Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jprimm]

I am finding that I am not getting many responses to job applications and I am thinking it is due to my age. I am 63 years old. Is this a problem and if it is there any way around it? Thank you.

[tob55]

While you are not going to be told directly that age matters, it actually does. I have several friends who are at or close to your age that were quite fortunate to land teaching jobs, and admittedly stated that it was probably because the hiring school was hard up for a teacher. I think it does have something to do with the recruiter you are working with as well. Some of the recruiters only want the 20 something good looking college types that they can peddle to the schools to make their self look good. Unfortunately, you will have to look some time for a quality job, but they are out there. Korea's culture values age to an extent, but it does not come into play with regard to employment. The average age of retirement in this country is 57, so to the owners of private schools and the public schools you are beyond the limits of those they want to hire. Sorry to be the bearer of this news, but I just wanted you to get the facts.

[Satin]

Don't give up. I know several people (mostly men), who are older than you and they are teaching here. They all work at public schools.

It may take you a bit longer, but like Tob55 said, there are positions here. If your health is good and you are in pretty good physical shape, schools are more likely to want you.

I've heard and seen of cases where an older person is hired, then their medical issues (i.e., bad knees, legs, back, etc.), prevented them from fully participating in school activities or day-to-day physical requirements. For example, I go up and down four flights of stairs between classes. I also walk to work (a bit more than a mile each way).

Anyway, hang in there and don't give up if you truly want to teach!

[mj roach]

What does your photo look like?

Have a pro make a photo with the right 'look'

dress, style, expression, (make-up/hair dye?),etc.

much like an actors/models' portfolio 'head-shot'

you'll have a k/job in no time at all.

[nomad-ish]

also, i would forget applying to hagwons and just go for public school positions. at my orientation there were quite a few teachers 50+

[Al Khidr]

Like everywhere else, there is age discrimination, discrimination by race and nationality, etc... However, Korea is much better when it comes to hiring older teachers than is Japan. When I was (oh so briefly) a recruiter for a Japanese chain of institutes, I was told to send only blond, blue-eyed females around 25 years old and preferably good looking. I asked them if they were looking for teachers or prostitutes? (Yes, I can here the joking already on this forum over what's the difference when you work in a split-shift, no-holiday hogwan.) But as I said, Korea is easier if you can demonstrate vitality, creativity, adaptability, and make a connection with younger students. If you have the credentials, though, try a university.

As for myself, I'm just grateful that at 53, I have a full head of hair and no beer gut. Students here seem to make a big deal about bald men and obesity. Guess that's true elsewhere, even if it isn't politically correct--but in the land where elders are supposedly respected, it's all for show and definitely stops when it comes to employment. Regardless of all the crapola here on E-2 visa changes, notice that being an experienced teacher is not high on the list of expectations. I'd like to say this isn't so for the university, but 70% of the rehiring process where I work is based on student evaluations, which to some extent translates into how entertaining you are in the mandatory English classes for non-English majors. Oh, and be sure that when you submit photos, do as the Korean professors do at my university and submit photos that are probably ten years old. That's what I did

[Rapacious Mr. Batstove]

Retirement age for Korean teachers is 65 here. Most retire before that, it's going to be tough going for you to get placed. Don't give up though, people of your age do get jobs, you just may have to look a bit harder.

Good luck

[ttompatz]

re: Post subject: Age descrimination

You might also want to check your resume and cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. They will kill your chances of landing a job as an English teacher as fast as or faster than a bad photograph.

[mrsquirrel]

^ I was going to do that one but my posts are normally terrible so it would be rather hypocritical of me.

[lastat06513]

I think the best person to answer your questions regarding age would be Ya-Ta, he is in his late-50/early-60's and is still able to find jobs.

Don't give up!

[oldfatfarang]

It's not going to be easy for you to get a job here at 63. If you do land one, it will more than likely be in a position / location that is not popular with younger teachers. So you could be shunted out to the boonies. That's OK for some, I did 2 years in southern Korea teaching some great kids, but rural Korea is not in this century - and neither are its people. If you go to the country (or a smaller city) you'll have to be very self sufficient - because the locals will be petrified of you as a 'foreigner' and their culture will prevent them from mixing with you (age/hierarical society). You could be dam lonely as younger K's won't have anything to do with you. And older Koreans in the country can't speak English.

I'm sure you will get a job if you look young and are completely flexible about where you go. Don't let the b.....'s get you down. Go for it.

[MarionG]

Are you male or female? It's harder at 63 if you're male. I'm 62, female, wanderingsalsero is about the same, you might pm him for info.

Do you have an English major or experience, or a second degree or something that sets you apart from Joe Junior?

If you have something like that, write a few words before your resume and post it again. IE something like, "I'm an experienced teacher with an English major."

If you DON'T have anything like that, figure out what you do have. IE after many years in business I've developed not only the judgment, but also the patience, to deal with all people, from 6 to 60.

Also, respond to ads, and don't mention your age (but do mention your maturity, your good judgment, your patience etc) I never hid how old I was, mentioned that I had retired too early blah blah blah, but my boss to be didn't know I was over 60 until we'd signed the contract. She thought I was mid to late 50s.

And, I work in a hogwon...

I'd be happy to help with other ideas if you wish.

[elliemk]

I am 59 as of this last November. I know several other women and men teachers who are our age. I had six job offers, but turned them all down because they didn't offer national health insurance and pension. I was also turned down for about the same number because of my age, so I understand what you are going through. There are many people willing to hire older people, and there are many who will not do this. If you need a good recruiter and are willing to work on the east coast of Korea, pm me with your e-mail address. I'll be happy to talk in person with you on the phone as well. Keep looking and don't let anything keep you from finding a job. There are many of them out there. Good luck!

[jprimm]

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions. FYI, I am a male in excellent physical condition, triathlete, with a full head of hair and am working on a better picture. Should I just scan George Clooney's picture? I have been teaching business executives in Costa Rica for 1 1/2 years but would like to get to Korea in order to save some dinero. Would it be better to use a recruiting agency and does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks again.

[sniperteam6]

Who is going to proofread his CV, a Korean recruiter / School Director? Their Engrishee writing skills are less than a western 3rd. grader.