Korean Job Discussion Forums

wanderingsalsero · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Location: Houston, TX.

I know what Dave is talking about. He's exactly right.

Art

Scott in Incheon · Joined: 30 Aug 2004

I don't think it really matters whether you agree with the policy or not...it doesn't matter what other schools do...if you want a job at a particular school it is just a good idea to follow their rules.

My school is one of the good ones and it would be a shame if someone missed out the chance just because they didn't read the ad.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I really like your posts and you are spot on with this one, too. But I've always said that university jobs have gone to hell in a hand bad so I don't know how I'm out of touch.

Anyway, yes, for some the public school system is fine. Particularly for those with degrees in education. Teaching younger kids isn't for me. My point has been that for the highly qualified and experienced, there are a few competitive university positions that pay quite well. These pay more than public schools and afford much more vacation and earning potential on-site. Don't forget that the places without the term limits provide annual salary increases, too, so the people who have been there a while are making fantastic coin.

To be sure, though, the cush jobs for those 'breaking into' university teaching are all but gone, and the majority of the slots out there are glorified hakwon jobs.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

PR's avatar is one of my favorite on this board, btw.

Easter Clark · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Location: Hiding from Yie Eun-woong

branchsnapper · Joined: 21 Feb 2008

How high on the hill were these uni jobs in the first place? By what criteria are the lecturers at universities so bad? If they apply standard western teaching theory to big Korean university classes that might be pretty bad. People who make really harsh judgements about other teachers qualities are just on an ego trip for the most part. The situation is complex, and research doesn't bear out big differences between results of different teachers or techniques. It's the students that count.

Also, surely qualifications are better than before due to increased competition and more people with long years behind them.

Anyway, of course Scott in Incheon is right and you've got to jump the hurdles they set, in general, and post your stuff if they say so. However, his post rather suggests that these systems work well, and people always hire on the basis of what they claim to hire people on, and at that time, and with those conditions. That isn't necessarily the case.

DrunkenMaster · Joined: 04 Feb 2008

At the end of the day, most of these resume packages are being processed by people who don't speak or read English very well, and even if they are proficient, they have other tasks that these applications are keeping them from. Like Go-Stop and solitaire.

They are usually unmarried 24-30 year old female office workers who are sick of having to deal with foreigners every day. They couldn't be arsed to really care who makes it through the initial screening, so they do it like this: was the process followed and is everything here on-time? Proceed. Otherwise, disqualified.

Rumple · Joined: 19 Sep 2007

NoExplode · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

McGenghis · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Gangneung

I got my university job via email. I had to make a few calls and rub some balls on the way, but that was my first step.

My second step was taking my incredibly few hours and my admirable pay.

My third step was using my second step to debauch myself properly. Plus, saying you've a uni job means more hits with the chicks. Actually, these are lies. I speak a modicum of the Korean. People told me that it wouldn't help, but gosh, it warmed up the president's balls right nice. So a great big pooh to those who say that remaining provincial in Korea is a benefit.

Gosh. Jee whiz. 아이고. And other things one says when one scratches his head.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

From what I have come to understand, it is a common procedure in Human Resources to have some minimal instructions when advertising for positions for the specific reason to see if people are following them. You do not have to believe me but I am still offering this advice for free.

My experience in Korea with university applications is that it is a lot like playing slots and other games of chance. I think questions about who actually reads the applications, the criteria they use and even if their criteria is explicit or not, and even their willingness to be flexible on interview times are all valid. From what I have seen, application procedures can be quite shady.

Korea is still a place where who you know may be more important than what you know and what you can do.

And, the "timing" of your application may be your only distinguishing feature.

But, there is no question in my mind, if a job offer has instructions, you are playing with fire if you do not follow them!

justaguy · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Location: seoul

Korean University has an all foreigner interview for job applicants. My friend just applied there and I was shocked when I heard that. IMO If the school is a Korean school, I think that Koreans should be conducting the interviews.

I have another friend at Ewha, and they also use foreigners in the hiring process. The foreigners there weed out the bad resumes first and then participate with Koreans in the interview process.

Both schools have cliques of foreign teachers who are looking for new people who will "fit in." I find it hard to believe that the Koreans are unable to screen and interview new applicants. It seems like they just can't be bothered, and the foreigners volunteered to do it.