Helpful Resources for Making it Big in Korea
Korean Interview Etiquette
I couldn't find a discussion about this already; it seems like it could add value for a number of KBC members. I'll get things started with my own question.
Quick background: I taught English in Seoul for two years before returning to the US for my master's in international management. I have been considering a return to Korea (but not as an English teacher) and came across an interesting company while doing research this summer at my internship. I sent them an e-mail introduction along with my resume. I've had a phone interview, and several e-mail exchanges back and forth (all in Korean - my Korean is conversational enough). Now I'll be headed to Seoul for a face to face presentation interview that is expected to be mostly in Korean! I have my work cut out for me, as my professional vocabulary is rather lacking....
This company currently doesn't have any expat employees, so I suspect this is more to see the true limits of my Korean, and judge whether or not I can function in that environment - than to see if I could conduct business in Korean....but we'll see.
The etiquette question is: Would it be at all appropriate to take a gift with me to the interview? My final project in grad school was to help a local distillery here in Oregon that makes ginger-flavored rum develop a market entry strategy for Japan. It's unique and special - and gives me a chance to talk about a project I am really proud of.
Thoughts? Thank you!!
Replies to This Discussion | 이 토론에 대한 답글들
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Permalink Reply by Don Southerton on -
Normally it would not be appropriate. That said, since the rum was a "sample" of your work, and you can tie into your internship--I see no harm... I would not stress that the product was for Japan... use Asia.
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Permalink Reply by Steven S. Bammel on -
As Don mentioned, especially by linking it to your previous work, I think the rum could be a very good gift.
The report is not 100% applicable to job application interviews, but I've attached The Top 10 Gifts to Give in Korea, an executive report I frequently share with clients. - Attachments:
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Permalink Reply by Simon Hoggett on -
Very interesting. I think you should keep the meeting professional and avoid giving a gift. Giving a gift from a company that you were working at previously might cheapen the gift in their eyes (it would in mine). You might want to consider a way to incorporate the rum as part of your PT and allow them to sample it as a way of lightening the mood.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by William Sisson on -
Hi Austin,
I must agree with Simon. Do not take the gift with you to the interview.
However, make arrangements to have it hand delivered as a "Thank You for the Interview" gift.
Make sure to note that it was a product that ties in with you project in the states.
Good luck.
William
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Permalink Reply by Austin Davidsen on -
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.... I know there may not be an easy answer here! I've heard lots of opinions from my friends here - but clearly if I take it with me, I need to tread carefully.
Again, thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Don Southerton on
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Regardless of the gift issue, I would strongly stress your work as an intern... Internships are almost required in the Korean workplace hiring review process...
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Permalink Reply by Steven S. Bammel on
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Seeing Simon and William's replies that differ from mine and Don's, I'm realizing how complex the question is.
I do believe a Korean employer will perceive it differently than a non-Korean one, but ultimately, the impact it has at the interviewing company cannot be known in advance. I think there's a good chance in the context of Korean culture that an appropriate gift will work to your advantage, but it's not a guarantee.
I also think taking it with you to the interview and having the chance to explain is much better than having it delivered afterward, which I'm afraid would be perceived as an even more blatant attempt to turn things in your favor, which is ultimately (let's be honest here) what you're trying to do.
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Permalink Reply by Oojin Tejung Mudgett on -
Hoping to piggyback off the general subject of applying to a job in Korea: could someone give advice on "following up" after applying to a company, to hopefully schedule an interview? I normally call after a few days or a week in America, but I know that Korean HR departments work excruciatingly slow. I am also applying to western companies in Korea--should this make a difference?
Also, is it appropriate to mention visa status, whether favorable or not, in one's cover letter or resume?
Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.
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Permalink Reply by Steven S. Bammel on
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Oojin,
As with Austin's question, I'd say the answer here isn't obvious either. I don't think there's any harm in following up, but you have to make sure you don't appear to be desperate. Emails are sure to go unanswered so a phone call is your best bet. And even Western companies in Korea will be staffed by Koreans at the HR level, so my guess is that your approach can be the same for both Korean and Western companies.
I really don't know if mentioning visa status would be helpful or not. If you'll be going in on a visa sponsored by the company, then your current visa is probably not relevant.
I'd be interested to hear the opinions over others on these questions.
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Permalink Reply by William Sisson on
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Oojin,
Following-up with HR is perfectly a normal process in the application stage. In my experience most HR people have good English communication skills. Most are required to have this skill in order to be hired by western companies. But take note that they are very strict about the cut-off date. So make the call to ensure they received your resume. Get a feeling about the person you speak to and if it is good call back after the cut-off date to see the progress. Remember some Koreans will keep from telling you that you failed the resume screening in order not to embarrass you. Just don’t become a nuisance as this will also have bad connotations in you desire to work for that company. Also, I have found, that actually following-up with a handwritten mailed note can really make a difference.
As far as VISA status goes - if you currently have a Korean issued visa include it on your resume or in the cover letter especially if you have one of the F visa levels (married to a Korean, family etc..) or E 1~7. If shows that you have been approved by the government to work in Korea and therefore the risk that you would not be approved is very low for the company.
Cheers,
William
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Permalink Reply by David Clark on -
Hi Austin -
First off, congrats on the progress so far. Seeing as you may end up being the first expat employee within their organization, it will be a great opportunity to act as an ambassador and help fill the gaps where the company may be lacking (just as you did while teaching English). Best of luck with the steps to come.
In regards to your questions: I especially agree with Simon's suggestion of somehow rolling the rum in to the presentation itself. If you think of it as a "gift", it will be treated like one, which could turn-off some people. If you think of it as a "portfolio piece" and present it accordingly, no one can really frown upon that. After judging the general reaction to it, decide if you should leave it with them, or pack it up and take it home.
How soon do you leave?
Regards,
David
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Permalink Reply by Austin Davidsen on
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Thanks David,
I'm arriving in Seoul on Nov. 25, and rI'm early excited about it. I always love a trip to Korea!
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