Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DosEquisXX]

I just had an interview with a hagwon and was a bit surprised when I was asked questions such as "What is your favorite color?" and "Which sibling do I like better?" Are these questions serious or is it a joke? I guess you can draw some information based on them, but how reliable is it? It doesn't seem to be the most efficient way to get to know a person.

I also try to figure what tell-tale signs exist that one is FOS, but sometimes I get things mixed up. I get a little leery when hagwons are dodgy about whether or not they have textbooks/workbooks or a curriculum. When I hear that a hagwon is very new, has a small amount of students and no other foreign teachers, I get a bit put off because I fear that they might go out of business or something like that.

I don't know whether it is bad to be a mom-and-pop joint or part of a franchise of hagwons.

In short, what are warning signs that you look for an interview that give you an idea on whether or not a hagwon is FOS?

[chrisassd]

You can't really know until you have your severance and flight home upon completing your contract.

Aside from speaking to other NETs and doing as much research as you can it has to be instinct.

[DosEquisXX]

[imoscardotcom]

I wouldn't be put off by strange questions (unless they ask anything of poor taste and/or an extremely sensitive nature. Use your imagination). I think the school is just trying to gauge your personality, your speech patterns, accent....
I think the warning signs to look for will be:
1) If the contract is shady. Are they trying to do anything illegal, not pay for health insurance or pension?
2) If they won't let you speak with other foreign teachers at the school.
I do agree with you on being wary of new schools (just IMO)
3) If they won't answer a direct question, such as: "the contract mentions an apartment, but it doesn't mention whether it will be single or shared--will I have a roommate?"
hope this helps a bit!

[DosEquisXX]

I found this about the hagwon I interviewed with:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=68231401&postcount=488

The post is very recent (only a week old) and probably interviewed for the same position I did (nearly identical start dates).

That was connected with a different recruiter from the one I am working with. Maybe the claim made in the posted e-mail was legitimate since there was a recruiter change.

Yay for researching, I guess.

I suppose the idea is if you find something about the school that seems a bit shaky, gtfo and don't take the risk?

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It's kind of a bummer too. They seemed honest and I think they really are a hagwon that is genuine about wanting to do a good job and struggling in a tough economy. I can sympathize with the difficulties of self-employment and small business. But I don't think a foreigner can really accept a position that may not last if the business cannot last. If they can't afford to pay a recruiter properly, then how can they afford to pay you?

[bobbybigfoot]

Move on. I wouldn't work for a place that asked me what my favourite colour is. Right away you know they are Mickey Mouse.

Oh, wait a second. 99% of hagwons are mickey mouse.