This blog post introduces how to effectively convey your suitability for textile sales roles—leveraging your fashion major background’s material expertise and fashion sense—along with your professional competence and communication skills in your cover letter.
My Journey – A Path Rooted in Faith
From childhood, I attended church as a devout Catholic, naturally cultivating my faith. At the time, most of my relatives, including my parents, were deeply religious, so I simply viewed religion as a natural part of life. However, upon entering middle school and entering adolescence, I began to deeply contemplate the existence of God and the meaning of faith myself, rather than simply continuing my belief due to family influence. Through reading the Bible and encountering various religious books, I gradually formed my own religious perspective. During this process, faith came to mean more than just ‘belief’ and gradually became the central axis of my values and outlook on life. By high school, I had grown enough to lead faith classes for younger children, and at one point seriously considered pursuing theology.
However, my parents expressed caution about the path of theology. While living a life following God’s will is meaningful and valuable, they advised that faith should remain a personal conviction, separate from one’s career, and that I should seek a practical path forward. Respecting my parents’ wishes, I began deeply contemplating what I truly enjoyed and was good at. From a young age, I loved dressing up and styling myself. Beyond simply choosing clothes, I found interest and talent in mending them or transforming them into something new. People often remarked on my dexterity, and each time, the conviction that “this might be what I’m good at” grew a little stronger. That’s how I naturally chose to major in clothing studies. After graduating high school, I enrolled in a related department to formally study the field I loved.
In college, rather than rushing to learn immediate garment-making techniques, I focused on steadily building a foundation starting with the basic theories of clothing and textiles. I believed that while making clothes is important, building a solid foundation first was even more essential. Thus, guided by faith-based diligence and responsibility, along with the manual dexterity cultivated since childhood and consistent effort, I am gradually growing in the field I love. Moving forward, I intend to walk my own path honestly, using these two pillars—faith and passion for apparel—as the dual axes of my life.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Personality
“A tendency to enjoy new challenges”
I have always had a strong interest in fashion and textile design. During my university years, I actively participated in department activities and led a vibrant life. During this time, I had the experience of teaming up with friends majoring in apparel design to challenge an external audition. This audition was a competition for university students, hosted by the most famous fashion company we all dreamed of. Through this opportunity, I showcased my own fashion designs and collaborated with my teammates to create and submit a joint piece. Ultimately, we received an Honorable Mention award. While it wasn’t the top prize, the fact that we took on the challenge and even received an award remains a source of great joy and fulfillment for me. I believe this experience is a good example of how I am someone who feels anticipation rather than fear when faced with new endeavors.
I fundamentally enjoy socializing and derive great pleasure from engaging in activities and conversations with others. I possess an active and extroverted disposition, to the extent that I often feel energized by the positive vibes of others during shared hobbies or casual daily chats. Being quite talkative and cheerful, people frequently invite me to gatherings and often mention how enjoyable it is to be around me. I often naturally take the lead in joking around or making jokes to set the mood.
There was a specific reason I became so proactive in communicating with others: my experience teaching at church. At first, I was a bit nervous in the unfamiliar situation, but as time passed, I gradually became closer to the children. Naturally building bonds with them gave me increasing confidence in communicating. Through that experience, I was able to transform into a more proactive and extroverted person.
In conclusion, I am an outgoing person who doesn’t hesitate to take on new challenges. Even in unfamiliar environments, I prefer to approach others first rather than retreat, and I find joy and learning through communication with people. I believe this aspect of my personality will be a significant advantage in positively embracing diverse challenges and opportunities in my future life.
Efforts to Develop Sociability During School Years
During my college years, I studied fashion design while also participating in a theater club. My academic schedule—major studies, classes, endless assignments, and group study sessions—was already overwhelming. Yet, even amidst this, I never let go of my activities in the theater club. Practicing daily according to my role and dedicating time to prepare for performances was never easy, but my passion for theater made it possible. I naturally fit into the theater club because I have a loud voice and good vocal projection. I also received positive evaluations for my acting skills, which I saw as an opportunity to utilize my talent. Above all, expressing myself through the art of theater and gaining new experiences brought me great joy.
The most significant thing I gained through theater club activities was ‘social skills,’ an important asset in life. Before, I appeared outgoing and lively on the surface, but I was actually awkward in relationships and quite shy. I wanted to get along well with everyone, but I had few close friends. I remember feeling literally ‘lonely in a crowd’. But as I began acting, that inner self started to change little by little. Acting sometimes requires expressing intense emotions, and it demands deep discussions with colleagues about roles and efforts to understand each other. Through this process, I naturally began having sincere exchanges with people, and the walls of my emotions crumbled. Preparing for external performances and building the stage together naturally forged strong bonds among us, and I learned how to share my heart.
