In this blog post, we’ll introduce the key elements new FM employee applicants must include in their cover letters and how to express them persuasively.
Your Strengths/Weaknesses
“Being a good listener and communicator is a skill!”
My greatest strength is precisely ‘being a good listener and communicator’. At first glance, this might seem like a common strength, but I consider this ability my most important asset. It goes beyond simply being articulate or a good listener; my strength lies in quickly grasping situations, discerning others’ intentions, and communicating with the appropriate language and attitude. I believe this ability allows me to thrive anywhere. Even if I were stranded in the desert, I’m confident I could survive by swimming.
During my university days, I had an experience where this strength of mine really shone. I went on a field trip with my department peers, and the treasurer ended up losing the card containing the group’s funds. Fortunately, we immediately canceled the card, preventing any financial loss. The problem came afterward. Finding a bank in a remote rural area was no easy task, and we were left with no idea how we’d get through the day. We were wandering hungry, and there were 15 exhausted people.
Then, by chance, I spotted two discarded pieces of pottery beneath a utility pole. Even at a glance, they looked quite old, without a single scratch, and somehow seemed valuable. I immediately picked up the pottery and headed to the junk shop at the market we had passed by earlier. And I started doing what I do best. I explained the value of the ceramics, adding a bit of ‘seasoning’ to the story, while simultaneously listening sincerely to the junk dealer’s tales and keeping the conversation flowing. As a result, I sold the ceramics, securing dinner for that evening and enough money to cover the cost of a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) where we could rest until the next morning. It wasn’t just smooth talk; it was a moment where my ability to communicate respectfully with others and persuasively convey necessary information truly shone.
Like this, I possess communication skills that allow me to listen attentively to others while clearly conveying my own thoughts. Building on this strength, if I join ○○ Company, I will become a talent who can lead the FM business with both diligence and flexibility. I will swiftly grasp the evolving market environment and diverse customer voices, and through seamless communication both within and outside the team, I will deliver tangible results.
On the other hand, my weakness is that I struggle to say no. Because I enjoy listening and talking with people, I tend to be quite affectionate, and as a result, I often find it difficult to refuse someone’s request. When asked for help, I easily become soft-hearted, and sometimes I prioritize others’ work over my own. While I have good relationships with people, I am increasingly realizing that firmness is sometimes necessary in work. Moving forward, with the mindset that ‘refusal is also a skill,’ I aim to handle tasks more clearly and efficiently, without being swayed by emotion.
I clearly recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I aim to become someone who grows by further developing my strengths and improving my weaknesses. I will continue to faithfully fulfill my responsibilities with good communication and a balanced attitude. Thank you.
Hobbies
“Rock Music: Igniting My Passion and Drive”
My hobby is listening to rock music. While quiet hobbies like reading books or watching movies are nice, sometimes when I’m really stressed, those activities just don’t cut it. That’s when I crank up the volume on rock music, shake my body like crazy, and blow away the pent-up frustration in my heart—that’s my own way of relieving stress. It’s not just about listening to the music; I also deeply enjoy the various stories behind rock music. That’s because behind most rock bands and musicians’ music lies a fierce life narrative and a journey of overcoming adversity.
Some bands sang on the streets while homeless due to lack of money. Some musicians gave up music after a bandmate suffered a major accident, waiting over a decade in silence for their friend’s recovery. Others left behind tragic stories of risking their very lives to protect their music to the end. Of course, their choices might seem reckless, but whenever I encounter such stories, I’m deeply moved, thinking, ‘So this is what it means to stake everything on one thing,’ or ‘This is how passion can burn so fiercely.’ That feeling goes beyond mere admiration; it often becomes the driving force that rekindles the passion and courage I had forgotten within myself.
That’s why I listen to rock music whenever I feel exhausted or overwhelmed. It’s not merely about relieving stress through music; it’s a time to reflect on myself by feeling the intense lives they’ve lived through their music. Facing that passion embedded in the music again, my own dulled heart gradually comes back to life. Rock music is more than just a hobby to me. It is a living energy that lifts me back up and restores the strength to move forward; it is an important part of my life.
Special Note
“Hosting an Arts Festival at an Orphanage”
During my time at university, I participated in volunteer activities once a month. When circumstances allowed, I even went twice a month. My main volunteer activities involved assisting with the children’s classes at the orphanage, serving as a mentor, and taking the children on outings during vacations to create happy memories.
