An international student came back from a job interview at a café and told me about it. "I think I messed up the interview. At the end, the owner asked, 'When can you start?' and I said, 'I'll go home and think about it.'" I was shocked. That question is effectively saying, "You're hired." ## That Question Is a Sign You Got the Job In Korea, part-time job interviews often don't involve waiting for a separate call to say you've been hired. Toward the end of the interview, if they ask, "Can you start next week?" the boss has already made up their mind. It's also a roundabout way of saying you're hired, because saying so directly feels a bit awkward. ## Why do they decide so quickly? At small shops, the owner hires people personally. There's no HR department, and no one in particular to tell you the results. On top of that, by the time people hire part-timers, they're often already short-handed. If they let someone they like get away, they have to start the search all over again, so they try to settle on a date right then and there. ## Try answering like this If you want the job, tell them a date right away. Something like "I can start tomorrow" or "I can come in from Saturday." If there are days you can't come because of classes, it's best to mention them at this point. If you bring it up later, your boss will be put in a difficult position. If you're waiting to hear back from other places, give a specific date, like "Would it be okay if I get back to you by tomorrow?" If you only say "I'll think about it," it can sound like a refusal. Lastly, international students may need a part-time work permit before starting a part-time job. Be sure to check with your school's international office or HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) before you start.