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chronicpride
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
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 Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:04 pm Post subject: |
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Those are some great ideas.
What do you guys think about having a contract relationship with recruiters? Many recruiters only have contracts with schools, to act as insurance in case a teacher runs, or if the teacher turns out to be a wacko, etc...
But what about also if the teacher and recruiter are bound by a contract? To uphold certain promises and guarantees by both parties, that can exist concurrently with the lifespan of the hogwan-teacher and hogwan-recruiter contracts? Something enforceable by Korean labor law. Which would weed out the non-licensed recruiters.
I toyed with this idea when I was recruiting, but never got my head around how it could work best. I think the absence of a contract between recruiter and teacher underscores the accountability issues that exist with that relationship. Mind you, teachers will still run to get out of contract obligations, but the recruiters can't hide. They will have to become more selective and thorough in their qualifying of teachers, as opposed to the glance at a photo. And live up to their promises that they have in their contracts. No more sweet-talk beckoning into bad jobs and disappearing acts when there are problems.
Get rid of the candy-selling, sweet-talking salesmen that pose as recruiters and make it more of service-based industry. Because right now, it's like the wild west with no sheriff in town. |
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Dalton
Joined: 26 Mar 2003
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| Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 3:56 am Post subject: |
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Good points but a lot of this stuff is way off the topic of 'what can a recruiter really do if your job turns bad'.
I still say nothing other than attempting to act as an intermediary. Koreans like to run their own show so don't all excited about that prospect.
As to what this thread has evolved into I believe the smartest thing a recruiter can do is not promise anything other than a job. They can't be criticized for that. When a recruiter makes promises other than that, I think the recruitee should remember that this is Korea and run very far, very fast. That goes for hogwons too. Seeing is believing.
The problem with hogwons and recruiters is that they'll promise anything and everything to get what they want and feel perfectly free to ignore all their promises later as it suits them. That seems to be a cultural thing. In other words you shouldn't expect a western-based argument to win the day. Fortunately not all operate that way. Research can help you spot the difference. That includes reading blacklists as well as asking questions here. Experience is golden.
IMHO |
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Dalton
Joined: 26 Mar 2003
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| Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:50 am Post subject: Re: What specific services should recruiters provide, then? |
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| actioninternational wrote: |
Ok, this is just my opinion. Just ideas from reading those helpful posts and feedback. In the ideal situation, I believe that these 6 steps can be followed and done:
Before
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1. Find a good school to the best of the recruiter's knowledge that will fulfill all moral and legal obligations;
2. Assist in reviewing and negotiating contracts that is gives optimal benefits for both parties (school and teacher);
3. Check and ensure that basic provisions and facilities of the accomodation are met and within reasonable living condition according to korean standards.
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Recruiters claim to do this now. The problem is that they don't do it at all or do a poor job at it. The other problem is that they are paid by the school so they will help the school sign you. That means you are negotiating with two people. They either believe in the job or want the money. Some may take the position that you are a problem if you turn down two offers.
| actioninternational wrote: |
After
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4. Tour the neighbourhood and provide basic information on transport, shopping, map & home address, essential contact numbers, etc;
5. Provide more specific nformation about - Where to study the korean language? Where are the foreign communities? Tours, travels, sights, entertainment?;
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I think it's unrealistic to expect a recruiter to devote the time to do this for every teacher. This is something the school should do. 2 of 4 schools I worked for did this. One even assigned someone to this task specifically. A Korean private teacher for the school dropped by every Saturday for over a month, with a car, and showed us where and how to shop for groceries etc. Whatever we wanted. We told the other schools that we were experienced and didn't need that help. A hiring plus for them I think.
| actioninternational wrote: |
6. In the event that something goes seriously wrong, the recruiter will have the ability to provide constructive support services, such as contact the appropriate authorities on the teacher's behalf, and/or finding the teacher a new job (see "Before").
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I think they can reasonably try to intermediate, secure a release and find another job if they care too. But if the hogwon won't co-operate then this won't happen. It's ultimately up to the hogwon.
| actioninternational wrote: |
I think one can't go wrong with the recruiter who can provide these services. Most problems can be proactively prevented and/or resolved if these 6 services can be done.
However, teachers cannot blame the recruiter on external circumstances that are beyond the recruiter's control. Such as if a school fails to fulfill it's obligations. Such as if the teacher's are dissatisfied with the korean environment and culture. A good recruiter can of course help the best they can, within reason, limits, and time constraints.
Just my two cents worth. Any constructive criticisms or comments? |
The big problem is that recruiters get paid by the school. A contract with a recruiter would be just as unenforcable in Korea as contracts with hogwons. Contracts aren't the answer.
The real unstated question here is why use a recruiter at all?
You have to research the school. If you get a recruiter involved then you have to research the recruiter and the school. Twice as much work so some intermediary can make a buck. And when all is said and done they can't really help you at all if the school refuses to co-operate.
So why use a recruiter at all? |
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