This blog post explores how to articulate deep interest and experience in the shipping industry as motivation for applying to a sales position in your cover letter.
My Upbringing
Stories of explorers who roamed the seas in my childhood, leaving records of diverse adventures; of countless generals who demonstrated unparalleled prowess in naval battles; or of merchants who, by the standards of their era, overcame immense physical distances to facilitate rich cultural exchange—these were more than enough to captivate my young self. Having lived in a neighborhood overlooking the distant ocean as a child, I was constantly exposed to fragments of the vast, endless marine world. I fully understood the fear of the sea—a fear that could sometimes plunge even the most seasoned sailors into the abyss of disaster. This awareness fostered a deep respect for those who braved such a dangerous and magnificent sea, dedicating themselves to its conquest.
While the land holds countless civilizations developed by humans and all the stable, gravity-supported, level lives that come with it, whenever I encountered the sea from afar—with its perpetually churning waters, its salinity so high it’s barely drinkable, and its constant threat of capsizing ships, seemingly waiting to plunge people into extreme situations—I often felt a kind of fear and awe. The sea, which could effortlessly return even humans—who prided themselves on considerable civilization—to their primordial state of utter fragility, enriched our tables with abundant food. Yet, it would sometimes flip that generosity like turning over a palm, plunging people into unforeseen disasters. My father, whom I believed to be the strongest sea man, a rock who could conquer anything, was shipwrecked and adrift for a day before returning. That experience was enough to fuel my own preconceptions.
School Life
Though frightening and trembling, I was always drawn to the sea, captivated by it. This fascination gradually led me to aspire to a career related to the ocean. The mingled emotions of awe at the sea’s beauty and terror from my father’s ordeal acted as a brake, preventing me from venturing out onto the sea myself. Yet, they also fueled my desire to at least work in a field connected to it. No matter how much technology is concentrated or how much effort is poured into building a ship, the reality remains that misreading nature’s timing inevitably leads to defeat by its power. In our highly civilized modern age, this remains a terrifying element that exposes human frailty. I was always drawn to the sea’s imposing presence, yet I also carried the fear that I too could be swept away by it at any moment.
The fact that today’s maritime transport vessels and shipping logistics continue to evolve, carrying on the legacy of the merchant ships that once served as vital bridges connecting the Eastern and Western worlds, was more than enough to stir within me a desire to participate in that same current of progress. Though friends suggested that if I feared and disliked the sea so much, I should simply pursue another career, I resolved to maintain a respectful distance while upholding the legacy of humanity’s relentless effort—never broken by the sea’s fury, never forsaking its bounty—to prove human potential. Thus, I solidified my commitment to my current path. The child who once lived in a seaside village, unable to easily enter the sea yet always circling around paths where the ocean remained visible, had finally begun to seriously embark on a path where they might find their dream.
Personality Strengths and Weaknesses
I possess a character that never loses sight of dreams, sustaining them while moving forward. In my childhood, my mother would laugh, finding it peculiar that I felt such awe and trembling emotions toward the actual sea, yet spent my time scouring for various ocean films, documentaries, and related books. She often remarked that my tastes were truly unusual. However, I refused to let that inclination become a mere passing whim. I worked hard, and eventually, it reached a level that influenced my career path. Adults always said childhood dreams and hopes lose their value when you grow up, urging me to discard them without hesitation and move forward lightly. But I used them as the driving force to propel my career path with even greater vitality. It was the sea, always offering me new and unfamiliar sensations.
Regarding this aspect of my character, some advised me to grow up, questioning how long I intended to cling to such childish dreams. However, I believed that immersing myself in what I truly desired and had always dreamed of would draw out my energy far more effectively than choosing a path dictated solely by necessity or social value. This conviction led me to pursue my current career path.
View on Life
I wish to live a life that neither draws too close to the sea nor strays too far from it, but rather lives in awe and acceptance of its allure. Stepping onto the sea, where one can only maintain a range of action similar to land by arming oneself with flawless preparation and contingency plans, frightens me because unknown crises and unexpected accidents could strike at any moment. Yet, to completely turn away from a world where human conquest has not yet fully reached, much like how eating spicy food causes discomfort and hardship yet keeps coming to mind, there is a tremor that keeps sending chills down my spine, a tingling sensation at the back of my neck.
Regarding this personal thrill and romance, someone once questioned, “Isn’t it inappropriate to connect personal preferences to public duties?” Yet I know that diving into a field where my heart is genuinely drawn and responsive stimulates my motivation far more. I wish to dedicate myself even more to work that enables humans to conquer the sea, not be conquered by it, and always fulfill my duty in a role where we can join forces.
Reasons for Applying and Future Aspirations
Having grown up in a coastal village under the care of my father, who worked at sea, I hold both a deep reverence for the ocean and, simultaneously, immense excitement and fear. I have always desired to live my life maintaining a distance from the sea—neither too far removed nor too close. Some might find this rather strange, but it stems from my desire to live a life that never drifts away from this ambivalent presence, yet also never gets drawn in too close.
Inheriting the rich history of trade that humanity has pursued while dreaming of conquering the sea, it was only natural that I felt a desire to join forces with your esteemed company, steeped in such a long history. Although I lack the courage to directly engage in shipping operations myself, I possess the desire to support the company’s smooth operation with all my strength. From this perspective, I sought a way to help establish the company’s foundation, even if only from land. It was one of the few ways I could realize my will.
