In this blog post, I will share a sample self-introduction letter that I wrote while preparing to apply for a job at a property and casualty insurance company. I focused on the flow and expression of the writing.
Growth
I continued to struggle with self-doubt, but I couldn’t find any clear answers, and the frustrating days went on and on. Once I started thinking about it, my mind became cluttered, and I couldn’t find any answers to questions such as why I was studying and what the meaning of life was. As a result, I was a diligent and exemplary student at school, but at home, I became a rebellious daughter. I would get upset and angry over my parents’ insignificant remarks. Then, when I was in middle school, a classmate’s father passed away, and as the class president, I visited the family’s home on behalf of my classmates. My friend, who was always cheerful and lively, was the eldest of five siblings and lived in a shabby house that seemed impossible for a family of seven to live in. He always came to school neat and tidy, so no one in my class expected him to be in such a situation. I felt ashamed. I felt so small, having everything I needed and being taken care of by my parents. My friend also sold fish at the market with his mother. I happened to see him selling fish at the market on my way home from cram school, and I turned away, thinking he might be embarrassed. But he recognized me and came over to say hello. After we became closer, I asked him if he felt ashamed. I still remember his answer vividly. “I am responsible for my family’s livelihood. There is nothing to be ashamed of in doing something for my family.” From this friend, I learned how to stand tall and proud as a citizen of the world.
School days
I believed that in order to face the world with confidence, one must have sufficient knowledge. I had always been interested in mathematics, but I was not interested in science, so I went to a liberal arts high school. I think I was able to satisfy my thirst for mathematics to some extent by majoring in economics at university. I not only devoted myself to my studies, but also participated in volunteer activities to practice living in harmony with others. I participated in a rehabilitation program for students at a juvenile detention center and served as their mentor. At first, I think I had some preconceived notions. Perhaps because I was determined to guide them to become good people, I acted like a moral teacher. However, as time passed, I realized that they were just children. They were exposed to crime because they did not receive enough love at that age, and they did not know that their behavior was wrong because they lacked education. They were no different from other children. I thought that economic inequality was the cause of all this. So, I decided to study economic policies for the poor. This motivated me to pursue a doctorate in economics.
Strengths and weaknesses
Once I decide to do something, I pursue it unconditionally. However, I am the type of person who carefully considers things before making such decisions. After obtaining my doctorate in economics, I clearly told my parents, who wanted me to become a professor, that I had no intention of becoming one. I believe that I had done enough academic research. I felt that I needed to take practical action, so rather than continuing my research, I decided to use the knowledge I had acquired to develop policies and services that would help people in their daily lives. Even when I received an offer to become a lecturer immediately after obtaining my doctorate, my decision did not waver. I believe in my decision. With this decision, I want to confidently take my place as a member of society.
Career history (or experience that demonstrates work ability)
While studying for my master’s degree, I happened to hear about an insurance product development contest. Five of my friends who were studying for their master’s degrees with me decided to participate in the contest. We thought it was necessary to analyze the insurance products currently on the market, so we sorted and analyzed the insurance products of each company by category. At that time, I was assigned to analyze your company’s insurance products. While analyzing insurance products, I became curious about your company and gathered information about it through various channels. I was very attracted to your products. Through our analysis of various products, we developed the optimal insurance product and won second place. I would like to put the efforts I made at that time to good use and become a valuable asset to your company.
Motivation for applying and aspirations
I am very interested in economic issues related to poverty. I have also done a lot of research on economic democratization, which is a hot topic these days. I hope to apply this knowledge in real life. I am confident that I can develop the best products by combining research and planning, rather than treating them as separate entities. Your products and management philosophy resonated with me. I felt a sense of kinship knowing that your company is also concerned about the issues that I have always thought about. I believe that when a company and its employees pursue the same goal, the synergistic effect will be maximized. I will work hard. Please keep an eye on me.
