Korean Job Discussion Forums

cirval · Joined: 27 Dec 2010

My school is closing down and I am currently searching for a new job. So far, I have been doing the same thing I did when I was looking for an ESL job from the states. I've sent emails to a bunch of recruiters and for the past couple of days I just been sorting out the good from the bad.

Basically, I'm just wondering if there are any other ways to find jobs for people that are already in Korea. Should I just go from school to school and hand out my resume?

Also, I don't really have any intention of staying for another year on top of the 5 months that I have already been here. Should I hold out for a 6 month contract, or should I just sign a 1-year contract and take off in 7 months or so. It seems like the school wouldn't be that upset, provided that I gave them notice, simply because they didn't invest that much in me (no airfare to Korea, no health check-up, etc.).

Thanks.

supermouse · Joined: 19 Apr 2011

I am in a similar position, i keep hearing because I am in country I have an advantage. But I feel as if i am applying to jobs the same way when I was on the other side of the world.

I get this sense the market is changing here, between the public schools laying off teachers and hagwons closing down, its not as easy as it used to be.

cirval · Joined: 27 Dec 2010

Yeah, that is the feeling that I have got, too. I live in Seoul, but I think I am going to have to relocate a little outside of the city.

Fraser · Joined: 09 Mar 2011

If you're in Seoul my theory is you have schools looking to fill in teacher slots immediately. If you have your documents ready to go, just be honest and negotiate with the schools. The worse case for them is that they're simply postponing their job search by six months.

I have a Hagwon willing to pay me 3.0m flat for six months... 930-530 gig (10-430 teaching), and a 5 min. walk down my street... I just told the director to give me: 2.3 base +0.4 housing +0.1 medical +0.2 severance (in lieu).

She saves on flights, and recruiter fees and I circumvent the 1-year contract and get a monthly lump sum.

I'm actually a journalist by trade but no one's hiring. My wife is an international school teacher here, so her job supplies the housing and medical. With no actual teaching experience I thought the deal was fair.

So, ya. I just explained I'm buying some time here, this is my situation so on and so forth, and the director understood. Just be honest and you'll have several offers by looking around all the ESL websites and keeping your eyes and ears open.

supermouse · Joined: 19 Apr 2011

I am trying to avoid recruiters, they seem to throw a lot of the same crap at you.

I am willing to go elsewhere in Korea, and like I said i am trying to apply to schools directly. I am also looking into public schools outside of EPIK.

Fraser · Joined: 09 Mar 2011

Ya, I don't know really...

...Unlike you I never had the luxury of acclimatizing myself to this country so posting my resume for recruiters was my only option for an ESL job aside from walking around my neighbourhood, looking at business signs, and dropping in on places... Although I only did that three times, and to no avail because they weren't hiring. Then time starts ticking, right?

You seem to know better than I do; I'm just a "newbie." If you know how to navigate this city, I can't fathom how you couldn't get a part-time/temp job, assuming, of course, you're mature, presentable, and have a good resume.

If anyone has tips on university job recruitment, I'd like to hear them...

Fraser · Joined: 09 Mar 2011

Ya, I don't know really...

...Unlike you I never had the luxury of acclimatizing myself to this country so posting my resume for recruiters was my only option for an ESL job aside from walking around my neighbourhood, looking at business signs, and dropping in on places... Although I only did that three times, and to no avail because they weren't hiring. Then time starts ticking, right?

You seem to know better than I do; I'm just a "newbie." If you know how to navigate this city, I can't fathom how you couldn't get a part-time/temp job, assuming, of course, you're mature, presentable, and have a good resume.

If anyone has tips on university job recruitment, I'd like to hear them...

theevilgenius · Joined: 10 Sep 2010

I'd steer clear of recruiters, I've heard that they charge more if the teacher is already in Korea which would cancel out your advantage with the airline ticket. Best to search around on facebook in teacher groups also if you've got a good network of friends here, there'll definitely be a friend of a friend ending their contract soon.

jeremysums · Joined: 08 Apr 2011

Try looking for recruiters in Korea. They will probably place you before they place people from outside of Korea.

rayray123 · Joined: 27 Jan 2010 Location: korea

jeremysums · Joined: 08 Apr 2011

You definitely have the advantage. Did you find a job yet? Wondering how long it takes cause what if more school close down.

morningsoju · Joined: 20 Aug 2011 Location: Seoul, Korea

from what i heard, schools hire a lot of teachers from Oct-Dec. this is coming from the managers at my school. they are scrambling to replace the teachers who will completing their contracts soon. so sit tight and i'm sure you'll be getting offers soon.

samcic · Joined: 03 May 2011

Make some phone calls to other schools and see if they have openings.