Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JBomb]

the media is blowing things out of proportion because they have run out of things to say.

[dsob]

Has anyone heard anything back yet? I'm getting way too excited - up til half 3 researching about what to bring to korea...

[meagan8477]

[sweetkiss]

hi i wasn't sure where to post this but really wanted to ask. i searched the forums and went through 5++ pages and pretty much read through this whole topic but i was wondering, on the application for EPIK for SMOE when it asks if you're willing to work anywhere in korea, if i only wanna work in seoul am i supposed to put No? cuz i know people were saying that putting no disqualifies you or something along those lines o.O

and also for the recommendation letter, we're supposed to open it and scan it right? cuz my prof was saying how it's more legitimate if its unopened but since i'm applyign by email i dont think thats an option.

[meagan8477]

You have to open the recommendation letter and scan it so you can send a copy with your e-mail application. Typically employers won't want you to open your letters, but EPIK/SMOE is different.

It's really your call on which box to check. I think most people put that they would be willing to work anywhere, even if they really only want to work in Seoul. I think they try to place you where you want to be and there were a lot of positions open in Seoul. I would think that the more flexible you seem, the more desirable you are.

[daisydew]

Is it bad if I submit my application directly to EPIK (my recruiter said that EPIK was closed now) and also give her my GEPIK application too? I've heard that it's not good to do double applications, but didn't know if that was for 2 in one or one of each. If that makes sense...

[sirius black]

I know the whole 'don't trust recruiters' thing has been done, but I want to let everyone aware of a particular experience. I submitted my revised EPIK application (after being told to make changes) to a recruiter on November 30th in time for the December 1st deadline.

I emailed several days later about the status and was told it was turned down and the reason. Okay, que sera. I found out later that they didn't turn it at all. They just told me they did and lied to me about it not being accepted. Different emails from different personnel in the firm told different stories. Another said I didn't turn it in in time (I sent them a copy of my pre December 1st email with the apps and forms). They didn't think it would be accepted so didn't bother to turn it in and didn't tell me. Fortunately I used 3 recruiters and one of the others said it was turned in but they have not heard back but are not optimistic, which is fine. I just wanted a fair shot. They received my app the same time as the others.

The firm that didn't turn it in (I Love ESL) were very rude in their correspondence. I was always professional with them. Goes to show you it may be best to submit apps directly to EPIK or use recruiters that are recommended by trusted friends.

Fortunately I have an interview set up with a HS in my choice city (directly through a contact) as well as interviews in other areas. Even a uni interview in my choice city. So, I'm not bitter or anything. Just annoyed at being lied to.

Others may have had a good experience with I Love ESL. I suspect if so, its because they liked your app and you seemed a good candidate to them so was treated well, if not then they can be rude.

Beware.

[Pretorian]

I hear you sirius. I'm in Korea already and I wanted to apply for Epik so I used a recruiter. I had previously had contact with Ann at Korvia and also Jason at Ask Now. Jason especially kept in contact with me over the month asking me for referrals. Well to cut a long story short, after 2 weeks of both recruiters avoiding questions.. they both emailed me and told me that I should rather apply to Epik directly.. since I was already in Korea.

I thought recruiters get commission from Epik. I thought since they've kept in contact for 8 months they would try help.

Best just to apply direct to Epik. The coordinator (Albert) we had from Epik was really helpful and friendly.

Goodluck to everyone