Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tfunk]

I was informed by a Korean friend that companies often have a rigorous hiring procedure, which may include an English debating test and interview.

What resources do you use to teach this material? Are there sample tests available? Apparently companies such as Samsung have adapted a standardized test, I can't remember the acronym now though, but I'd never heard of it before.

[bassexpander]

A student of mine interviewed at a Chaebol a few years ago (I'm not going to say the name of it here), and they asked him, "Do you like Americans?"

My student, "I think they're OK."

Interviewer, " I HATE Americans! I'm from Canada...logging... trade... blah blah"

The interviewer, who my student described as "African," then proceeded to complain about a variety of things regarding the USA. He then went off on a tangent about how sexy Korean women are, and how crazy he was about them.

This post is not a joke. It's not a troll meant to incite rage, or fuel the fire of American/Canadian hate. This really happened. I teach a job interview class, and have for 2 years now. I keep track of the kinds of questions my students are asked. He revealed this to our entire class a day after returning from an interview, and everyone was shocked (including myself).

I now include a special 30 minute section of class discussing off-the-wall interview questions that may come their way. I've compiled a small list of these odd questions that my past students have encountered. I also tell them about how companies in Korea may hire "English teachers" to interview their applicants. Often, the companies just want to know which applicants, "... speak the best English." I let my students know that these interviewers are often very unprofessional, not properly trained, and just there for the buck.

I used to teach out of a Korean job interview textbook, but dumped it due to the cost, poor examples, and large number of English grammatical errors. I found that the free questions offered on the internet from places like ASK.com often work quite well. I actually don't use a textbook now, and provide my own questions/materials.

I give my students 4 to 5 new questions each week for homework. They must create a resume (CV) and cover letter (microsoft templates are useful), take a professional photo in proper attire (expected in Korea), etc.. The final exam is a one-on-one mock job interview with me which they must provide all materials for, dress properly for, etc. They're graded on every aspect from the handshake, to their clothing, eye contact, how questions are answered, etc..

[meangradin]

The Chaebol I work for hires out to a private company that provides a variety of English language services - testing new candidates, evaluating the speaking ability of current employees, etc...

[bassexpander]

Our university just contracted with the gov't to teach job interview and Business English classes to recent grads... we're pretty pumped about it (but mostly because it's paying 70,000 won per hour). Was supposed to get an additional 10 hours per week, but it's been cut to 5 because everybody and their dog wants to teach the additional hours (which include Saturdays).

It could be that the gov't is interested in cutting out recruiters and working directly with schools. I sure hope this is a trend.

[bassexpander]

[tfunk]

Thanks bass. (Coincedentally, just this second I got your mic to work on my *!** computer).

I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this area, as TOEIC is extremely popular and is studied for a similar purpose (getting a good job).

Can anybody think of the acronym that describes the academic standard of English used/adapted for the job interviews by companies here?

Also, is it true that they test debating abilities?

[bassexpander]

[T-dot]

Its called SSAT (might be SAT), not to be confused with the American test.

[tfunk]

[bassexpander]

[tfunk]

That's gold, bass. Thanks a million.

[bassexpander]

You're welcome. It's all going into my book.

Please share if you come up with any good info. on those tests.

[tfunk]

[KoreanAmbition]

Bassexpander,

Just to let you know, the things your student might be true, and might have been done on purpose by the interviewer.

How about the following:

The interview says to the applicant midway through the interview,

"You know, I think you might be the worst applicant that I've interviewed all day long."


Put it in your book... it's real. Companies are starting to test employees on emotion control and the ability to deal with high-stress unexpected situations.

The "I hate Americans" rant followed by the Korean thing quite possibly was part of the test... it's to see how someone reacts to that type of behaviour...

Anyways, you never know who's going to use that kind of technique, but I've read about it being done.

Just thought I'd share that.

[Edited to say that the interviewer might have been insane... but people should at least know these techniques are being used.]

[Goon-Yang]

I am currently teaching 2 interview/resume classes at my uni. I've also worked for samsung and LG and asked the hiring manager what questions they ask and any other tricks I should teach my students.

My classes are a bit boring, but at least I prepare them for reality.