Job hunting in Korea? Follow these tips to help you find the right job, ace your interview, and land in a non-teaching job in South Korea you’ve always wanted.

Dear Non-Teaching Job Seekers in Korea,

It’s always a harrowing experience days or weeks after sending resumes to several companies. Getting automated responses will be annoying and eventually, just when you’re about to move on…

You’ll receive a phone call from an unknown landline number. No. It isn’t the usual spam calls you receive daily – it’s a real person on the other line asking you when is the best time for you to have an interview! Congratulations – finally, you are one step closer to getting a job in Korea.

Interview is a make or break part of the job hunting process in South Korea. Here are tips to help you ace it.

Tips to ace your job interview in Korea

1. Show respect even before the job interview.

Answer phone calls politely. Even if you have excellent achievements in school or from your previous job, Koreans will easily disregard it if they do not like your personality.

Since most Koreans practice confucianism, they do not like it when someone acts very proud and boastful. You should learn how to be humble and not stick out like a nail.

This is quite tricky since during the interview, we all want to show all our best features. You need to learn how to deliver your message properly without looking too all-knowing.

2. Dress appropriately for the job interview.

Koreans consider looks as a very important aspect in accepting a person for a job. Men can wear white long polo sleeves and slacks while women look best wearing white blouse and dress. Don’t even think about wearing your new sneakers, a good black closed shoes will complete your interview outfit. Men should remember to brush their hair while women should put light makeup only.

Update: Due to rampant discrimination on the job hunting process, the South Korean government has been encouraging companies to do “blind hiring” which means putting an end to adding photos in resumes or CVs and asking trivial questions such as family background or school affiliation.

3. Bring several copies of your resume at the job interview.

This is optional. On my interviews, I usually give out an updated resume. My iPad is also very handy when showing my portfolio.

4. Study the Korean company you are applying for. 

Unless you are attending job fairs, Koreans usually conduct a panel interview. It is composed of the directors of the department you are applying for or the directors of the HR department. 

Interview questions, no matter which company you are applying for, are pretty much the same. Learn their vision, check their principle, identify the qualifications of the job and see if it matches with your own. Knowing less means you are not interested in the company or job.

5. Introduce yourself – Practice your elevator pitch.

Sometimes the most difficult question to answer is the most basic question – Introduce yourself. Practice how to introduce yourself and why you applied for the job. Without practice, you’ll end up talking for a long time and without sense. Do not simply enumerate the things listed in your resume, talk about something interesting, or highlight a particular achievement and how it can be useful for the job that you are applying for. Make your introduction short – 2 minutes is enough to keep the interviewer’s attention.

6. Know your weaknesses.

We all have weaknesses – even the most hardworking people have weaknesses. It’s a matter of how you put that weakness into good use. Think of a weakness in your daily life that will come handy when in the job.

7. Be cautious when talking about your previous job (if you have)

Koreans often ask the reason why you left the company. Do not say bad things from your previous company or ex-colleagues because they will think that you’d do the same once you are in their company.

8. What’s your plan if you get accepted in this company in Korea?

The employer often asks about your future plans – they usually want to know where you see yourself in 3 to 5 years. They ask this question to know whether you’re taking the company seriously. Most Koreans often stick to their first job – this is often true among those in their 40s and above. As many Koreans are workaholic, the company becomes their second home and family.

So, if you get asked about your future plans, be very sincere about it. Talk about personal & career development you can achieve through the support of the company. And most importantly, find ways on how you can contribute to the company.

9. Leave an impression by asking a questions.

Whether it is about negotiating on the salary, accommodation, transportation, or visa sponsorship – make sure not to simply leave the interview without asking the panel anything.

10. Send an email after the job interview

Send an email a few hours or the next day after the interview. It’s a simple gesture of saying thank you for considering me for the job. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with the employer after they have had a couple of interviews after you. Maintain a professional tone in the email and don’t sound too desperate. If there were questions you failed to answer during the interview, this is your chance to do it.

I hope this series have helped you.
If so, please share your experiences and stories on the comment section below! 🤗