Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ashcroft]

Once I start getting callbacks from recruiters and potential employers (which will probably be any day now), I would expect to be asked this question or some variation of it. As in, "What specifically appeals to you about teaching in Korea for a year versus some other foreign country?" I can answer the general question of why I'd want to live and work abroad for a year, but I'm not too sure how to answer it as it specifically relates to Korea. I mean, while I do have a genuine interest in spending a year learning and experiencing the culture of whatever country I would find myself in, my reasons for choosing Korea have more to do with practical things like the relative ease of being able to find a job without much experience or advanced certification, and being able to do so on the timeline that I'm trying to stick to.

So how exactly would one answer this question, if it were to come up? Will interviewers expect me to be able to expound on the cultural benefits of Korea over other Asian countries or something like that?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[tomato]

I have never been asked that question.
In Korea, recruiters and employers don't ask very many tough questions.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I agree with Mr. tomato. That question is not likely to come up in an interview. It's more likely they will ask if you like kids and when you can start.

I guarantee you that everyone you meet in a social situation will ask you. It's a good idea to have an answer ready. If you want to win hearts and minds then you will come up with something reasonably flattering. It's OK to say you didn't know much about Korea before you came because they know Korea isn't very famous, but it works if you say you saw some World Cup games in '02 (or the '88 Olympics) and thought Korea looked interesting. You could mention having been to a Korean restaurant and thought the food was good, so when you decided to go abroad Korea sprang to mind.

I would not recommend saying you are a fan of Japanese history and wanted to come to Korea to see what great things the Japanese Empire did for its former colony. That line does not go down well.

[chickyabroad]

I've been applying for jobs in Korea for the past month or so, and in the five or six phone interviews I had, I was always asked this question. So it is possible that the question will come up. Do you have any link to Korean culture? All I said was that I'd taken some taekwondo classes in the past and that seemed to be good enough.

[Grotto]

Hmmm.... ..... possible answers?

For the money?

Because the chicks are easy?

I had to see it with my own eyes to believe that people could eat rice 3 times a day....every day.....every freakin day!

I had a hankerin for bondaggae

I love M.A.S.H. dont you love M.A.S.H.?

[Zark]

I suspect answers a recruiter/employer might like to hear would involve an interest in Korean culture, Asia/Asian culture(s) and/or perhaps in the growing economies of the region.

I've never been asked specifically that question. I think most Koreans just ASSUME that you have a love for Korea and things Korean - so OF COURSE you want to go there!

[John Henry]

My standard response is, "I had a friend who taught here for a year, and she loved it, so I want to give it a try". Or something similar.

But I may start using the MASH thing.

[Hotpants]

Tell 'em the food is the best in the world. That'll delight any Korean and they probably won't ask any more. Just make sure you know the word 'kimchi' in case a follow up question is asked!

But, you must have had some reason for considering Korea in the first place. Surely not just for the money. What was it? Just be honest and use that reason.

The case of the respondant who was asked if they had any 'Korean connections' could reflect that Koreans put a lot of value on networking with high level individuals. If you know the 'right' people, you are automatically 'in'.

For me, the reason was taekwondo. No other reason than that. But it was a genuine answer. That was enough to satisfy the employers when asked at the application stage.

[wylies99]

I have been asked that question. I've told them that Korea offers the best opportunities for new teachers. They've all been satisfied with that answer.

[Roch]

[PRagic]

As long as you are thinking about possible answers to Korea-related questions, you might as well tackle these for when you get here:

1) Why are you in Korea?
2) Will you stay in Korea? Why? Isn't it better where you are from?
3) Isn't (insert food here) too spicy for you?

As globalized as many parts of this culture and society are, there is still a big collective chip on the shoulder when it comes to living here.

[SirFink]

[bosintang]

Man, we're talking about Korea. You can basically say whatever the hell you want to say because by the time you've gotten an interview someone already had decided to hire you based on your picture and a distant maybe, your resume.

To recruiters, you are nothing but $$$$ and to employers you're nothing but an Englishdroid.

[tomwaits]

Or say with the Marines pulling out of Yongsan you want to be there for the last glorious days of Hooker Hill......

Tell the truth---you know very little but are anxious to learn......Or get abook and say it got you interested...

[babtangee]

Tell them you heard you can eat dog in Korea.