Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cheolsu]

I just got a job at a decent university (for both reputation and conditions) in Seoul, my first job at a university, and I'd like to share how I did it for those who are interested in making a similar move in the future. Before I continue, though, I should add the caveat that I'm working on my MA right now. Yes, it's online and, yes, it's at a reputable university where I study alongside "real" American teachers and aspiring principals. I have four years of experience, three of them at a public school, along with advanced-level Korean, though I don't think that the latter made much of a difference in this case.

What I did think made a difference was, in no particular order, having gone to a good university that's quite well-known albeit not elite (I make no pretenses about this being meaningful to me, but I think Korean schools like this), doing the master's in a related subject, and presenting very well at the demonstration lecture.

I think some of the other applicants did have master's degrees, but in an unrelated subject. At the interview, I was struck to see one candidate show up unshaven in a hoodie, wrinkled khakis and running shoes. This was even after the faculty member handling the interviews sent an email the day before that included a request to dress in "business attire". When I saw him, my mindset went from doing the interview just for the experience to thinking that I could certainly get this job. While the best jobs may be very competitive, I remain ceaselessly amazed at the ways in which people can shoot themselves in the foot at an interview.

I did very well during the demonstration lecture, even though I made a mistake in how I interpreted the requirements, resulting in extra preparation that somewhat missed the school's intention with the lecture. Having done the extra preparation made it possible to at least try and spin the mistake into a positive.

My strongest asset as a teacher is having an engaging presence in the classroom. Even if I had been blown out of the water by everyone in terms of experience, qualifications and even teaching ability, I know that I would have done well in engaging the audience during the mock lesson, which I think helps significantly here. Conversely, if there had been no mock lecture at this school, my chances of being hired would have decreased considerably. I interview well, but deciding based on resumes would have given the edge to someone with an MA in hand, I feel.

None of this is news, of course, if you've been reading this board. I read the same thing by searching the forums here for tips on university interviews. Still, I'd like to reiterate that even someone without an MA can be hired at a university in Seoul if they do things like shave, wear a suit, take the process seriously and present well.

Finally, the disclaimer: yes, I'm aware that getting a university job in Seoul is not the pinnacle of existence, I'm planning my next career step even as I do the paperwork to start this one; yes, I'm aware that your job is better and/or pays more; yes, you're right and I'm wrong.

[lukeirl]

Fair enough post but you didn't cover how you managed to land the interview in the first place.

I'm sure if i'm sat in front of an interview panel in Korea I can charm their socks off with my Irish wit and good looks, and I know I can teach well. But my qualifications are pretty skinny. And when they're receiving mountainloads of applications they have to narrow them down somehow, namely first by taking MA applicants. So I wonder how you got the interview?

A friend of mine slept with a girl to land an interview position, from where he charmed the middle-aged lady interviewing him into a decent paying job at a National university. With a BA. The world works in mysterious ways.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Nepotism is also a good method.

[cheolsu]

[The Cosmic Hum]

[misher]

[nero]

OP, you express yourself very well. From your post you come across as a well spoken and thoughtful person.
Good for you that you found a position without an MA.
Unfortunately for me, although I have experience I interview terribly!

I hope you enjoy your your new position.

[liveinkorea316]

Koreans are real Ivy league sluts. Meant in the nicest possible way of course. I don't wanna offend any Koreans out there.

Your undergraduate degree was probably from a recognizeable uni and you are American?

Two big ticks right there for many Korean interviewers.

[cheolsu]

[Chaucer]

I recently landed a good uni job (3.5 & actual, decent, rent-free housing)--all because I shaved and wore a suit to the interview. It was last June--hot as Jebus, but (and) I was wearing a suit. The TA (now "my" TA) took me into the interview room and said "You're very nicely dressed. None of the other candidates has worn a suit." Amazing. They'd already had twelve interviews that day. Later I got a look at the pile of resumes--qualifications identical to mine. The suit, the suit, the dreaded suit! (the Korea savvy might add "the haircut" or "the shave" or "the smile")...
Why are North Americans so obsessed with dressing down?
Think Pulp Fiction: wearing Quentin Tarantino's character's summer ultra-casual clothes after cleaning up a dead body, Vincent and Jules go the bar to meet Marcelus.
Bartender (to Jules): N*g**h what's up with those clothes?

I want to say that to 90% of the "teachers" I see in Korea.

[edwardcatflap]

[swashbuckler]

[earthquakez]

[earthquakez]

[earthquakez]

Edited because of double posting.