[1차 면접] 삼양라운드스퀘어 외국인 유학생 채용

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[Samyang Roundsquare]

1. Why does Samyang Roundsquare hire foreign students?
Samyang Roundsquare strives to evolve into a youthful and global company. Based on the global success of Buldak Bokkeummyeon, the company recognizes the importance of reflecting consumer opinions from various countries to develop new global core products. When changing the company's name, surveys were conducted in key markets to focus on the voices of global customers.
Hiring foreign students allows the company to deeply incorporate global consumer feedback, enhance the efficiency of managing overseas subsidiaries and distribution channels, and better understand the characteristics, patterns, and cultures of overseas markets to develop strategies tailored to each region.

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2. [Samyang Foods Subsidiaries Overview]

- Japan Subsidiary (Established in 2019)

• Main Products: Imported ready-to-sell products such as noodles and sauces manufactured in Korea.
• Sales: Cumulative sales of ¥650 million for Q1 2024 (up 2.2% YoY).
• Strategies:
  • Enhance product awareness through K-FOOD marketing activities.
  • Improve distribution structure and secure new clients.
  • Strengthen the market base by expanding direct transactions in Japan.
  • Increase sales by diversifying portfolios and launching new products.

- China Subsidiary (Operations Began: February 2022)

• Main Products: Buldak Bokkeummyeon, sauces, etc.
• Sales: Cumulative sales of 500 million yuan in Q1 2024.
• Strategies:
  • Expand online and offline sales channels.
  • Activate new entries into snack channels and regional coverage.
  • Diversify products tailored to Chinese consumers (e.g., Carbo Cream Cheese Chicken seasoning).
  • Increase brand recognition by expanding the sales of Buldak sauces and noodles.

- US Subsidiary (Currently Stabilizing After Establishment)

• Main Products: Noodles, snacks, sauces, and other domestically produced products.
• Sales: $56.5 million in Q1 2024 (up 209.8% YoY).
• Strategies:
  • Already entered Walmart and Costco; planning to expand to additional major retailers.
  • Expect sales growth through securing stable operations and distribution channels.

- Indonesia Subsidiary (Full-Scale Import and Distribution Began: March 2024)

• Sales: 35,988 million rupiah in Q1 2024 (up 404% QoQ).
• Strategies:
  • Significant sales growth during the Islamic holiday "Lebaran" due to increased supply.
  • Expand distribution network by entering new markets.

- Netherlands Subsidiary (August 2024)

• The Netherlands was chosen for its excellent infrastructure for trade, investment, information, and services to improve logistics efficiency across the European market.
• Samyang Foods plans to expand the export volume of key products like Buldak Bokkeummyeon using the European subsidiary as a base.
• Samyang's share of European exports has steadily increased from 6% in 2019 to 11% in 2021, and 16% last year.

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3. How does a Samyang Roundsquare interview proceed?

Interview Details (Based on Buddies' Predictions, Actuals May Vary):

- Duration: Within 20 minutes.

- Structure: 1 Buddy with 2-3 interviewers.

- Content:

• Questions are primarily based on the resume and cover letter, with potential common questions.
• Tailored questions often follow a structured interview format based on past experiences.
• Likely to ask about personal experiences or projects.

- Characteristics:

• Most 20-minute interviews involve basic Korean language testing and core experience questions, often considered "easy interviews."
• For foreign students, questions involving creative ideas are frequent, such as those related to food culture.

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[4. What questions might arise in a Samyang Roundsquare interview?]

The initial phase of any interview typically includes common questions. These are followed by job-specific questions for Samyang Roundsquare. Below is a comprehensive list, including those from a similar company, Ottogi:

[Ottogi Example Questions]

1. Why did you choose to study in Korea?
2. What do you think about Ottogi's management philosophy?
3. Can you introduce yourself in English?
4. Could you share a book you’ve recently read?
5. Can you describe your current university?
6. Why did you change your major between your undergraduate and graduate studies?
7. Have you ever performed interpretation for foreign individuals during external activities?
8. What are your thoughts on Ottogi's branding and marketing strategies?
9. How familiar are you with Ottogi’s products?
10. Why did you apply for this position?
11. Do you enjoy cooking?
12. (For those switching careers) Why did you decide to change jobs?
13. (For those switching careers) Can you explain your current role?
14. How would you propose to grow Ottogi into a global brand?
15. Would you be willing to work abroad for two years after joining Ottogi?
16. Would you be okay with being assigned to a different position?
17. Do you have any questions for the interviewers?
18. Why did you pursue your undergraduate studies abroad and graduate studies in Korea?
19. What activities did you engage in during your gap years (e.g., preparing for Ottogi)?
20. Do you have a favorite Ottogi product? If so, why, and how could it be improved?
21. Why did you apply for a position unrelated to your academic major?
22. How many foreign languages can you speak?
23. How would you market Ottogi’s products in a specific country?
24. What are your thoughts on commuting distance? Did you face challenges while preparing for a Korean-language certification?

