Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mikesaidyes]

Ok, so, I'm not gonna lie, the whole Korean system is overwhelming with the "are they or aren't they legit?" I know not to pay a dime, of course, but I mean how do you know otherwise?

So here's my short list -

1) English & Korea (E&K) - seems the most in line with western practices (hell, I even work with a guy based in the US) and they are going to pay me 2.2. It's in Songpa.

2) People Recruit - very early stages, but no clue how they are perceived.

3) YCC EBM - Chongno has expressed interested. Are they any good?

4) Jobteach Consulting - he asked me "how I was" as a question of important questions. Seemed "off." Not to mention that they already asked me the same shit in my application.

So who can help navigate?!!? Help is GREATLY appreciated!

-Michael

[mikesaidyes]

See also: GnB Gate.

and yes, I know I can search, but search and my computer aren't getting along today. And the search function isn't the most thorough. I also googled "Dave's ESL ____" recruiter in the blank and am having hit or miss results.

[Xylox]

Every recruiter is "legit" as in they will actually get you jobs, but the shadyness comes from how they dress things up. Recruiters look at ads and try to sell you positions, so they don't really know more about the school then you do.

There are exceptions of course, like if a recruiter works with some specific schools that suck and keeps sending them people.

Basically, use as many recruiters as you can find, post your resume online, make template emails and get 50 working for you if you can. Research where you want to work, and stick to it. Never let a recruiter tell you "its close to seoul/busan/daegu don't worry".

Don't accept the first offer you get. Watch how the interview goes, look at the contract, ask to speak to current or past teachers, be skeptical with everything. One big thing to remember, current teachers will always, always tell you their place of work is amazing and that you get amazing perks, triple your pay, ex-underwear model boss gives you HJs between classes, etc. Remember that if they slag their place of work, new guy decides not to come its their ass on the line so be careful when speaking to current teachers.

Once your documents are in order you can find a job in literally 2 hours if you stay up late, be picky. Don't sign crappy contracts and always go with your gut feeling. Post your contract up on the contract sticky thread for analsys by Korean ex-pat elitists.

[gletne]

Jobteach pulled a bait-and-switch on me with the contract. They lied. The recruiter assured me the school would provide 700k/month as a housing allowance if I chose to find my own place. Explicitly. So I found an apartment that fit that budget and when I went to sign the contract for my school, surprise! they only provide 500k. Too late to get out of my lease.

The school tells me all their conversations with Jobteach Consulting were in Korean and that the recruiter apparently had trouble understaning what they said and that's why she gave me bad information. (I'm assuming she's a gyopo or something whose first language must be English)

Jobteach--recruiters who can't understand Korean.[/i]

[ttompatz]

They are all good and they are all bad.

Every recruiter out there has some happy customers and some who are not happy for any number of reasons.

BUT

They are an introduction to a potential employer that you yourself would not otherwise be able to find.

Then, if they are any good at their job (individually, not the firm), they guide you through the placement and assist with the paperwork necessary to get you as far as the employer.

They are NOT your friend.
They do NOT work for you (they are paid for and work for the employer).

They are like a used car salesman.
You walk onto their car-lot (website), peruse the cars (available jobs), if you see one you like you inquire about it.

After you listen to the sales pitch you let YOUR mechanic have a look at it (due diligence checking out the school).

If it is all good then you make the offer (accept the contract) and complete the sale (begin the paperwork for your visa application).

A good salesman will ensure that the paperwork is in order to make the sale and allow you to register the car. (A good recruiter will make sure your paperwork is in order and help get you through the paperwork to get your visa.)

I have no problem with using a recruiter or telling anyone else to use one (or more the case, many). They are your best option for fining the BEST fit when it comes to a job in Korea (or most of Asia for that matter).

For someone who is abroad, no connections and no ability to communicate in Korean then recruiters are a necessary evil.

That doesn't mean it is a crap shoot.

ALL recruiters are good. All recruiters are bad.
BUT they are a bridge to a job that you would not otherwise find.

The trick is in understanding what they are and what they do then understanding that due diligence is YOUR responsibility BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.

7777.

[Skippy]

Skippy Stock List

This question that comes up all the times.

Can some recommend a good/best/etc recruiter? People want that special recruiter that will get them the best job. Recruiters are just one part of the process. Never mind this what I call "string question" aka "How long is a piece of string?". For one person a recruiter is fine, to another the best, and to one person they wish death upon.

Here is the easy answer - ALL OF THEM. Do not use one, use them all. One will eventually find you a job. If you really want to know a good one. When you get a name. Search the boards about them. Also do not trust recruiters fully. They do not work for you, they work for the school who pays them. If you look good hiring wise and you are easy to deal with all recruiters will generally be easy to deal with.

I have complied a list of threads of this question... The threads where found with Google and two words recruiter and ______> I used best, good, and recommend.
I tried to keep to the basic question of the typical "can somebody tell me what recruiter to use?". A few are quite old, some a little specific to a city or area. I mainly ignored specific recruiting companies or recruiters.

A GOOD RECRUITER
Advice on reliable recruiters!
any good recruiters
Any school/recruiter recommendations for Busan?
are these all the same?
Best ESL Agency for jobs???
Best Hogwans or recriuters? Any thread/advice
Best Public School Recruiter
Best recruiters for public school positions
Can anyone recommend a good recruiter for Seoul positions?
Can anyone recommend a good/reliable recruiter?
Can you recommend a recruiter or two for me?
Choosing a recruiter
Coming back, anyone know a decent recruiter for Seoul area?
Dillema about recruiters
Do you avoid recruiters?
EPIK recruiters - The Good The Bad and The Ugly?
Getting a job from the UK - Recruitment Agencies?
Good and Bad recruiters
Good recruiter?
Good Recruiters
Good Recruiters????
good reruiters/schools in Busan
Got a recruiter to recommend?
Great Recruiter
Great Recruiters...Know any?
How do I find a reputable Recruiter? (circa 2012)
I need a recruiter who can help me find a job in Busan...
Jack's Recruiter Run-Down
Legit Korean Recruiters
List of good recruiters
Looking for a good recruiter
Looking for a New Recruiter.
Most Reliable/User Friendly SMOE Recruiter
Need a good recruiter.
NEWBIE HELP! - Which Recruiter? How To Choose? Agh!
pls recommend aussie recruitment company to teach in Korea!!
Pls Recommend Korean agency ... Ok and a few other questions
Recommend (!?!) a recruiter
Recommend Recruiter?
Recommend your recruiter
Recommended Recruiters
Recommended Recruiting Agencies?
Recruiter
Recruiter application considerations
Recruiter suggestions?
recruiters
Recruiters?
Recruiting agency reviews
recruiting companies
Recruitment Companies: Any to avoid?
reputable recruiter for Jeonju area
Reputable recruiters for South Korea
reputable recruiting agencies
So which recruiter should I choose~?
The BEST recruiter!
Time to Start Looking Again
Top Recruitment Agency- footprints? thinkoutside? worknplay?
Which recruiter to choose?
Which recruiter to use?
which recruiting agencies would you recommend?
Who are some of the best recruiters
Who are the good recruiting agencies?
Who is a good recruiter? Good private school?
Would anyone recommend a recruiter for a job in Korea?

Updates
recruiter recommendations? (gyopo having a hard time!)
new sticky
Who are the good recruiting agencies?
Reputable recruiters for South Korea
Footprints vs. Park English vs. Korvia; Advice Needed!


A head node to Tomato who inspired this list.

ALSO use the words site:forums.eslcafe.com/korea in google rather then Dave's search.