Korean Job Discussion Forums

jwhofer · Joined: 17 Apr 2009

AAAAAAAA

earthquakez · Joined: 10 Nov 2010

It's not just you, I've heard the same from other people. More people coming to teach in Korea, mostly from Canada and the US. That's what it is.

Take a look at recruiters' websites, you'll see all the photos and cvs of mostly young people who haven'tg worked outside of their home countries. If recruiters just want those kinds of people ultimately it will be their problem because a proven ESL/EFL teacher is more likely to stay the course. Recruiters ultimately will have less hassle with experienced people so serves them right if they don't get their fee because the person they selected for the interview does a runner or leaves early in other ways.

I've noticed there is a slight increase in direct hire jobs. Look for those if you can wait.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

If you're applying to recruiters, then your mistake was only writing to 4 of them. Write to as many as you can find. They typically advertise for jobs that they don't have. They try to get as many applicants as possible, even if they don't have jobs for everyone. The more applicants they have, the better the chances of filling their jobs will teachers that they schools will like. And the rest of the applicants left waiting.... not the recruiter's problem.

happiness · Joined: 04 Sep 2010

i heard from a recruiter that, before when one position may have 1-5 applicants, now they can have 50-60 or more! the recruiters also are having major problems, so then Im guessing they have to iniminimainimo through the resumes, or choose the most handsome one, and even then, it doesnt mean those people will pass the CBC/apostile/do you like our kimchi tests.

jwhofer · Joined: 17 Apr 2009

Thanks for the input.
Still would like to know if there is a real blacklist. May never know...

If anybody's got more input/advice, keep it coming.

enchoo

I might be on it but so might many other teachers who has been teaching for a while. The blacklist will list complains so frivilous as unable to take proper attendance or argues with other easily. Unless you have literally murdered someone, I would not stop applying over a blacklist.

The recruiters and major franchise academies will use a federal blacklist if there is an excess of teachers. The problem is that this blacklist does not use DUE PROCESS or allow teachers to prove wrong whatever they are accused of. The blacklist does not followup to verify such complaints. Of course the blacklist is in Korean because I am guessing that foreigners are not allowed to disagree with it.

So I would disregard it and just apply to as many places as possible because there are still many jobs out there to be had. Do not apply to 4 but maybe to 40 places. Do not limit yourself to Seoul. Use several esl website like eslvoice or worknplay dot co dot kr or hiexpat dot com Go back to 1 year ago in the esl website to see if they offerred a job last year and send your resumee to the same email address. Polish your resume and make sure all of your documents are scanned and saved in pdf adobe reader. Show your best picture in a tuxedo!! Remember in Korea, image comes first then back it up with substance!! Although if you have a pattern of changing jobs often, the blacklist might indicate this.

If the blacklist still bothers you then either get a master's degree or teaching license or some other discriminating factor that favors you.
Personally I think recruiters are not the way to go to get a reasonable job if you have taught in Korea before although I have had some successes with them recently. I might be making a book soon on How to get the right ESL job and how to deal with different types of supervisors and recruiters.

TheresaTheresa · Joined: 24 Feb 2010

Doubt you're on a Blacklist but if you are ... who cares?! Keep applying and you will find something.

As for the low response rate from your recent applications relative to past applications, it is oversupply pure and simple, as someone already mentioned. You're competing with many more people than before so you've got to work a bit harder. When I applied for a GEPIK job I was asked to post a video on Youtube to differentiate myself from other applicants and let the potential employers get a taste of my ability to perform/teach. Er... nah. If you're willing to hang in there and/or go the extra mile to make yourself stand out (ie: Youtube video) you will find something. Come on - it's Korea!

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Hey enchoo.

Do you think that you could possibly find a larger avatar? How about something under 150 pixels so that you're not taking up half the screen with your mugshot?

EDIT: Thanks for downsizing it.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

So, all hagwons and public schools collectively add names to a list? It so encrypted that foreigners can't break through the strong kimchi wall fortressed around it?

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

somethingawful · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Location: Daejeon

It's the economy, not a blacklist! Try fluffing that resume a bit and redoing your photo to include an even goofier smile and more airbrushing.