Korean Job Discussion Forums

supershi2012 · Joined: 03 Jan 2013

I came to Korea in November and worked for a hagwon for about three months before getting fired. It was a combination of culture shock, struggling to adjust, stress, and being unable to fit in. The hagwon itself, to my knowledge, did nothing wrong. I felt no regrets about leaving, and my boss wasn't bitter about it. In fact, she even encouraged me to stay and offered to be a reference. I ended up finding another job at a hagwon that made me happy.

Now, I'm considering moving on to public school when my contract expires. However, I'm not sure what to do about the first school. Everyone has basically told me to not bring it up or mention it on the application, but won't that information show up on my visa paperwork anyway? I don't want to lose a job because I lied about my work history. What is the best way to deal with this situation?

littlelisa · Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Location: Seoul

If the owner will give you a good reference, I'd leave it on. Not like you did a runner.

Ginormousaurus · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Location: 700 Ft. Pulpit

The fact that they fired you will negate any positive reference they might give. Your new employer might see the reference as disingenuous. I'd leave it off.

dg7104 · Joined: 15 Sep 2013

Don't bring it up. No one cares really. Sorry, but they don't. Public schools hire English teachers with NO experience in Korea at all. The fact that you spent some time at a hogwan means nothing really. You could even leave off the ENTIRE reference to hogwans if you wanted. It doesn't carry as much weight as you think it does. If you are going to a really competitive environment, that little bit may boost you over someone else, but there are many factors involved in getting hired. Sometimes schools just want women, and if you are a man, you are out no matter your resume.

Use the good employer as a reference, and don't mention the job in which you quit.

Did you graduate from a 4 year college? Can you speak English? Ok. That's all public schools care about. There are literally 1000s of people who come to Korea every year with NO teaching experience at all, and no degree in teaching either. Either take solace in the fact that you don't need to mention your hogwon experience on your resume, or be upset that you can't use your hogwon experience on your resume. Either way, apply for the job.