Samsung’s New Hires Receive $8,500 Bonus and Golden Business Cards

Samsung: The Dream Job for Job Seekers
Encouragement Bonus for Outstanding New Hires
Golden Business Cards and Bouquets Also Given

The enduring repercussions of the severe job market, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to cast a shadow over the present day.

While finding employment anywhere remains a formidable challenge, vying for a position within Samsung affiliates has evolved into a fiercely competitive endeavor often dubbed the “Samsung Exam.”

Despite the demanding workload that matches the company’s generous compensation and benefits, numerous applicants are more than willing to invest their utmost dedication in securing a position.

However, it’s worth noting that there are also newcomers who receive substantial bonuses upon joining Samsung.

Recruitment and Growth in the DS Division

This concerns exceptional Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions (DS) division recruits. So, what accounts for the preferential treatment they receive?

Samsung Electronics consists of three main divisions: the Device Solutions (DS) division, which concentrates on the semiconductor business; the IT & Mobile (IM) division, responsible for mobile phone manufacturing; and the Consumer Electronics (CE) division.

Among these divisions, the DS division represents the epicenter of Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and competitive edge.

Since 1993, Samsung Electronics has consistently maintained a leading position in the global memory semiconductor market and is presently expanding its semiconductor operations, including establishing an R&D center in collaboration with ASML, a Dutch semiconductor equipment company.

Of course, there have indeed been continuous concerns about the semiconductor market entering a recession.

Nevertheless, in November of this year, the volume of semiconductor exports by Korean companies increased by 2.4% compared to last year, and the export ratio also expanded to 16%.

Even in a recession, the prowess of the “world’s best” memory technology continues to shine.

Talent Acquisition in the Semiconductor Industry

As such, semiconductors are a core part of Samsung Electronics, so the company has focused on recruiting talent for the DS division.

As the semiconductor industry becomes automated, the importance of talent recruitment has grown even more.

This is because there is a greater demand for research and technical personnel to be engaged in design, material, and process development rather than manufacturing.

Currently, Samsung Electronics’ DS division boasts a workforce of approximately 73,500 employees, constituting 59.2% of the total employee base. This represents a notable 7.4% increase compared to figures from 2019, and there are plans to sustain recruitment efforts to secure top-tier talent.

An industry expert weighed in on this, stating, “In the fiercely competitive technological landscape, where every moment holds significance, possessing superior talent has emerged as a pivotal factor in determining a company’s success or failure.”

He elaborated, “Recent endeavors to relax application prerequisites stem from a sense of urgency. Evaluating candidates based on traditional standards in a context where the pool of exceptional STEM talent is limited would inevitably result in a disadvantageous position in the battle for talent acquisition.”

Amidst the fiery competition to secure semiconductor talent, companies offer high salaries and solid welfare systems to attract excellent talent.

Incentives and Bonuses for Outstanding New Hires

Samsung Electronics DS division takes it a step further by rewarding outstanding new hires significantly. Before starting employment, these recruits are given an incentive bonus of 10 million won, roughly equivalent to $8,500.

Many may find it difficult to believe such a substantial bonus is offered to new employees before they begin work.

A new hire who successfully entered the Samsung Electronics memory semiconductor field in the first half of 2020 shared, “I was designated as an outstanding candidate during the hiring process and was granted a 10 million won bonus. I was genuinely surprised by the magnitude of this gift, as I had no prior knowledge of such a system.”

As this fact became known, debates about its veracity spread across online communities.

In response, a Samsung Electronics official said, “We are giving 10 million won to the top performers among the DS division’s successful candidates as an encouragement bonus,” putting the controversy to rest.

The company also added that they could not disclose the exact scale or criteria due to internal regulations and that the bonus payment had not started this year. The recipients are selected after a comprehensive evaluation of the personal statement, Samsung aptitude test, and interview.

Samsung’s Efforts to Address Semiconductor Talent Shortage

Even in these challenging times where young people face difficulties in securing employment, there remain exceptional talents that every company seeks to attract.

These individuals are often not exclusive to one company and sometimes opt for better offers when other companies announce their acceptance.

The extraordinary bonus payment of Samsung Electronics DS division seems to prevent the initial departure of excellent talent and instill pride in the company.

Notably, Samsung Electronics’ memory business department conducted “entry consulting” during the new employee orientation 2017. During this initiative, senior employees elucidated the strengths of Samsung Electronics’ memory business department to prospective hires.

Some may question the necessity for a corporate giant like Samsung to make such efforts. However, the shortage of semiconductor talent is not a recent issue, and projections indicate it may worsen in the future. This shortage of semiconductor expertise is a global concern that Samsung, a key player in the industry, cannot afford to ignore.

Consequently, recruiting and retaining exceptional talent is paramount in preserving Samsung Semiconductor’s competitive edge.

Thoughtful Gestures for All Successful Candidates

While the 10 million won bonus is earmarked for exceptional recruits in the DS division, Samsung Electronics extends a considerate gesture to all successful candidates joining the company.

This includes a prestigious golden business card and a flower basket sent in the CEO’s or management’s name. This gesture not only boosts the pride of the newly hired individuals but also includes a card expressing gratitude to their parents for raising them well and sending them to Samsung. This is often profoundly gratifying for parents. Furthermore, the company provides essential items for daily work life, such as a mouse, tumbler, and vitamins, making it a thoughtful and practical gift for new employees.

By. Seung Hee Joo