Journal Entry #4: Interview Prep and Final wrapping up
Date: 4/12/26
Task(s): Doing full mock interviews; drafting a Korean-style resume; practicing physical etiquette.
Objectives: To synthesize all language and cultural skills into a cohesive, professional performance.
This was my final big "stress test" before I head to Korea. David acted as a manager and interviewed me for 30 minutes. I had to use Sipsio-che (하십시오체) the whole time while answering questions about my baking skills and why I want to work in Korea as a Korean-American. I also finished my iryeokseo (이력서—resume). Writing a resume in Korean was difficult because I had to use very specific, high-level words to describe my work ethic and my background. It made me realize how much my vocabulary has grown since January.
We also practiced a very important physical detail: handing things over. David reminded me that I must always use du-son-euro (두 손으로—two hands) when giving someone a credit card, a receipt, or a drink. It’s a small detail, but in Korea, using one hand can be seen as very disrespectful. We spent the last half of the session just practicing these movements so they would feel natural during a busy shift. I also practiced my "self-introduction," which needs to be humble but also show that I am a hard worker who is eager to learn.
Reflection: I feel much more ready now than I did at the start of the semester. I’ve gone from someone who only speaks "family Korean" to someone who can handle a professional job interview. I’m not as nervous about being "too American" anymore because I have the right tools to be respectful in a Korean workplace. I understand that I will still make mistakes once I get to Seoul, but I have a strong foundation now. I’ve learned that language is more than just words; it’s a way to show that you understand and respect the culture you are in.
Date: 4/12/26
Task(s): Doing full mock interviews; drafting a Korean-style resume; practicing physical etiquette.
Objectives: To synthesize all language and cultural skills into a cohesive, professional performance.
This was my final big "stress test" before I head to Korea. David acted as a manager and interviewed me for 30 minutes. I had to use Sipsio-che (하십시오체) the whole time while answering questions about my baking skills and why I want to work in Korea as a Korean-American. I also finished my iryeokseo (이력서—resume). Writing a resume in Korean was difficult because I had to use very specific, high-level words to describe my work ethic and my background. It made me realize how much my vocabulary has grown since January.
We also practiced a very important physical detail: handing things over. David reminded me that I must always use du-son-euro (두 손으로—two hands) when giving someone a credit card, a receipt, or a drink. It’s a small detail, but in Korea, using one hand can be seen as very disrespectful. We spent the last half of the session just practicing these movements so they would feel natural during a busy shift. I also practiced my "self-introduction," which needs to be humble but also show that I am a hard worker who is eager to learn.
Reflection: I feel much more ready now than I did at the start of the semester. I’ve gone from someone who only speaks "family Korean" to someone who can handle a professional job interview. I’m not as nervous about being "too American" anymore because I have the right tools to be respectful in a Korean workplace. I understand that I will still make mistakes once I get to Seoul, but I have a strong foundation now. I’ve learned that language is more than just words; it’s a way to show that you understand and respect the culture you are in.
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