[K-Women Talk] ‘STYLE’ for Enhancing Attractiveness in the AI Era Workplace

Positive Attitude and Consistent Actions
Qualities of an Employee Everyone Wants to Work With

Munsun Kyung, Executive Director at Unico Search

Recently, I recommended candidates A and B. Both candidates had similar abilities, but ultimately candidate B was chosen. This was because the role required the predecessor to transfer knowledge, and in this regard, candidate B was considered more ‘attractive.’ It is not uncommon to encounter cases where no matter how smart a person is, if they lack charm, it is difficult to gain consensus and agreement within an organization.

The characteristic of the AI era technology triggered by ChatGPT is that while the technology itself is very complex, its use is very intuitive and easy. From the perspective of evaluating office workers, it can be inferred that in the AI era, the importance of human ‘attractiveness’ will be emphasized alongside outstanding work ability. Since I started working as a headhunter about ten years ago, I have kept a list of about 100 positive adjectives (such as wise, diligent, responsible, etc.) posted in front of my desk to describe candidates’ traits. Recently, I grouped these adjectives using ChatGPT and found they could be categorized into positive attitude, sincerity, consideration, appearance and charm, leadership and drive, sociability, courage, vitality and energy, composure and calmness, and other tendencies. Candidates possessing these traits are undoubtedly attractive employees.

I often advise candidates during interviews that maintaining a positive appearance and consistent words and actions is important. This is because I believe it is one of the basic conditions that make a candidate appear attractive and someone the company wants to work with.

So, what are the practical strategies to become an attractive employee? Since many celebrities and journals have already expressed various views on this topic, I would simply recommend having a ‘STYLE’ in your work life.

Speak (Strong Communication Skills) is very important to improve relationships with colleagues and supervisors and to have your ideas recognized. Train (Invest in Continuous Learning) involves keeping up with industry trends, taking courses, obtaining certifications, and participating in workshops. Maintaining a positive attitude means becoming a more approachable person even in difficult situations, which boosts team morale and ultimately makes a decisive contribution to increasing productivity (Yield).

Lead (Show Initiative) means going beyond the basic assigned tasks by proposing new projects, improving processes, or taking on additional work. Engage (Build Professional Network) involves building a network of experts inside and outside the organization, which provides new opportunities and insights. Make efforts to join expert groups and attend industry events.

As a side note, simply claiming to be diligent, responsible, and a good communicator without evidence does not earn favor. In the era of self-promotion, clearly communicating your achievements is necessary, but I have often encountered candidates who directly mention adjectives describing their charm without any basis, which instead diminishes trust.

Seonkyung Moon, Executive Director, Unico Search