Korean Job Discussion Forums

AbbeFaria · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: Gangnam

One of the recruiters I'm using sent me an email yesterday asking that I send him a picture of me in a suit (not the issue) and with my goatee shaven off. He said he wants his applicants to have a better reputation. Also the email is worded so this might not be a request to improve my chances, but would be a requirement for him to continue shopping around for me. I've had my goatee for nearly 4 years and am rather fond of it.

Here, I'll let you read it:

susy · Joined: 08 Oct 2005

I really dont see why you should....OK the look smart thing, but why not keep your goatie ( granted its rare to see korean men with goaties although some of the young pop stars have started wearing them)

If you are not happy about it, I would say try another school, if he is already picking at your goatie- what will he pick at next?.

theres loads of schools recruiting out there.....It sounds like he is very picky and maybe a little difficult - Rolling Eyes

you may be better off with a female director who appreciates you goatie

good luck anyway

andrew · Joined: 30 Jan 2003

.....

susy · Joined: 08 Oct 2005

For the suits:

depends on who you are going to teach
for adults you need to look smart - that really depends on the director as well. for buisness classes i suggest you wear a shirt and tie at least, maybe the suit now and again. but i would check out exactly the directors requirments first about that. ( suits will be cheaper to buy over in Seoul anyway).

If its adults (non buisness) smart- casual is usually ok
if its kids just casual usually.[/quote]

manlyboy · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:03 pm Post subject:

Not necessary, but could possibly land a few more offers. However, schools that reject applicants based solely on facial hair are likely to be at the very low end of the job market.

dogbert · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Killbox 90210

The Korean men on money all have goatees.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

It all depends on where you're working.

Kiddie hogwan - shave for a photo (or just find an old photo) and grow your hair however you want when you're in Korea.

Adult academy / business classes - might have to fit their image of professional (clean shaven and well dressed) both in the interview process and at work. Fair and understandable.

Public school - keeping up with local expectations of professionalism will help at all stages. A trimmed goatee should be all right on the job, but clean shaven might help for the interview process.

University - about the same as public school, from what I can gather.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

I've found that being clean-shaven can help you keep your students' respect. A well-maintained beard/goatee is one thing but just having stubble is not as cool here as in the West.

magicwolfman · Joined: 01 Sep 2005

Shave it, it will be the best thing you ever do. Dont be a hippie all your life, at a certain age you really need to grow up and set your priorities straight.

Freezer Burn · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Location: Busan

Don't shave! send in an old photo, once you're on the plane and they paid the ticket it doesn't matter....
As long as you don't look like Chong from Cheech and Chong Laughing

You have to see the look of MOST of the ESL'ers here with some exceptions most of them are scruffy and untidy, so if you send in a clean photo for the recruitment and they offer you the job, they won't send you packing if you come over with a goatee.

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

As long as you don't look like you have just returned from living in the jungle for a fortnight, I don't see any problem in having a goatee, full beard or moustache.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I don't think Koreans particularly care about facial hair if you are well-groomed. They do expect people to be well-groomed and 'professional'. Trim the goatee and comb your hair. Put on the suit. Get a photo taken.

You don't need to wear a suit at work. Clean, neatly ironed shirts are fine. A tie is a plus.

Koreans do think teachers are of higher status, but expect them to live up to the role.

Freezer Burn · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Location: Busan

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

I have a beard, but I keep it neatly trimmed. To compensate, I try to dress better at work. At first you might get some comments, but after a while they will get used to seeing you with facial hair. I wear a shirt and tie so I don't look like a bum anyway.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

Recruiters are not to be taken seriously.