The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Public firms move to disregard jobseekers’ academic records

By Kim Yon-se

Published : July 25, 2013 - 20:16

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Economic policymakers are considering introducing a fresh recruiting process for some state-funded agencies, which would not take previously-sought requirements, such as educational background and English proficiency test scores, into consideration.

The so-called “spec-free” recruitment system has been adopted by several conglomerates that officially place little significance on applicants’ credentials in their assessment.

According to officials at the Finance Ministry, the recruitment process could be applied at a the portion of 295 public firms as early as the first half of next year.

Instead of initially singling out a group of applicants based on the alma mater, academic performance or English scores listed on their resumes, public agencies may call for jobseekers to submit only basic personal information including age, sex and name on the Internet.

The applicants, then, are to undergo a variety of tests such as group discussions with their contenders or intensive in-person interviews as a practical test for job eligibility.

In addition, a 10-minute presentation, in which applicants introduce themselves to potential interviewers in a limited time span, may be adopted.

A business group earlier initiated a new recruiting process for its software and design division that does not involve taking an aptitude test.

The conglomerate recruits new employees solely based on their performance in interviews. The company said its goal was to recruit creative individuals through interviews that require exhibiting technical skills and producing ideas.

Another conglomerate hired some 800 interns, 400 of whom were selected without having to disclose their alma mater or GPA. Some of the interns had the opportunity to get a permanent position.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)