Understanding the terminology related to hiring and recruitment is crucial whether you’re seeking employment in Korea or looking to hire Korean talent. This guide covers the essential Korean word for “hiring,” 채용 (chaeyong), along with related vocabulary, useful phrases for job seekers and employers, interview expressions, and cultural context surrounding the Korean job market.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 채용
Pronunciation: chae-yong
Meaning: Hiring, Recruitment
Basic Hiring Vocabulary
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Expression: 채용 공고
Pronunciation: chae-yong gong-go
Meaning: Job advertisement, Recruitment notice -
Expression: 지원자
Pronunciation: ji-won-ja
Meaning: Applicant -
Expression: 이력서
Pronunciation: i-ryeok-seo
Meaning: Resume, CV (Curriculum Vitae) -
Expression: 자기소개서
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae-seo
Meaning: Cover letter, Personal statement -
Expression: 면접
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop
Meaning: Interview -
Expression: 면접관
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop-gwan
Meaning: Interviewer -
Expression: 합격
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok
Meaning: Acceptance, Passing (an exam or screening) -
Expression: 불합격
Pronunciation: bul-hap-gyeok
Meaning: Rejection, Failure (an exam or screening) -
Expression: 신입사원
Pronunciation: sin-ip-sa-won
Meaning: New employee, Rookie -
Expression: 경력직
Pronunciation: gyeong-ryeok-jik
Meaning: Experienced hire -
Expression: 인사팀
Pronunciation: in-sa-tim
Meaning: Human Resources (HR) team -
Expression: 연봉
Pronunciation: yeon-bong
Meaning: Annual salary
Phrases for Job Seekers
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Expression: 채용 공고를 보고 지원합니다.
Pronunciation: chae-yong gong-go-reul bo-go ji-won-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I am applying after seeing the job advertisement. -
Expression: 이력서를 제출했습니다.
Pronunciation: i-ryeok-seo-reul je-chul-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I submitted my resume. -
Expression: 면접 기회를 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop gi-hoe-reul ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview. -
Expression: 언제 면접 결과가 나오나요?
Pronunciation: eon-je myeon-jeop gyeol-gwa-ga na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the interview results be announced? -
Expression: 이 직무에 관심이 많습니다.
Pronunciation: i jik-mu-e gwan-sim-i man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am very interested in this position. -
Expression: 저는 이 분야에서 5년의 경력이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun i bun-ya-e-seo o-nyeon-ui gyeong-ryeog-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I have 5 years of experience in this field. -
Expression: 귀사에서 일하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: gwi-sa-e-seo il-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to work at your company. -
Expression: 합격 통지를 받았습니다.
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok tong-ji-reul bad-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I received an acceptance notice. -
Expression: 입사일은 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: ip-sa-il-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the starting date? -
Expression: 연봉 협상이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: yeon-bong hyeop-sang-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is salary negotiation possible? -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 더 있나요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga deo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any other documents required?
Phrases for Employers/HR
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Expression: 저희는 현재 새로운 팀원을 채용하고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-neun hyeon-jae sae-ro-un tim-won-eul chae-yong-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We are currently hiring new team members. -
Expression: 채용 공고를 게시했습니다.
Pronunciation: chae-yong gong-go-reul ge-si-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have posted the job advertisement. -
Expression: 많은 지원자들이 지원했습니다.
Pronunciation: man-eun ji-won-ja-deur-i ji-won-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Many applicants have applied. -
Expression: 서류 심사를 진행 중입니다.
Pronunciation: seo-ryu sim-sa-reul jin-haeng jung-im-ni-da.
Meaning: We are currently reviewing the documents (resumes/applications). -
Expression: 면접 일정을 잡겠습니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop il-jeong-eul jap-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will schedule an interview. -
Expression: 면접은 다음 주 월요일입니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeob-eun da-eum ju wol-yo-il-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The interview is next Monday. -
Expression: 최종 합격자를 선정했습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-jong hap-gyeok-ja-reul seon-jeong-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have selected the final successful candidate. -
Expression: 합격/불합격 통지를 보낼 예정입니다.
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok/bul-hap-gyeok tong-ji-reul bo-nael ye-jeong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: We plan to send out the acceptance/rejection notices. -
Expression: 채용 절차는 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: chae-yong jeol-cha-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the hiring process? -
Expression: 어떤 자격 요건이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon ja-gyeok yo-geon-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: What qualifications are required? -
Expression: 이 포지션의 연봉은 얼마입니까?
Pronunciation: i po-ji-syeon-ui yeon-bong-eun eol-ma-im-ni-kka?
Meaning: What is the salary for this position? -
Expression: 우리 회사에 오신 것을 환영합니다.
Pronunciation: u-ri hoe-sa-e o-sin geo-seul hwan-yeong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Welcome to our company.
Interview Related Phrases
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Expression: 자기소개 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Please introduce yourself. -
Expression: 왜 우리 회사에 지원하셨나요?
Pronunciation: wae u-ri hoe-sa-e ji-won-ha-syeon-na-yo?
Meaning: Why did you apply to our company? -
Expression: 자신의 강점과 약점은 무엇이라고 생각하십니까?
Pronunciation: ja-sin-ui gang-jeom-gwa yak-jeom-eun mu-eos-i-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-sim-ni-kka?
Meaning: What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses? -
Expression: 이 직무에 필요한 역량은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?
Pronunciation: i jik-mu-e pil-yo-han yeok-ryang-eun mu-eos-i-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What skills do you think are necessary for this job? -
Expression: 스트레스는 어떻게 해소하시나요?
Pronunciation: seu-teu-re-seu-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-so-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: How do you relieve stress? -
Expression: 팀으로 일하는 것을 선호하시나요, 혼자 일하는 것을 선호하시나요?
