Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gelynch52]

I post variations of the following cover letter and am getting ZERO responses. What do these schools need for further qualifications? I have indicated a willingness (even a preference) for rural or small town positions that are usually hard to fill. I have a TEFL, BA in English and considerable experience so what is lacking here?

I am an American man with over 7 years of ESL teaching experience in Korea along with short periods in The Philippines and Saudi Arabia. During this time I have taught all levels of students from K through high school and adults.
If I have a preference in teaching assignments it would probably be adults even though the work hours are usually split due to the students own work situation. However, I am willing and able to teach children of virtually any age and consider that the US does not permit a smiling passport photo when looking at my passport.
The fact that I am older then the usual young teacher and that I have an infant son (not traveling with me) will ensure that I am not going to be the typical young guy who stays out all night drinking and comes to work affected by his long nights out.
Please review my attached documents and consider me for a position with your company. I have my transcripts and they are sealed. Rural and small town positions are usually hard to fill in Korea and I am very willing to accept such assignments. In fact, I prefer them so I can use the outdoors for hiking and fishing in my off time although large cities are also just fine with me.
Note that I am a native born American but living in The Philippines and I can realistically be available the 6th of almost any month with proper notice. This location allows for relatively inexpensive airfare.
A response either positive or negative would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,

[Banana_Man]

[highdials5]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2345560&highlight=#2345560

Why are you posting the same topic again? You had a lot of advice in the previous thread last month.

[KoreanAmbition]

I think your cover letter is too informal and you are using a completely free-speaking form. I would also hold back from talking about your social habits, age, or family members.

I find your resume draws attention to the things you are trying to defend. If you didn't mention them, they might go unnoticed... whereas with your technique the reader might focus more on them.

Take a more formal and professional direction with it, and take the advice of the above poster and don't help the recruiter do their job.

[ThingsComeAround]

It seems as though from the second paragraph on you copied what you put on your cover letter. You don't have to send out a "non smiling" passport photo. Just go to any shop and take a photo with you looking friendly.

Next, don't mention family. family means you may have a family crisis (true or not) and you may have to leave faster. Don't mention you live in the Phillippines.

Last, you should know (if you really have worked in Korea) that NO ONE prepares or gives notice when they need something. It is always "I NEED IT DONE YESTERDAY" and making an employer potentially wait until the 6th could be bad. Take that part out also.

If I were you, I'd soften the tone of your letter. It sounds desperate. Write specific letters (with your middle name) and send them out so people will get an idea of what fits your ideal situation. You can teach all ages. Great. Not everyone wants to hear that. Sounds too generic

[creeper1]

Delete every single reference to the Philippines and then resubmit.

[AsiaESLbound]

I understand the job market to be getting tight. I applied like 20 times, before accepting my job back in January and arriving late February. It took 6 weeks due a communication incompetency. I've been reading ESL forums for many other countries such as Taiwan and they say it's increasingly getting tight. I wouldn't doubt if the OP gets rejection for experience or clearly coming off as having initiative and interpersonal power. They don't want someone who leads and takes charge, they want someone who bows to every request without questioning authority as if institutionalized. It appears so colorful, Western, and free on the surface, but things are not what they visually appear to be from our perspective.

[vaticanhotline]

[thegadfly]

Um...highdial's link back to the original thread with pages of advice and an explanation of why you probably did not get any responses should answer your question -- or are you hoping to be told something different this time around?

[Groznyji]

To be frank, and to parrot what others have said, your cover letter is simply no good.

You need to look at examples of professional cover letters. Toss that one and write a new one.

A general guideline I can give you is to not discuss your personal life, especially near the beginning of the letter.

I can give you more specific advice if you'd like. Just PM me.

[caylia]

[madoka]

[Whistleblower]

As my father would say; "focus on strengths, not weaknesses!"

[blonde researcher]

You say you have 7 years previously working in ESL and in Korea.
Instead of worrying about the cover letter why not look at what might be in your resume?

Do you have any history in Korea such as a p***** off previous director who you ended up in conflict with, even if you finished the contract?
It may be a good idea to recheck what any, (or all) of these Korean references may be saying about you if there were phoned by another prospective employer public school etc.
It is getting very common for recruiters working for public schools and hagwons to get made to phone previously worked in hagwons and schools to check on applicants history. I know for EPIK this year it is mandatory for this checking to take place, before any interview is offered

Why not send your application (without the full details or names of previous employers) and minus some of the other personal details to see if you get any responses.

[nomad-ish]