In this blog post, we will introduce ways to effectively incorporate collaboration skills, which are core competencies in the construction industry, into your cover letter.
Reason for applying
“I want to work at Kumho Construction, a company that offers warm companionship and grows together with its employees.”
Kumho Construction has become legendary in Vietnam. Not only did they complete a construction project that everyone thought was impossible in just six months, but they are also implementing various welfare policies for Vietnam, such as building houses of love and providing scholarships. Now, the Vietnamese people are overturning their prejudices against Koreans when they see Kumho Construction. As an architecture student, I saw the numerous achievements of Kumho E&C and wanted to join the company because of its remarkable growth and continuous efforts to grow together with others. Therefore, I always dreamed of working at Kumho E&C, and after graduating with a degree in architectural engineering, I decided to apply. I was well aware that Kumho E&C emphasizes both theory and practice, and I had heard that I would be assigned to a project right away, so I took my classes and practical training very seriously. I studied architectural materials mechanics, steel structure design, building maintenance and management, building fluid systems, architectural structure systems, architectural engineering, and architectural materials, and I graduated with second-highest honors. I also worked at actual construction sites to gain practical experience and understand what the work is like. By comparing the construction of other companies, I was able to see how quickly and safely Kumho Construction works, and that is why I want to work at your company. I want to work at the most solid and reliable company, the warmest and greatest company, and I dream of becoming another outstanding talent who can make Kumho Construction even stronger. I still have a lot to learn and improve. However, I applied for this position with the dream of becoming another source of strength for Kumho Construction. If you select me, I will work diligently and develop myself sincerely to become another employee who contributes to the achievements of Kumho Construction. Thank you very much.
Future plans
“In five years and ten years, I will become the most diligent and intelligent employee, remaining consistent in my efforts.”
I enjoy challenges. That is why I applied for the Marine Corps, which everyone discouraged me from doing, and after passing the entrance exam, I served in the military with dedication. At the time, I was weak and had almost no muscles, and I had low blood pressure, so I would faint at least once every summer. My parents were particularly opposed to my application. The people around me also said that I would definitely fail the physical test, and even if I passed, I would not be able to endure the training. However, I had a goal of joining Kumho Construction, and I thought that I needed to be physically strong to work there, so I decided that I had to completely change my physical condition, if only for Kumho Construction. Therefore, I set my goal of joining the military and began intensive physical training. I started going to a boxing gym, completely changed my eating habits, and began exercising every day. After six months of preparation, I gained 8 kg and built muscle, and when I was finally able to complete a marathon for the first time in my life, I applied to the Marine Corps, passed the entrance exam, and returned from military service. I believe that enduring those difficult days of testing my physical strength made me a better fit for Kumho Construction.
I am someone who is passionate enough to join the Marine Corps to prepare myself physically for Kumho Construction. If I am hired by your company, I will work passionately for Kumho Construction with the same determination. Surely, no one is good at everything from the beginning, and there will be trial and error, and there will be times when you cannot do what you have prepared for, but I will not let such things affect my mood or goals. Instead, I will enthusiastically tackle each task and complete it, starting with the smallest things. After learning from the bottom up, I will become someone who knows and can solve all the problems at Kumho Construction in five years. I will strive to be someone who is always prepared to answer any question and handle any situation that arises, with a thorough understanding of everything and the progress of construction. And in ten years, I will become like Executive Director Kim Sung-in, who has impressed the world with the construction project in Vietnam, and I will lead the site and make the impossible possible. If you believe in me, I will show you that I am a person who can grow sincerely and show you the seeds of that growth. Thank you very much.
Job application and personal skills
“I am a person who wants to listen to everyone.”
I applied for many internships and worked at an architectural firm during every vacation as an unpaid intern, where I was in charge of various designs and construction projects. I realized that people who are really good at construction are good at listening to others. Design and construction require perfection, but since they are done by humans, mistakes are inevitable. Mistakes are inevitable, but most people get angry when things go wrong. However, the people who are really good at their jobs listen to what others have to say. They ask why you think something is wrong, and then they listen calmly, as if it were no big deal, and go over what you have done so far one by one. The president of the architectural firm where I worked was just like that. He always listened to people and even listened to me, a mere intern, and pointed out my mistakes one by one. That is why his company was the most trusted, always solving problems and providing design drawings to clients in the shortest possible time. While working there, I realized that I needed to become a person who listens to others and thinks calmly to solve problems. That is why I tried to become a person who listens to others and thinks together with them when designing at school, preparing for festivals as a senior, and working at the office. Knowing that collaboration is part of the job, I wanted to become a person who works together with others rather than just thinking on my own.
Construction is a word that literally encompasses all aspects of building. It is the work of constructing a building according to architectural plans and designs, and it includes various preliminary surveys starting with site and ground surveys, temporary construction, earthwork, foundation work, steel frame, steel reinforcement, and concrete work, stone, tile, brick, hardware, and sheet metal work, as well as glass, plastering, painting, window and door installation, and other equipment installation work, which cannot be done alone. I am a person who understands the importance of collaboration and is skilled at working in an organization. If you trust me, I am confident that I can blend into the organization and do my part.
Ethical and moral experience
“Even if it is a white lie, the truth is most important.”
At some point, the number of Chinese international students at my school increased. As a Korean, I felt very uncomfortable because we often had to work together in teams even though we couldn’t communicate well, and in most cases, we Koreans had to do all the work. So, many of my Chinese friends who didn’t participate would just remove their names from the list. However, I included their names even if they participated only a little, and many of them took advantage of this to join my team and get good grades easily. When the professor found out, he was very angry, and I realized that even if it was a white lie, this was group work and I had failed, so I told him that I would start all the presentations and assignments from scratch. So, with the final exam just around the corner, I had to start all over again.
I believe that group life requires a sense of responsibility and honesty in order to function smoothly. With the same passion I had when I started over and submitted my presentations, I received a perfect score on my final exam. I will continue to value group life and work with respect for Kumho Construction. I look forward to working with you.
