Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EmGen]

So I've got a years experience teaching at a Hagwon in Korea, and I'm trying to go back as soon as possible (I'm American), earlier then March if possible, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding a Public School Job in the cities I'm looking at (in the cities around Seoul). I've been using one recruiter mostly, and she keeps recommending me to schools, but then I don't get the job. Some of this may come down to my previous hagwon director (asshole) giving me a bad recommendation (even though I stayed in a shitty condition for the entire contract). But they did write my recommendation letters at least.

Anyway, is this normal right now? I've had like 4 schools pass on me already. And also, can anyone recommend some good Gyeonngi Public School recruiters? The one I'm using seems to be extremely unprofessional.

[3DR]

try dan at teacheslkorea.com.

Also for the reference, see if you can get another former Korean coworker for a reference. My former main coteacher did not like me, so I went around her and got a reference from the science teacher at the school where I taught. We were cool as she treated me to dinner a few times and helped me learn some Korean.

I didn't get a public school job and ended up at a hagwon, but it's still came in handy.

[OculisOrbis]

Stop worrying about so close to Seoul. Korea is small. If you can't maintain your sanity and occupy your time for five nights a week, while still visiting seoul/other cities on the weekends, then you may have bigger things to worry about.

Be patient. If you have a bad reference from a previous employer, it may take some time to find someone who is willing to look past that and hire you.

Use more than one recruiter. Be willing to accept a position outside seoul/gyeonggi-do.

[EmGen]

Let me clarify things a bit: my girlfriend works in Seoul so I'm just trying to get a job that's at least within an hour's distance (she will live with me). Also, my hagwon director wrote me a fine letter of recommendation, but I think he's been saying (when the schools call him for reference) that I am not very good at teaching children. My recruiter told me of at least one case of this happening. Btw I taught at a F*ing adult's hagwon, i.e. I never taught children there (and before that I worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the U.S. during College).

[Gamecock]

Sounds like your old director or a reference is screwing you over. If it is your old director, there's not much you can do. Maybe look at hogwan jobs around Seoul, as they often don't check references as meticulously (or at all if you have a nice photo) as public school jobs.

It sucks, but may be your only option if you want to be with your gf. If it is another reference that is screwing you over, you might try re-submitting your resume with new references. But it's hard to know what is going on. As competitive as public school jobs are near Seoul, any questionable reference is probably deep-6ing you.

[EmGen]

lol "Deep-6ing", had to look that one up

[Skippy]

I just replied in a previous letter and why people maybe getting refused. But one aspect you need to be aware of is maybe the recruiter is doing you wrong. Let's say she has tonnes of job offers from places far away from Seoul but only a few around Seoul. She wants to make her money so she BS you and says everyone around Seoul does not like you because your old boss is bad mouthing you. In reality it is her either not applying for the jobs you want or applying half assed. So she strings you along for a while then when you are desperate you will take a contract where she can actually get a job.

The moral of the story, use more that one recruiter.

[EmGen]

Thanks, and I'm now using 3 recruiters.

But what is my window of opportunity for getting a job in Jan/Feb/March at a Public School? I'm just afraid I'll miss out and not wind up with anything at this point (although I do have all my documents ready).

Sorry I'm not too familiar with the public school job process.