Among these, the most memorable experience was undoubtedly organizing the talent show. Every child I met at the orphanage possessed a sparkling talent. There was an elementary student already playing Czerny Op. 40, and another with a clear voice who dreamed of becoming a singer. A child who danced in front of a mirror dreaming of being a musical actor, a child who sat quietly reading books dreaming of becoming a scholar, and a friend who loved drawing. I felt these children’s talents shouldn’t just stay hidden inside. I felt someone needed to recognize these children’s uniqueness and applaud them.
That’s why I planned the talent show. I meticulously prepared everything from the start, ensuring it wasn’t just about the children getting on stage. I designed the posters and pamphlets myself and actively promoted the event by handing out flyers in front of subway stations. Simultaneously, I used social media to spread the word and actively encouraged friends and acquaintances to participate.
Initially, I had many worries about whether it would be possible, but surprisingly, many people came to the venue we prepared and graced the occasion with their warm support and encouragement. The children fully showcased the stages they had prepared, and watching them, I felt an indescribable emotion.
Since that day, I’ve deeply felt two things. One is that ‘the world is warmer than I thought,’ and the other is that ‘there are more things I can do than I imagined.’ It was a time when I truly felt with my whole being how much joy and fulfillment comes from planning, executing, and finally realizing something meaningful for someone.
No matter what goals I set for myself in the future, I want to live a life where I give my all like I did then and find joy in the process itself. And I want to be someone who believes in and cheers on others’ potential, creating warm change in the world.
School Life
“The 2 points I wasn’t ashamed of, the 100 points I was proud of”
I once scored 2 points on a math test. Back then, I was a student who loved experiments immensely, spending so much time in the science lab that it felt like my daily routine. I was especially absorbed in preparing for a high school chemistry experiment competition, barely touching my math studies. Consequently, on the exam, I achieved a ‘remarkable’ score: out of 100 points, I got only one problem right—and even that was only half-correct—earning me a mere 2 points.
When my math teacher saw the results, he called me out and scolded me like a dog on a rainy day. But even then, I wasn’t upset or embarrassed at all. I knew math was an important subject, of course, but what mattered more to me at the time was the science experiments I truly loved and poured my passion into. Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, and I simply chose to focus mine on what I considered important. Of course, I didn’t feel wronged by the scolding. From the teacher’s perspective, it was an entirely natural reaction, and I deserved it for getting such a low score.
And there’s more to the story. Seeing how upset the teacher was made me feel sorry, and from that point on, I gradually began opening my mind to studying math. Studying diligently like that, I came to understand the principles of math, and at some point, I started thinking math was actually really fun. Once I grasped the principles, solving problems became as engaging as tackling a puzzle. As a result, not only did I never get a 2 again, but I consistently scored 100.
Above all, that 100 was meaningful because I achieved it solely through my own effort, without tutoring or outside help. I wasn’t ashamed at all. Instead, it remains a memory I’m incredibly proud of and happy about. That’s how I lived my days—sometimes stumbling around, my grades fluctuating wildly—yet always trusting my own choices and standards.
Looking back now, whether it was a 2 or a 100, what truly mattered wasn’t the score itself, but what I thought during the process and the attitude I brought to it. That’s why I cherish both the ‘unashamed 2 points’ and the ‘proud 100 points’ as precious pages in my school life.
Future Plans
“I will accurately understand the market and perform my duties meticulously and diligently.”
I’ve had many dreams since childhood. In elementary school, I wanted to be a teacher, and at other times, I dreamed of becoming an explorer traversing the globe. I also imagined becoming a physicist or scientist, making discoveries that would astonish the world. But among countless dreams, I ultimately decided to become a leader driving the FM (Facility Management) business at ○○ Corporation. My interest and passion for business naturally guided my direction.
Despite its small land area, Korea excels at efficiently utilizing land and systematically managing buildings. Even within limited space, cities operate orderly, and people live harmoniously within them. I found this aspect deeply appealing, naturally leading me to develop a strong interest in real estate and sales. That interest crystallized into a concrete dream: to begin my first career at ○○ Company.
I am quick to grasp new concepts and swiftly assess given situations. Therefore, if entrusted with tasks, I am confident I can perform my duties diligently by making independent judgments and conducting thorough research rather than constantly asking for instructions, while meticulously building upon the expertise of my seniors. I will continuously learn, steadily grow, and become a valuable asset to the company. I will humbly learn from my shortcomings and confidently leverage my strengths.
I wish to embark on my dream journey alongside ○○ Company. I look forward to working with you.