[2024 Second Half Sample Interview Questions]

25. What is your favorite ramen, and why?
26. Apart from other brands, do you have a favorite Ottogi ramen?
27. Compared to competitors, what do you think is Ottogi ramen’s strength?
28. Based on your abilities, how would you contribute to the company’s growth in this position?

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[Essential Preparation Topics]

1. Please introduce yourself in one minute.
2. As a foreigner, what challenges do you anticipate when working in a Korean company?
3. How would you overcome those challenges?
4. Compare yourself to one of Samyang Foods' products and introduce yourself accordingly.
5. What thoughts come to mind when you hear the name "Samyang Roundsquare"?
6. Do you know anything about Samyang Roundsquare?
7. Where did you find the job posting? (Jokingly: "From Buddies, right? Haha.")
8. Why did you apply to Samyang Roundsquare?
9. Why did you choose Samyang over other food companies?
10. Which specific area do you hope to learn about during this internship?
11. If given the internship, what kind of work do you think you would handle?
12. How would you react if assigned to a position other than your applied role?
13. In what ways can you contribute to our company?
14. Apart from Buldak Bokkeummyeon, can you name three of our products?
15. Do you enjoy cooking?
16. What are your thoughts on overseas assignments post-employment?
17. Are you willing to take on different roles during your internship?
18. Have you seen Samyang Roundsquare products in supermarkets or convenience stores?
19. What do people in your country think about Samyang Roundsquare’s brand image?
20. Apart from Buldak Bokkeummyeon, have you noticed any other Samyang products in your country?
21. Can you identify a Samyang product that you think would sell well in your country?
22. How can Samyang Roundsquare increase its market share in your country?
23. What type of Korean food do you think would sell well in your country?
24. Are there any Korean dishes that might not appeal to your country’s market?
25. What are some differences in eating habits between people in your country and Koreans?
26. Have you come across any recent news about Samyang Roundsquare? What was it about?
27. Have you tried Samyang products? What were your thoughts?
28. What do you think are the disadvantages of Samyang products?
29. If you were to develop a new product for Samyang, what would it be?

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[Overseas Sales]

For non-English-speaking overseas sales candidates, prepare for an English interview.

• For example: Choose a product from Samyang Foods and explain it to a buyer or family member.
• Or: Explain Samyang Foods to a buyer or family member.

Introduction, strengths, and weaknesses of your character are essential.

Samyang Foods' overseas sales role is primarily focused on B2B exports.

• Compared to other large companies, the scope of work is extensive.
• Responsibilities include exporting domestically produced products to assigned regions, ensuring smooth operations by collaborating with production, logistics, and marketing teams.
• Analyzing local market trends, formulating strategies to increase sales, managing partners, and overseeing effective export operations are part of the job.
• Simply put, the role involves handling all sales-related tasks in the assigned country.

The sales approach differs based on the presence of a local subsidiary:

1. Direct Sales: Identify and secure new contracts through direct sales activities.
2. Subsidiary Sales: Collaborate with local subsidiaries, leveraging their networks and resources.

Essential Skills for Overseas Sales:

1. Understanding and analyzing overseas markets:
   • Analyze market trends in assigned regions and develop appropriate strategies.
2. Project management and coordination:
   • Collaborate with various departments (production, logistics, marketing) to ensure seamless export processes and coordinate schedules and plans.
3. Distribution channel management:
   • Manage local distributors and partners, maintaining close relationships and driving sales growth.

[Samyang Roundsquare Overseas Sales Interview Questions]

1. What does sales mean to you?
2. How would you handle being assigned to a country other than your own?
3. If Samyang Roundsquare were to expand to a new country, which one would you suggest?
4. During your time in Korea, which Samyang Roundsquare product left the most impression on you?
5. Apart from Buldak Bokkeummyeon, which Samyang product would you promote in your country, and why?
6. What improvements could be made when selling Samyang products, including Buldak Bokkeummyeon, in your country?
7. Have you thought of any strategies for promoting Samyang Roundsquare products in your country?
8. Compared to competitors, what do you think are Samyang Roundsquare's strengths?
9. What do you see as Samyang Roundsquare's weaknesses?
10. What challenges do you foresee in overseas sales roles?
11. If expanding to a new country, which distribution channels (e.g., large marts, online, convenience stores) would you prioritize, and why?
12. Would you prioritize sales that benefit customers or those that benefit Samyang Roundsquare?
13. How would you explain the differences between B2B and B2C sales?
14. What are your career goals or aspirations after joining?
15. What food from your country do you think Koreans would enjoy?
16. What is the most popular product in your country, and what makes it stand out?

