CV and Cover Letter

Writing a CV and Cover Letter in Korean

Korean job applications (이력서 + 자기소개서) follow specific cultural and grammatical conventions.

Key grammar points:

• -하여야 한다 — Formal obligations you commit to as a job applicant.
• 귀사의 발전에 기여하여야 한다는 각오로 지원합니다. (I apply with the determination that I must contribute to your company's growth.)
• -(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 — Expressing what skills or development you recognize as important.
• 지속적으로 역량을 개발할 필요가 있다고 생각합니다. (I believe there is a need to continuously develop my competencies.)
• -되었다 (passive perfect) — Describing achievements and completed experiences.
• 해당 프로젝트에서 팀 리더로 선발되었습니다. (I was selected as team leader on the relevant project.)
• -았/었더라면 — Reflecting on growth (used carefully in interviews rather than CVs).
• 더 일찍 이 분야를 공부했더라면 더 많은 경험을 쌓았을 것입니다. (If I had studied this field earlier, I would have accumulated more experience.)

Cultural tip: Korean CVs include a photo and personal information (date of birth, address) that may not be standard in Western countries. Cover letters emphasize 지원 동기 (motivation) and how you fit the company culture.