Imagine working at a company where every year feels like a fresh start, filled with new challenges and opportunities. Coupang’s consistent growth and dynamic changes offer employees the chance to develop, enhance their skills, and build expertise. This environment is fueled by new initiatives that empower employees to grow and strengthen their capabilities.
In this third article, we sat down with Keynes, Recruiting Director at Coupang, who leads a recruiting team with a deep understanding of the business. We explored his growth, Coupang's distinctive recruiting organization, and its culture.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Keynes, a Director of Operations Recruiting at Coupang. Currently, I’m focused on recruiting engineers to drive our logistics automation efforts, as well as safety managers to ensure that Coupang remains committed to providing the safest work environment possible. Our goal is not only to enhance logistics automation and boost operational productivity but also to build workplaces where worker safety is always the top priority. This is a commitment we never compromise on, as safety and health are core values at Coupang. Additionally, I’m working on attracting new talent to support the remarkable growth of Coupang Eats Services.
You’ve been with Coupang for quite some time. How have you managed to stay passionate about your work?
I’ve been with Coupang for eight years, and throughout that time, I’ve faced new challenges every year. It sometimes feels like I’m working at a different company each year, given the variety of projects and the constant evolution of the business. These challenges have provided me with opportunities to learn and grow, and it’s thanks to these experiences that I’ve been able to remain passionate about my work.
During my time at Coupang, the company has experienced remarkable growth. We’ve entered the Fortune 200, and as of the first half of 2024, we’ve become the second-largest employer in Korea. Our logistics network has expanded significantly as well. There’s no greater motivation than seeing how our continuous innovation and product launches contribute to both my personal growth and the growth of my colleagues every day.
What sets Coupang’s recruiting team apart from others?
At Coupang, we have specialized recruiting teams for logistics, retail, development, corporate functions, and more.
I believe everyone wants to do more meaningful work, so our team is constantly considering the impact our work has on the business and our customers. To support this, we hold quarterly workshops where we share best practices and learn from each other's experiences. Discussing how our recruitment initiatives drive the business and benefit our customers is a crucial part of our approach.
Can you share more about the various recruiting initiatives in your team?
We are actively pushing forward a variety of recruiting initiatives.
One example is our Military Recruitment Program, which helps veterans leverage their leadership and skills to grow alongside Coupang. The program assists veterans in making a stable transition into a new career while becoming a valuable help to Coupang’s growth.
We also create short-form videos to effectively communicate Coupang’s organizational culture, and recruitment information in a concise and impactful way. These videos are especially helpful in today’s digital environment, where younger generations are more accustomed to quick, visual content. These intuitive and easily digestible content formats make it easier for candidates to understand and connect with Coupang.
Lastly, we have an internal newsletter that fosters communication between teams, keeping everyone informed about our recruitment activities and progress. This helps ensure that all teams are aligned and working together towards shared goals, promoting collective growth.
How do Coupang employees stay motivated and driven in their work?
At Coupang, we are all leaders. I’ve also had the opportunity to take initiative, drive impactful results, and expand my responsibilities. Coupang’s performance-based compensation system values actual achievements and skills over tenure or experience. Employees are evaluated based on their performance and contributions, ensuring that they are fairly rewarded. This creates an environment where employees remain continuously motivated.
Everyone dreams of doing meaningful, exciting work, and it’s a true privilege to be able to make that dream a reality. At Coupang, you have the opportunity to do what you love and make a significant impact on your career. The environment empowers you to take the lead, showcase your abilities, and experience constant growth — regardless of their background or years of experience.
Coupang’s recruitment strategies and efforts help us and our employees achieve common goals faster while continually pushing boundaries. Coupang is a place where everyone has the chance to enhance their skills, take the initiative, and experience limitless growth in a fair and rewarding environment.
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