Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jajdude]

Seems like half the jobs and responses come from recruiters, and I'm wary of them myself although some of the jobs mentioned sound OK. I suppose one has to be careful anyway but is it most sensible to completely avoid recruiters? I'm currently looking for a new job and have a few recruiter numbers and job offers that look OK, but I'm nervous about even calling these people. I guess I prefer to contact the employer without any recruit agent involvement.

[Korea Newfie]

I don't avoid them totally, I just don't trust them any farther than I can throw them.

They're in it for the money, and many (most?) would think nothing of leaving you high and dry. To them, you're a name and potential payday. Their loyalty to you exists as long as they can make money off you.

Having said that, I got my current job through a recruiter, and it's great. Maybe I got lucky, or maybe the recruiter was a stand-up guy. I wouldn't know because I don't trust any of them.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I use a recruiter, but she happens to be my friend so I know she won't screw me.

She has gotten two of my best friends awesome jobs here (one was a LAZY job sitting on his ars for one year at a computer) so I have faith in her 100% (well, 99.9%).

[waterbaby]

I used a recruiter for my last job and he didn't really do much... just emailed me a few job descriptions and called me a few times then introduced me to the hogwan I was most interested in... and everything is rosy!

Being in Korea already, I was lucky to get to meet my director and colleagues before accepting the position. The recruiter just did the introduction and then the negotiations took place between me and the school directly.

You can't blame a bad job on a recruiter, unless they provide you with a lot of wrong information, but if six months into your contract, your boss screws you on overtime or something, you can't blame it on your recruiter.

Jajude, I'd be most wary of recruiters if I was not in Korea and looking for a job... but if some of the job descriptions, contracts etc sound good, then use the recruiter as a middle man to get an introduction to the school and take care of things yourself.

[Sloth]

Recruiters are like used car salesmen. There are some honest ones, but the dishonest ones out there have given them all a bad name.

Personally, I would much rather do the job hunting myself.

[asatruteacher]

Outside of some misques that were mainly dealing with their limited English and my limited Korean, my experience has turned out rather well so far.

Danny

[melimelo]

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about these recruiters:

ATC (I have Clara working for me)
Think outside (Julian)
Footprints in the Sand.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'm very cautious of recruiters - asking lots of questions.

Thanks

[Andro]

I've had good experiences. Just shop around.

[enceledus]

[desttiny13]

Can you tell me the name of your recruiter. I've been looking for awhile and concerned about the work conditions and would really appreciate any help you can give me. [email protected]

[desttiny13]

As many of you know finding the right placement isn't always that simple and I've taught for many years and now want to take my skills to Korea. I don't want to waste my talent in a situation that I won't be able to use them.

Help..anyone know of any great places to reach out to for a teaching position. Any one know about Maple Bear in Seoul????

[alexander-s]

Re: Footprints (BC, Canada)

My wife had a good contract through them. Although they don't do much for help after you've gone still, the contract she got was a good one and she enjoyed her time. So much so we are thinking of going back together this time.

[Darius]

Excuse me but this is my first post here, not even sure if Im posting in the right spot. I've been trolling for awhile, as until 2 months ago I had a f/t TOC gig. That dried up (more budget cuts in BC) so I decided to look to Korea as an experience. I called around to numerous recruiters and got some good information. The best by far was from Footprints. I had the pleasure of talking twice with Alexandra from their office. She even helped me with a rewrite of my lesson plan and essay for the EPIK application...that was last week.
I called this week to speak with Alexandra again as I had a few questions about the EPIK/SMOE convergance and I got the royal run around...look on the website, read the manual...no Alexandra
I discovered, to my dismay, that she no longer works there. At last I had found a person who was willing to help me and answer my questions. Now I'm out in the cold again. Does this happen with all recruiters?

[klis]

There are some good recruiters in Korea that actually do want you to find a good job. However, just like everywhere in the world there are recruiters that are unfair. I would definitely check with other teachers regarding recruiters. When I first went to Korea I had a Guy Recruiter( I am not saying names or anything else but FYI not a Korean) said I could not get a Job in Seoul, I would have to settle for outside of Seoul. That was a heart ache. I checked with other recruiters and they all had different opinions. Point is there are some bad recruiters as well as good ones.

Good Luck !