Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jhuntingtonus]

I interviewed for a public school-related English center position three days ago, and they offered me the job immediately afterwards. I told the recruiter that, and told her I would let her know the next day. I called her Tuesday AM and accepted the offer. She said she would tell the school and get the next set of instructions. Today she called me saying the school had decided "not to hire another teacher," but she had another possible position. She told me about the other position - I declined since it seemed to be at a hagwon, and I want a public school. She then wrote me back saying my age was a problem, that the principal had nixed my hiring. Told her I MET the principal, and he didn't have anything to say then, or (much better) before I spent 50,000 won and a whole day going out there. I do have my birthday on the resume, which should prevent this sort of thing.

Is this a common occurrence? Any other experiences like this, or comments?

Thanks again!

[bobbybigfoot]

Can I ask what your age is?

[fromtheuk]

I had a similar experience this week. I went for an interview. It went well, I even met the Principal. They rejected me because they wanted a white face. My face wasn't white when I sent the recruiter my photo, I suppose the Principal didn't see it before the interview.

[jhuntingtonus]

I am 52. I don't look it, and don't think I acted it... apparently the main contact "really wanted to hire me," but the principal later said no.

How can I prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future? I am totally up-front about my age.

[Otherside]

Basically, this is what I think happened.
Schools want young teachers, but obviously an "old" teacher is better than no teacher at all.
At the time of the interview etc, everything was peachy but at the last minute, someone younger came about.

Might be better off applying directly to EPIK/GEPIK as once your name is in the hat, you wont get shafted based on age.

[ontheway]

Here is why you get this delayed reaction:

Korean recruiters think of each applicant as a product to sell. They only let the schools see one applicant at a time, one resume at a time. They twist the school's arm to look at the applicant, to consider the applicant, so you get to visit the school and meet the principal. The principal has to go through the make-believe interview, and sometimes a school visit, and then reject the applicant, before the recruiter will let them see another resume. Even though the principal already knew he would not accept the applicant, he has to go through this dance. This is annoying for both the school and the applicant, but recruiters have created this lunacy.


It's the Korean way.