Blind hiring system to be implemented in public sector
Korea will be implementing a blind hiring system in the public sector starting this month, with plans to eventually expand into the private sector as well. Recruiters cannot ask potential employees to disclose where they attended school, where they were born, who they are related to, or what they look like. Vice Labor Minister Yi Sung-ki stated that the purpose of this plan is to ensure equal opportunity in the hiring process, which is so competitive in Korea that it is common practice for recruiters to ask job candidates questions about their personal appearance or relationships. With the blind hiring system, employers will only be able to see workers’ skills and job experience. Although the system has widespread support, some employers are concerned that without useful information such as educational history, they may not be hiring the best workers for the job. The government will release more detailed guidelines later this month.
See "Blind hiring system to be implemented in public sector", Ock Hyun-ju, The Korea Herald, July 5, 2017