Korean Job Discussion Forums

djmarcus · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Hi, I believe this is my first post. A little info before my question.

I'm currently signed up with an agency (recruiter) to help me find a school to teach at. I'm currently still in the US working at my current job. So the recruiter tells me that they have this great position lined up and wants me to give my 2 weeks notice the next day, before I even interview. Then she says "Oh don't worry, I'll definitely find you a job somewhere TRUST ME."

So my gut instincts say "I should hold off until I know I'm going to be at a school, rather than go blindly"

So my question is...Is this how the system works? Am I suppose to just go there blindly? When an employer is looking for someone, do they always want them there pronto? Has anyone gone to korea without having had a job lined up?

I know this might be all common sense (get a job first, then go) but I just wondered if things work differently in this field.

Thanks.

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

There is a real tendency here to do things at the last moment. Careful planning is kind of a foreign concept.

The other poster is right. When you are offered a job, do as much research as you can to make sure it is what you want. Ask for contact numbers of teachers who are working or have worked there. Ask for pictures of the apartment.

In one sense, the recruiter is right about 'trust me'. Korean culture does operate very heavily on personal relationships. Clearly she thinks you are a good prospect for hiring. The demand for teachers is high. But you do need to look out for your own interests. I'm not saying 'distrust' her. Just don't let yourself be pressured into acting quickly and taking the first job offered if it is not a good offer.

Good luck

SirFink · Joined: 05 Mar 2006

Trust a recruiter as much as you'd trust a used car salesmen. That's not to say that you can't find a good deal on a used car (or a good job through a recruiter), but realize that the recruiter has an agenda ($$$). As others have said, do your own research. Search these forums. Search the Internet. Above all, don't just use one recruiter. There are a million of them and, frankly, most aren't much more than a dude in his underwear sitting in front of his PC pestering you on the phone every night.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I agree with what others have said. Also let me add, you should definately interview with the school. If possible ask to speak to a foreign teacher. If they say no, then a red flag should go up in your head. You should decline a job if they are unwilling to provide you with information or if it is questionable.

I've had some pretty bad and good experiences in Korea. Some hagwon owners will treat you like a slave and put you in the crappest apartment they can find.

It can't be said enough to the newbie's...DO RESEARCH before you sign!

SOOHWA101 · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

Why not come here and find a job on your own. Stay at Seoul backpackers in Seoul and look for what you want.

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

djmarcus · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks so much guys for all that info...that's really helpful.

And thank you Blackbear for that indepth reply. I will definitely try to do more research before going.

Thanks again.

chinook · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Location: canada

Also, if you only have to give two weeks notice, there is plenty of time for that after the interview.

Between sending your documents to Korea, having immigration grant you a visa issuance number, and then taking your passport to the consulate to get the visa put in (5 days in Toronto), you easily have two weeks with which to give notice at your job.

Also, if there are any problems (sealed transcripts turned out to be a big fiasco for me), you could be waiting around while things get processed and if you can't afford that, it could be stressful.