Korean Job Discussion Forums

[izzity]

As expected, the recruiters have been throwing out all their nonsense/need filled positions first... I assume partially bc I'm a newbie and it's just their way, but also bc I have all of my documents ready to go.

But my question is, when (if at all) will the better (by which I mean, a little less sucky, i.e. not Kids Club) positions start popping up in my inbox? Or should I continue to just expect more of the same.
Even the higher rated recruiters and those personally recommended are throwing these at me, nonstop.
Oh, you don't want kindergarten or a 9 - 6/30 shift, but here you go, I've serving you precisely what you didn't want. And on top of that, I'm going to act disappointed in you for refusing an interview for such positions. Gasp, shock, awe.


I'd try to apply to schools directly, but don't really know where to start, I so rarely see any good/direct-hire positions on the boards.
ANY TIPS?!

[Not to mention, that I was supposed to already be in SK working by now... but thanks to not one, not two, but three screwups by one of those previously mentioned "higher rated recruiters" - I'm looking for a different position.]

I'm trying not to get frustrated, as I understand that this is just sort of how it goes. But some days it's more difficult than others.
I mean, I don't want to be bitter BEFORE I even step foot into Korea... That kind of energy should be reserved for when I'm fed up and leaving for good

[amcnutt]

Well it makes sense they sound disappointed. They want to place you as soon as they can so they can get their money and move on to the next applicant.
However, I think it's important to keep in mind that there are TONS of applicants right now, so it's getting harder to land awesome positions.
Instead of worrying about the shifts, I would just look into well-rated schools. I would rather work a shift I didn't want at a school that is reliable and helpful than a good shift (were you looking for more evening work?) at a really sketchy, dishonest hagwon.
If you have no teaching experience you might have to lower your expectations just a little bit. But yes, recruiters can be a pain sometimes.

[izzity]

Thanks for the quick reply.
I don't think I have unrealistic expectations - I know the economy is terrible and there are lots of applicants because of that (many more qualified than myself). My only request was that I not teach kindergarten and that I at least be in a satellite city of Seoul. However, I made it clear that I was open to hearing about other positions outside of that area, so long as they weren't kindergarten.
In fact, the job I had previously accepted was one that I didn't particularly care for (kinder, morning/long shift) but was with a good school, so I took it.

They can definitely be a pain. I'd just like for one of them to actually listen to what I'm saying. (Maybe that's where my unrealistic expectations come in.)
I'm beginning to understand why so many people forego recruiters entirely.

Ahh, it'll all work out one way or another.

[SunDevil Dre]

Are you Caucasian? Female? North American? Only the latter applies to me, and I haven't seen any offers, despite having my docs ready. Seems Hagwons are being very picky now since there are so many applicants. One recruiter admitted to me that they were struggling to place newbie male applicants w/o Education degrees. I'm leaning toward going the Public School route.

[farzfive]

I am a newbie in a similar situation (no education background, male american) but my advice would be to just keep contacting recruiters. When you talk to them, express a genuine interest in teaching and Korean culture, and eventually, you will find someone who is willing to go that extra mile for you.

Ive had two offers so far, but the schools were crap/shady.

Just keep at it! Persistence will show that you are excited and motivated.

[Kysorb]

I am also living this dream.