Korean Job Discussion Forums

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Can I ask, in general teaching terms within the country, to what approximate age can one reasonably expect to be able to find a position?

Id be getting myself to Seoul in August, wouldn't be looking at government school placements, and would seek relocation to a smaller city/town. Have a BA EC and am nearing the end of a contract in south east Asia. Have a decade or so working years remaining.

I know this has no doubt been broached many times, I'm just unable to search at present using 'age' as a keyword. Thanks in advance.

Nester Noodlemon · Joined: 16 Jan 2009

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

The teaching market in Korea is becoming over saturated. Age discrimination is real. It is hard for an older man to find work. If you are looking to get hired from abroad it's going to be tough (unless you have a really good skill set, but even then it won't be easy). BUT you said you want to live in a rural area (or at least away from Seoul)? Those positions are less desirable to most, so if that's where you want to live, you have a decent shot of getting one. Send out your resume; email a lot of people. Good luck.

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Thanks vmuch NN. Sorry I wasn't clear, apologies, I'm at the other end of the spectrum fifty.

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Many thanks for your insights, appreciated WT, yes if i decided to fly, I'd be getting myself to the capital first.

Nester Noodlemon · Joined: 16 Jan 2009

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Thanks NN, I know, but Ive held up quite well;)! I did call through and see a recommended agency in Seoul 12 months ago, so perhaps I'll touch base with them again, regards

Nester Noodlemon · Joined: 16 Jan 2009

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

- 50ish years old...
- have experience in EFL in real classroom settings.
- have the required paperwork in hand (home country cbc with apostille and degree COPY with apostille.

The market is more competitive but it is NOT impossible for older males to crack.

Make sure you attach photos of you in classroom settings with smiling kids to the back end of your resume. It WILL make a difference when it comes to selling your resume to some hagwon as an "English teacher".

Leave the Thornbury books back wherever you are. If you drag out your well worn, dog eared version of a grammar book you can pretty much kiss your job goodbye.

Catch up on CLIL, CBT/CBL, and CLT/CLL. They will become your friends when it comes to gaining and keeping your job.

.

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Nester thanks, yes the countryside would be fine with me. Spent some months in Korea last year. Rgds

le-paul · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Location: dans la chambre

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

Thank you TTP, noted with thanks. You were kind enough to pass on some thoughts twelve months ago and I'm grateful for them again today. Have also spent some time developing a good online portfolio with some positive student eval comments within. Perhaps I'll give it a go. Rgds

Voyager2 · Joined: 24 Apr 2013

LP thanks, if only I had enough hair to do anything with...

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

I would say that appearance is more important than actual age. If you have a full head of hair (even if it's grey) and you don't have a ponch then you shouldn't have too bad of a time. If you're searching while your actually in Korea then you'll likely have a better chance than a 25 year old who's applying from abroad. Like others said, make sure you have some good photos. If you have to, have a friend snap some photos of you and a class fo little kids in the classroom. As far as outfits, go for a businessman look or possibly casual business (without a jacket and tie). If you can pull off the George Clooney look, you should be ok.

If you actually WANT to find a job out in the countryside then go for it. If you prefer the city then tell recruiters that you want a city job. The largest number of recruiters are based in Seoul, followed by Busan. Most recruiters will have job offers from their own city just because their reputations spread by word of mouth. If you tell them that you're willing to work anywhere then they'll send you to the worst job they have because they know that they can fill the good jobs easily enough. Aiming for the undesirable jobs also means that you start from low position in negotiating salary and other job benefits. You'd be best off telling them that you want to work in Seoul (or one of it's satellite cities on the subway lines) but that you'd consider a rural job if the pay was better or you got more paid holidays. Aim high so that you have a position to negotiate from.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009