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[Marketing]

- For non-English-speaking marketing candidates, please also prepare for an English interview.

• For example, if you were to choose one of Samyang Foods’ products to explain to your family, what would it be?
• Or, if you were to explain Samyang Foods to your family, how would you do it?

- Introducing yourself, your strengths, and the strengths and weaknesses of your character are essential.

[Marketing Department Structure at Samyang Foods]

Samyang Foods’ marketing department is divided into the following areas:

1. Package Design
2. Marketing Communication
3. BM (Brand Manager)
4. Data Science

However, based on job descriptions, it seems more likely that candidates will be placed in the BM (Brand Manager) or Data Science roles.

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[BM (Brand Manager)]

- Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire process from product planning to launch and marketing strategy development.
• Plan products that meet consumer needs through market research and consumer analysis while establishing sales strategies.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, manufacturing, and communication departments to maximize product sales.
• Coordinate tasks related to logistics and distribution.

- Goals

• Generate actual profits from products and lead the global market with K-FOOD branding by identifying and launching competitive items.

- Necessary Skills

• Strategic thinking, negotiation abilities, and effective communication skills.

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[Data Science]

- Responsibilities

• Analyze consumer trends and data to provide insights for new product development and marketing strategies.
• Evaluate consumer behavior patterns, brand recognition, and market changes to propose strategies that enhance the competitiveness of company products.
• Identify continuous improvement points through performance analysis.

- Characteristics

• Contribute to accurate marketing performance evaluations and the establishment of future strategies through data-driven decision-making.
• Support new products in successfully penetrating the market after their launch.

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[Core Skills for Marketing Roles]

- Data Analysis Skills

1. The ability to interpret consumer trends and market data to create effective strategies.

- Teamwork and Communication

1. Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure smooth project execution.

- Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

1. Quickly analyze market changes and devise creative, actionable strategies to promote brand growth.

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[Sample Marketing Interview Questions for Samyang Roundsquare]

1. What does marketing mean to you?
2. As a foreigner, how would you contribute to Samyang Roundsquare’s marketing role?
3. Is there a product from Samyang Foods that you would like to develop for your country’s market?
4. Why do you want to develop that product?
5. Can you suggest ways to improve the sales performance of an existing Samyang Foods product in your country?
6. Why do you think Buldak Bokkeummyeon has become a globally loved product?
7. If you were to market a Samyang Foods product in your country or globally, what strategies would you use?
8. What kind of efforts should a marketer make to create a product as successful as Buldak Bokkeummyeon?
9. Have you seen any recent marketing campaigns or advertisements by Samyang Roundsquare?
10. In your country, how do you perceive the scale, distribution structure, and product competitiveness of Samyang Roundsquare’s competitors? (This is a difficult question and can be prepared if time permits.)
11. Who are the key competitors of Samyang Roundsquare in your country?
12. Have you come across any recent advertisements or campaigns from competitors or Samyang Roundsquare that caught your attention?
13. Can you recall any recent issues or news about Samyang Roundsquare?
14. What Samyang Roundsquare product stands out the most to you?
15. What image do you have of that product or brand?
16. If you were to sell that product in your country, how would you do it?
17. If you were assigned as a marketing project manager for your country, what kind of marketing project would you like to lead?
18. What products from Samyang Roundsquare are currently being sold in your country?
19. Have you seen any marketing promotions for Samyang Roundsquare in your country?
20. What issues or improvements can you suggest for these promotions?
21. What are your thoughts on global and local food trends?
22. Have you noticed any trendy restaurants recently? Why do you think they are trending?
23. Which product from Samyang Foods or a competitor has left the greatest impression on you?
24. What do you think is the most important aspect of this role?
25. Which product from Samyang Roundsquare would you like to manage in a marketing capacity?
26. What marketing strategies would appeal to Gen Z in your country?
27. What are the key characteristics of Gen Z in your country?
28. What is the current state of the food industry or FMCG sector in your country?
29. Which FMCG company in your country is currently excelling in marketing?
30. If Samyang Foods were to expand to your country, which product do you think would be most suitable, and how would you market it?
31. What is the largest food company in your country, and how do they conduct their marketing?
32. (If Samyang is already in your country) Have you seen any Samyang Foods marketing? What are their shortcomings?
33. How would you increase Samyang’s market share in your country?

