Once again, I find myself back in
Seoul – ASEM Tower, 16th Floor in a mobile room. I’m busy preparing
for the interview process that is about to take place for Oracle Korea’s GIP 7th
(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 1st
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
