Korean Job Discussion Forums

micahjwhite · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with Footprints Recruting Agency. I just had my first phone interview with them, and they seem very interesting in placing me in Korea. Any knowledge, advice, or warnings you would like to share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

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ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

I will vouch for them but as with everything, it isn't carte blanche. Some people will have a great experience with a recruiter and some with the same one, an unpleasant one.

Ben Glickman does a great job, even in other areas not necessarily recruiter related. The organization is not wham bam thank you mam.

DD

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

They're definitely reputable.
Not everyone will give them glowing reviews however it seems that the majority of their "clients" have been satisfied.

I've had both a positive and negative experience with Footprints (one reecruiter in particular). I'd be happy to give you details if you want to PM me.

Reading past threads can be helpful, but be aware that many posters here live to complain about anything and everything. You can't always go by what you read in those threads...

micahjwhite · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

sorry, can't pm. haven't posted enough topics yet. new to the cafe.

mrsquirrel · Joined: 13 Dec 2006

Can see that from the size of your avatar.

aecuperus · Joined: 22 Oct 2007

I've personally spoken with Ben Glickman and another gentleman named Ryan. They seem professional and interested in placing you. I believe they really appreciate those who know their own minds and won't hesitate to say what they're looking for (i.e. I have my heart set on teaching in Busan, for a private school as I can't afford to pay air fare up front to teach for a public school). I also think the more outgoing your personality and the enthusiasm you convey on the phone will encourage your recruiter to really go to work for you. Smile

Hope that helps.

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Im definitely a person who, in those threads, has dissented towards Footprints. Having said that, keep in mind that they're just some recruiter. After they place you in the job, you will never hear from them again. So, it's probably OK to use them AS LONG AS you make sure you have all the facts about the job into which you will be placed. Get some contact info from other teachers who are working at the prospective place of employment and ask them if its a good place to work. If the recruiter can't provide that, its a warning light. Get them to send you the contract before you accept the job. Get some specific details about your living space if you accept the job.... in my case, I wish I'd asked Footprints to confirm that I'd be able to get a place with hot water, a bathroom sink, and within reasonable distance to my workplace without having to buy a car... ... anyway, it was at least partly my fault for not asking beforehand. I'd know better next time (if there was gonna be a next time, which there wont).

Snowkr · Joined: 03 Jun 2005

Micah

They are reputable and for me they were very efficient. Another good thing about working through Footprints in Korea is that once you've completed a 12 month contract, you have the opportunity to work through them in other countries if you so choose. They seem to have some pretty decent contacts worldwide and I would probably trust them in any position they offered me.

My recent issue with Footprints was unfortunate, but it has been resolved. After months of correspondence with them on a placement for this year, I opted to go a totally different route. I had some pretty high demands that Footprints could not meet. Their immediate response was to reprimand me for taking up so much of their time and then deciding to take a different position.
I was insulted at first, but after a series of follow up emails from the party directly involved and his manager, the matter was put to rest.

Prior to that small incident, I never had any reason to feel unsatisfied with Footprints. Though I've read some unfortunate posts here, I've never personally met anyone who claimed to be unhappy with them. I'll continue to stand behind my original opinions about Footprints and recommend them to anyone interested in EFL in Korea.

On that note, Korvia Consulting in Seoul is also very good. I will stand behind them as well.

micahjwhite · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I am a definite newbie to all this, and I can take some hard times, but I'd like my first year to be as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. From what I can gather, they seem to be alright. I have moderate demands, I wouldn't call them high, so I guess time will tell. I'll be in Seoul in January if anyone wants to get together. Again, thank you for your feedback.

safeblad · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

i'm sure they are fine

i used footprints but like umpteen other recruiters they just offered me a position at a chain hagwon and then gave up looking for me when I couldnt meet there requirements (and fill any old position nice and quickly.)

use footprints, it might work out really well, but make sure you are using a load of other recruiters as well.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I've used them twice, and been satisfied both times. The first time they put me in a hogwan in an area I wanted, and my boss was seriously the nicest guy ever. The pay was on the low end, but it was my first year, and I was fine with the lower pay because I didn't have to fight for the paycheck, pension, healthcare, etc that other people have had to do. This past contract they got me placed in a public school in Seoul. It was exactly what I was looking for, and I had no problems.

I'd recommend them, knowing that every recruiter will be different for every person.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

I sent you a pm detailing my experiences with Footprints.

Intrepid Voyage · Joined: 29 Oct 2007

I have an interview w. them tomorrow. After reading through some of the other threads on Footprints, I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten a job through them.

Thanks!

~IV

Kim Jong Jordan · Joined: 13 Mar 2004 Location: The Internet

I contacted them in 2004 and I didn't end up getting a job through them. I still get damn newsletters from them despite my e-mailing them to take me off the damn list. I don't give a shit about exciting job offers in Korea anymore now that I'm leaving for good in a few months.....