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Satchel Paige
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
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 Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 12:15 pm Post subject: Re: Really want job but can't get any offers and need advice |
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| siberiantiger wrote: |
I really want to work in South Korea had have had all of my documents ready to go (notarized and verified by the Korean Consulate) for two months but can't seem to find a public school job.
I applied for a Busan EPIK in early September hoping to get one of the ASAP positions for October but EPIK failed me after the interview. So I applied for EPIK March 2011 with Rowan and ESL Planet but found out two days ago that EPIK did not progress me to the interview stage. (They didn't give a reason why.) I also use Adventure Teaching for hagwon positions but they can't seem to find me anything either.
I have my documents ready to send so that's not the problem. I have a BA Honours degree, an MA degree, and am finishing a PhD (though all were in history, not English). I have a few academic publications. I'd prefer to be in a city anywhere in Korea but am happy to take a rural position. I don't have any ESL teaching experience but I have been a university graduate teaching assistant for six years teaching classes on my own. I also have one year's experience as a supply high school teacher. I've worked as a childcare provider for children aged 2 and 9. I'm comfortable teaching any level in Korea. I'm also a natural blonde, have blue eyes, and I'm from Ontario so I don't have a strong accent.
I don't really want to work in a hagwon because so many things can go wrong but EPIK doesn't seem to want me. Is there anything I can do to have a better chance or is it just too competitive? |
Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to put all that time, energy and money into studying for a PhD in History when all you want to do now is come over to Korea and teach 'Where are you from?' and 'Do you like apples?' to 600 5th graders every week? |
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Chollian
Joined: 12 Oct 2010
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| Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Really want job but can't get any offers and need advice |
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[quote="Satchel Paige"]Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to put all that time, energy and money into studying for a PhD in History when all you want to do now is come over to Korea and teach 'Where are you from?' and 'Do you like apples?' to 600 5th graders every week?[quote]
My guess is that it's because PhDs are ten a penny these days. In the UK for example I know of quite a few PhD holders who can't find work remotely commensurate with their qualification. Of course, I can't generalise too much about Canada, but I wouldn't be surprised if the situation was similar. |
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helper2
Joined: 16 Sep 2010
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| Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:24 pm Post subject: |
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Try a recruiting agency. I know many people feel iffy about them but hey, they get the job done. you let them know what you want, and wait till they can get you something. theres nothing for you to lose since theyre pretty much doing all the work. And with your creds, you can probably get a public school like you want. and as for the agency, I would recommend working with one that has a counselor who is american and thus speaks fluent english.
hope you try it out and it helps!  |
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WillTurnerinVanCity
Joined: 05 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:03 am Post subject: Re: I haven't seen a comment on this yet... |
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| nero wrote: |
That is interesting Will, and maybe worthy of its own thread. I interview terribly fact to face (not because I have a face like a slapped arse but because I get very anxious which brings out a stutter) but on the phone I do quite well.
I guess it is a matter of learning how to play the game without being too obvious.
"What is your greatest weakness?"
"I work too hard."
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I'm taking your advice! New thread on the way. |
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youtuber
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
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| Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:48 pm Post subject: |
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I think the OP's credentials are what is keeping her from EPIK.
What EPIK, SMOE, ect, wants is a young newb fresh out of uni to show the kids what a whitie looks like.
Your "co-teacher" is more like a supervisor. And the OP likely has much more education that the co-teacher. That could make for an awkward relationship.
If I was a Korean teacher, I would choose the youngest, greenest teacher I could. Then I could boss them around more. Bossing around a PHd would be much more difficult. |
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oldfatfarang
Joined: 19 May 2005
Location: On the road to somewhere.
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| Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 10:24 pm Post subject: |
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| youtuber wrote: |
I think the OP's credentials are what is keeping her from EPIK.
What EPIK, SMOE, ect, wants is a young newb fresh out of uni to show the kids what a whitie looks like.
