Hello! This is KOWORK, the hiring platform for foreigners in Korea.
One of the biggest concerns for foreign job seekers preparing for work in Korea is job interviews. Many Korean companies hold multiple rounds of interviews, often two to three rounds.
The first interview focuses mainly on your actual skills and experience based on what you wrote in your resume and cover letter. The aim is to evaluate whether you have the abilities needed to do the job.
The second interview usually assesses whether you are a good fit for the company’s culture and direction. It often includes questions about personality and values to see how well you align with the organization.
Below are some frequently asked interview questions commonly seen in interviews for foreigners preparing to work in Korea - be sure to refer to them as you prepare!
Common Interview Questions
- Please introduce yourself in one minute.
- How did you find out about our company?
- Why did you apply to our company?
- What sets our company apart from competitors?
- Do you have any questions for us?
1st Interview Questions
These questions are mainly about job duties and skills. Before the first interview, review your past work and organize what you did and achieved in each project.
✏️ Roles & Responsibilities
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📈 Practical Skills
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💪 Growth
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2nd Interview Questions
The second interview focuses on personality, teamwork, and vision. Compared to the first round, questions here are more about your character and fit with the company culture.
🤩 Personality & Traits
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👥 Teamwork
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👁️ Vision
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🇰🇷 Questions About Living and Working in Korea
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Interview Tips
1. Prepare Answers in Korean
Korean language ability is essential for most Korean job interviews. Instead of memorizing entire answers, focus on key concepts and practice short responses around those keywords in Korean.
2. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths
'Strengths and weaknesses' is a common question. Being honest is good, but it’s even better to frame weaknesses in a positive way.
For example, if you’re shy, you could explain that this makes you a careful communicator who notices detail. Or, explain how you worked to improve a weakness, like using notes to stay organized.
3. Make Eye Contact
When you’re nervous, you might look away. But avoiding eye contact can make you seem unconfident. Try to look at interviewers calmly and speak with assurance. Practicing with friends or recording yourself can help.
4. Prepare Questions for the Employer
At the end of many interviews, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” This is actually a very important question. Use it to learn more about how the company treats employees, its goals, and what your role might be.
5. Create Your Own Practice Questions
In addition to the sample questions above, interviewers may ask questions based on your resume and cover letter. Reread your materials and imagine what you would ask if you were the interviewer.
Closing Note
Even for global roles like overseas marketing or sales, interviews in Korea are usually conducted in Korean. Since working with colleagues requires practical communication ability, practicing speaking and reviewing your past experience and company research beforehand can make interviews much more comfortable. We wish you success in your job search in Korea!
