As seniors, both Evelyn and I have been applying and interviewing for jobs this semester. I have only applied to jobs here in the states. Evelyn has been looking at jobs here and in Korea. We talked about how the interviewing processes and workplace cultures are so different in the two countries.
Most people applying for jobs, especially entry level jobs, have the required qualifications. A lot of the times, in the USA, it comes down to how you represent yourself in the interview and how you “sell” your qualifications, or even how well you are able to interact with the group of people you’ll be working with. In fact, during one of my phone interviews for a company in Richmond, the recruiter told me to more “braggy” and readily offer information about my accomplishments without trying to be modest when I went in for the interview.
On the other hand, when Evelyn was interviewing for companies in Korea, the opposite is expected. It is considered disrespectful if you are not modest. And employees don’t salaries as much in Korea either. The employers focus a lot more on your professional experience, and don’t take into account how you are in your personal life. Employees are almost expected to adapt to a company’s culture. Whereas, in the states, they look for someone who already identifies with the company’s values.
Here's one of the articles I read about workplace culture in Korea
http://www.englishspectrum.com/differences-in-work-ethics-between-korea-and-the-west/
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