Your "co-teacher" is more like a supervisor. And the OP likely has much more education that the co-teacher. That could make for an awkward relationship.
If I was a Korean teacher, I would choose the youngest, greenest teacher I could. Then I could boss them around more. Bossing around a PHd would be much more difficult. |
Bingo. It is a complete loss of face (for everyone at your PS) if you (as an assistant) have a Ph.D. Koreans in PS really respect Ph.D's, and even a senior K teacher with 30 years experience wouldn't go through a door before a western Ph.D holder. Most senior (aged) K PS teachers will only hold a BA.
My school asked for my qualifications/awards - and I saw the VP and my co-teacher laughing (embarrassed) when they read them. The guy before me was a black SA with a BA. You can almost hear them thinking: "What is up with these countries that educated waegooks can only get an assistant's job?" |
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I-am-me
Joined: 21 Feb 2006
Location: Hermit Kingdom
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| Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 10:39 pm Post subject: |
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| re-write resume and just state you have blonde hair, blue eyes and no accent. Nothing else is relevant in Korea. Guaranteed they will be offering you jobs left and right. |
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T-dot
Joined: 16 May 2004
Location: bundang
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| Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2010 11:14 pm Post subject: |
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I help with the hiring process at my high school and have seen many interviews and resumes during the process..
Let me start by saying your resume looks good and probably better than the average candidate.
The biggest knock against you right now is that you are not in Korea. There are more than enough candidates in Korea looking for jobs that some schools will overlook you based on cost alone.
Some private high schools are accepting applications now for the start date in March. |
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elliot79
Joined: 08 Oct 2010
Location: England
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 1:25 am Post subject: |
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I've been in your position, albeit without the Phd. register with every possible recruiter.
i think i registered with about 16 in total. someting will happen, i'm sure of it.
best of wishes, i really hope you quickly find a job. Apple Recruting are hiring by the way, it's a hogwan job, but worth enquiring. |
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PatrickGHBusan
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: Busan (1997-2008) Canada 2008 -
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:40 am Post subject: |
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That is interesting Will, and maybe worthy of its own thread. I interview terribly fact to face (not because I have a face like a slapped arse but because I get very anxious which brings out a stutter) but on the phone I do quite well.
I guess it is a matter of learning how to play the game without being too obvious.
"What is your greatest weakness?"
"I work too hard." |
As someone who has worked on hiring committees in Korea and Canada and who runs a consulting agency (hence I have had to hire and fire people), here is my advice (for what its worth) on interviews:
Interviewing well is something you learn through experience. An interview is the make or break phase of the hiring process. It is there that equally qualified applicants can break loose from the pack and stand out.
Prepare accordingly!
Prepare some questions for the interviewers as that shows you did some research on the company or school and that you have a serious interest for the position.
Bring supporting paperwork (copy of degree, recommendation letters and if possible a Teacher portfolio).
Prepare a demo lesson in case that is required.
Be honest when you answer, embellishment, while tempting is usually a good way to lose out on a job.
Best quality, fault you need to work on is a standard interview question because it tells the interviewer a lot about the applicant. It evaluates honesty and an ability for self evaluation in the applicant.
For example: what is your greatest weakness or fault as a teacher?
Bad response:
I am a perfectionist, I work too hard...
Thats trying to pass off a quality or asset.
Instead, name a real point of weakness you need to work on: improving part of my qualifications, patience with some situations, creativity, assertiveness in certain situations.
That tells the interviewer you can self evaluate and can also work on improving yourself and most of all that you can be honest.
Employers want to hire people that will fit into their school and work well with other staff. Your qualifications get you the interview, the interview gets you the job and is the best way for an employer to see if you will be a productive employee and a well balanced person.
No one wants to hire someone who will disrupt the workplace.
Want to improve your chances even more?
Dress up for the interview.
Show up early.
Be polite and respectful.
A day or two after the interview, call or email the committee to thank them for the interview. That makes you stand out.
