Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MIKESHU]

Hello everyone,

So basically, I have all the documents/apostille of degree/transcipts/etc. - bacsially everything is completed and in my possesion EXCEPT for the FBI CBC - I originally got my MD state check last August, but now a state level check is not acceptable. So I must wait

and wait

and wait... for the FBI clearance before I can officially go forward w/ the process very much. This is frustrating obviously, but has to be done of course... My question is this:

In the opinion of those who have been in this situation - do you think it is too early to be talking w/ recruiters, trying to be forming rapport, getting a feel for the agencies and people, and all that fun stuff involved in a esl job search for a first-timer??? I'm thinking it might be too early - I've talked w/ about 10-15 recruiters/agencies thus far, about 30 or more emails. Is this too soon?
I want to do a decent amount of shopping around before I sign any particular contract (no obviously I won't get an offer til the clearance, I know that..), but its nothing more than the online equivalent to window shopping b/c I can't committ to anything yet.

What would you all (esl community) consider good ways of spending my time - at least the time I invest daily in my esl-teaching preparation/job search? Should I be looking for schools (I would prefer a hagwon, but would def. consider public if I don't take a position before the next public hiring season at the end of summer)? For a good recruiter? Going through as many recruiters as possible to get a feel for the people and industry?

What's a good use of a newbie's time while as he can do is wait for a piece of paper?

Many recruiters have expressed interest in working w/ me, but the communication kinda breaks down quick when I don't have the FBI doc to send them... and I'm not complaining either - it makes sense, other than the basic introductions and a few questions, there isn't anything a recruiter can benefit from talking w/ me until they know I'm a solid candidate document wise...

So again, I ask: what's a good use of my time while I wait for the mailman to bring what I need ?
Look at schools? Big chain and smaller ones ?
Agencies?
Try and make friends w/ ppl teaching now/preparing too?
Asking questions like this on forums like this ?
All of the above ?
Other ?
Nothing ?

Thanks gang !

Mikeshu

Any suggestions would be great

[nyc2010]

I know where you are coming from. I had a lot of recruiters and e-mails from people when I started applying but they stopped talking to me when they found out I did not have my FBI Clearance. Once, I got the FBI Clearance back recruiters and direct private schools were willing to set up interviews with me. Here is my suggestion based on my experience.
I would wait until you get my FBI CBC back before applying to anymore schools. it just frustrating to do all that work and not get any responses. Yet, prepare yourself to leave within a month once you get your FBI Clearance back bc a lot of recruiters/school will give you ASAP to ones in a month positions. I would take you free time and research the different schools and start writing question you want to ask the school or recruiter.
Also, since you have the time make a 2 minute self-introductory video about yourself and why you want to teach in korea. you will have some schools asking for this. i would also read blogs about teachers in korea and ask them questions. most of the time they are more than willing to help.
hope this helps.

[teedram]

Many schools want teachers to come immediately and that means every document has to be ready. You'll have to wait for it. It feels bad to wait, but it'll make the application process easier for both you and the school. I wouldn't worry, there are going to be plenty of jobs by the time you're set. In the meantime you can get a TESOL certificate if you don't have it yet, or do a practicum or tutor to get some sort of feel of teaching.

[MIKESHU]

Thanks guys
nyc2010 - that's a really good idea about the short video, I never thought of doing something like that, but I think it would be not only kinda fun to make, but also professional and unique. Thanks.

Everything else mentioned so far seems to be good ideas as well.
Anybody else w/ thoughts, keep em coming

It is soooo hard to wait...
I like to consider patience as one of my better virtues, but for the next several weeks I don't think that will be the case
haha

Cheers~

[davemon]

I talked to a recruiter before I had any documents in hand. I have no real reaching experience (BS + grad degree) but not cert, so I just wanted to gauge the market. Within 72 hours I was interviewing. 8 hours later I had an offer. FAST. Concurrently I started the legwork. At this point I'm waiting for the docs and even though the school said they would wait and I was 100% honest and up front about not having done a single thing towards getting my visa, they are about as impatient as a dog at dinner time.... and yes, I feel like the leftover scraps in that equation.

Getting interest was very reassuring, but the tradeoff is having impatient recruiter emails near daily looking for my documents and not quite understanding how poorly the US Gov is at processing stuff. I feel like I'm committing most of my time to preparing for the move, responding to emails, and doing visa legwork and not enjoying my limited time state-side.

Know the tradeoffs.

GL.