Korean Job Discussion Forums

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

I need proof of employment from a former employer. How should I go about getting this? Most importantly, can they refuse to give me one? I think my employer from a few years back had informed immigration that I left the job much earlier than I did. It is now causing me some headaches with immigration. They're saying I overstayed my visa. I did not. So I want a 'proof of employment' from my older employer. If he was indeed up to no good, he might not want to provide me with this paperwork. Can he deny it to me, or is he obligated to provide it.

Thanks in advance.
Smith

nora · Joined: 14 Apr 2012

they are obligated by law to give it to you. just go it and tell them you need it. they can charge a reasonable fee (500 won or so) for it.

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

Thanks Nora. Can I request it by mail or do I need to go in person? I don't live anywhere near my old school.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

scorpiocandy · Joined: 27 Feb 2008

I needed proof of employment from a place where I worked in 2004/2005 and they refused for some bogus reason. I called the labour board and two people told me they couldn't force the previous employer if it was more than 3 years ago.

This was in January this year that they told me that.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 3:46 pm Post subject:

Wouldn't the stamps in your passport elaborate your comings and goings clearly enough for immigration? That's assuming they don't have the relevant info in the system...

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

Wildbore · Joined: 17 Jun 2009

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

It is not a unreasonable request. The problem is "why should they?". What is in it for them.

Here is a thought experiment. Smithington can you please since you are in Seoul can you go to the International Store in Itaewon and buy me some Root Beer. I transfer you the money for only the Root Beer and Shipping? So can you do this for me?

The answer is likely no - the question, I am nobody important to you. The same with the school you are somebody from (?) years ago that maybe if lucky one person remembers. You do not want to waste the time to traveling for the root beer then to the post office. It could likely eat up an afternoon. Once again why waste the time typing up a letter and finding details and paperwork from 7 or 8 years ago. Easier to say no. Another reason why you will likely not help get me my root beer is I am only paying for the root beer and shipping - no extra money for you. Same with the letter - somebody has to do the work for no good reason (to them).

If you want the letter here is what I would recommend to do.

Make it worth their while. Provide an incentive from money, favor, a good reference of a possible teacher, etc. Just asking and demanding is not going to work very well.

Make it easy for them. Dig up any and all information about your past in relation to the school. The document you want is a "Certificate of Employment." There is info about the format and info need for it on the board and the net. So make it, fill in what you can, print it off, send it to them. If the all the ex boss has to do it sign it, stamp in, and put it in an envelope, and hand it to a delivery person it will get done. Which would you prefer to do push a button once or push a button a thousand times over a day?

Good Luck

Edited because I mixed two posts up a little. Wrong dates and years.

Smithington · Joined: 14 Dec 2011

plchron · Joined: 26 Feb 2011 Location: Korea

The document:

http://ask.nate.com/qna/view.html?n=3192386

asdfghjkl · Joined: 21 Jun 2011

I had to get one recently to get a higher pay grade. I just called my boss from the hagwon I worked at and asked her to send a letter saying "asdfghjkl worked at blahblahblah from (date) to (date)," and nobody gave me any guff on either end. The recruiter I got a job through even offered to contact my old boss for me.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 2:55 pm Post subject:

Yeah, it should be noted that this document isn't lengthy or challenging to draw up. It doesn't contain any secretive information. It just gives standard information about you and the dates you worked.

The only difficulty should be living through the brief whinge immediately after requesting it because you asked somebody to do something. Refusal to give it is out of spite and nothing more.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

They can't refuse to give it though.

By Korean Labor law you are entitled to request and receive that document. It is your legal right. (see Article 39)

http://htmlimg1.scribdassets.com/2pp0iroao091pm8/images/11-8575cab53b.jpg

isitts · Joined: 25 Dec 2008 Location: Korea