Job Hunting in Korea as an International Applicant

Applying for jobs in Korea as an international applicant has been a unique and challenging experience. The job application process in Korea is very different from what I was used to. From writing a self-introduction letter for each application to adjusting to the Korean resume format and preparing for interviews, there was a lot I had to adapt to. In this article, I thought I would share some tips based on my experience. - Self-Introduction Letter (자기소개서) One of the most unfamiliar parts of the Korean job application process is the self-introduction letter. In my home country, a cover letter usually just briefly highlights key skills and experiences. However, in Korea, the self-introduction letter is much more detailed and gives you the chance to introduce yourself and your experience more in depth compared to your resume. Some common topics you can cover include: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work at this company? What experience do you have working in a team? At first, it was difficult for me to write this letter, especially in Korean. I had to figure out how to talk about myself in a clear but humble way. I also had to think deeply about my past experiences and how they connected to what the company was looking for. It took some practice, but over time it helped me better understand Korean employers’ expectations. - Resume Format Differences (이력서) The resume in Korea is also quite different from what I was used to. Back home, resumes usually have long, detailed descriptions of your experiences, and you can choose the format yourself. In Korea, resumes often follow a fixed template. Most employers expect a photo, academic history, work experience, language skills, and sometimes personal information like age. Instead of long descriptions, the resume usually sticks to a table-style format with brief points. Submitting a Korean-style resume, even if alongside my English one, helped me get more responses from companies. - Interview Experience Interviewing in Korea was another big adjustment. The atmosphere is usually very formal, so being on time, dressing properly, and using polite language are essential. Multiple interview rounds, sometimes with several interviewers at once, are also common. The questions were not only about my qualifications but also focused on how I would adapt to Korean company culture. I was often asked about how I handle teamwork and work under pressure. Interviewers also asked specific questions about the company to make sure I had done my research. I was given task simulations to see how I would react under time pressure, what kind of results I could deliver and whether I would be the right fit as well. Overall, applying for jobs in Korea taught me a lot about adapting to a different professional environment. While it was challenging, it also gave me a better understanding of what Korean companies expect. So do not get discouraged and keep applying. The right opportunity will come!