Lotte looking to hire under reformed process

More than a dozen Lotte Group affiliates will begin accepting applications today for about 100 full-time entry-level jobs and internship positions, the group said Monday, adding that it plans to hire workers through a “spec-tackle audition” process.

In the first round, a candidate’s “specs” - his or her specifics and personal profile, including academic background, grades and qualifying test grades - will no longer be used as a measure of his or her suitability, according to Lotte.

Instead, applicants will submit a personal essay detailing their interests relevant to the position for which they are applying. Basic personal information such as nationality, address and phone number is also required.

In the second round, candidates will be asked to prepare for their interviews in an audition format, the group said.

Those applying for positions at Lotte Hotel, for instance, will be asked to participate in a cooking contest in which a Lotte Hotel chef will serve as the judge. Applicants for Lotte Mart must deliver compelling presentations on the discount retail chain’s private-brand products.

“We wanted to go beyond the ‘specs’ and find real talent out there who can deliver results creatively,” said a Lotte official in charge of human resources. “We hope to see a lot of talented and passionate individuals in the upcoming hiring process.”

Lotte will accept online applications from today to May 21 on its career website. Online applications will be reviewed, and select candidates will be invited to interview.

Final decisions will be unveiled by the end of June, according to Lotte.

Lotte’s upcoming hiring process is in line with its focus on candidate capability in real job settings, the company said. Since 2011, Lotte has eased minimum requirements for academic credentials.

During the most recent hiring session in April, it deleted sections on its applications requiring candidates to list extracurricular activities, awards and computer skills. Since 2010, Lotte has also held Lotte Idea Contests, in which award winners are given special consideration during the hiring process.

BY PARK JUNG-YOUN [park.jungyoun@joongang.co.kr]