Korean Job Discussion Forums

[YTMND]

[robbie_davies]

[Anakaren152]

[robbie_davies]

[Otherside]

OP.

Korea is a hurry up and wait kind of place.

As you've probably figured out, most GEPIK positions (and especially the ones Korvia deals with) are direct hires, whereby you are hired directly by the school.

Right now, many schools probably haven't finalized whether they'll need a new teacher for the next semester (usually, they+the current teacher need to decide 2 months prior to the contract's completion, which for a September start is about now). Once they've done that, the teachers are usually pretty slack at getting the ball rolling right away. With exams etc coming up next week, they have bigger fish to fry right now. So you'll find in the next 2-3 weeks A LOT more positions will open up.

Second. You aren't in Korea and you don't have any experience. There's nothing wrong with that, but many schools would prefer to hire someone who is in Korea and/or has experience. Being in Korea is beneficial for the school in 2 ways - 1. It gives them a chance to have an in-person interview, and secondly, it saves them money on airfare.

So being out of Korea, and with few positions open, it's going to be really tough to get a position RIGHT now. However, give it some time, and you'll be fine. My last 2 GEPIK positions (through Korvia) were both obtained about 5 weeks before the starting date, at which point everything moved very quickly.

PS. For those saying that you can't apply for multiple recruiters for GEPIK positions, you are completely wrong. This may be the case for EPIK (where applications are sent to EPIK and not the school) but certainly not for GEPIK. Here's a quote on the matter from the head GEPIK coordinator:
" It is definitely not a GEPIK regulation. Could it be recruiter's regulation??"

[Smithington]

[Fox]

Anakaren, your name and appearance (not the level of attractiveness, but the fact that neither necessarily match the Korean notion of what an "English speaker" should be) may have hurt you. Maybe you're of Spanish descent? Obviously we can all acknowledge that such concerns have no bearing on your actual qualification for the job, but unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make them irrelevant in Korea. I'm not saying that to discourage you, just mentioning it as a possibility.

[andrewchon]

Anakaren: this is based on my personal experence, do not take offence but your appearance on the video is 'scary' to Korean children. Yes, children do say darnest things, don't they? They say that about me, too. When I'm at school, walking down the road, or at violin school there's always one who says aloud "He looks scary." or "A ghost came." IMO they're just imitating adults, thinking they made a 'funny', but adults don't think that way, do they? No, they think children are saying that "you're un-attractive and they are not going to like you, even if you are last one left on Earth, etc...

Unfortunately, I haven't figured out what is not 'scary' so can't tell you if you decide to change your appearance.

[maximmm]

[robbie_davies]

[Anakaren152]

Hello again!

Since starting this thread, I have been taking each person's post into consideration.

I emailed the head coordinator from Korvia and she said that many applicants from abroad are facing the same situation as I am. The company is expecting to receive more jobs offers as time goes by as currently there are not many positions who want to sponsor teachers who are not in Korea. If this pattern continues, Korvia will post a Webinar video giving a update of the current market situation.
She also mentioned that I should be more flexible and consider applying to EPIK (March intake) or look into some hagwon jobs, if more positions do not appear within the coming weeks. She also refused to answer my questions about the possibltiy of working with more than one recruiting company ( I have asked twice)/

I have received some private messages from other GEPIK applicants who are facing the same problem of not getting interviewed. Which leads me to my next point.

I honestly do not believe my video is that big of and issue. To confirm a previous poster's speculation, yes I am of Spanish descent, and seeing that many people of all races are getting hired, I do not think it is such a problem that others make it seem.

In regards to my looks being 'scary'. I completely disagree. Yes, I am aware different cultures have different concepts of beauty. Maybe Fox is drawing a parellel to Korean and Japanese ghosts portrayed in movies (i.e. female ghosts with long hair covering their faces). I have a lot of hair on my head and sometimes I have no control over it. Another point of view to add; again I stated I have Korean American and native Korean friends. They find many of my physical features to be appealing ( my big eyes, being tall and skinny, etc..)

As of right now, I will be waiting to see what happens with Korvia, but I have decided to look into other recruiting places as well for jobs.

[edwardcatflap]

[robbie_davies]

[Nester Noodlemon]

Yep! Big eyes and having studied drama

But what about the big box of candy and stickers?

[Nester Noodlemon]

All funnies aside, I can really see this guy making it big on TV here in Korea.

My prediction* Do the dance and the big bucks will be rolling in.

You heard it here folks!