[Edaily Reporter KIM EUNG-TAE ] As the job market remains tight amid high inflation, an increasing number of Gen Z job seekers are cutting back on spending to focus on job preparation. Job-hunting strategies—such as seeking employment support through public policies or utilizing incentive-based training programs to build credentials cost-effectively—are becoming more widespread.

According to the Korea TOEIC Committee on the 17th, 83% of applications for “TOEIC Test Confirmation Certificates” last year were submitted for local government exam fee subsidy programs. The increase in certificates issued for submission to local governments is due to the growing number of job seekers actively utilizing public policies to reduce the financial burden of job hunting. In addition to language test scores, job seekers are applying for job-search allowances provided by the government and major local governments nationwide, and actively participating in support programs such as job-specific training and resume and interview consulting.
“Refund-type education programs,” which offer rewards upon meeting certain conditions, are also gaining attention among job seekers. A prime example is the “Up to 500% TOEIC Refund Course” operated by YBM Online Courses, the online education brand of YBM NET, Inc.(057030). This program refunds 100% of the tuition fee as long as participants meet the basic requirements of completing one lesson per day and taking one mock test during the course period. If students achieve their target TOEIC or TOEIC Speaking scores, the refund rate is increased to a maximum of 500%. In addition, discount coupons for TOEIC and TOEIC Speaking test fees are provided, allowing students to save on costs.
Actively utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions instead of expensive consulting services has also emerged as an alternative. “Ascent,” an AI mock interview service launched by the AI talent infrastructure company “Codeit,” conducts personalized mock interviews based on the content of a user’s resume and cover letter. It recreates the interview environment using feedback from current professionals and real success stories, and provides past question patterns and follow-up questions for various interview types, including executive interviews, job-specific interviews, personality assessments, and presentations.
There is a growing preference for “comprehensive packages” that bundle the entire job-hunting process into one service. “Saramin Job Pass,” offered by HR tech company Saramin(143240), provides job seekers with unlimited access to personalized job-preparation services. Users can complete the entire process—from resume writing and job search to applying for positions and securing a job—all in one place within the dedicated “Pass Lounge.” The service is valid for 30 days after purchase. It analyzes users’ qualifications and cover letters to evaluate their job search status, suggest areas for improvement, and recommend job postings with a high likelihood of success. Users receive 5,000 miles as a “Success Reward” each time they pass a document screening or interview stage; these miles can be exchanged for job-related products or gift certificates at the Saramin Store.
An official in the education industry stated, “As high inflation and prolonged job-hunting periods increase the financial and time-related burdens felt by young people,” adding, “There is a growing trend toward actively utilizing a variety of options, ranging from public support policies offered by the national and local governments to corporate incentive programs and AI-based job-search services.”