Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bradshaw]

Can anyone give me the lowdown on Park English? I've been checking out the job boards myself, and have been considering using Park English as a recruitment agency as well. I was impressed by their website, the photos included, and the sample contract they provide which seemed to me, pretty much covered everything. I haven't been able to find many reviews from those who have used them to find a job. Has anyone out there used them in the past? Any experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[Missile Command Kid]

They've been spamming me with useless job offers ever since I posted my resume on the resume board here. Apparently "University job teaching literature in September 2007" means "Teaching ESL in China starting next week." They even specifically make reference to "my requirements" as listed in the resume, only what they think are "my requirements" and my actual requirements have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

So other than the fact that they can't read, they're pretty friendly.

[Satin]

Apply through their web site. They are very friendly and their English is great (well,at least the person I spoke to).

Once you have completed all their requirements, you can also tell them which positions you are interested in and they will contact you if they feel you would make a good match.

[nightrider_1981]

I too used Park English and they were very helpful and efficient.

[Milwaukiedave]

They also spammed the job related discussion forum a few months ago and then disappeared. My guess is they were banned from the forums possibly because they were using the discussion forums to recruit.

[wisernow]

Consider applying directly to the schools as you add a referral fee to your name and if you were to resign from your school they may ask you or your next employer to pay the referral fee they paid the agency such as Parks.

Don't be lazy and rely on agencies to find a position for you. Many of the bigger organizations hire directly while many of the small mom and pop schools hire through agencies and recruiters because there ability to speak English may not be good enough to convince you to work for them.

Agencies and Recruiters get paid by the school and their interest is only to get somebody that the school will accept to sign. Collect their fees and never really look after you as they say they would. Even if they really wanted to help you after you are placed at a bad school they have no power to force the owner to comply. The owner is the one that will pay the recruiter to have you place there.

[bradshaw]

Thanks for all your input. I'm still wondering if there are any more people who have been placed by Park English, and whether or not you are happy.

No worries, I'm not solely relying on recruiters. I just happened to stumble across Park's website and was impressed. The employee my friend spoke to promised that should she end up unhappy in her position which was set-up through Park, that they'd move her to another mid-contract. Possible?

What other big English school hire directly? I'm aware of CDI, ECC ... ?

Thanks again!

[freethought]

I was briefly working with them to find a public school position and I was constantly lied to. From the location of the school, the location of the apartment, the fact they didn't even have an apartment, the level of the school, the amount of vacation etc.

How do I know this? Because when I did the interview with the school I did it with the teacher I'd be replacing and he was honest about these things.

When I told Park that I didn't want that job they said they had no more time for me.

This doesn't mean they are the scum of the earth, it was just my experience and thought you should know about seeing as that all the rest are very positive.

[wisernow]

Your recruiter cannot move you to a new school. You can only go to a new school if your former school releases you from the visa. Do not be fooled by recruiters and agenices that promise you that they can move you after a few months.

Always research the schools and organization you will work with. Applying directly through a reputable organization on your own will allow you to control your destiny.

[goodgood]

I didn't go with them because they wanted me to send them all my documents before I they found me a job.

I suppose it was a way to make sure that I went through them. I found it pretty off-putting.

[ScottyG]

the chick in charge is HOT. i think she is gyopo. she likes myspace and seems to try and use it as a lure. overall they are above average and more accountable than most recruiters by far. that said, they are recruiters. they recruit. they make things sound gooder. they try to ease your doubts and sometimes thinks aren't as gooder as they said.

[BigBuds]