Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pattyb]

I am a male in my mid forties and have been trying to land an entry level teaching position in Korea for some time now. So far, not much luck. I have been informed that my age is a big factor and a lot of schools are looking for younger women teachers.

I look much younger than my age, am in good health, and have no physical issues. I'd also like to believe that I'm not the most unattractive guy in the universe. LOL

It doesn't seem like, or least I am told, that Korea is a very friendly place for older adults?

I wanted to make this happen and build a serious career but it seems like I may have been a little naive in my belief that age wouldn't really hold me back until much later.

I understand that I am not a "prime" candidate but didn't think it would be this hard! It is very depressing to feel over the hill in a non labor intensive field at my age.

Any advice, comments, suggestions, etc. would be much appreciated. I would especially like to hear from any older teachers out there who have dealt with this issue.

Thanks.

[T-Bone]

Hi!

I am an obese, balding mid-thirties male myself and I am currently working in Korea. I thought these things would hold me back (fat, balding, male), but I was able to secure a job. It took me about three months to do so.

I say keep at it, mate. You will get there. A few things you didn't mention was what kind of job hunting strategy you have tried and what region of the country you are looking for. These factor into your job search.

Personally, I was wanting "only Seoul" at first, and then I "settled" for anywhere in Gyonggi. I applied to every recruiter for which I ran across advertisements. It eventually paid off: I am now living in a smaller satellite city in Gyonggi and am having a blast! I am actually glad I didn't end up in Seoul proper. It depends on you and what you are looking for, of course.

Spam every opening you come across. It doesn't cost you anything, and you can always work with more than one recruiter. You don't have to pay any of them anything. I assume this is your first time coming, so using a recruiter is pretty necessary, although some peeps do have success applying to schools directly.

Again, it took me three months from deciding I wanted to come here and getting a job -- but I think also if you say you can start "immediately" more offers will come your way. I received 2 other attractive offers after accepting my current contract.

Good luck and don't give up. I have met plenty of well-adjusted, employed foreigners here that are older (and wiser). Don't buy into any negativity you encounter on this site. Just know what you want and be persistent in getting it.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

[eljuero]

[Smee]

Ageism is definitely a factor, as public school programs and their recruiters aren't hiring older teachers:

http://briandeutsch.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-room-for-older-experienced-teachers.html

There is some sexism in that an ad will once in a while specify they want a woman, though in the past it was easy enough to find a job that didn't.

You may have some luck applying to recruiters advertising for hagwon.

[frankly speaking]

If you had relevant qualifications, none of the above would matter. You state that you want to build a career in EFL. Then I would suggest getting either a MATESOL, or at the very least a teacher's license in your own country. If you have some kind of relevant qualifications, you would have a better chance and wouldn't be limited to just Korea or crappy public school jobs.

[eljuero]

[Steve_Rogers2008]

the key to conquering the sexism matter is to get an interview with the coteacher or head of hagwon directly, and then give 'em something like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc2Z7CL4Cv0


The Joey move.... "How YOU doin'?"

[waseige1]

I strongly suggest you contact ESL Planet at esl-planet.com. I worked with Rowan there 1.5 years ago. I got a public school job in about a month. Rowan was super honest about when and where I stood my best chances of working.

I am 49.

[Smee]

[edwardcatflap]

[moosehead]

#1 item to add to your cover letter/email:

"I have all necessary documents in order and ready for visa processing"

keep it short, sweet and to the point.

if +40 or so, add something about "physically fit" or mention sports in some way; personally, during an interview I will mention about how much I like to ride a bike, very casual, just so they can picture me being active (I'm in my 50's, first came to K at 49, and am female).


it will work.

good luck!

[BoholDiver]

I agree about the documents.

I am mid-30's and bald but not fat. I have an F visa so I get hired for anything. If I were overseas, no documents, special requests, etc, it'd be hard.

[hari seldon]

If you like teaching kindergarten and are skilled at classroom management, there's always work available for mature candidates since most of the whippersnappers satisfy neither requirement.

[pattyb]

Thanks for all the responses and useful info.