Job seekers looking to join local food firm Sempio should buff up on another key skill before applying: using chopsticks.

Sempio said it will assess applicants’ skills using chopsticks as part of its recruitment interview process, which began Monday.

The firm said it has added a chopsticks evaluation for applicants to better understand company value and philosophy.

“We believe that chopstick usage represents Korea’s unique dining etiquette and culture. Chopsticks encompass the spirit of sharing with those you dine with,” said the spokesperson of Sempio.

The spokesperson declined to provide details on how the company plans to assess interviewees’ chopstick usage, as interviews are scheduled to take place until Friday. 

Sessions on chopstick usage have been included in Sempio’s training program for new staff since 2013, which the company said reflects its emphasis on the cutlery.

Applicants will undergo two rounds of executive interviews, a group cooking evaluation and a chopstick test.

Sempio has been evaluating interviewees’ teamwork, character, creativity and leadership through group cooking since 2000.

Final selectees will be announced Friday. 

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)