Master Must-Know Words, Phrases, and Tips for a Successful Korean Job Interview (λ©΄μ )
In Korea, job interviews are more than just Q&Aβthey reflect how well you understand company culture, etiquette, and communication norms. Whether youβre applying for a full-time job, internship, or part-time position, learning the right Korean job interview vocabulary (λ©΄μ μ΄ν) and expressions is a game-changer.
π Must-Know Korean Vocabulary for Job Interviews
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| λ©΄μ | myeon-jeop | Interview |
| μ΄λ ₯μ | i-ryeok-seo | Resume |
| μκΈ°μκ°μ | ja-gi-so-gae-seo | Self-introduction letter |
| κ²½λ ₯ | gyeong-ryeok | Work experience |
| νλ ₯ | hak-ryeok | Academic background |
| μ§μμ | ji-won-seo | Application form |
| μ§μμ | ji-won-ja | Applicant |
| λ©΄μ κ΄ | myeon-jeop-gwan | Interviewer |
| ν©κ²© | hap-gyeok | Acceptance |
| λΆν©κ²© | bul-hap-gyeok | Rejection |
| μ§λ¬Έ | jil-mun | Question |
| λ΅λ³ | dap-byeon | Answer |
| ν¬λΆ | po-bu | Aspiration |
| κ°μ | gang-jeom | Strength |
| μ½μ | yak-jeom | Weakness |
| μΈμ | in-sang | Impression |
| 볡μ₯ | bok-jang | Attire |
| νλ | tae-do | Attitude |
| μ μ₯ | jeong-jang | Suit (formal attire) |
| μΈμ¬λ΄λΉμ | in-sa-dam-dang-ja | HR personnel |
π§βπΌ Useful Verbs & Phrases for Job Interviews
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| λ©΄μ μ λ³΄λ€ | myeon-jeop-eul bo-da | To have an interview |
| μ§μνλ€ | ji-won-ha-da | To apply |
| μκ°νλ€ | so-gae-ha-da | To introduce (oneself) |
| μ€λͺ νλ€ | seol-myeong-ha-da | To explain |
| μ§λ¬Ένλ€ | jil-mun-ha-da | To ask a question |
| λλ΅νλ€ | dae-dap-ha-da | To answer |
| κ²½λ ₯μ λ§νλ€ | gyeong-ryeok-eul mal-ha-da | To talk about experience |
| κ°μ μ λ§νλ€ | gang-jeom-eul mal-ha-da | To mention strengths |
| μ°λ½μ λ°λ€ | yeon-rak-eul bat-da | To receive a call |
| ν©κ²©νλ€ | hap-gyeok-ha-da | To pass (be accepted) |
π£οΈ Common Korean Interview Expressions
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μκΈ°μκ° λΆνλ립λλ€. | ja-gi-so-gae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da | Please introduce yourself. |
| μ μ΄ νμ¬μ μ§μνμ ¨λμ? | wae i hoe-sa-e ji-won-ha-syeot-na-yo? | Why did you apply to this company? |
| λ³ΈμΈμ κ°μ μ 무μμΈκ°μ? | bo-nin-ui gang-jeom-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo? | What are your strengths? |
| μ½μ μ΄ μλ€λ©΄ λ§μν΄ μ£ΌμΈμ. | yak-jeom-i it-da-myeon mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo | Please tell us a weakness. |
| 5λ ν λ³ΈμΈμ λͺ¨μ΅μ μ΄λ»κ² μμνλμ? | o-nyeon hu bo-nin-ui mo-seub-eul eo-tteo-ke ye-sang-ha-na-yo? | How do you see yourself in 5 years? |
| κ²½λ ₯μ λν΄ μ€λͺ ν΄ μ£ΌμΈμ. | gyeong-ryeok-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo | Please explain your work experience. |
| μ§λ¬Έ μμΌμ κ°μ? | jil-mun iss-eu-sin-ga-yo? | Do you have any questions? |
π Job Interview in Korea β Key Cultural Insights
π Dress Code Matters
- Wear μ μ₯ (formal suit)βusually dark colored.
- Simple, professional, and clean appearance (λ¨μ ν 볡μ₯) is expected.
β±οΈ Punctuality = First Impression
- Arrive 10β15 minutes early.
- Being late may lead to negative μΈμ (impression).
π£οΈ Speech Style
- Use μ‘΄λλ§ (polite language) at all times.
- Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and show κ²Έμ (humility) with confidence.
π Self-Introduction Structure
Typical μκΈ°μκ° includes:
- Name and background
- Education or experience
- Strengths
- Motivation for applying
- Closing statement
πΌ Common Interview Types
- 1:1 or Panel Interviews (λ€λμΌ λ©΄μ )
- Group discussions or PT λ©΄μ (presentation interview)
- Some include AI interviews or online λ©΄μ
ποΈ Bonus Vocabulary: Application & Hiring Process
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μ±μ© | chae-yong | Recruitment |
| κ΅¬μ§ | gu-jik | Job seeking |
| μΈν΄μ | in-teon-ship | Internship |
| μ±μ© κ³΅κ³ | chae-yong gong-go | Job posting |
| μλ₯ μ ν | seo-ryu jeon-hyeong | Document screening |
| λ©΄μ μ ν | myeon-jeop jeon-hyeong | Interview process |
| μ΅μ’ λ©΄μ | choe-jong myeon-jeop | Final interview |
| μ μ¬ | ip-sa | Joining a company |
| ν©κ²© ν΅λ³΄ | hap-gyeok tong-bo | Acceptance notice |
| λΆν©κ²© ν΅λ³΄ | bul-hap-gyeok tong-bo | Rejection notice |
π― Vocabulary Quiz
- How do you say βresumeβ in Korean?
- Translate: βPlease introduce yourself.β
- What does λ©΄μ κ΄ mean?
π¬ Leave your answers in the comments! Got a Korean job interview coming up? Good luck! π
π Want to Learn More?
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