Thus, theater club activities became more than just a hobby; they were a catalyst that transformed my personality and interpersonal relationships. It was a time when I could grow into someone who could truly communicate and empathize, not just appear outgoing on the surface. Through this period, I deeply realized that sociability isn’t an innate trait, but something cultivated through experience and effort. This experience has become a significant foundation for building relationships and collaborating with diverse people in my life since. The sweat and tears shed on the theater stage during my school days, and the connections formed there, remain precious assets in my life today.
Hobbies or Special Skills
“The Joy of Remaking and Mending Clothes”
My sole hobby is remaking and mending clothes. It’s no exaggeration to say I spend most of my week with ‘clothes,’ as this activity occupies a large part of my life. Since my university days, I’ve poured a lot of time into making, mending, designing, and constructing clothes. I often had to rush assignments while studying my major, and frequently created pieces for external competitions or club activities. As a result, ‘clothes’ naturally became more than just assignments or tasks for me; they became an important part of my daily life.
However, there’s one thing I enjoy even more than simply making or designing clothes: ‘recycling clothes’. Reforming and repairing clothes I no longer wear, clothes obtained through the Anabada movement, or clothes bought cheaply at wholesale markets is a hobby I genuinely love. This process often involves completely altering the original form or style, or sometimes adding unused materials or embellishments to create a unique new garment. It’s a highly creative endeavor in itself, and the sense of accomplishment from coming up with new ideas each time and actually bringing them to life is immense.
To me, a ‘hobby’ is an activity that never gets boring no matter how much time I spend on it; rather, it’s something I actively choose to do because I want to. In that sense, refashioning is my ultimate hobby and my way of relieving stress. It offers a different kind of joy from designing new clothes. Breaking the existing mold and transforming it into a completely different style sparks a sense of challenge each time, and the process itself is incredibly fascinating. I don’t exhibit or sell the finished garments externally, but I make them for my own satisfaction or gift them to close friends. Sometimes people are surprised by the original designs, but the greatest satisfaction comes when I receive feedback that they’re perfect for party outfits or stage/performance costumes.
One experience stands out in particular. A friend preparing for a play once asked me to create an outfit for her to wear on stage. Watching that friend stand on stage wearing the costume I made, I thought, ‘Ah, I’m truly doing what I love well.’ That moment remains a precious memory where I deeply felt the pride of being a costume designer.
In this way, ‘remaking and repairing clothes’ for me is more than just a hobby; it’s a valuable activity that cultivates my own sense of style and allows me to realize my creativity. I hope to continue enjoying this hobby, sharing my unique style with more people and breathing new life into clothes in my own way.
Reasons for Applying and Future Aspirations
“A Prepared Talent with Multiple Strengths”
As a recent graduate preparing to enter society, I am applying with great interest and passion for your company. Although I am young and lack practical experience, I am confident I possess the competencies and qualities your company expects from new hires. First, I understand your recruitment criteria prioritize candidates with expertise in textiles and sales, a TOEIC score of 800 or higher, conversational proficiency at a certain level, and distinctive social experience. Based on my strengths that align with these elements, I am applying to grow alongside your company.
While majoring in Apparel Design at Chung-Ang University, I solidified my theoretical foundation by taking courses not only in basic apparel knowledge but also in apparel marketing and sales. Recognizing that practical experience is crucial in marketing beyond mere academic understanding, I actively participated in actual apparel events, conducting promotional activities firsthand. This process allowed me to develop communication skills with consumers and gain practical business acumen. Furthermore, I consistently studied English during my university years, achieving a TOEIC score of 830. I am confident in my conversational, writing, and reading abilities. Additionally, I have studied Japanese and brought my skills to a level where I can handle everyday conversation. While your company primarily values English proficiency, I believe my Japanese skills can also be effectively utilized depending on the situation.
Above all, I believe I am a talent with a distinctive personality beyond just my credentials. Since my university days, I have consistently studied theater and currently participate in actual performances in Daehangno. Regardless of professional income, I continue this activity out of pure passion for theater. Through this process, I naturally acquired teamwork, expressiveness, and a sense of responsibility. I believe this aligns with the ‘unique experiences’ your company values.
Based on these diverse experiences and abilities, I will adapt quickly to your company and diligently fulfill any assigned role. My short-term goal is to rapidly acquire the practical skills needed for the job and become a new hire who contributes to the team. Long-term, I aim to grow into a marketer who can enhance your brand value and strengthen your competitiveness in the market. I will always approach my work with a mindset of continuous learning and do my utmost to establish myself as someone you want to work with.
