Korean Job Discussion Forums

[askingquestions]

Hi,
when applying to Korean jobs, you need a recent picture...
Does it matter if they are smiling at all? obviously, they can't look mean or making a funny face, but smiling only slightly...
and do guys need to be in a suit or anything or is a outdoor jacket ok (those black ones that all the guys wear for normal occasions).
and how big does the photo need to be? can it just be of the neck up?
Thank you

[ttompatz]

[Ya-ta Boy]

what ttompatz said.

In addition:

Koreans tend to 'read' faces. Try to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth. If this makes any sense: project a nice guy image as opposed to pasting a smile on your face.

[alabamaman]

Use my Stalin avatar as a photo

[Novernae]

When I showed my boss my ARC picture, she told me (jokingly, though I'm sure somewhat seriously) that she woudn't have hired me from that picture. Send something nice. More informal for a casual kiddy hagwon, more formal (maybe a suit) if you want to teach adults. Basically wear what you would expect to wear at work.

[saybanana]

When I applied to Korea, I took dozens of pictures on my digital camera. I combed my hair differently, smiled (like a fool). I am Asian descent with dark skin and asian features, so I know a good photo will give me better odds. I chose the best picture and went with it. When I got my initial phone contact, many said you look very happy and kind. I dont know what that means.

Honestly if you had dozens of applications on pictures with similar qualifications. How do you choose? I would pick the one with approachable face, who seems like they can be fun to work with and is somewhat good looking. The guy who looks serious and looks like they hate their job and life... (paper shredder).

[dangsangirl]

I don't know if it makes all that much difference. My ex-(thank the Lord!) co-teacher told me I was ugly in the picture that I sent and that everyone was surprised when I showed up and was as fab looking as I am!!! Just one of the many unimaginably rude things she said to me during my year there.

[Aussiekimchi]

I don't know if it makes all that much difference.
It makes all the difference.

[Hyeon Een]

Before I met one of my best friends in Korea I saw his photo when my then-boss showed it to us. It was this scary shaven headed looking dude with a big beard in front of his Harley in a leather jacket, lots of visible tattoos (hands, forearms..) etc. If you're British he looked like Charles Bronson (the prisoner) but not so friendly. Good bloke =)

So if you want a job in small town Korea, it doesn't matter too much what your photo looks like. For more competitive jobs a professional looking full body photo is the best way to go. (Full body so they can make sure you're not too fat.. if the boss is in to appearances that is a factor here.) Hmm also if you're dark-skinned go to a Korean photographer. I knew a totally black girl who came out European looking after she had her photo taken in a Korean photography store.. they are very photoshop friendly with their prints.

[beebee23]

I only applied to a few places, but I will try to help you as best I can.


I submitted a passport sized photo. I sent my application via internet when applicable. Also, passport photos can get really expensive so try using your photo printer in color. Print them in passport size and in color with the pixels set to best quality.


In my picture, I used a neutral background, an egg white background, and I wore a dark colored shirt. Wear a shirt that maximizes your natural features of course.


If I were do this over again, I would wear a white button up shirt (makes me look real perhhty). My sister also adjusted the levels on photoshop and made me look a little lighter and took out any blemishes that came up on the photo. For some reason, Koreans from Korea prefer to have lighter skin, and I am a tanned Korean from America. This also might be an oldworld stereotype, and may not be applicable to each workplace, but it doesn't hurt to photo shop a little. Individuals should be individuals, and Korea is a republic like America, so judge each workplace on an individual basis and not representing everyone from Korea. Generalizations can often help, but don't let it make you upset and think everyone is backwards. In all honesty, discrimination based on looks, sex, and ethnicity happen all the time here in America, its just not advertised explicitly. Case by case basis.

I think one person on this forum said to submit a full photo for real professional places, and that person might be right too.


***Best thing to do is ask your prospective employer what size they want, and if a nice colored picture on nice paper will be acceptable or a real photo, etc.


Good luck!