Korean Job Discussion Forums

jjkorea · Joined: 28 May 2008

I've been getting several offers from a few selected hogwans and public schools that I've narrowed down. What do I say to them after my interviews- that is, if all goes well - to indicate that I need more time without giving them the impression that I'm putting them on the backburner?

I'm also thinking about getting certified on-site at my home country, but I won't be able to get back to Korea until the beginning of the second week of September, right after certification ends. This will be my second year in South Korea. Do you think if I mentioned this (it's extremely important to me, and as a current public school teacher in SEoul, I couldn't find any other time available or program, and I certainly don't want to do it online), it'll be a bad impression for the potential employer? This is important for me and good for me in the long run, despite coming into Seoul a bit late into September, and some of these employers asked for me to come in September 1st.

I need all the advice as I still feel new at this. Thanks!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Getting an offer from a school in Korea is about as difficult as finding a Big Mac in a McD's restaurant.

30,000 jobs and 17,000 applicants... wait till you are ready and pick one.

You are thinking about a Sept hire... just remember - hakwons think 30 days in advance (sometimes) and if you are lucky a public school will be 60 days.

You are 120-150 days out?

Talk about putting the cart before the horse... AND there is the MAJOR recruitment drive that will happen in July ....

patience lad.... There is a 100% chance that you can pick the plum of your choice when you are ready.

.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

Basically tell em the truth, without going into details.

"Thank you for your time, I'm really interested in working here, I just need a few days to make up my mind."

Any more time than about a week will begin to cause problems. They will begin to get antsy about their future teacher, and chances are they probably interviewed a few people for that position...and if its a good position (especially hagwon) it will go pretty fast.

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

As usual, ttompatz is right on...the people you're interviewing now almost certainly won't be interested in you if you have September in mind - they need someone NOW.

jjkorea · Joined: 28 May 2008

right. but what if it's a hogwan i really want to work for, and I can only be available for them in mid-September, after my certification (it's really a mental break from Korea)??!! I know by then the hogwans are generally in capacity, and after this research when I come back I just don't want to throw myself into a random public school or hogwan....

sorry I guess I'm really worried after I realized that I wanted to be certified.

KYC · Joined: 11 May 2006

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Hagwon/PS will take the first person that comes along. If you say it'll be 120 days, then they'll find someone who can start sooner.

Yes, there are plenty of jobs out there, but Native Teachers aren't as scarce as you think. In Gimpo, I know 10 native teachers who all left PS between March and May. Its June and they've already found replacements for 8 of those.

OP, don't worry, there will be plenty of jobs when you are ready to come and work. However, don't expect the positions available right now to still be open in September.

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

OP,

I just went through all this, and the others in this thread are telling you accurate information.

I was looking for a job starting this summer, and I STARTED looking in January.

It was way way way toooooo early, just as others had told me.

However, it's never too early to start researching and getting acquainted with a recruiter. Getting to know the types of positions they offer now might give you an idea of what they can offer you later.

-If a recruiter offers you crap now, and says they can get you something better later, then you can just disregard them.

-If a recruiter tries to get you to sign for a good job now, then they might able to still get you a good job later. Talk to them more and make sure you get all your documents ready to grab the good job from them when it's time to come over.

Ttompatz knows just about everything, so if he says so, then just assume it's true.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

joshuahirtle27 · Joined: 23 Mar 2008

My contract doesn't run out until March '09. I'm thinking about doing another year... when should I start looking seriously. I know it's easy to get offers and that's great... but I would rather not have to live for 2 months on my severance pay from Wonderland.

sojourner1 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:57 am Post subject:

I believe the PS job has much more potential of being a good job compared to hagwons, but some Korea experience probably goes a long way in understanding what the heck is going on with you and what you need to do as you'll be the only foreigner present and accounted for with communication being a huge challenge with no one to relate with in your everyday life. It takes bravery...

joshuahirtle27 · Joined: 23 Mar 2008

Well I have a friend over here who is teaching a PS. And I'd like to too I think. My co-teacher is pretty annoying. I've found that the only way to get anything done is to do it for 3 weeks and then have him find out... cause it's like pulling teeth with water balloons otherwise. Having only myself to account to would be nice.

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006