Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tonyynot]

One of my recruiters got me an interview with a hagwon that I like so far. The head teacher I spoke to for the interview asked me relatively easy questions and it was more of a "get to you you" than an interview. She seemed to really like me and even said so a few times. One of the things she mentioned during the conversation is how she would like to cut out the recruiter somehow and just work with me directly. The conversation ended with telling me she would recommend me to the boss and let me know by Monday. So today I get an email back from her stating that the boss likes me and would like to work with me. However, she said they told the recruiter that even though they liked me, they want a female teacher so they would not choose me. So they cut out the recruiter and want to deal with me directly.
Is this a bad sign? It tells me they cut corners to get out of paying the recruiter their finders fee or whatever. Also I am not sure how I feel about going to Korea for the first time and relying completely on the hagwon's guidance when I initially get there and through the whole visa process. Should I run from this school?

[ontheway]

[northway]

I've wondered how often this happens, considering that there is a certain honor system in play. I try to avoid clumsy Korean shadiness, personally.

[ajosshi]

Pass.

[sirius black]

I think you would have good reason to have caution. I would talk to a recent or present teacher and get their opinion on the school. Have they had problems paying, do they seem to be in a good finanicial situation (hanging on to kids if not increasing enrollment), have they kept their contractual obligations, has the management changed recently.

If the present teachers or recent former teachers give me a thumbs up I'd take it IF I really liked it an it was the best offer but I personally would go with another school all other things being equal just for my peace of mind.

As for the recruitment process. If some directors would simply educate themselves they could save themselves tons of money in recruiter fees. There are more than a few popular sites that people go to to look for jobs.

[tardisrider]

I agree with ontheway.

Another thing--you say that the interviewer asked really easy questions. While you, of course, want reasonably straightforward interview questions, having the interview be too easy might also be a red flag that the people at the school aren't professional. Sure, it's great to have an easy gig and a laid back atmosphere, but the bottom line is that many hagwon horror stories come from inept management, and this might be a sign of such. Nobody wants a boss who is a tyrant, but you should also want a boss who knows what he or she is doing. Just an idea.

[sojusucks]

[Troglodyte]