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[R&D]

The Role of the R&D Department
The R&D department at Samyang Foods plays a pivotal role in increasing the company’s product competitiveness by developing new products and improving existing ones.

- Conduct research on new materials, ensure quality control, and optimize processes to guarantee product safety and efficiency.

- Develop food products aligned with market trends and consumer demands.

- Continuously manage product quality through experiments and analyses.

- Support overseas market expansion by developing products that comply with global regulations.

Divisions Within the Food R&D Sector

- Pure R&D: Focuses on fundamental scientific research.

- Marketing-Linked R&D: Collaborates with the marketing team to develop food products based on market trends and consumer needs.

• Most foreign hires are placed in marketing-linked R&D rather than pure R&D.
• This division focuses on commercialization rather than academic research.

Key Responsibilities in Marketing-Linked R&D

- Not a role for technical analysis or process design.

- Tasks include: [Product Concept Design] → [Formula Development in R&D Lab] → [Mass Production].

[Sample R&D Interview Questions for Samyang Roundsquare]

1. What are the unique points of differentiation in Samyang Foods' products compared to competitors?
2. Can you explain the thesis or research you wrote?
3. Could you describe your research field?
4. How can your research expertise contribute to Samyang Foods?
5. Are you more interested in pure R&D or marketing-linked R&D?
6. Is there a particular product you would like to develop if hired?
7. If you could improve one Samyang Foods product for your country, which one would it be and why?
8. What do you find lacking in Samyang Foods' current products?
9. How would you handle being assigned to the marketing department instead of R&D?
10. Is there a Samyang product you particularly like? If so, why, and how could it be improved?
11. Do you enjoy cooking?
12. Revisit your teamwork experiences!
13. Are you comfortable working in a location outside of Seoul?

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[Business Management]

The Role of the Business Management and Strategic Planning Team
The Business Management and Strategic Planning Team at Samyang Foods is responsible for establishing strategic goals to achieve the company’s vision and identifying and solving key tasks for overseas business growth in a global management environment.

• Review investments in existing and new businesses.
• Resolve interdepartmental collaboration issues.
• Support strategic decision-making for management by allocating limited resources efficiently.
• Simplified: This department creates reports for management on new market entry and investment strategies.

The Role of Foreign Students in Business Management/Development
Foreign students primarily contribute through market research and communication with local networks.

- During the market research phase:

• Produce basic materials for strategy development in a global management environment based on the culture, trends, and local market information of the respective country.

[Sample Business Management Interview Questions for Samyang Roundsquare]

1. Why did you choose business management as your field?
2. What do you think is the role of a business management professional?
3. As a foreigner, what aspects of Korean corporate culture would you change, and why?
4. What skills are most important for business management, and how have you developed these skills?
5. How would you manage employees from diverse cultural backgrounds effectively?
6. Can you share an experience where you overcame cultural differences through teamwork?
7. What welfare policies could improve foreign students' work satisfaction?
8. Are there any unique welfare programs from your country that you could introduce?
9. Have you taken any business-related courses or internships? What was your role in them?
10. What data should Samyang Foods analyze when expanding to a new country?
11. What product categories could be added to Samyang's portfolio for new business expansion?
12. How can Samyang's global business strategy be improved?
13. Which country would you recommend for Samyang’s next market entry?
14. Do you have any ideas to help Samyang Roundsquare grow in your country?
15. What do you know about Samyang’s affiliates and global business units?

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[Finance/Fund Management]

Main Tasks for Foreign Students
The primary tasks for foreign students in the finance department include managing overseas subsidiary funds and mitigating foreign exchange risks.

• For most foreign students and new employees, this field may be unfamiliar, so interview questions are typically based on the cover letter.
• Key tasks include:
  • Management of overseas subsidiary performance,
  • Analysis of financial market trends,
  • Networking with financial institutions in their respective countries.

[Overseas Subsidiary Performance Management]

1. Monthly management of overseas subsidiaries’ sales, profits, assets, liquidity, and key issues.
2. Quarterly and annual management of financial status and business performance.

[Samyang Roundsquare Finance Interview Questions]

Basic Questions:

1. What was your major in school, and why did you choose it?
2. Have you taken courses in finance or accounting? If so, what specific topics did you study?
3. What was the most challenging course you took, and why?
4. Among your major courses, which one are you most confident in, and what achievements did you accomplish in it?
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
6. Have you reviewed Samyang Foods’ financial statements? If so, what aspects stood out to you?
7. What tasks do you expect to handle in this role?
8. How would you respond if your supervisor assigned you an unreasonable task?
9. Do you have any experience related to this role, and how could that experience help you here?
10. Why did you choose the finance department over other departments?
11. Have you worked on team projects during your studies? What did you learn from those experiences?

