Positioning in Acceptance and Rejection of Job Offers by Korean EFL University Students

The present study investigates the positioning of Korean EFL university students in their written job offers responses, in accepting and rejecting job offers. Using Positioning Theory (Davies and Harré, 1990;1999) as a framework, the study analyzes how students position themselves and the hiring company in both acceptance and rejection letters. The study qualitatively examines 20 letters from Korean EFL university students majoring in English Language and Literature, focusing on self and other positioning as well as moral and personal positioning. The findings indicate several key trends: in acceptance letters, students position themselves as assets to the company, while framing the employer as an authoritative figure, reinforcing hierarchy. In contrast, rejection letters demonstrate students’ self-positioning as autonomous decision-makers, viewing the employer as a potential future partner, implying relative-equality. Moral obligations and professional duties are prominent in acceptance letter, whereas rejection letters emphasize personal goal and circumstances.