South Korea – torn apart after a national war in the 1950s – now is the 11th biggest economy in the world with state-of-the-art technologies and a dynamic, buoyant atmosphere. South Korea’s economy is still growing, turning it into quite a desirable expat hub. Are you looking for a job in South Korea? Then continue reading these 3 important tips that will help you in finding a job in South Korea.
- Understand the South Korean work culture
Do not expect to work in a very liberal, individualistic and egalitarian atmosphere. You will most probably end up in a collectivistic and hierarchical working environment. You need to learn to prioritize the collective goals over your personal interests. You should be careful not to deliver your opinions or thoughts too directly to your seniors because this can cause them to ‘lose face’. You may need to adjust your words towards a more respectable manner. Moreover, do not be surprised when you are asked to work overtime. Working overtime is quite a common phenomenon in South Korea.
- Tailor your resumé to South Korean requirements
High GPA scores? Brilliant. Diploma from a prestigious university? Superb! South Korean employers anticipate high academic achievements. Excellent GPAs prove your commitment and diligence. Diploma from a reputable school shows your potential and proficiency. Practical experiences such as internships are appreciated but academic achievements are more valued in South Korea. However, possession of certificates that prove your proficiency in any type of skills, techniques or languages is absolutely advantageous and useful when looking for a job in South Korea. If you have any certificates that are relative to your field of work, make sure to list them on your resumé.
- Specify your skills, wants and needs
Make concrete, specific plans on what kind of work you wish to do and particular companies you wish to work in. Evaluate yourself upon your skills and interests, thoroughly and objectively. Then narrow your choices down to certain industries or companies. After narrowing down your choices, weigh all the benefits and perks you will receive from those companies. Be realistic. Do not oversell yourself. When you find a few companies that best match your ambitions, concentrate your efforts solely on those companies. Find out the history of the companies. Do prior research about the board members who are potential interviewers -their personalities, hobbies etc. This whole process will immensely increase your chance of landing a good job in South Korea.
It is never easy to search for a job abroad – even harder when you are looking for a job in a country with completely different cultural backgrounds. One last thing to remember is to have confidence. Whatever job you are looking for, never undersell yourself. Believing in what you can achieve is the first key to success in any job hunt abroad.
Ha Eon Baek
CareerProfessor.works team
