Korean Job Discussion Forums

tsmith62 · Joined: 06 Mar 2008

I know the general "recruiters are basically a bunch of bloodsuckers" sort of argument, I just have a really specific situation that might warrant having a recruiter. But before I do, I'd like to get some feedback. Here's my situation:

I've yet to graduate but will this April. Unfortunately I can't leave until late June as I've already been lined up to speak at some conferences spanning from the beginning of June to June 23 and I'd really like to start working by July 1st. Given the preparation and travel time for the conferences i probably won't be hunting for a job during the entire month of June.

Given this situation would it be a good idea to use a recruiter? I only ask because from what I've read, Korean ESL jobs come on and off the market pretty quickly and usually without notice. Is this a fair characterization? Or do you think most schools would be flexible provided I do all the legwork/application processing in April/May?

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

-Ty

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

I think recruiters can be useful as long as you remember that they are bloodsuckers and have no soul, and everything they tell you is worthless. The more they proclaim their differences, the more they are like everyone else.

Just get everything in writing from your school.

Lastly... why bother trying to get a job now then? Since jobs come on and off the market so fast... why not just WAIT and do it when you're ready to come. There are always jobs. It's not like you'll miss the window of opportunity. Just get your stuff ready to go. Gather your documents etc... then when everything is ready... THEN look for a job when youre ready to leave.

mountainous · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles

If I had to do it over, I would be sure to speak extensively to the staff at the school, especially the teachers. I would thoroughly investigate all details, including accomodations, payment of salary, actual working hours including prep time, etc... good luck.

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

Anyone who's job hunting that doesn't use at least 6 recruiters is a freakin idiot. There's a few of them on this board.

My advice:

Sign up with as many recruiters as you can find. A 100 uif you can find them.

Evaluate the jobs they offer you. (talk to previous teachers etc..)

Choose a job you like.

The end.

There's a few retards here who think that a recruiter should be working for you despite the fact you're not paying them, and then get all pissy because they don't offer all kinds of after service and so on. If you're a somewhat sensible person you'll realise that a recruiter is merely someone who can arrange for you to be employed by someone who is looking for a teacher. Evaluate their offers and choose one you like. Don't expect them to be your Korean butler. Don't expect them to hold your hand (though some will). Don't expect anything more from them then putting you in contact with someone who wants to employ you.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Recruiters are NOT a bad idea in and of themselves.

The problems arise when some newbie thinks a recruiter is something they are not.

Please let me repeat an old post of mine.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares?

A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

REPEAT: A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.

Use 1, use 5, use as many as you need.

Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.

-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.

Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.

Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.

Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.

Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.

When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.

1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...

The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.

No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.

Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.

Saxiif · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: Seongnam

Recruiters are bloodsuckers but it's not your blood they're sucking, its the schools who are paying them a million won to find someone with the right passport and a pulse. As long as you remember that all they're trying to do is get money from schools you'll be fine, contact all of them and trust none of them.