Changed MZ Generation Job Preparation: "We Do Non-Face-to-Face Study and Shoot AI Profiles"

Non-face-to-face Interview Study Gains Popularity... Significant Time and Money Savings
Over 800 Waiting for AI Profile Applications
Experts Say "High Inflation and Digitalization Impact... Continued Growth Expected"

As prices have surged sharply, the job preparation landscape of the MZ generation (born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s) practicing consumer savings is also changing. Among young people, non-face-to-face study groups and artificial intelligence (AI) profiles have already taken root.

On the 12th, Asia Economy searched KakaoTalk open chat rooms for 'non-face-to-face study' and found 427 such chat rooms. The types varied, including second interviews for S major companies, insurance company sales management interviews, and mock interview study groups. Recently, university students aiming to get jobs in banks, public enterprises, and large corporations have been conducting non-face-to-face study groups. This is based on the judgment that it saves both time and money at once, making it practical.

Visitors at the job fair are receiving support guidance at the information desk. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

University student Kim Yoon-hee (26, female) said, "I previously participated in a face-to-face essay study group, but at that time, the rental fee for the study space and transportation costs exceeded 20,000 won. If I went twice a week, it cost 40,000 won, so I decided to conduct a non-face-to-face study group because the expenses were too wasteful." She added, "Even though it is non-face-to-face, the quality is not particularly inferior, so I am participating with satisfaction."

Job seeker Kim Kang-jin (31, male) also said, "We conduct interview study groups through the online video conferencing platform Zoom. Seven people participate, and the biggest advantage seems to be that it costs nothing." Kim also mentioned that he attended a club held within the school but spent more than 10,000 won each time he participated.

Status of applicants waiting as of 10 a.m. on the 9th for the 'SNOW' application (app). / Screen capture

More people are also saving on costs for ID photos and profile pictures. The cost of taking ID photos at photo studios near Seoul universities ranged from 20,000 to 50,000 won. Profile photos are about 100,000 won, roughly 50,000 won more expensive than ID photos. As a result, some are using the AI profile feature of the 'SNOW' application. In fact, as of 10 a.m. on the 9th, there were 805 people waiting for AI profiles. SNOW AI profiles work by uploading 20 personal photos to the app and receiving 30 retouched photos within 10 to 15 minutes.

The MZ generation appears to be using the app either for actual job application photos or for fun.

University student Lee Seung-hyun (23, male) said, "I was surprised by its popularity to the extent that on June 7th, it was impossible to access due to the large number of people waiting. On the 9th, payment was immediately possible, so I paid 6,600 won and received 30 new profile photos in 10 minutes." He added, "Taking profile photos at a photo studio costs at least 100,000 won, so the cost-saving effect was significant and satisfying." Park Jin-sil (35, female) said, "I had to take a profile photo urgently, so I used the AI profile. It was very convenient because I just had to click without worrying about the location."

On the other hand, some were dissatisfied. Choi Eun-yul (22, female) said, "I paid 2,200 won and waited 24 hours to receive the photos, but the photos were completely different from my actual appearance. It was difficult to use them as job application photos, so I decided to keep them for personal use."

Professor Lee Eun-hee of Inha University’s Department of Consumer Studies analyzed, "It seems that the already high prices not dropping further and the resulting economic difficulties have had an impact. Also, it reflects the MZ generation’s tendency to prioritize practicality." She added, "Since high prices and digitalization are progressing rapidly, this trend is likely to continue."