✨ Why Was I Constantly Rejected in the Document Screening?
Hello, I'm Nicole. I successfully found a job in Korea after studying here, and I'm currently working my dream job. However, to get to this point, I experienced the "bitter taste of rejection" countless times.
I used to think my credentials (specs) were lacking. But I later realized that it wasn't my "specs" but rather resume-writing mistakes stemming from a "lack of understanding" of Korean-style recruiting culture that was holding me back. Hoping that talented foreign friends, like myself, won't miss opportunities because of their resumes, I will now share the 10 most common mistakes I painfully learned that foreign applicants make on their Korean job applications, along with my success tips!
🎯 10 Resume Mistakes Most Foreigners Make
1. Lack of Understanding of the Format & Mixing Korean/English 🙅♀️
My Mistake: Korean companies require a Korean-style resume (Iryeokseo) and cover letter (Jikoseogae). At first, I structured the sections my own way, following the English resume style. I particularly lacked an understanding of unique Korean cover letter sections like 'Growth Background' or 'Motivation for Application.' Also, mixing Korean and English expressions looks very unnatural.
💡 Solution: Become familiar with the standard Korean corporate resume format and unify all content in natural Korean. It is also important to clearly distinguish the role and purpose of the resume and the cover letter.
2. The Pitfall of Cover Letter Plagiarism and Automatic Translation 🤖
My Mistake: Even with TOPIK Level 6, Korean can still be awkward, or due to lack of time, I used Papago or Google Translate, or tried to use the exact style of someone else's cover letter. The results were disastrous. Unnatural Korean expressions from translation tools are immediately read by HR as a 'lack of sincerity.'
💡 Solution: It's good to use a translator for grammar checks to catch basic errors, but don't assume the translator will make it perfectly correct. Translators are good at catching grammatical errors, but they may struggle to fix nuances or make the expressions contextually natural in Korean. Therefore, getting help from AI is a good choice. AI tools can greatly assist in not only catching grammar or awkward expressions but also in creating more natural and sophisticated Korean phrasing. Since AI can compensate for parts that humans might easily miss, using AI to polish your sentences before final submission can result in a more complete cover letter! And before final submission, you must read and check it thoroughly yourself multiple times to meticulously verify spelling, spacing, and grammatical errors. This is the basic way HR assesses the 'applicant's meticulousness'!
3. Lack of 'Specific Descriptions' of Experience 📉
My Mistake: I only listed vague expressions like, 'I actively participated in marketing activities,' or 'I communicated with a cooperative attitude.'
💡 Solution: You must describe your experiences focusing on "concrete actions, achievements, and quantified results." (Example) "During my internship, I planned/produced 100 SNS content pieces, which increased monthly website traffic by 30%."
4. Submitting the 'Same Resume' to All Companies 📑
My Mistake: I used a generic resume with the idea of 'making one and sending it to everyone.' HR felt that I lacked genuine interest in their company.
💡 Solution: "Customize" your resume and cover letter to match each company's mission, core values, and the specific job you are applying for. The 'Motivation for Application' (지원 동기) in particular should be written specifically and clearly.
5. Inconsistency in Career/Education Periods & Ambiguous Distinction 📅
My Mistake: I made mistakes like not accurately separating the dates for part-time, internship, and full-time experience, or having overlapping/missing periods in my education history. These can confuse HR.
💡 Solution: Accurately list all career and education periods, and meticulously check for any overlap or omission, especially by using the format familiar to Koreans (YYYY.MM ~ YYYY.MM).
6. 'Exaggeration' and 'Vague Expressions' of Language Skills 🔠🗣
My Mistake: I vaguely expressed my Korean ability as 'High,' or 'Upper-Mid,' etc.
💡 Solution: Presenting your existing official certificates (e.g., TOPIK score) or specific examples of language usage is much more persuasive.
7. Excessive Inclusion of Content 'Irrelevant' to the Job 🗑️
My Mistake: I included too much irrelevant experience, skills, or unnecessary personal information, which buried the truly important information.
💡 Solution: Concisely structure your resume, focusing on experience, skills, and competencies that will directly benefit the job you are applying for.
8. Failure to Clearly State Visa Type/Status and Nationality 🛂
My Mistake: I did not clearly state essential information for foreigners like my visa status (D-2, D-10, F-4, etc.) or nationality, causing unnecessary confusion or misunderstandings during the hiring process.
💡 Solution: Accurately write your visa type and status, nationality, and Korean language proficiency at the top of your resume or in a clearly separated section.
9. Inaccurate or Unprofessional Contact Information 📞
My Mistake: I failed to update my contact information (phone number, email address, current residence) to the latest, or I used an unprofessional email address like '@bunnygirl123'.
💡 Solution: Your contact information must be accurate and up-to-date, and your email address should use a professional format that includes your name.
10. Insufficient Emphasis on Korean 'Cooperation/Humility Attitude' 🤝
My Mistake: Since I was writing my resume for my first job in Korea, I didn't know what to emphasize, and I overly stressed individual achievements gained through 'challenge' and 'competition.'
💡 Solution: Korean corporate culture highly values cooperative and humble attitudes like 'communication,' 'collaboration,' and 'consideration.' It is good to emphasize stories where you demonstrated teamwork along with your individual achievements.
🚀 Tips for Winning the Interview After Passing the Resume Screening!
If you have perfectly completed your resume and cover letter, the next step is the interview. As a foreigner, your advantage in the interview is the ability to appeal to "cultural diversity."
In the interview, be sure to remember the following:
Korean Proficiency: Demonstrate the fluent and confident Korean ability you claimed in your documents.
Passion for the Job: Prepare clear and specific answers for why this company and this job are the right fit for you.
Cultural Adaptability: It is crucial to show an active attitude that you are "ready to quickly understand Korean culture and integrate into the team."
I sincerely hope you can reduce your trial and error and then succeed in finding a job in Korea by utilizing these tips, just like I did! Fight for your way! 💪 If you have any more questions, please leave a comment! 😊🤗