Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Darkeru]

I've been looking for a hagwon or public school job for a couple weeks, but I'm not having much luck. Either the recruiters didn't reply or they told me I can't have that job because of 'x' extra requirement they didn't list, but how about this job, which is somewhere far off.

I worked in Korea before, but got into an 'argument' at the end about payment of bills (this one - their fault since I'd already paid then they asked me to pay again)/condition of apartment (this one my fault since I spilled something and couldn't remove it, but they charged me for the cleaning which I didn't complain about), etc so I doubt my previous school is giving me a good reference if they're being asked despite always being happy with my work. I'm planning on quitting my current job abroad in another country (the company lied to me about money and the commute is 4x what they said) so I doubt I'll get a reference from them either.

I've a place in Seoul where I could stay for a week/2 weeks only.

I don't speak Korean. I'm white, male, not American and with a related degree to English teaching. No CELTA or anything. I'm looking specifically for work in Seoul, or near South-Western Seoul (Bucheon, etc).

What do you think my chances of going over and finding a job are? How would I go about it?

[ttompatz]

It is NOT what it used to be for finding a job.

IF you have:

a) Degree copy (not the original) with authentication (apostille unless you are Canadian)
b) CRC with authentication (apostille unless you are Canadian)
c) IF you are prepared to pay your way into Korea out of your own pocket then it is possible.

If YES to a,b,c then go for it.

If no to any one of a,b,c then you have no chance.

.

[Darkeru]

[Troglodyte]

If you're already in Asia and it's not too expensive to come here then I don't see a big disadvantage to job hunting in person. You'll also have the advantage of seeing the schools first, and since you'll be here in person, you will probably have a better chance at some of the nicer jobs because (good) employers like to see the applicant and know that they can start ASAP.

If you get a job while you're in Korea, then the normal offer is that the school will pay for your visa run to Japan (and usually also cover accommodation while there) and offer you a one way ticket back home after 12 months.

You're best bet is to contact as many schools and recruiters as possible. Tell them when you're arriving in Korea and that you want to set up an interview for soon afterwards. Make sure to tell them of course that you've got all your documents in hand and that you're looking for something that will start within a few weeks. Tell them that you want the standard offer except that in exchange for the plane ticket to Korea, you want the school to foot the bill for the visa run to Japan (transport and accommodation). You can get some nice package offers at Korean travel agencies that include airfare and 2 nights at a business hotel (clean but very basic) for 300,000 or 400,000 Won. A lot less than they'd pay to fly someone over from America or the UK.

I'd suggest that you focus on Seoul or Busan. They're bigger cities so they'll have more job offers. More offers in the same city means that you can visit more schools to check them out before you choose one. Seoul is nice because with the metro system, you can get out to a lot of the surrounding cities as well.

Just remember, since you'll be here in person, you have an advantage over all the people who are applying from abroad. Employers love to meet the teacher before hiring them, and you get to screen the schools and weed out the lemons. Schools also know that they can start you working a lot faster. (There are some schools that will need a teacher to start work yesterday.) Use that to your advantage. Also, have a nice 1 page resume, cover letter, and some nice photos of you doing fun, educational stuff with students. Dress semi-formal. No need for a tie if you don't want it, but at least wear a dress shirt or a golf shirt that's been ironed and get a nice haircut. You're main selling point is that the schools can meet you in person, so you need to maximize that advantage.

If you know someone here, ask them to get you a cheap prepaid phone before you come. That way you can put your Korean phone number of the resumes. If you can't do that, make it a priority as soon as you arrive. You'll also benefit from having a business card that says your basics on it. Name, phone, email, and as a bonus, a color photo of your face, your nationality and years of experience as a teacher and a web link where they can download your resume and a few photos. You can pass them out to any employer you meet or to other English teachers who think their school might be hiring.

[Charlie Bourque]

[dairyairy]

How would you do a consulate interview?

[Skippy]

[ttompatz]

[Troglodyte]

[tideout]

[ttompatz]

[tideout]

Gotcha - thanks.

[iggyb]

I agree too that the advice given above is spot on.

You are more attractive to schools if you are already in country.

I always bracket expectations. In a worst case situation, you could still scrape up enough gigs here and there to make enough money in country to buy a ticket home.

[sojusucks]

[sojusucks]