Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by Cantonese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing a Personal Statement in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed company. I have always been veryliked to work in a dynamic environment where I can use my skills to contribute to the team. In my previous job, I was responsible for many tasks, and I always do my best to make sure everything is done properly.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Almost perfect :)"

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed company. I have always liked to work in a dynamic environment where I can use my skills to contribute to the team. In my previous job, I was responsible for many tasks, and I always do my best to make sure everything is done properly.

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed company. I have always been very like to work in a dynamic environment where I can use my skills to contribute to the team. In my previous job, I was responsible for many tasks, and I always do my best to make sure everything is done properly.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

I am very excited to apply for the position of Mmarketing Sspecialist at your esteemed company. I have a verystrong passion for marketing and have gainedvery valuable experience through my previous roles. I am vextremely eager to bring my skills to your team and contribute to the company's vcontinueryd successful growth.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed tweaking to address overuse of the word "very.""

I am very excited to apply for the position of marketing specialist at your esteemed company. I have a strong passion for marketing and have gained valuable experience through my previous roles. I am extremely eager to bring my skills to your team and contribute to the company's continued successful growth.

I am very excited to apply for the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed company. I have a very strong passion for marketing and have gained very valuable experience through my previous roles. I am very eager to bring my skills to your team and contribute to the company's very successful growth.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I have mucha lot of experience in digital marketing and have worked on many successful campaigns. My education background and strong work ethic make me a suitable candidate for this role. I am confident that I can contribute positively to your team and help achieve manyuch success for the company.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just fixed some issues with much/many."

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing and have worked on many successful campaigns. My education background and strong work ethic make me a suitable candidate for this role. I am confident that I can contribute positively to your team and help achieve much success for the company.

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I have much experience in digital marketing and have worked on many successful campaigns. My education background and strong work ethic make me a suitable candidate for this role. I am confident that I can contribute positively to your team and help achieve many success for the company.