Pronunciation: tim-eu-ro il-ha-neun geo-seul seon-ho-ha-si-na-yo, hon-ja il-ha-neun geo-seul seon-ho-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you prefer working in a team or working alone? -
Expression: 희망 연봉은 얼마입니까?
Pronunciation: hui-mang yeon-bong-eun eol-ma-im-ni-kka?
Meaning: What is your desired salary? -
Expression: 언제부터 근무 가능하신가요?
Pronunciation: eon-je-bu-teo geun-mu ga-neung-ha-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: When can you start working? -
Expression: 마지막으로 하고 싶은 말이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ma-ji-mak-eu-ro ha-go sip-eun mar-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any final remarks? -
Expression: 질문 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: jil-mun it-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any questions? -
Expression: 면접에 와주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: myeon-jeob-e wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for coming to the interview. -
Expression: 좋은 결과 있기를 바랍니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun gyeol-gwa it-gi-reul ba-ram-ni-da.
Meaning: We hope for a positive outcome. / I hope for a positive outcome.
Korean Culture Notes
Emphasis on “Specs” (스펙 – seu-pek): Korean hiring culture often places significant emphasis on an applicant’s “specs,” which include academic background (university prestige), GPA, English test scores (like TOEIC), certifications, internships, and sometimes even appearance. While changing, this background can still heavily influence initial screening.
Importance of the 자기소개서 (ja-gi-so-gae-seo): The cover letter or personal statement is often as important, if not more so, than the resume (이력서). It’s a chance to showcase personality, motivation, and alignment with the company’s values, going beyond just listing experiences.
Group Interviews: It’s not uncommon, especially for entry-level positions at large companies, to have group interviews where multiple candidates are interviewed simultaneously. This assesses teamwork, communication under pressure, and comparative strengths.
Company Culture Fit: Korean companies often value candidates who demonstrate loyalty, respect for hierarchy, and the ability to fit into the existing team dynamic (조직 문화 – jo-jik mun-hwa). Questions about teamwork and handling difficult interpersonal situations are common.
Formal Attire and Punctuality: Dressing formally (usually a suit) for interviews is standard practice, regardless of the company’s day-to-day dress code. Punctuality is extremely important; arriving 10-15 minutes early is advisable.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A job applicant (B) is having an interview with an HR manager (A).
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Expression: A: 김민지 씨, 안녕하세요. 면접에 와주셔서 감사합니다. 먼저 자기소개 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: gim-min-ji ssi, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. myeon-jeob-e wa-ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da. meon-jeo ja-gi-so-gae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Ms. Kim Minji, hello. Thank you for coming to the interview. First, please introduce yourself. -
Expression: B: 네, 안녕하십니까. 저는 김민지라고 합니다. 오늘 귀사의 마케팅 직무 면접 기회를 갖게 되어 영광입니다. 저는 대학에서 마케팅을 전공했고, 지난 3년간 IT 회사에서 디지털 마케팅 경험을 쌓았습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, an-nyeong-ha-sim-ni-kka. jeo-neun gim-min-ji-ra-go ham-ni-da. o-neul gwi-sa-ui ma-ke-ting jik-mu myeon-jeop gi-hoe-reul gat-ge doe-eo yeong-gwang-im-ni-da. jeo-neun dae-hak-e-seo ma-ke-ting-eul jeon-gong-haet-go, ji-nan sam-nyeon-gan IT hoe-sa-e-seo di-ji-teol ma-ke-ting gyeong-heom-eul ssa-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, hello. My name is Kim Minji. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to interview for your company’s marketing position today. I majored in marketing in university and have gained digital marketing experience at an IT company for the past three years. -
Expression: A: 네, 이력서 잘 보았습니다. 저희 회사에 지원하신 특별한 이유가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, i-ryeok-seo jal bo-at-seum-ni-da. jeo-hui hoe-sa-e ji-won-ha-sin teuk-byeol-han i-yu-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, I’ve reviewed your resume well. Is there a particular reason you applied to our company? -
Expression: B: 귀사는 혁신적인 기술과 고객 중심 경영으로 업계를 선도하고 있다고 생각합니다. 제가 가진 디지털 마케팅 역량을 통해 회사의 성장에 기여하고 싶어 지원하게 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: gwi-sa-neun hyeok-sin-jeo-gin gi-sul-gwa go-gaek jung-sim gyeong-yeong-eu-ro eop-gye-reul seon-do-ha-go it-da-go saeng-gak-ham-ni-da. je-ga ga-jin di-ji-teol ma-ke-ting yeok-ryang-eul tong-hae hoe-sa-ui seong-jang-e gi-yeo-ha-go sip-eo ji-won-ha-ge doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I believe your company leads the industry with innovative technology and customer-centric management. I wanted to contribute to the company’s growth using my digital marketing capabilities, which is why I applied. -
Expression: A: 좋습니다. 혹시 저희에게 질문 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: jo-seum-ni-da. hok-si jeo-hui-e-ge jil-mun i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Good. Do you happen to have any questions for us? -
Expression: B: 네, 입사하게 된다면 주로 협업하게 될 팀의 구성과 분위기가 궁금합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ip-sa-ha-ge doen-da-myeon ju-ro hyeob-eop-ha-ge doel tim-ui gu-seong-gwa bun-wi-gi-ga gung-geum-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, if I were to join the company, I’m curious about the composition and atmosphere of the team I would primarily collaborate with.
Practice Tips
Mastering hiring-related Korean takes practice! Try reviewing job postings (채용 공고) on Korean job boards to see how these terms are used in context~ Role-playing interview scenarios with a language partner or tutor can be incredibly helpful. Pay attention to formality levels when addressing interviewers or HR personnel. Good luck with your job search or hiring process in Korea!
