Successfully navigating a job interview in Korean requires not only language proficiency but also an understanding of cultural expectations. This guide provides essential Korean expressions and insights for preparing for and participating in a job interview in Korea, covering everything from initial research to post-interview follow-up.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase for discussing interview preparation.
- Expression: 면접 준비하기 (Myeonjeop junbihagi)
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop joon-bi-ha-gi
Meaning: Preparing for an interview (면접 = interview, 준비하기 = preparing/to prepare)
Basic Preparation Phrases
These phrases cover the essential steps before the interview day.
- Expression: 회사에 대해 조사하다 (Hoesa-e daehae josahada)
Pronunciation: hwe-sa-eh dae-hae jo-sa-ha-da
Meaning: To research about the company - Expression: 자기소개서를 준비하다 (Jagisogaeseo-reul junbihada)
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae-seo-reul joon-bi-ha-da
Meaning: To prepare a self-introduction letter/statement - Expression: 예상 질문을 연습하다 (Yesang jilmun-eul yeonseuphada)
Pronunciation: ye-sang jil-moon-eul yeon-seup-ha-da
Meaning: To practice expected questions - Expression: 면접 복장을 고르다 (Myeonjeop bokjang-eul goreuda)
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop bok-jang-eul go-reu-da
Meaning: To choose interview attire - Expression: 이력서를 검토하다 (Iryeokseo-reul geomtohada)
Pronunciation: i-ryeok-seo-reul geom-to-ha-da
Meaning: To review the resume/CV - Expression: 지원하는 직무를 이해하다 (Jiwonhaneun jingmu-reul ihaehada)
Pronunciation: ji-won-ha-neun jing-moo-reul i-hae-ha-da
Meaning: To understand the job position you are applying for - Expression: 면접 장소 가는 길을 확인하다 (Myeonjeop jangso ganeun gil-eul hwaginhada)
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop jang-so ga-neun gil-eul hwa-gin-ha-da
Meaning: To check the way to the interview location - Expression: 자신감을 갖다 (Jasingam-eul gatda)
Pronunciation: ja-shin-gam-eul gat-da
Meaning: To have confidence - Expression: 모의 면접을 하다 (Moui myeonjeop-eul hada)
Pronunciation: mo-ui myeon-jeop-eul ha-da
Meaning: To do a mock interview - Expression: 포트폴리오를 준비하다 (Poteupolrio-reul junbihada)
Pronunciation: po-teu-pol-li-o-reul joon-bi-ha-da
Meaning: To prepare a portfolio - Expression: 질문할 내용을 정리하다 (Jilmunhal naeyong-eul jeongnihada)
Pronunciation: jil-moon-hal nae-yong-eul jeong-ni-ha-da
Meaning: To organize questions to ask
During the Interview Phrases
Use these expressions while you are in the interview room.
- Expression: 안녕하십니까? 면접 보러 온 [이름]입니다. (Annyeonghasimnikka? Myeonjeop boreo on [ireum]imnida.)
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-shim-ni-kka? myeon-jeop bo-reo on [name]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Hello. I am [Name], here for the interview. - Expression: 만나 뵙게 되어 반갑습니다. (Manna boepge doeeo bangapseumnida.)
Pronunciation: man-na boep-ge dwe-eo ban-gap-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a pleasure to meet you. (Formal) - Expression: 네, 잘 들었습니다. (Ne, jal deureosseumnida.)
Pronunciation: ne, jal deu-reot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understood clearly. / Yes, I heard you well. - Expression: 질문에 답변드리겠습니다. (Jilmun-e dapbyeondeurigessseumnida.)
Pronunciation: jil-moon-eh dap-byeon-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will answer the question. - Expression: 제 강점은 [강점]입니다. (Je gangjeom-eun [gangjeom]imnida.)
Pronunciation: je gang-jeom-eun [strength]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: My strength is [strength]. - Expression: 이 회사에 기여하고 싶습니다. (I hoesa-e giyeohago sipseumnida.)
Pronunciation: i hwe-sa-eh gi-yeo-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I want to contribute to this company. - Expression: 질문 있으시면 편하게 물어보세요. (Jilmun isseusimyeon pyeonhage mureoboseyo.)
Pronunciation: jil-moon i-sseu-shi-myeon pyeon-ha-ge moo-reo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. (Said by interviewer, but good to understand) - Expression: 혹시 질문해도 괜찮을까요? (Hoksi jilmunhaedo gwaenchaneulkkayo?)
Pronunciation: hok-shi jil-moon-hae-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be alright if I asked a question? - Expression: 좋은 기회를 주셔서 감사합니다. (Joeun gihoe-reul jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.)
Pronunciation: jo-eun gi-hwe-reul joo-shyeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for giving me this great opportunity. - Expression: 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠습니까? (Dasi hanbeon malsseumhae jusigessseumnikka?)
