Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Chet Wautlands]

Hey everyone. Hope you're all enjoying the cooler weather and sunnier days.

Those in the know, could you chime in on how much competition there is for university jobs these days? I'd be particularly interested in hearing from those who've worked on hiring boards or have been somewhat close to the hiring process.

I intend to apply to university positions this winter, but I'm a little worried that I might not find a job. I'm currently teaching at a good public school and I could re-sign if I'd like, but I'd have to let my public school know pretty soon.

I'd be willing to work anywhere in the country, which I'm sure is a plus, and I'll be completing my MA TESOL from the University of Missouri in May of next year. However, I've heard that the competition has become pretty intense.

Look forward to hearing your response!

Chet

[Unposter]

The bad news is that the competition is pretty fierce - seriously fierce! Working on an MA is a minimum these days.

The good news is that if you are not picky about where you work or how much you will be paid, I think there is a university somewhere in Korea that will hire you.

From what I have seen, unless you have an MA in hand and at least two years of university experience, unless you know someone powerful, you are probably out of the running for a good position.

My advice is to network and apply for as many positions as you can, especially in rural locations. The experience can be valuable for applying for better positions in the future.

[whiteshoes]

I work at a lower level uni in Seoul and in our most recent hiring cycle in my department more than half had MA's. Of the ones who didn't most had extensive experience teaching- more than five years, teaching credentials, or a CELTA. More than half had a friend at the uni.

The job was posted here, and a more than 100 people who met the basic qualifications were reviewed by the head native speaker. Who then cut that list down to the people to interview. At the interview the people were chosen by the top Korean in the department.

I know people who work at other universities, who have said similar things. Typically, they have some sort of point system which determines who gets interviews. Then- with varying input from the native speakers, Koreans choose who gets hired.

If you can't teach, it's getting harder and harder to get a uni job. For awhile there were more positions than people who knew what they were doing. That's changed.

Now, you'll need to know what you�re doing at a minimum. Knowing someone at the uni is sure to get your documents looked at. Finally, having your "poop in a group" will be a big factor in getting hired. Also, they will look to see how well you "fit" with the current teachers.

I know of one guy who wasn't hired, not because he couldn't teach but because everyone knew him and he was quite arrogant.

[PatrickGHBusan]

Whiteshoes provided you with a solid overview OP.

I can only add my own perspective based on working for a University for a few years and being on their hiring committee.

Bascially, what I experienced goes along with what whiteshoes has described. I am still in contact with many people the the University I worked for along with some other contacts.

Competition is indeed fierce, especially for the better positions. Also, staffing by referal means that the "plum" positions typically get filled without any job ad being posted.

Bascially to have a shot you should:

Apply while you are in Korea so you can attend interview in person
Have your MA in hand if at all possible
Have referenced experience that is relevant to the position

For my former University, experience was calculated depending on where it was from. Basically, any unreferenced work was either not counted or was counted partially. Hakwon experience (kids schools) typically was worth 50% (so 2 years = 1).

Things that boosted employability were an obvious interest in continuous learning and improvement (ie taking courses, attending conferences).

So bascially, do not apply from overseas if at all possible, make sure to have references and be ready to accept a lesser position initially in order to gain access to a better one the following year as you get experience.

Networking is the name of the game here. You absolutely (in my experience) need to network with other professionals as you accumulate solid experience in your field. That will pay off as you will enter the game of referals.

Good luck.

[World Traveler]

[Chet Wautlands]

What Patrick says about networking is very true. Unfortunately, very few of the people I've met in Korea would be able to influence my job prospects.

Thanks for the answers! I'll give it my all, and if I'm unable to find anything, I'll work another year and by then I'll have completed my MA.

Just as a point of curiosity, do believe a TOPIK certification be of any worth to a hiring committee? I'm certain I could achieve level 2 quite easily.

Thanks again!

[World Traveler]

[PatrickGHBusan]

If you get a job of course...thats always the gaping hole in your position WT....

[plato's republic]

I was about to post a similar thread but the OP beat me to it. I'm also seriously considering applying for a University job for March 2012, however, I fall under the category of possessing an unrelated BA/MA even though I have almost eight years of teaching experience, four of which in Korea, and good references. Is having a non-related BA/MA going to count against me getting any interviews?

I also don't know anyone currently teaching at a University over here which doesn't help my case much. I am prepared to go almost anywhere in Korea, so a more rural location wouldn't be a problem. After reading some of the replies though, I'm starting to wonder whether I should just extend for another year at my current job. I was going to extend my contract for just three months and then hope to land a University position but if that fails then I'm left scrambling around trying to find another job. Something to think about.

Any other tips/ideas on how to make oneself stand out from the crowd, besides the points already mentioned?

[northway]

[PatrickGHBusan]

Indeed Northway...a little thing called the financial metldown occured a short 2 years after what WT is using as "reference" material.

[World Traveler]

[PatrickGHBusan]

Whats the employment rate for MBA grads?

How many end up not working in their field for a lesser salary or not working at all?

How many retain their jobs?


The conclusion of this blog blurb : I consider that when we do the rankings again in 2010 we�ll have a much contrasting (and far more sad) tale to tell. Thus enjoy these figures while you can.

There you have it...

[World Traveler]

[oldtactics]