Korean Job Discussion Forums

[staygold]

Hi there. I've contacted about 20 recruiters since early August and I've only heard back from about 5 or so. Initially it was just one, so I had to call a few of them to get any sort of response. No interview offers so far. I've even posted my resume on here and on a few other sites as well.

I'm looking for a position that starts next month or in November. I have a TESOL certificate, but I am a first-timer, a gyopo (born in the US), and I would like to work in either Seoul or anywhere in Gyeonggi-do. I'm sure that this is the problem, but it shouldn't be this difficult, right?

I know that a lot of hagwons want to save on airfare, so I am thinking about flying to Korea on my own as a last resort. But can anyone recommend some recruiters? Especially those who are willing to work with gyopos.

Thank you.

[viciousdinosaur]

Recruiters are employed to hire people for hard to fill positions, like white female for a job in the countryside. If schools want a Gyopo, they post an ad online and boom, 10,000 people send in their resume. There's actually more Korean-Americans living in Seoul than there are English-teachers from all other countries combined. I'm sorry to say, but any school that hired you would be truly desperate and perhaps you wouldn't want to work for them.

[staygold]

I'd still appreciate some recruiter recommendations. I'm aware of the esl market situation, but I still have some hope left. Also, anyone else having the same problem (gyopo or non-white)? Would appreciate some more advice from those who managed to find jobs. Sigh =/

edit: Looked around and it looks like many people are having a tough time right now regardless of race/gender/qualifications/etc

[viciousdinosaur]

Keeping "hope" isn't going to land you a job. Being in the right place at the right time is. Korea was the right place in 2006. You are late by six years.

Teaching English is Korea is supposed to be a fall-back job. The last resort after failing to land a real job back home. The fact that it has become the primary objective of many is pathetic.

If you want to keep hope, keep hope of finding a job back home. If this is more personal because you are Korean, then fly over here and work in a different industry. You don't have to teach. If it's not personal, go to a country that is hiring.

Things in the US will pick up soon. The Fed is finally committing to a policy of inflation which is the only thing that is going to save the American economy, massive devaluation.

[staygold]

Working in Korea is definitely a personal choice for me. I'm planning on switching gears once I have enough money to find my own housing.

[teedram]

VD - what is your problem? If you can't answer someone's question, just refrain from posting.

@ the OP - keep trying. The job market has many applicants these days - more than ever. You're right that it may help to open up to more places in Korea, at least other cities. I do know a gyopo who got placed in a smaller city right next to Seoul and lives close to a subway station. Same as you - TESOL and no prior experience. So it's possible.

Korearecruiting.com ~ if you haven't tried this agency, you may want to contact the recruiter by e-mail. I've talked to him and he's great, very helpful even after getting my job (and I didn't get it through him).

[viciousdinosaur]

[austrian123]

[staygold]

Vicious - Well, I actually am working though. No need to worry about me losing money. Thanks though.

teedram - Thanks for the positive post. I'll try that recruiter out.

[wishfullthinkng]

why would you waste your golden ticket f4 visa working for a school? just do privates and make your own schedule since you can do it legally...

[staygold]

[PRagic]

I used to have a cut and paste resonse to throw up on threads like this. Need to find that again.

In a nut shell, use any and all recruiters until you find a job that suits you. Blanket the market.

[Skippy]

[viciousdinosaur]

If you are male, are you aware that you may be drafted if you come to Korea? Holding Korean citizenship means you are obligated to do military service.

If you are female, just chill, you'll be offered a job soon.

[staygold]

VD - I'm exempted from military service. Thanks for asking. Since I was born and raised overseas, I just had to fill out some forms.