4 Things Foreigners Need to Get a Job in Korea: Insider Tips

Hello to all aspiring to work in Korea! Today, we’re diving into the critical aspects that foreigners need to secure a job in this dynamic country. Landing a job in Korea means more than just finding a new workplace; it involves adapting to a new cultural and linguistic landscape.

In a previous post on our blog titled ‘Essential Information for Foreigners Seeking Jobs in Korea’. We covered an overview of the importance of language preparation. Reading this post will provide a solid background for today’s topic and help you approach job hunting in Korea more systematically. [Click here to read the post]

Now, let’s explore the four key elements foreigners need to successfully find employment in Korea. I hope this guide will make your job preparation process more effective and successful. Shall we begin?

Focus on Job Competencies in Application Documents

The application process in Korean companies is highly competitive, and your job-related skills and experiences are key evaluation criteria. In your resume and cover letter, emphasize your professional experiences and skills relevant to the job. For instance, if you are applying for a marketing position, detail your successful campaign initiatives or experiences using specific marketing tools.

Emphasize gaining skills and certifications that are directly related to the job role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re aiming for a position that involves statistical analysis, problem-solving, financial accounting, sales, marketing, or strategic planning, acquire certifications like Marketing Research Analyst or Financial Accounting Practitioner.

For instance,

When preparing your application, such as for SK Group, ensure that your efforts align with the job’s demands. Candidates should prepare by focusing on skills that are directly applicable to the job, such as statistical analysis, problem-solving, knowledge in financial accounting, sales and marketing, and planning. These are the types of question that “~해당 직무수행을 위해 어떤 노력(ex. 통계분석)을 준비해 왔는지 작성해 주세요” (within a 1000-character limit).

For a sales/marketing or business support role, focus on relevant qualifications like Sales Management Practitioner or Strategic Planning Practitioner.

2. Essential Elements of a Self-Introduction Letter

The self-introduction letter, or cover letter, is the first step in the application process and is crucial in presenting your professionalism and personality. It should focus on ‘Self-Introduction, Motivation for Application, Job Experience, and Future Goals’ related to job competencies. For example, detail specific projects where you’ve utilized certain skills or tackle challenges relevant to the job.

Having these sections well-prepared in advance will streamline your application process.

3. Interview Preparation: Speaking Skills are Key

In Korean company interviews, your communication skills and passion for the job are critically evaluated. Being able to communicate in Korean can be a significant advantage. It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with basic Korean interview sentence patterns and to prepare answers based on your self-introduction letter. For instance, you might prepare a phrase like,”저는 이 분야에 대한 열정이 많고, 귀사에 기여할 수 있는 다양한 아이디어를 가지고 있습니다”.

4. Preparing for Employment Visa

To work in Korea, securing the appropriate visa is essential. Typically, an E-7 specialized job visa, H-1 holiday visa, or a D-10 job-seeking visa may be required. Each visa has different requirements and necessary documents, so it’s important to research and prepare thoroughly.

The D-10 job-seeking visa, in particular, allows you to legally stay while looking for employment, offering various opportunities for job activities. The visa application process can be complex, so consider seeking professional help if necessary.

Today, we have explored the four essential elements that foreigners need to successfully land a job in Korea. From the application process and crafting a compelling self-introduction letter to preparing for interviews and understanding the visa requirements, each step is crucial in achieving your employment goals in Korea.

The insights and tips provided in this article are intended to guide you systematically through each phase of your job search. Although navigating the job market in Korea can be challenging, with adequate preparation and dedication, you can realize your aspirations.

We wholeheartedly support your journey towards securing employment in Korea. If you found this article helpful, please share your thoughts in the comments. For more information and resources on working in Korea, consider subscribing to our blog and sharing this article with your network to assist others in their job-seeking endeavors.

Additional Information:Resources at ‘Chapter Korean’

The ‘Chapter Korean’ team has extensive experience in TOPIK group classes, self-introduction editing, and business Korean. The expertise of the Chapter Korean team greatly contributes to helping students improve their language and document writing skills, which are essential for employment in Korean companies.

Classes related to this special lecture can be found on the Chapter Korean official website and provide additional tips and guidance on writing personal statements and resumes. This website is a platform where students can easily access and utilize various materials and information necessary for employment in Korean companies, and will be of great help in continuous learning and preparation. You can also receive a lot of Korean information and self-introduction feedback through the JAEM Korean app.