Now, not all this advice is applicable to jobs in Korea. In the case of a phone interview, some things are more important than others. However, the advice above is sound in overal terms.
Good luck. |
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recessiontime
Joined: 21 Jun 2010
Location: Got avatar privileges nyahahaha
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:23 am Post subject: |
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| PatrickGHBusan wrote: |
| Quote: |
That is interesting Will, and maybe worthy of its own thread. I interview terribly fact to face (not because I have a face like a slapped arse but because I get very anxious which brings out a stutter) but on the phone I do quite well.
I guess it is a matter of learning how to play the game without being too obvious.
"What is your greatest weakness?"
"I work too hard." |
As someone who has worked on hiring committees in Korea and Canada and who runs a consulting agency (hence I have had to hire and fire people), here is my advice (for what its worth) on interviews:
Interviewing well is something you learn through experience. An interview is the make or break phase of the hiring process. It is there that equally qualified applicants can break loose from the pack and stand out.
Prepare accordingly!
Prepare some questions for the interviewers as that shows you did some research on the company or school and that you have a serious interest for the position.
Bring supporting paperwork (copy of degree, recommendation letters and if possible a Teacher portfolio).
Prepare a demo lesson in case that is required.
Be honest when you answer, embellishment, while tempting is usually a good way to lose out on a job.
Best quality, fault you need to work on is a standard interview question because it tells the interviewer a lot about the applicant. It evaluates honesty and an ability for self evaluation in the applicant.
For example: what is your greatest weakness or fault as a teacher?
Bad response:
I am a perfectionist, I work too hard...
Thats trying to pass off a quality or asset.
Instead, name a real point of weakness you need to work on: improving part of my qualifications, patience with some situations, creativity, assertiveness in certain situations.
That tells the interviewer you can self evaluate and can also work on improving yourself and most of all that you can be honest.
Employers want to hire people that will fit into their school and work well with other staff. Your qualifications get you the interview, the interview gets you the job and is the best way for an employer to see if you will be a productive employee and a well balanced person.
No one wants to hire someone who will disrupt the workplace.
Want to improve your chances even more?
Dress up for the interview.
Show up early.
Be polite and respectful.
A day or two after the interview, call or email the committee to thank them for the interview. That makes you stand out.
Now, not all this advice is applicable to jobs in Korea. In the case of a phone interview, some things are more important than others. However, the advice above is sound in overal terms.
Good luck. |
He's better off just preparing scripted answers to the most common questions and smiling. Maybe getting another recruiter and taking the phd and/or MA off his resume (optional). It also might be helpful to lie about previous ESL teaching experiences. |
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cert43
Joined: 17 Jun 2010
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:39 am Post subject: |
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What about a Uni?
There looks to be plenty hiring now. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 18 Jul 2006
Location: Home sweet home
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:36 am Post subject: |
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YOu shoudl be looking for uni jobs. Apply for ones that require PhDs. There's one at Ajou on the boards. seriously, it's the hiring season for unis, you should be sending a CV or two a day.
You're only 30 and have an MA, that should be enough. I agree that the hagwons haven't gotten back to you because you're overqualified. As shallow as this sounds, if you're a bit overweight, that might also be why they're not getting back to you. Looks are everything. |
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PatrickGHBusan
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: Busan (1997-2008) Canada 2008 -
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| Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 10:30 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
recessiontime
He's better off just preparing scripted answers to the most common questions and smiling. Maybe getting another recruiter and taking the phd and/or MA off his resume (optional). It also might be helpful to lie about previous ESL teaching experiences. |
Sure if he wants to land a precious entry-level hakwon position or a bottom of the ladder assistant teacher position in a PS.
If however he wants a better position, with his qualifications and the time of the year he is applying (it is the start of prime hiring season for Universities and Colleges) the adive I posted will serve him better.
In fact, with his qualifications or at least with what they appear to be, he would be an idiot not to gun for a better position. |
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