Once again, I find myself back in Seoul – ASEM Tower, 16^th Floor in a mobile room. I’m busy preparing for the interview process that is about to take place for Oracle Korea’s GIP 7^th (Graduate Intake Program): scheduling the first round interviews, organizing interview guidelines, educating interviewers on the process and framework and  getting all the logistics ready for the 1^st round interview.

Seoul or Korea rather is a fascinating place. Highly efficient, the utmost respect for seniors and results orientated. When students come in for an interview at first it was hard to tell them apart – there seems to be accepted interview attire that must be worn when attending an interview. Males and Females, all dress in black suits, with white shirts underneath – with males to wear simple and dark colored ties.

During the interview, they would all sit very upright, all would bow when entering the room, place their hands on the laps and very often they would hold minimal eye contact. They would project their voice loud to portray confidence, they would talk in the Korean formal dialect at all times and will treat every question, every moment with extreme clarity and the utmost professionalism.

When the interview concludes, they will all stand hands by their sides, bow 90 degrees and thank all the interviewers for their precious time and opportunity. As soon as they leave the interview room, I could hear all their sighs of relief and commended each other on their efforts.

More and more I learn about the Korean culture it inspires me. Their patriotism, their respect for each, their values, their appreciation, their motivation, their desires and passion – it truly was an experience for me (even as a recruiter) and can’t help but feel truly impressed and motivated to live for every moment.

Philip Yi

    Oracle Campus Recruiter