Advanced Questions (For Extra Preparation):

1. How would exchange rate fluctuations impact Samyang Foods’ sales, and what basic strategies could mitigate this risk? (Answer: Currency hedging)
2. What do you think is the biggest financial challenge for Samyang Foods’ overseas subsidiaries, and how would you address it? (Answer: Exchange rate fluctuations and foreign exchange risk)
3. When entering a new market, what data should Samyang Foods collect and analyze to ensure successful entry? (Answer: Inflation rate, economic growth rate, and consumer purchasing power indices)
4. What financial indicators are critical when analyzing the profitability of Samyang Foods in foreign markets? Why? (Answer: Gross profit margin, operating profit margin, and cash flow)
5. What financial products could be used to efficiently raise funds in foreign markets? (Answer: Domestic corporate loan systems, etc.)

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[Supply Chain Management (SCM)]

The Role of SCM (Procurement/Supply Chain Management)
The SCM role involves overseeing the entire supply chain, managing everything from production and sales to logistics and distribution.

• Primary Goal: Ensure smooth delivery of products to customers by integrating and managing demand, sales, production, procurement, and logistics plans.
• Focus: Cost reduction and operational efficiency.

[Key Tasks in SCM]

1. Production Planning
   • Forecast demand based on overseas sales data to plan production.
   • Develop production policies and enhance efficiency by allocating resources according to production schedules.
2. Inventory Planning and Management
   • Continuously monitor inventory levels to prevent aging inventory.
   • Minimize unnecessary inventory costs and optimize logistics to reduce losses and ensure timely delivery.
   • Prepare supply responses based on SKU-specific demand analysis and manage demand for new or revised products proactively.

[Samyang’s SCM Strategy]
Unlike most companies that expand their overseas production lines, Samyang Foods has chosen to expand its domestic production base.

• This approach leverages the “Made in Korea” premium.
• For example, while Nongshim and Ottogi have production bases in countries like the U.S. and Vietnam, Samyang’s decision to build a new Buldak factory in Miryang is a unique strategy to meet growing overseas demand.

[Samyang Roundsquare SCM Interview Questions]

Basic Questions:

1. Do you know what tasks are handled by Samyang’s SCM team?
2. If there’s a gap between production volume and targets, how would you address it?
3. Do you know where Samyang’s factories are located in Korea?
4. What was your major in school, and why did you choose it?
5. Have you taken any courses related to production or operations management?
6. Which major subject are you most confident in, and what achievements did you make in that course?
7. Have you taken any courses relevant to the SCM role?
8. What skills are essential for SCM, and how have you developed them?
9. Can you share an experience where you successfully resolved a conflict?
10. Have you creatively solved a problem before? Can you provide an example?
11. Do you know what products Samyang manufactures?
12. Are you comfortable working in a location outside of Seoul?

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[Human Resources (HR)]

Role of HR in Corporate Support
HR involves overseeing recruitment, workforce management, evaluation, compensation, and payroll, while aligning talent management with company strategy.

• Improve work environments and operate welfare programs to build a positive organizational culture.
• HR professionals act as:
  1. Strategic Partners to management.
  2. Employee Champions to staff.

Key Skills Required for HR:

• Diligence, analytical skills, and effective communication in a global environment.

[Responsibilities in Global Talent Management]

1. Global Talent Recruitment
   • Recruit and manage foreign students.
2. Establishment of Overseas Subsidiary Recruitment Systems
   • Build HR systems to support recruitment in overseas subsidiaries.

[Samyang Roundsquare HR Interview Questions]

Basic Questions:

1. Why did you choose HR as your field?
2. What does HR mean to you?
3. As a foreigner, what aspects of Korean corporate culture would you change, and why?
4. What do you think is the most critical skill for HR, and how have you developed it?
5. How would you effectively manage employees from diverse cultural backgrounds?
6. Have you overcome cultural differences and worked collaboratively in a team?
7. What welfare policies could improve job satisfaction for foreign students?
8. Are there unique welfare programs in your country that could be introduced to Samyang?
9. Have you taken HR-related courses or internships? What roles did you play?
10. How would you train and develop foreign employees to strengthen their skills?
11. Do you have experience in clubs or academic societies? What did you learn from them?

Advanced Question:

1. What are the major differences between Korean labor laws and those in your country?

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