Korean Job Discussion Forums

[drdst122]

I have applied to a few different places or recruiters over a month ago and have been in contact with a few.

I haven't received any type of interest from anyone.

I am born and raised U.S. citizen, native English speaker etc...

I am seeking a private school in Seoul as I am looking to make more than the minimum public school salary and have targeted August/September starts. The reason I have targeted those dates is because I'm still waiting on my diploma to be mailed out (supposed to be here mid-end of July).

Is not having my diploma yet causing the lack of interest at the moment? Will I be able to easily get a job in or close to the heart of Seoul once I get all my documents in hand?

Thanks for any help and/or responses.

Cheers

[Otherside]

Is there anything that could count against you, that you aren't telling us?

For example, are you any of the following? Fat, non-caucasian, ugly, old, a Barcelona supporter, criminal record, health issues?

[bassexpander]

1. No diploma in-hand

2. Not in Korea


If you fix #1, you stand a much better chance.

[frankly speaking]

Over 30 without experience would go against you. Most schools don't care about experience if you are younger, but no one wants to hire 50 year olds without one day of teaching experience.

Also it could be your degree. However, I do believe as bassexpander stating, not having the diploma in hand. You cannot get a visa without it. You will also need your transcripts.

If you are just looking for Hagwon work, then don't even bother applying until July when you have your diploma. Most of those schools only hire a few weeks before starting dates. Also, get your criminal check done now. Have all of the required paperwork before you even begin.

Good luck

[drdst122]

[Darkray16]

Sorry for hijacking the thread but I have a similar situation. I am working in Busan right now at a public school. My wife has to relocate to Seoul so we both gotta head there this summer. I have only worked for 4 months at the school, but I will give them plenty of notice so they can replace me.

I sent out about 15 resumes to recruiters for hagwon jobs teaching adults in Gangnam or nearby but no replies yet.

Are the adult teaching positions so hard to obtain? Do I have a chance without a year of work experience?

I am Asian American, with a degree in Italian(grammar aspects of it is nearly identical to English but I doubt hagwons will consider that). I'm on an E2 visa. I have a TESOL certificate from the USA.

Can you guys give me any advice? I think I will go to Gangnam soon to ask for job openings in person. I hope that will increase my chances.

Also, I've been mentioning that I am currently working in a school in Busan. Should I not mention that?

[frankly speaking]

Less than a year experience and none of which teaching adults. There is little chance of getting a full time job teaching adults. The best way to get those jobs are from contacts. Unfortunately, without a lot of experience or decent qualifications, it is hard for anyone that is not a young, white slave. However, those jobs you wouldn't want anyway. There might be fewer jobs for you being of Asian descent, as am I, however those jobs that you do get, will of course be better places to work at. I find it interesting that you say that you are American, but say from the USA. The definite article isn't used with USA. Only US. I think that an American should know that.

To the OP, I think that you will get a job. Make sure that you send out a good picture of yourself. One that makes you look professional. Dress shirt, tie and slacks.

The main issue that faces you is that you need the documentation and don't apply unless you are ready to start within the next few weeks.

Public school jobs are different but many after school academies hire with short notice.

[the_beaver]

A lot of possibilities.

1. Schools don't hire so far in advance.
2. Most teachers want higher than average salary, but most don't merit it.
3. Seoul is where most people want to work so you might be down the list.
4. Maybe your application materials aren't good.
- Maybe you sent a party shot instead of a head and shoulders shot.
- Maybe your resume has a bad layout.
- Maybe you don't come across as personable.
5. Maybe your recruiter is swamped.
6. Maybe your recruiter doesn't have any schools.

[dporter]

[bassexpander]

[bundangbabo]

Funny thing happened today, I am leaving my school to go back to England on the 26th and the school have been finding a replacement to teach ASAP - anyway two really good American candidates applied to the school and my co-teacher was very happy.

Later on in the afternoon, I was told by another teacher that both applications had been rejected by the VP because of the swine flu cases and that they were to bring in a teacher for September when hopefully - the swine flu epidemic ceases to exist. I don;t know if it is just my school, the city education board or GEPIK. Worth looking into.

[Darkray16]

[Otherside]

[frankly speaking]

The USA is a country in North America.

That is not correct.

USA is a country in North America.

Is correct.

I am from the states. I am from The United States. I am from the US. All are accurate. But I am from the USA. Say it aloud and see how awkward it sounds.

When you say the United States of America, then of course you use the definite article, but it is not needed with the abbreviation.

Yes, in some circumstances it sounds ok, but I have a degree from the USA. Read it aloud and see how choppy and awkward it sounds.

[Otherside]