Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Hey everyone!

I was so happy to find this forum. I have a ton of questions! But I'll start with this one:

Short version - Can you apply to EPIK more than once, but with different cities listed? Can you apply directly to public schools without going through EPIK


Long version-

I signed up to work with the recruiter gone2korea last week. Within a couple days I'd gotten an e-mail, and then I'm supposed to have my first phone interview today. I also read on some sites that it's a good idea to have more than one recruiter working for you, and I found KorVia to be highly recommended, so I e-mailed them as well. To my surprise, a lady named Joyce e-mailed back almost instantly and within two days (on Labor Day weekend!) she'd accepted my EPIK application, answered my questions, and pledged to get me an interview by the end of the month.

I do still want to work with gone2korea, but I'm a little concerned. I'm only interested in teaching in a public school, period. I wonder if there's any point talking to gone2korea now that I've submitted my EPIK application. Will they be able to find me jobs that I couldn't get through EPIK? And should I admit to them that I have already filled out an EPIK application through another recruiter??

I'm not sure what the right thing to do is. Thank you for any advice you can give me!

[andrewchon]

When EPIK receives multiple apps of you from different recruiters, they won't be happy. Different cities thing don't make any difference. You are applying to work in EPIK schools. They may reject your app depending on the circumstance. During last summer's fiasco, that was one of the ways to cull the numbers. For this winter of discontent, who knows what they'll do? It's already happened, so just run with it.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

I haven't sent in multiple apps, though, just the one. Unless gone2korea sends the second one in without asking me. Would they do that??

[andrewchon]

When gone2korea offers you an EPIK position tell them you've applied through another. Gone2korea will not be happy with you but they can rep you for GEPIK and SMOE as well, so it'll be like 'let's move on'.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks Andrew.

I actually feel bad...I didn't mean to screw anyone over. I'd just read a lot of people recommending getting more than one recruiter. Now that I have, I wish I hadn't, but it's too late to go back. :-/

[ThingsComeAround]

Don't feel bad.
Using multiple recruiters gives you leverage. Using one you must believe whatever they say (some recruiters do lie)
If you must, tell the recruiter you want another place as andrew mentioned.
Usually they submit your paperwork only once after the interview

Good luck

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

Thank you ThingsComeAround.

Wouldn't it be nice if life just fell into place? But no...negotiations and confusion abound...sigh!

I will keep you all updated.