Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Wear a slightly looser-fitting shirt.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Marcilla, you look just like one of the bus drivers at my hagwon, except he's Korean. I don't know about the shirt and tie in that picture, as they both look fatigued, but honestly it doesn't really matter. When I applied for a job and they asked for a picture, I didn't have a camera. The photo I sent was one of me in regular pants and a t-shirt, lying on the ground, holding a cat. They just want to get an idea of what you look like, not hire you for a fashion catalogue.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

I thought they just wanted to see if you meet their sterotype of what an English teacher should look like i.e. not an Asian American

Zyzyfer · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:47 pm Post subject:

The shirt and tie issue only matter if you're applying to a big adult chain in Jongno or Gangnam, I'd venture to guess. Otherwise, you're dressed above the average kiddie academy teacher by a longshot. If you're applying to one of the adult chains, though, pick up a white dress shirt from K-Mart or something. Stay conservative in your appearance.

You don't need a professional photographer really, but it's a lot easier to get the kind of photo that would really help here in Korea, where every little photo studio can take your picture on the spot and whip out something nice for you. It shows that extra bit of seriousness about your venture over here. Maybe if you have a friend who's a professional, get them to help, or try to go to a studio and see how much the smallest package is. If you do that, make sure you get digitized photos that you can use on the internet as well, and you'll be set.

I tried DIY photos, and they just don't work that well. You're not trying to become a CEO and you don't need a professional actor's headshot or anything, but the more effort you put in, the less effort you need to apply to competing over a job.

The Hammer · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:55 pm Post subject:

Take your hands off your pistols sheriff, and put em on your elbows for a less threatening stance. Also, go with a sweater and a white T-shirt.

BEFORE

AFTER

(Its all good!)

The Hammer · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:56 pm Post subject:

Take your hands off your pistols sheriff, and put em on your elbows for a less threatening stance. Also, go with a sweater and a white T-shirt.

BEFORE

AFTER

(It's all good!)

stat · Joined: 22 Apr 2005

aww, i think you look cute!

seriously, your concerns about how you look may be a great advantage to you. if you're qualified there are no end of good jobs available for you in korea: if a school doesn't hire you because you don't look like a film star then your photo's probably done you a favour.

know what i mean? surely you'd rather work somewhere where they respected your talent and background not your pretty-boy face?

hack · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Damm. I'd hire this guy just on balls and tenacity alone.

As an aside, is your father's name Paul? I went thru U. with a dude who looks just like you about 25 years ago.

Regardless, good luck dude, hope it all works out for ou.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:42 am Post subject:

The evil penguin · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:32 am Post subject:

Important: remember in the new photo to hold up two fingers in the 'victory/peace' sign. This is essential to establish credibility with any future korean photo viewers.

Also smile thru your teeth while trying to say the word "kimchi". Opening your eyes as wide as posible to give you the startled rabbit look will also help.

Try and also obtain a cute fluffy toy to hold while you pose. It adds 'character' points.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Well, looks like your bright blue shirt and tie were too much to process for the digital camera because your face looks blue too.

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

White dress shirts are cheap at WAL*MART. So are fairly attractive turtlenecks and sweaters this time of year. Sure, they don't last long, maybe ten washes or so, but who cares? I'd rather pay $10 for a sweater that lasts 3 months than $80 for a sweater that lasts two years. It's more economical and I get to try a new color every once in a while.

PS I think the primary purpose of the photos is to demonstrate that you are "white" and cute, because the students' parents will pull their kids out of school if you are some kind of "scary" minority. I think your best bet is to have a photo looking happy, friendly, and harmless. Choose lighting that doesn't make your skin look dark (or blue!). Playing with a puppy or kitten might be a good setup.

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

You look kind of like Lou Ferigno (sp?). I thought the "how I actually smile" smile looked the best.

Do what the others said: at the least, get a white shirt (with a larger collar!) and tie a proper knot. I think it will make a world of difference.

It takes big ones to post your real photo on a .php board and I salute you for it. You're lucky that most people on this board are nice (or at least that the board is well-moderated).

Slightly off topic, but what do you guys think about the whole smiling vs. non-smiling thing? Koreans (and the Japanese, and the Thai, and probably others) never smile in their passport/job application photos, yet we often do. Do you think we should smile, especially since we're supposed to be the "happy English teacher/dancing bear"?

I always smiled in my application photos and it's got me the jobs so far. I didn't smile in my passport photo; with my buzz cut, goatee, and surly expression I look like I just made early parole.

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Wow,

Some of you guys actually have shirts? (ties even)

Amazing....