in the top left corner of the page and the current address of the letter writer.
  2. The motivation letter should be up to 500 words.
  3. The essay must be written in the language in which the student will receive the scholarship or in the language specified by the entity receiving the letter.
  4. Review the letter and make sure there are no spelling errors.
  5. The letter should include the applicant's name, date of birth, country of origin, place of study, languages ​​spoken, information about their parents, and any other information directly related to the major they intend to study.

Sample letter of motivation

Dear [Name of Recipient] 

I am writing to express my strong motivation to apply to [Name of Program, Position, or Course] at [Name of University, Institution, or Organization]. I am eager to have the opportunity to learn and grow in this exciting and stimulating setting.

Since I was a child, I have been passionate about [explaining motivation and interest in the field, study, or job you are applying for]. I grew up in an environment that encouraged learning and exploration, which made me interested in [mention the fields or projects that interest me and that you would like to know about].

I am committed to giving my best effort and working with all my competence and diligence to succeed in this program/position and add value to the university/institution. I look forward with enthusiasm to the opportunity to learn and develop personally in this exciting environment and to contribute effectively to the projects and research/practical activities undertaken within this program/position.

I am fully prepared to discuss my background and skills in more detail in a personal interview. I thank you in advance for the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

[Signature] 

[Sender's Name] 

[Position or Degree, if applicable] [Institution or University] 

[Date Written]

Read Also : İstanbul Bahçeşehir University

The difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation

The difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation can be explained through the following table:

 

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of Motivation

purpose

This letter aims to provide an assessment from a third party, such as a professor or supervisor, of the applicant's skills and competencies. This letter expresses. the insight of someone who knows the applicant well.

This letter aims to clarify the applicant's reasons and motivations for applying for a particular program or position. It addresses their goals, the reasons why this opportunity aligns with their ambitions and dreams, and how the company can benefit from them.

The writer

A Letter of Recommendation is written by another person, such as a supervisor, employer, or university professor, based on their knowledge of the applicant.

Letter of Motivation

Written by the applicant himself

Content

Letter of Recommendation Contains the applicant's academic achievements and skills from the letter writer's perspective and how they fit the position they are applying for.

Letter of Motivation focuses on the applicant's motivations, future goals, and impact on the organization or company to which he or she is applying.

Form

Letter of recommendation takes the form of an evaluation from someone else who knows the applicant. 



This takes the form of a personal letter outlining the applicant's ambitions, goals, and plans for the future.

Target audience

Letter of recommendation is Directed to the admissions or employment committee by another person who knows the applicant well.

Letter of motivation is directed to the admissions or employment committee, but the difference here is that it is submitted by the applicant himself and explains how he will be an addition to the company or institution.

Formatting your letter writing

What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? Whatever the letter you need to write, you should meet a specific format.

The letter writer must adhere to professional formatting through the following steps:

  1. Use black ink for writing. 
  2. Font size should be 12 and font style should be regular.
  3. The letter should not exceed one page of A4 size.
  4. The letter spacing in the letter is set to one.
  5. Set the line spacing to 1.5 and write his name in a larger size than the rest of the letter.
  6. Avoid abbreviations and technical terms, and the letter should be in PDF format.
  7. Create a title for the letter so that it is easy for recipients to find.

All these rules help you write a letter professionally, free of errors, so that it is effective and acceptable to the recipient.

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The importance of the letter of recommendation and motivation in practical and academic life

What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? Both Letters play an important and effective role in expressing our opinions, ideas, and feelings, whether on a practical or academic level. Hence, their importance is as follows

The Importance of letters in Professional Life 

  • Job Applications 

These letters are used to demonstrate skills and abilities and demonstrate the applicant's commitment to the rules and regulations that must be adhered to, as well as their enthusiasm and passion for the job.

  • Promotions and Rewards 

These letters are also used to highlight employees' performance and their effective role within the company or organization, giving them the opportunity to receive rewards and promotions.

  • Partnership and Cooperation 

Letters of recommendation and motivation can be used to clarify the rules that must be adhered to when cooperating between companies or institutions, as well as the roles, duties, and rights of each.

The Importance of letters in Academic Life

  • University Admissions:  letters can be used to apply for university admissions by highlighting the student's abilities and skills, as well as their motivations and academic goals.
  • Obtaining scholarships These letters can be used to submit to the university to obtain scholarships that exempt the student from some tuition fees.
  • Applying for Training Courses: Use these steps to apply for courses, attend workshops, or benefit from support from previous trainers.
  • Academic Promotions These letters are used to nominate researchers for awards or fellowships or to participate in new research projects.

Read also: Advantages of studying a master's degree in Türkiye

How can New Horizons help you to study in Turkey?

New Horizons team provides a wide range of services to students who want to study at Turkish universities as follows

  • Helping the student prepare the required papers.
  • Assisting the student in obtaining preliminary acceptance from the university he wishes to study at, which will result in obtaining residency.
  • Assisting students in obtaining university scholarships. 
  • Assisting students in applying for university-owned housing, which is free or nearly free.
  • Assisting students in obtaining university scholarships. Assisting students in applying for university-owned housing, which is free or nearly free.
  • Answer all your questions regarding What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? 

Contact us now for more information about studying in Turkey.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned about the letter of recommendation and the letter of motivation, what is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation?, and the most important tips that must be followed when writing the letter to arrive at a professional, coordinated letter free of errors.

Frequently asked questions about what is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation?

What's the difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of motivation? 

A letter of recommendation is a document written by someone else who is familiar with the job or university applicant, mentioning their abilities and skills. 

On the other hand, A letter of motivation is written by the applicant himself, stating his motivations and the reasons why the opportunity is suitable for him.

Can a letter of recommendation be a substitute for a letter of motivation? 

Neither can replace the other, as each has its own purpose, specific format, and content.

How many letters of recommendation or motivation are required in Türkiye?

The number varies from one institution or university to another, but it is usually between ( 2:3 ) letters. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about studying in Turkey

After many years of working on registering thousands of students in Turkish universities, and answering an unlimited number of questions about studying in Turkey, these are the most important questions that concern students

Turkey enjoys political and economic stability, ranking as the sixth-largest economy in Europe and the sixteenth in the world. This has positively influenced education in Turkish universities. One of the main reasons Turkey has become a hub for international education is the high quality and efficiency of its academic programs, along with low living costs. Additionally, tuition fees at Turkish universities and language institutes are significantly more affordable compared to Western countries. Turkish educational institutions enjoy a strong international reputation and are recognized in many countries around the world. For many students finishing high school, studying in Turkey has become a dream.
High-quality education Globally recognized degrees Modern university campuses Cultural diversity
To apply to Turkish universities, the only main requirement is that the applicant must have a high school diploma with an average of at least 70%.
Typically, Turkish universities require the following documents: High school diploma or equivalent Transcript of grades (if available) Copy of passport or ID Passport-size photo Language proficiency certificate (if applicable: TOEFL or TÖMER) Motivation letter or recommendation (for some programs/universities)
Education programs in Turkey are generally divided into three main types: Programs entirely in Turkish. Programs entirely in English. Mixed programs: around 70% in Turkish and 30% in English. In addition, some universities offer Islamic studies programs in Arabic.

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