Korean Job Discussion Forums

[andrew]

*****

[mindmetoo]

Crazy. I'd hire a 45 year old over a 22 year old. "Hmmm someone who might have experience with children, at least as an uncle, understands the value of a dollar vs suddenly having disposable income for the first time in his life. Someone who learned the value of keeping it in his pants and isn't biologically programmed to fight in bars to demonstrate alpha male-hood, get drunk, and hit on the female teachers or students."

But it does seem to be conventional wisdom to avoid Christian schools. You hear way too many horror stories about Christians schools hiring teachers and then using 'well, would jesus demand to be paid this month?' to rip a teacher off. Guilt the sucker into skipping pay days while the boss toddles off to a room salon with your pay.

All in all she's doing you a favor by not hiring you.

[The Bobster]

I find recruiters are the worst offenders - they come from countries where they should know better so their motivatioin is strictly that of monetary gain from getting a commission.

[J.B. Clamence]

So, you're horrified by the ageist policies of the school, but have no problem with their "Christians only" policy? Interesting..

[mindmetoo]

[J.B. Clamence]

Absolutely, they can hire whomever they choose. I just find it a bit ironic that he has no problem that he has to be a good Christian to get this job, but says it's unfair that they won't hire him because he's over 40.

[The Bobster]

[andrew]

*****

[mithridates]

Generally it works like this: a hagwon applies to a recruiter and states their demands. Must be this age, preferably with this accent, etc. etc. Then the resume comes in from the teacher and one looks at the picture. Hmm...looks about the age they're looking for. Ah, they want an American or a Canadian, but there's an Australian here with a lot of experience. Let's check. "Hi, I've got this amazing Australian teacher here who can really do the job-"
Hagwon 1: "No way! Get us an American! I can't understand Aussies!"
Hagwon 2: "Sounds good if they're as good as you say!"

Usually the hagwons or schools are pretty picky at first but there are a few things they'll be willing to compromise on. Depends on the owner though, and it's impossible to make a hagwon hire somebody if they don't want to, no matter how impressive the candidate is...which is sad.

[jajdude]

I dunno maybe it's just me, but I'd like to meet a 65 plus old applicant. He/she might be great.

Might stick around and do a fine job? Not bail with itchy feet? Accept that the foreign country is different? Say what the hell, I'm an old timer just having fun with the kids?

I've met a few over 50... good at teaching here.

[mindmetoo]

[just because]

No offence to the OP but are you really truly shocked??????

This is not the west anymore.

Agism and is a big factor in not only this industry but for the whole of Korea. Not saying it is good but it is prevelant.

If you are coming get used to it.

You bloody old foggies

[andrew]

*****

[chronicpride]

Just Because is right. It's ridiculously prevalent in every nook and cranny. The director was just reacting to the demands of her market. But, image being so important to them and they will say how young you look, but once they hear that age, everything goes out the window. I never could understand that part, of the odd time when age will sometimes trump image in the selection process. When I was recruiting, if there was ever a demographic that I had the damndest time trying to get jobs, it was the plus 45 crowd. I would put that group right up there with black people and non-Korean asians, in terms of marketability..

I'm surprised that she was honest to you by saying that the mothers are not into the older types. Many places would have done a disappearing act, much less offer up an excuse.