In this blog post, we’ll share cover letter writing tips focused on effectively showcasing your major, language skills, and practical experience when applying for textile trade positions.
Growth Process
“Be the best at what you do.”
My father, who runs an eyeglass store, always lived by the motto: ‘Be the best in your field.’ Whether doing work that gains public recognition or quietly laboring in an unnoticed role, I learned from him that what truly matters isn’t the value of the work itself, but how much sincerity you pour into it. Though my father never held grand titles or prestigious honors, he took immense pride in his responsibilities and always maintained a professional demeanor.
Though we didn’t spend much time together at home, he worked tirelessly, spending over 12 hours a day at the shop. Business hours ended at 9 PM, but if a regular customer called ahead, he would set aside time to wait for them well past 9, never showing any sign of fatigue. Watching him like that, I resolved that someday I too would become someone who loves and takes responsibility for their work. I wanted to be someone who approaches their job with genuine dedication, not just labor for survival, and to become a professional who could hold their head high.
As a child, I often heard that I had a talent for drawing. I frequently won prizes in sketching contests, and even without formal training, I received praise for my sense of color and perspective, earning compliments from my art teacher in every class. Yet strangely, I never once thought of becoming a ‘painter’. Unlike my friends, I never seriously considered common dreams like becoming a ‘scientist’ or ‘entertainer’. Throughout my formative years, the lack of a clear future aspiration often made me feel uneasy. In fact, I even envied those who had something they wanted to do.
Amidst that vagueness, it wasn’t until I entered high school that I gradually began to feel more at ease. During high school, my Korean language teacher, who was like a pillar of support for me, said this one day: “There’s no need to feel rushed just because you don’t have a dream. What matters is always having the attitude to listen to your own heart. Whatever you do, if you live a life you can convince yourself is worthwhile, that’s enough.” Those words were a great comfort to me, and from that moment, I decided to stop comparing myself to others and feeling anxious. I came to realize that whatever I end up doing someday, the resolve to “be the best at that thing,” just as my father said, is enough for me.
Even now, I value “how I live my life” more than “what I become.” And at the starting point of that mindset, there is always my father’s back. Quietly, yet more diligently than anyone, he loved his work. That image has become the compass guiding the direction of my life.
Personality Introduction
“Neatly, responsibly! I’m someone who sees things through to the end.”
Once I set my mind to something, I absolutely must see it through to completion. I never give up midway. Even when difficulties arise, I overcome them with a strong sense of responsibility, determined to reach the final goal. Even when unexpected variables occur, I don’t panic easily; I calmly sort out the situation. I’ve always lived by my parents’ teaching: ‘Whatever you do, be the best at it.’ Whether it was academics or sports, I gave my absolute best to every task given to me.
Being well-organized and having a preference for neatness is also a significant part of my personality. I always strive to keep my surroundings tidy and maintain a neat and clean personal style. While one’s physique or appearance cannot be easily changed without significant expense, I believe that one’s attire, posture, and habits of keeping things organized can be fully transformed through personal effort and sense of style. That’s why I always pay attention to managing these things. A neatly organized appearance and environment can leave a positive first impression on others, and this directly translates into confidence in myself.
Of course, I’m not without flaws. I’ve occasionally been told I’m ‘chatty’. During my school days, I often chatted with my female friends and was frequently described as someone who “gets along well with others.” However, some of my male friends occasionally described me as somewhat talkative. While perceptions can vary from person to person, I realized that the impression of being “talkative” could be seen as a flaw by some. Since then, I’ve developed the habit of stepping back and observing my own words and actions. By observing others’ reactions and frequently checking whether my words might cause discomfort or seem excessive, I naturally developed a sense of balance. I believe I’ve overcome this well enough that it no longer poses any issues in my interpersonal relationships.
‘Diligence that sees things through to the end,’ ‘neatness in taking good care of myself,’ and ‘a sense of balance in interpersonal relationships’ are the character strengths I am most proud of. Moving forward, I aim to further develop my unique strengths and remain steadfast in my role, giving my best effort even amidst changing environments.
