This blog post introduces specific examples of how experiences outside your major can become a differentiating strength when writing an administrative position self-introduction letter.
Growth Process
“Learning the value of diligence from my parents.”
My father worked for over 20 years at a public corporation in the energy sector, always approaching his work with a sincere attitude. Watching him, I admired how impressive it was to dedicate oneself consistently to one field. This inspired me to resolve that I too would become someone who works diligently and persistently in one field with a sincere attitude. My first thought was to become a public servant. While there are various types of public servants, I decided I wanted to become an administrator.
Thus, from my school days, I adopted a diligent attitude toward classes and began preparing for college entrance exams by managing my grades. In middle school, I studied just as much as everyone else, but upon entering high school, I resolved to work harder than others. This was because, even though the path to becoming an administrator seemed straightforward, I believed the competition along that path would be fiercer than in other fields. Therefore, I always made an effort to read one more thing and memorize one more thing than my peers. I focused primarily on managing my school grades for early admissions, and by my senior year, my strong academic record allowed me to enter Korea University’s Department of Public Administration.
Even after entering university, I strove to be a diligent student. While many students become lax and stop studying hard in college, I fundamentally believed that fulfilling the tasks assigned to me was the very meaning of attending university. Especially since becoming a civil servant requires passing exams and preparing for personality and aptitude tests, I made sure not to neglect my studies. I consistently studied subjects like public administration, organizational studies, and behavioral psychology, focusing primarily on introductory texts. I also reviewed past civil service exam and aptitude test papers to prepare for the future. Additionally, I participated in interview study groups, which provided opportunities to interact with friends sharing the same goal and exchange information.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Personality
“Quiet and Diligent Personality”
If people’s personalities were ranked by distinctiveness, I believe I would be near the bottom. That’s how much I tend to quietly and diligently do my work rather than express individuality. Personality tests usually label me as a conventional person. I find no boredom in following the same daily routine and executing the same plans every day; in fact, I derive satisfaction from such a life. Of course, I also pursue hobbies and enjoy cultural activities for fun and interest, but I place greater value on the meaning found in everyday actions.
A quiet and diligent attitude is fundamental to all work, but I believe it is especially essential for a public servant. Given the nature of an administrator’s role—requiring repetitive tasks and handling the most basic clerical work—I consider a diligent attitude the most important quality. Therefore, I have strived to cultivate this attitude and have managed myself to be someone who quietly gets things done wherever I go. My primary self-management practices include waking up early each morning for stretching, reading at least one book per month, and concluding my day with exercise before bed. These habits may seem insignificant, but they are actually crucial components of my daily routine.
If I have a weakness, it’s that I’m not very adept at actively communicating with those around me. Deep down, I want to connect and become friends with many people, but when opportunities arise, I often just focus on doing my own work well. Maintaining relationships inevitably requires time, effort, and mental energy, which is unavoidable. However, I’m now trying to shift my mindset. Instead of dwelling on those aspects, I’m focusing on the indirect life experiences and lessons gained from meeting and interacting with various people. I’m determined to approach communication with a positive attitude rather than negative thoughts.
Special Notes
“Activities Contributing to Family Welfare”
While majoring in social welfare in college, I developed a particular interest in family welfare and child welfare. Families form the foundation of our society. They also shape the overall atmosphere of society, and within these families, spouses and children are indispensable members. Therefore, to engage in welfare activities for children, I ran a family counseling program starting in college. The family counseling program involves children and parents participating together as they welcome the new semester in spring. Through this process, they engage in counseling activities designed to foster mutual understanding.
Initially, university student mentors lead the counseling sessions and guide the families through the process. However, once the counseling activities are fully underway, the families engage in physical activities together. We planned activities where mothers and fathers each took on the role of siblings, while children tried being parents, swapping roles. We also arranged experiential courses: children went to actual workplaces to try jobs instead of their parents, and parents went to schools to experience studying. Through these counseling booths and courses, we helped each family better understand each other’s perspectives. This program won an award in a welfare program competition, gaining recognition.
Reason for Applying
“An Administrative Specialist Promoting the Value of Health Insurance”
While majoring in Social Welfare, I ran an interview study group within my department for job hunting. During the study group, members shared job information, and based on that, we ranked the most popular companies. Among the most popular companies for applicants, there were several depending on the ranking, but among public corporations, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was undoubtedly number one. The reason was simple: it was an organization combining aspects of health welfare, social welfare, and family welfare, and it was responsible for a national project.
I personally preferred employment at public corporations or public institutions over private companies. This is because I consider myself a quiet person suited to performing routine tasks. Furthermore, I believed that public administration-related institutions were the best places to properly learn administrative work, which is why I applied to your company. Based on your job postings, I understand that for new hires, you primarily consider the characteristics of their major and their activities during university. I believe the nature of my major aligns with the purpose of an institution like yours. During university, I led welfare events targeting families while running a family counseling program. Beyond this, I have cultivated an interest in various aspects of the social welfare system. I actively scraped related articles and gained experience by participating in various welfare contests and social activities.
Based on these characteristics, if given the opportunity to work at your company, I aspire above all to become an employee who communicates the value of welfare to society and helps realize it. This aligns directly with your company’s founding purpose and direction, so I will work as an employee who prioritizes the organization’s direction. Furthermore, I will strive to communicate the value of health insurance—your company’s core focus—to the public and dedicate myself to demonstrating professional competence in promotional administration. As a new hire, I recognize there is much to learn beyond my major and will approach tasks with a constant willingness to learn. Finally, within the company, I will prioritize the atmosphere of the organized work environment and work diligently to adapt with a humble attitude.