Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Heisenberg87]

A few months ago I started doing a job search but had to put on hold due to a family emergency. That issue has been resolved since and I start sending out my resume again. This time however, most of these recruiters are not even responding. The couple that have responded have either seemed really sketchy or suggested a school and never followed up with me. Is there a massive influx of applicants right now or just the time of year?

[Airborne9]

There are more people looking for jobs in Korea these days. But its been increasing over the last number of years rather than just in the last couple of months. Maybe some background info about yourself and what kind of job you're looking for could suggest why they are slow to respond to you.

[Guajiro]

[Heisenberg87]

All of my documents are good to go. I've tried not to be too picky but it's tough when you know so little about the schools these recruiters want you to pursue. I'm open to both hagwons and public schools at this point, I just don't want to teach in the middle of nowhere. I have less than a year of experience working with kids but that didn't seem to deter job offers before, I guess it is just bad timing with all the recent grads.

[nautilus]

[Skippy]

OK.. You want replies here is some advice

First understand recruiters. I mean really really understand them. Learn about these strange creatures. The first thing about their nature is THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU. Look at ttompatz post about recruiters....
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=221211

Recruiters have different attributes. Most are based in Korea. A few around the world like Canada or the US. Each will provide different levels of service. What nationality is recruiter? I have met some whose English ability was limited, which effected the dealings with them. So if you sent a nice long detailed email to a Korean recruiter who English ability is medicore. He might see your email as TL:DR, trashed. Work with them.

Are you ready paperwork wise. I mean do you have the proper verified degree, CRC, and so on ready. If things are not done, recruiters will bottom pile you and forget about you. So get it done and when you apply mention and attach scans of the complete docs. This alone will up your chance of being responded too.

Do not JUST email. Spend the money and use Skype/phone card to call. Try to get the world times right. Just a call saying you sent your an email, will remind them of you. Send another email. Just sending one and waiting is going to have you waiting longer.

Provide some specifics on what you want. But leave things open a bit. Okay no Seoul, Suwon sounds fine. Just do not be very picky.

Make it easy to hire you. Your papers are all ready. You can be in Korea in days or weeks, rather then months. No waiting for apartment lease to expire or last minute weddings. Heck you have a plane ticket picked out for them to fly you over, all they need to do is send money. You can have contract signed and faxed over in a hour. Papers sent by courier - no problem, give you a day. If all a recruiter has to do is show you a job (a good one), send you a contact, and you sign and send back, they will do it. But if delays and extensive hand holding is needed, recruiters will just go with people already in country.

For the love of God, sell yourself. What makes you a find. Experience, fit the desired blue eyed blond haired hagwon ideal, teaching certification, woman, willing to go to small town, etc If you have faults down play them or blind them away with a plus.

Look at yourself is there something that Koreans think is wrong or bad. Never mind if it is discriminatory, life is not fair. If you are fat, ugly, look strange, from a less desired country, non-Caucasian, old, or disabled. These things will all effect your chances. Accept it and try to find ways to over come as mentioned above. You might have to work harder to find a job, but it can be done.

[nautilus]