Pronunciation: da-shi han-beon mal-sseum-hae joo-shi-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Could you please say that again? - Expression: 잠시 생각할 시간을 주시겠습니까? (Jamsi saenggakhal sigan-eul jusigessseumnikka?)
Pronunciation: jam-shi saeng-gak-hal shi-gan-eul joo-shi-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Could you please give me a moment to think? - Expression: 최선을 다하겠습니다. (Choeseon-eul dahagessseumnida.)
Pronunciation: chwe-seon-eul da-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will do my best.
Common Interview Questions
Be prepared to answer these typical questions asked during Korean interviews.
- Expression: 자기소개 부탁드립니다. (Jagisogae butakdeurimnida.)
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae boo-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Please introduce yourself. - Expression: 우리 회사에 지원한 동기가 무엇인가요? (Uri hoesa-e jiwonhan donggi-ga mueosingayo?)
Pronunciation: oo-ri hwe-sa-eh ji-won-han dong-gi-ga moo-eo-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is your motivation for applying to our company? - Expression: 본인의 강점과 약점은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (Bonin-ui gangjeom-gwa yakjeom-eun mueosirago saenggakhanayo?)
Pronunciation: bon-in-ui gang-jeom-gwa yak-jeom-eun moo-eo-shi-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses? - Expression: 해당 직무와 관련된 경험이 있나요? (Haedang jingmu-wa gwallyeondoen gyeongheom-i innayo?)
Pronunciation: hae-dang jing-moo-wa gwal-lyeon-dwen gyeong-heom-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any experience related to this position? - Expression: 스트레스는 어떻게 해소하나요? (Seuteureseu-neun eotteoke haesohanayo?)
Pronunciation: seu-teu-re-seu-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-so-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do you relieve stress? - Expression: 입사 후 포부가 무엇인가요? (Ipsa hu pobu-ga mueosingayo?)
Pronunciation: ip-sa hoo po-boo-ga moo-eo-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are your aspirations after joining the company? - Expression: 마지막으로 하고 싶은 말이 있나요? (Majimageuro hago sipeun mari innayo?)
Pronunciation: ma-ji-mak-eu-ro ha-go ship-eun mal-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any final remarks? - Expression: 희망 연봉은 얼마인가요? (Huimang yeonbong-eun eolmaingayo?)
Pronunciation: hwi-mang yeon-bong-eun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is your desired salary? - Expression: 언제부터 근무 가능하신가요? (Eonjebuteo geunmu ganeunghasingayo?)
Pronunciation: eon-je-boo-teo geun-moo ga-neung-ha-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: When can you start working? - Expression: 팀워크에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (Timwokeu-e daehae eotteoke saenggakhanayo?)
Pronunciation: tim-wo-keu-eh dae-hae eo-tteo-ke saeng-gak-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What do you think about teamwork? - Expression: 어려운 상황을 극복한 경험이 있나요? (Eoryeoun sanghwang-eul geukbokhan gyeongheom-i innayo?)
Pronunciation: eo-ryeo-oon sang-hwang-eul geuk-bok-han gyeong-heom-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you have experience overcoming a difficult situation?
Post-Interview Phrases
Expressions useful after the interview concludes.
- Expression: 오늘 면접 감사합니다. (Oneul myeonjeop gamsahamnida.)
Pronunciation: o-neul myeon-jeop gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the interview today. - Expression: 좋은 결과 기다리겠습니다. (Joeun gyeolgwa gidarigessseumnida.)
Pronunciation: jo-eun gyeol-gwa gi-da-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will wait for good results. - Expression: 결과는 언제쯤 알 수 있을까요? (Gyeolgwa-neun eonjejjeum al su isseulkkayo?)
Pronunciation: gyeol-gwa-neun eon-je-jjeum al soo i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: About when can I know the results? - Expression: 감사 이메일을 보내다 (Gamsa imeil-eul bonaeda)
Pronunciation: gam-sa i-me-il-eul bo-nae-da
Meaning: To send a thank-you email - Expression: 면접 결과에 대해 문의하다 (Myeonjeop gyeolgwa-e daehae munuihada)
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop gyeol-gwa-eh dae-hae moon-ui-ha-da
Meaning: To inquire about the interview result - Expression: 합격 통보를 받다 (Hapgyeok tongbo-reul batda)
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok tong-bo-reul bat-da
Meaning: To receive an acceptance notice - Expression: 불합격 통보를 받다 (Bulhapgyeok tongbo-reul batda)
Pronunciation: bool-hap-gyeok tong-bo-reul bat-da
Meaning: To receive a rejection notice - Expression: 다음 기회를 노리다 (Daeum gihoe-reul norida)
Pronunciation: da-eum gi-hwe-reul no-ri-da
Meaning: To aim for the next opportunity - Expression: 피드백을 요청하다 (Pideubaegeul yocheonghada)
Pronunciation: pi-deu-bae-geul yo-cheong-ha-da
Meaning: To request feedback - Expression: 면접 경험을 되돌아보다 (Myeonjeop gyeongheom-eul doedoraboda)
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop gyeong-heom-eul dwe-do-ra-bo-da
Meaning: To reflect on the interview experience
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points is crucial for a successful Korean job interview.
