In this blog post, I’ll show you how to write a personal statement that naturally and authentically conveys the technical skills and sincere attitude that are important when applying for welding jobs.
Growing Up
“Be a man who can borrow a thousand dollars with your words.”
That’s a lesson my father taught me. Ours was a simple family living a modest life on the outskirts of Seoul, until one day, out of the blue, my father’s business partner betrayed him, the business went under, and we were left saddled with debts we didn’t incur. We were quickly thrown out on the streets, and there were many times when we didn’t have enough rice to eat. My brother and I had to survive on our own in the absence of our parents, who had somehow gone out to look for money, and there were times when we survived for two days in a semi-basement room on a single shrimp can. When my father and mother came back and saw us like that, they just cried, and my father made a really heartfelt appeal to us, “Be the kind of person who can borrow a thousand dollars with a word. Be a person who is trusted everywhere, so that when someone needs your help, you give it, and when you want to be helped, you receive it. That last statement stuck with me like a sledgehammer, and from then on, I tried to become a person who is trusted everywhere, who keeps his promises, who doesn’t say empty words, and who lives seriously.
School days
“A school day that was nevertheless enjoyable”
In my second year of middle school, the financial crisis hit, and we lived a very tight life. But even then, I didn’t find it hard or anything, and I think it had more to do with the fact that I relied on my older brother and my positive personality than it did with being young. Even when I was starving because I couldn’t eat and had to survive on shrimp cans for two days, I thought it was just a game, that this too shall pass. And the reason it didn’t feel hard was because I had parents who were struggling even more. So I don’t think I grew up that hard.
Because of that, I was a bright and active student in school. I had a lot of friends, and I was a student who was recognized by my teachers because my grades were pretty good, even though it was a public announcement. I got a scholarship, even though it was a small amount, and it brought joy to my desperate parents. I learned a sense of accomplishment there, and watching my parents made me think about life, and I learned to respect and care for my elders.
Personality Strengths and Weaknesses
“A person who doesn’t spew useless words”
I watch what I say, because nothing hurts or encourages a person more easily than words. I swear, a word can either pay off a thousand debts or hurt that person endlessly, and I’ve experienced it myself. I had a teacher in middle school who knew I was going through a tough time and was supportive, and even though she didn’t pay me, she would just say, “You’re doing great, you’re awesome,” and that really helped me. But then I had a gym teacher in junior high who was really mean to me, and she would say things like, “You’re a jerk,” “You’re a piece of shit,” and it couldn’t have been more hurtful. From then on, I tried to be the kind of person who would choose my words carefully and only say nice things, so people tend to trust me a lot when I say things.
But that can also be a disadvantage, because some people think I’m blunt, and I’ve been told that I look kind of scary when I’m not talking, so I always try to make the first move. I also try to reach out to people and talk to them and smile, and I practice smiling in the mirror.
Work experience (or something that can show your work ability)
In 20○○, I learned welding for six months as a trainee at a technical training center run by the Small and Medium Business Administration. At that time, I was recognized for my sincerity and good grades, so I got a job at a subassembly company within ○○ Heavy Industries called ○○. There was a slight gap between what I learned and what I could use, but I learned silently and extended my contract beyond the initial six-month contract and worked there for six years. I learned the practical work of welding there, which is often used in practice and the technical know-how among the employees. Another thing I learned was the enjoyment of social life. I met some very nice gunners and learned from them what it’s like to live together. I learned how to take care of people who can’t eat, share snacks if they have any, and volunteer to work if someone is sick. And now, I’m applying to Kanglim Heavy Industries for a better opportunity. I would like to apply what I have learned to work at Kanglim Heavy Industries.
Self-development
The reason why I started working in the first place was because of the national project. Unexpectedly, the national education program for the unemployed and employees is expanding, so I am taking classes that I can take on weekends or evenings. That’s why I started taking classes related to equipment certifications and industrial equipment certifications. I’m trying to do more specialized and detailed work. I also enjoy studying, so I’m studying hard with the feeling that I’m doing it for myself. I also watch documentaries whenever I have a chance to improve myself or gain new knowledge. When I have a break, I don’t just watch dramas or laugh at comedy programs, but I try to get information and learn about the world and how other people live outside of where I live. I think understanding people is also necessary for my work, because after all, it’s a place where you mix with people.
Motivation and aspirations
I understand that Kanglim Heavy Industries is a one-man show in Korea’s shipbuilding industry. We are responsible for the boiler room of Korea’s shipping industry, and we do a very important job of heating and cooling. I’ve always dreamed of doing something bigger than my job, and I finally applied for this position because it was announced by Kanglim Heavy Industries. I want to see the world a little bit bigger and develop further by working there.
I also applied because I believe I can contribute to Kanglim Heavy Industries. I worked for a company that specialized in welding for six years, and I think the know-how is not easy to learn. I want to be a person who can contribute to the development of Kanglim Heavy Industries by sharing my own know-how with my teammates. I also want to be a person who learns hard. I want to be a person who understands the whole, not just the parts, by studying the parts related to ships.
I am confident in my sincerity and hard work. I look forward to working with you.
