Were you surprised to see a job posting that says "photo, date of birth, and education required"? These items are common in Korea, so foreign applicants are often caught off guard. We'll show you why that is and how to get through it, through the stories of two people. ## Jimin, a Korean Jimin naturally includes her photo and age. In Korean organizations, the way people speak and the hierarchy change depending on age (an influence of the seniority-based culture). Education level is one way to judge alumni ties or trustworthiness, and photos help sort through many applications quickly. ## Mark, the Foreigner Mark finds requests for personal information unfamiliar. Companies may ask for it to screen documents and verify identity and education. For foreign degrees, many places require verification documents such as the original, a translation, and proof of graduation. If it feels like discrimination, contact the Ministry of Employment and Labor. ## Tips You Can Use Right Away 1) Check the job posting first: follow the file format, size, and submission method exactly. 2) For photos, use an upper-body shot, neat clothing, a solid-colored background, and avoid excessive retouching. 3) For education, write only the school's official name, major, and graduation status, and prepare the original, translation, and certificate for any foreign degree. 4) If you have questions, ask the contact listed in the posting or the HR manager directly, and if you suspect discrimination, check the guidance on the Ministry of Employment and Labor's website. ## Recent Changes Recently, some companies don't include educational background on resumes.