This blog post introduces how to naturally and effectively incorporate humor and sociability—strengths valuable for sales roles—into your cover letter.
My Encounter with French During School Days
During high school, I attended a foreign language high school and chose French as my major, studying it consistently for three years. My initial motivation for choosing this major stemmed from a deep interest in French culture. I’d always been fascinated by French films, French actors, and French history and culture in general. I dreamed of one day traveling to France to experience the things I loved up close. This naturally led me to decide I needed to learn French, which in turn led to my enrollment in the foreign language high school.
However, once I actually entered the program and spoke with upperclassmen, I learned that despite the specialized environment of a foreign language high school, it was rare for students to become truly proficient in French through the system alone. Because the curriculum was geared toward university entrance exams, while French-related classes existed, it was difficult to achieve proficiency beyond the level of a cram school without personal effort. Hearing this advice only strengthened my resolve. I made a conscious effort to focus intently on any class related to French, striving not to miss any part that might be even slightly helpful.
To compensate for the relatively limited conversation classes, I personally practiced by finding and watching French lecture videos at the school library. I also frequently conversed with the French native-speaking teacher at the school to build practical speaking skills. Through this process, I could focus on learning French not merely as exam preparation, but as a language I could actually use.
Naturally, as university entrance approached, my interest gravitated toward departments where I could utilize my French skills. I primarily applied to French Language and Literature departments and French Education departments, while also applying to an International Exchange department. Ultimately, I chose the French Language Education Department, driven by my own firm career plan. My personal goal was to work for a foreign company, and I believed that, in addition to French, strong English skills were also essential. The university I entered offered many opportunities to double major in English Education, and the requirements for completing a double major were relatively flexible, so I applied with confidence.
Consequently, studying both French and English education at university equipped me with practical proficiency in both languages. This foundation allowed me to build the groundwork for challenging diverse fields. My interest in language and culture, cultivated since my school days, transcended mere curiosity; it became a crucial foundation that shaped my career path and life direction.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Personality
“A Surprising Charm with a Sense of Humor and Playfulness”
I am fundamentally quiet, calm, and composed. People meeting me for the first time often remark, “You give off a quiet impression.” I speak little and don’t outwardly display strong emotions, which likely creates that impression. However, as time passes and people get to know me better, they discover a completely different side. They’re often surprised, saying I’m far from a quiet person. Once we become friends, they realize I’m actually quite playful and have a great sense of humor. In reality, I talk more than people expect and possess a bright, energetic personality.
Because there’s such a big difference between the first impression and the personality people experience after getting to know me, I often hear, “You’re much more fun than I thought!” At first, my playful actions or humor might seem out of character, but over time, most people naturally accept my true self. This was true in college and remains so in my professional life. Initially, I might be described as quiet and serious, and jokes could feel awkward at first. But eventually, my cheerful side comes through, and relationships develop positively.
I clearly separate work and personal life. When focused on work or studying, I maintain a very quiet and serious demeanor. Conversely, in social settings, I show a bright and lively side. So, to summarize my personality in one phrase, I’m someone who follows the principle of ‘working hard when working and playing hard when playing.’ I’m not prone to distractions or frequent mistakes in my work and strive to approach tasks responsibly.
However, I do have a weakness: I’m shy around new people. Once I get to know someone, I’m one of the most pleasant and easygoing people around, but reaching that point takes considerable time. It takes at least a month to feel comfortable enough to naturally exchange jokes with someone, and during that time, we need to see each other almost daily for that familiarity to develop. So, in the early stages of a relationship, I can come across as somewhat awkward. Conversely, if someone approaches me casually before we’ve become sufficiently close, I actually feel uncomfortable and tend to keep a slight distance.
However, this tendency has gradually changed as I’ve gotten older. I’m less shy around strangers than before, and I find myself approaching people first more often. As I’ve gained experience in human relationships, my confidence has grown, and I feel I’m becoming a much more active and open person than I used to be. I see this change as positive growth, and I want to continue being someone who can share pleasant energy with others in my relationships.
Work Experience
“A Special Part-Time Job Experience at a Stationery Store”
During my college years, I started working part-time at Hot Tracks, a large specialty stationery store. Hot Tracks was a multi-concept cultural store selling not only stationery but also CDs, magazines, and various other products. Given its size, there were many full-time employees and part-time workers. I worked in the stationery section, handling tasks like merchandise management, inventory checks, and ordering new products.
My fellow part-time colleagues in the same section were mostly university students on leave or recent high school graduates, with over ten of us working together. Each person handled different product categories and partner companies, so our duties varied. I was responsible for companies that produced relatively specialized stationery items like diaries and travel journals. Meanwhile, another colleague managed the booth for a company handling children’s stationery. Though our booths were different, we frequently shared information, compared sales performance, analyzed customer buying patterns, and even collaborated on product explanations, fostering a culture of voluntary teamwork.
Working together naturally built our friendship, and outside of work hours, we ate lunch together, maintaining a close bond. Thanks to this positive atmosphere, the store manager also highly valued our teamwork.
Beyond part-timers, the store employed various full-time staff. Roles were divided: cashiers handling payments, managers overseeing the entire store, security personnel stationed in designated areas to prevent theft. I actively communicated with them all, maintaining friendly relationships. Naturally, I knew almost everyone in the store, and my outgoing personality made the work atmosphere more flexible.
While part-time work can sometimes be stressful due to tasks or customer interactions, I always made an effort to smile first and create a positive atmosphere. This attitude was recognized, and eventually, after graduating from college, I was offered the opportunity to become a full-time employee at that store. Later, as a store manager, I worked closely with the store manager and, before I knew it, became a stationery expert capable of understanding and managing all aspects of store operations.
This part-time experience was more than just a job; it was a valuable time where I learned the importance of collaboration, responsibility, and communication within an organization. Within the store, which was like another society, I grew through diligence and a positive attitude, and this experience became a great source of confidence for whatever I would do next.
Reason for Applying
“I will grow into a global sales expert.”
I understand your company is a global enterprise distributing office supplies and industrial goods worldwide, with a particular presence in France, the United States, Europe, and various other countries. I have maintained a consistent interest in international exchange and trade. At university, I majored in both French Education and English Education, which allowed me to further refine this interest. As a result, I have become proficient in both French and English, not only in document interpretation but also in writing and conversation. I am confident that these language skills can make a tangible contribution to your company’s overseas sales activities.
Furthermore, I understand that your company has branches in 27 countries and operates a B2B-focused distribution structure, supplying products to corporate customers rather than general consumers. I previously gained practical experience working at a company specializing in stationery, handling tasks such as store management, merchandise organization, and inventory tracking. While the scale and complexity of that role differ from your company’s global sales operations, I believe it was highly valuable for developing fundamental sales mindset and on-the-ground awareness.
Should I join your company, I aim to grow into a competitive sales representative in the global market. This involves strengthening not only my language skills but also my ability to develop practical sales strategies and communicate effectively with customers. Specifically, I will focus on going beyond simple product sales to accurately identify customer needs and build long-term, trust-based relationships. I believe my experience and capabilities align well with the direction your business pursues, and I look forward to growing together with your company.
