Korean Job Discussion Forums

isthisreally · Joined: 01 Sep 2007

I'm currently looking for a job. I haven't taught in over 1 year. I previously taught for 1.5 year and broke my contract in the middle of the second year. I left with happy faces and more than 2 months notice, but it still looks bad to future employers. Now people are asking to contact my previous school, which I'm pretty sure is disqualifying me from jobs. What are the recommendations here?

I've thought of a few, but if you have any previous experience or advice that would be quite helpful. Obviously I made a mistake by breaking my previous contract and screwing up my only reference.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Don't ask Don't tell. You,ve got a better chance as someone with no experience rather than someone who might not finish the contract.

Perceptioncheck · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

That's a tough one.

I was in a slightly similar situation when I applied for my first job in Korea; previously I'd done a year and a half in Japan. I hadn't completed the final year because the company I worked for went bankrupt and I lost my job. I knew the half year looked bad on my resume but it was never questioned and if it was, I had a feasible reason for not completing my second contract.

I assume you had a reason for breaking your contract? If I were you, I would include the experience on your resume and then if you're asked just explain why you left half way through.

However, if you know for sure that your old school is giving you bad references and it's costing you job opportunities, then I would not include it at all. I guess it depends on how desperate you are, but it's probably better to get a job by posing as newbie rather than not getting a job at all.

Good luck, hope something works out for you.

isthisreally · Joined: 01 Sep 2007

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

isthisreally · Joined: 01 Sep 2007

Thanks for the replies, I'm leaning toward going with my school went out of business. I'm also gonna have my Korean friend call my school to see what they're saying about me. I'm sure it's all good with the exception of the fact that I left in the middle of my second contract, but we'll see.