Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ktkates87]

I appologize if this has been asked somewhere else on here before. Facial Hair (in this case a Beard)....is this considered good or bad to a potential employer in Korea?

My significant other has a full beard, that he keeps well trimmed and maintained. He is quite sad at the idea of having to ever part with it, but will do away with it if it means a better shot at getting a job in Korea. Most of the resumes and cover letters we have been sending out include a picture of him with his beard and I'm wondering if this is unattractive to the potential employer?

[skim234]

It definitely can't help. I don't imagine any employer saying, "We'd hire him, but he doesn't have a beard."

[omar]

I have a well kept beard that I would not want to part with and luckily for me, it didn't seem to be an issue when I was interviewed by EPIK.

[nukeday]

This is a subjective question that is nearly impossible to answer. If it is well kept it should be fine. I doubt any REPUTABLE employer would see that and consciously think "we can't hire this criminal." Subconsciously is a different matter, however.

It boils down to this. Does he look more HANDSOME with or without the beard? Then go with that. Some men actually look worse clean shaven.

If it's a tie, lose the beard. The best answer that you can expect is "It PROBABLY won't hurt if keeps his beard."

[oldfatfarang]

I bus home with high school boys from a neighboring school. They told me that their GET has a 'wild' face. Apparently, he has a beard -somedays (the unshaved cool look isn't the best look for a PS teacher in Korea).

I've also heard Koreans (and Thais) speak of people with beards as being 'dirty'.

Traditionally, Asians thought beards are reserved for the very old and very wise (see ancient paintings of venerated buddhist monks/confucian teachers).

If you don't get accepted, your beard/photo will probably be the cause.

Up to you.

[Paladin Brewer]

I have a goutee/beard whatever, and I don't have any problems. I receive comments about it but they are usually good, like "beard good" and a thumbs up, and other such broken English. I was told that in Korea, having a beard is symbolic of being rich, if that means anything to you.

I also live in a rural area though, and I think they will hire anyone

[carpetdope]

I like the above expression "wild face" - makes it sound like he's suddenly going to eat the students. Which reminds me - what's for lunch?

[hapigokelli]

He could just do what my boyfriend did.

1. Shave beard.
2. Take picture for resume.
3. Re-grow beard.

[balzor]

Some Koreans consider a lot of facial hair as an attempt to conceal your face which means you are hiding something or so i've been told I didn't shave at my hogwan last year and I keep clean this year at PS. I guess keep what is comfortable without violating the dress code

[BoholDiver]

As long as you don't look like Bundang Bear, you're fine.

That being, don't be a slob and practice personal hygeine. As long as you do that, it shouldn't be a problem.

[ttompatz]

I have always had facial hair - anything from a goatee to a full on beard and it has never been an issue for me (or to the best of my knowledge, the staff I worked with.)