College Life
“Honing Theory and Language Skills Together”
While studying International Logistics, I developed a deep interest in various major subjects like logistics management and freight transportation, pursuing them with dedication. Beyond academic courses, I consistently honed computer OA skills to build practical competencies, gaining proficiency in various programs.
I believe language ability is a crucial competitive edge in international trade and logistics. Therefore, I not only prepared for TOEIC scores but also dedicated separate time to English conversation and business English to enhance my overall English proficiency. Communication skills, in particular, were considered the core of professional life, making language studies one of the areas I focused on most intensely during my university years.
Furthermore, since Korea actively trades not only with English-speaking countries but also with nations like China and Japan, I judged that proficiency in the languages of these countries could be a distinct advantage in trade work. Consequently, I consistently dedicated time to studying a second foreign language without neglecting it.
However, just as important to me as grades and language proficiency during my university years were talent-sharing and volunteer activities. I found meaning not in activities done to obtain certificates on specific dates, but in the very fact that I could help someone using my abilities. These volunteer activities, born from such pure motivation, brought me great satisfaction and fulfillment, representing one of the truest forms of happiness I could experience in daily life.
Thus, my university years, spent striving to develop not only theoretical and practical skills but also genuine communication abilities and a considerate attitude toward others, were a precious time for me. They allowed me to grow not just academically, but also as a person.
Campus and External Activities
“The Happiness Found in Delivering Coal Briquettes”
It’s been quite some time since I began supporting the organization ○○ Sharing Movement. Having only ever lived in apartments, I was unaware that households still heated with coal briquettes existed until I learned about this organization. It changed how I saw the world. Since that first donation, I’ve continued my support consistently, determined to keep going until there are no more homes needing coal briquettes.
After entering university, I went beyond just financial support and began participating in volunteer activities whenever my schedule allowed. Among these, the most memorable activity is the coal briquette volunteer work. Every December, I participate in delivering coal briquettes to help elderly individuals living alone have a warm winter. After my first year of volunteering, the bright faces of the grandmothers and grandfathers, delighted to see the blackened coal briquettes, lingered in my mind. From the next year onward, I made sure to clear my schedule and encouraged friends around me to join as well.
On the day of the volunteer work, we carry the coal on our backs up steep hills using carrying poles, or pass the coal from hand to hand in a line, working for hours. After the strenuous work, our backs and shoulders ache, but looking at the neatly stacked coal at the seniors’ homes, I feel a warmth in my heart. During breaks, when elderly residents who are physically unwell come outside themselves to say “thank you,” the sweat shed in the cold weather and the frozen hands don’t feel like a hardship at all. Rather, those moments are when I feel the happiest.
Every December, I find myself eagerly awaiting this activity. While it brings joy to know I can help through volunteering, I feel I gain something far greater myself. The memories of sharing warm hearts with others during the cold winter have enriched my life year after year. I intend to continue this practice of sharing, holding onto this spirit unwaveringly, until the day comes when coal briquettes are no longer needed.
Motivation for Application and Aspirations
“I will earn your trust through reliable work performance.”
During my university years, I had the opportunity to meet seniors actively engaged in society through my department’s academic society. Meeting seniors working in diverse fields like trading companies, commercial firms, and forwarding agencies allowed me to receive practical advice on the competencies demanded in the workplace. This experience greatly motivated me to concretize and prepare for my career path. To go beyond merely acquiring major-specific knowledge and develop the qualities needed for practical work, I have consistently worked to obtain relevant certifications, strengthen my foreign language skills, and deepen my understanding of shipping operations.
If I join ○○ Korea, I will make ‘reliability’ my foremost standard in all tasks. I will meticulously handle even the smallest tasks without overlooking them, approaching all duties with a sense of responsibility. Even when faced with unfamiliar terminology or paperwork, I will not avoid it but actively learn, quickly developing the skills to handle it independently. Furthermore, I will understand the flow of the workplace, learn to communicate harmoniously within the team, and grow into a talent who contributes to the organization’s goals.
I intend to continuously grow personally, constantly develop, and design the future alongside the company. I will give my utmost effort to every task assigned and strive to be a team member who creates synergy. Based on my sense of responsibility toward my work, loyalty to the organization, and determination to grow, I will become a talent who makes a small but definite contribution to the future of ○○ Korea.
