Korean Job Discussion Forums

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

So much for being discreet:

A friend of mine (Ph.D) at our school recently applied with another Korean school. The new job is at a top university (think top 5), and provides tenure. Our school does not provide foreign Ph.D's with the possibility of tenure.

Unfortunately, my coworker did not get the job, and has found himself in the unfortunate position of fearing for renewal at our school. The problem is that the school he is applying for CALLED our school to ask about him. Quite unprofessionally, they TOLD our school he was looking! My coworker learned about this from one of our Korean coworkers who overheard it being discussed by our staff.

Nice.

Really, really feel for the guy. I hope he doesn't get booted over this.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

...so in your world, it is unprofessional to check someone's work history?

You apply for a job, your old boss is going to get called -- when that DOESN'T happen, I think it is unprofessional.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

It depends. Did the professor list a reference contact? If so, contact the reference. If they contacted other people, then that is unprofessional and out of line.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

madoka · Joined: 27 Mar 2008

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

Obviously, they were asked to keep it a secret, or this wouldn't have been posted.

Even if he hadn't, it is obvious not to contact the current employer for information as it could put the employee in jeopardy. With the way employers in Korea view their employees as property, it doesn't even have to be asked.

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Carbon · Joined: 28 Jan 2011

Malislamusrex · Joined: 01 Feb 2010

If you have ambition to move to another job you should tell your current employer, at least give them the opportunity to talk to you about your concerns. I have applied for a job at another school, I am even breaking my contract 1/2 way through. I gave my co workers my reasons why, I told them that I'm very sorry, I assured them that it would not effect our students, and I would do everything in my power to ensure a smooth and organized transitional period for the school, new teacher and the students.

The school understood and let me go for the interview, and from what I understand I have got the job. I'm sure if he had done this there would be no problem. The fact is he has broken the trust of his current school, there is no guarantee he won't do it again. Or perhaps he was a little naive, anyway it is a lesson learned.

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

Pure comedy.

Love how people create their own rules as they go along to support their argument. Quotes, people? Some of you have your Ph.D's (although from Korean universities -- perhaps this is the problem)? Please feel free to provide us with some quotes supporting your position in this argument (something more than a quote from Monster that actually supports my position). Laughing

No, even in the academic community, it is considered unprofessional for an insititution to contact a prospective employee's current employer without asking permission to do so. The rule of thumb is that an individual applying for a tenure-track position should provide a solid confidential reference/references to the school he/she is applying. That individual should be in a position worthy of vouching for the person applying, and be able to speak to their work.

It is NOT in any way, shape, or form "acceptable" for an employer at the job being applied for to, without permission or notification, ring-up a non-referenced individual in the department and say, "Hey, Mr. Smith is applying for a tenure-track position at our university.... what do you think about him?"

Here:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/referencesrecommendations/a/referencetips.htm