- Formality and Politeness (예의): Korean interviews are typically very formal. Use polite language (존댓말 – Jondaetmal) consistently. Address interviewers by their title (e.g., 팀장님 – Timjangnim, Manager) if known, or simply 면접관님 (Myeonjeopgwannim – Interviewer). Bowing when entering and leaving the room is standard etiquette.
- Punctuality (시간 엄수): Being on time is extremely important. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to compose yourself. Lateness is viewed very negatively.
- Appearance (용모): Dress conservatively and professionally. For men, a dark suit, white shirt, and tie are standard. For women, a suit (pants or skirt) or conservative dress is appropriate. Neatness is key.
- Hierarchy (서열): Korean society values hierarchy. Show respect to the interviewers, listen attentively, and avoid interrupting. Answer questions directly and respectfully.
- Group Harmony (조화): While showcasing individual strengths is important, emphasizing teamwork and how you can contribute to the group’s success is often well-received. Avoid overly aggressive self-promotion.
Real Conversation Example
This example demonstrates a brief exchange during a job interview.
Situation: An applicant is being interviewed for a marketing position.
Roles:
* A: 면접관 (Myeonjeopgwan) – Interviewer
* B: 지원자 (Jiwonja) – Applicant
- Expression: A: 김민지 씨, 우리 회사에 지원한 특별한 동기가 있습니까?
Pronunciation: A: gim-min-ji sshi, oo-ri hwe-sa-eh ji-won-han teuk-byeol-han dong-gi-ga it-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: A: Ms. Kim Minji, do you have a specific motivation for applying to our company? - Expression: B: 네, 귀사의 혁신적인 마케팅 전략에 깊은 인상을 받았고, 제 경험과 역량을 통해 회사 성장에 기여하고 싶어 지원하게 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gwi-sa-ui hyeok-shin-jeo-gin ma-ke-ting jeol-lya-ge gip-eun in-sang-eul ba-dat-go, je gyeong-heom-gwa yeok-ryang-eul tong-hae hwe-sa seong-jang-eh gi-yeo-ha-go ship-eo ji-won-ha-ge dwe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, I was deeply impressed by your company’s innovative marketing strategies, and I applied because I want to contribute to the company’s growth through my experience and capabilities. - Expression: A: 본인의 가장 큰 강점은 무엇이라고 생각하십니까?
Pronunciation: A: bon-in-ui ga-jang keun gang-jeom-eun moo-eo-shi-ra-go saeng-gak-ha-shim-ni-kka?
Meaning: A: What do you consider your greatest strength? - Expression: B: 저의 강점은 데이터 분석 능력과 창의적인 문제 해결 능력입니다. 이전 직장에서 데이터 기반 캠페인을 통해 매출을 15% 증가시킨 경험이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: B: jeo-ui gang-jeom-eun de-i-teo boon-seok neung-ryeok-gwa chang-ui-jeo-gin moon-je hae-gyeol neung-ryeo-gim-ni-da. i-jeon jik-jang-e-seo de-i-teo gi-ban kaem-pe-in-eul tong-hae mae-chool-eul ship-o-peu-ro jeung-ga-shi-kin gyeong-heom-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: My strengths are data analysis skills and creative problem-solving abilities. In my previous job, I have experience increasing sales by 15% through data-driven campaigns. - Expression: A: 좋습니다. 마지막으로 하고 싶은 말씀 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: A: jo-seum-ni-da. ma-ji-ma-geu-ro ha-go ship-eun mal-sseum i-sseu-shin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Alright. Do you have any final remarks? - Expression: B: 오늘 귀한 시간을 내어 면접 기회를 주셔서 진심으로 감사합니다. 꼭 함께 일하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: B: o-neul gwi-han shi-gan-eul nae-eo myeon-jeop gi-hwe-reul joo-shyeo-seo jin-shim-eu-ro gam-sa-ham-ni-da. kkok ham-kke il-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Thank you sincerely for taking your valuable time to give me this interview opportunity today. I truly hope to work together.
Practice Tips
Mastering these expressions takes practice~! Here are some tips:
- Mock Interviews: Practice with a friend, mentor, or language partner. Simulate the interview environment!
- Record Yourself: Record yourself answering common questions in Korean. Listen back to check pronunciation and fluency~.
- Flashcards: Create flashcards for key vocabulary and phrases. Review them regularly.
- Shadowing: Listen to native speakers in interview scenarios (e.g., on YouTube) and repeat what they say.
- Cultural Immersion: Watch Korean dramas or movies featuring office settings to observe formal interactions.
Consistent practice and cultural awareness will significantly boost your confidence for your Korean job interview. 화이팅 (Hwaiting – You can do it)!
