Korean Job Discussion Forums

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

When creating a resume tailored to the ESL industry, should one include all relevant work experience or simply all experience? Specifically, would it be help or hurt one's position to include US military service in that list of experience?

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

Only the relevant jobs are useful*.

Military? Who knows for sure? It would depend on the person reading the resume, but I suspect it wouldn't matter to a Korean.

*Quite honestly, I don't think anyone reads the experience part of a resume (in Korea) anyway. There are two piles of resumes on a boss's desk: '24 year old blond women' and 'Other' arranged by age. I'm 100% sure that you could write in "Inmate at BumF**k Mental Facility for the Sexually Deviant, 2002 to 2006" but put '25 years old' in the age slot, you would get a job offer before someone with 30 years experience teaching in a classroom.

I really, truly, honestly think that what goes on the resume means absolutely nothing except a cute picture and an 'acceptable' age.

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

Okay - good tip. I appreciate that. I guess a geezer like myself stands little chance, then.

One other question, then: Should one list all degrees earned, or just pick one that satisfies hiring requirements? If nothing really counts aside from youth and beauty, then does more (applicable) education help?

Join Me · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

I would post your military experience. All Korean males are required to serve in the military (in some form) so you have an almost guaranteed ice breaker if you interview with a guy. Also, I would list all your degrees. Koreans are education crazy and respect people who have spent as much if not more time than them going after degrees. It could intimidate some employers, but I would think they would be few and far between. Don't get too concerned about age either. An older person may have to look longer for a job but there is someone out there desperately waiting to hire you if for nothing else than your warm body and fair skin. You do have fair skin right?

Put together two versions of your resume and see which one gets more interest.

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

The Apostille and verification have to do with issuing your visa. The Apostille has nothing to do with a degree. Instead, it has to do with your CBC. If coming on an E-2 visa, one degree will do the trick. I believe that you are just looking to get hired.

semi-fly · Joined: 07 Apr 2008

It may be prudent just to list your highest earned degree with accompanying certifications (CELTA, TESOL, etc.) assuming you have any.

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

A resume is a 2-dimensional picture of YOU.

When you set up a resume, you set it up to impress someone from the start.

If education is the strength, put it first.
If work experience is the strength, put it first.

I recommend a one-page resume, listing ONLY the best information and qualifications that you have.

As said above, they don't look at much on your resume, so just make it quick and easy for them to read.

When the resume crosses the desk of someone that wants you, they'll realize it immediately.

Also, don't put your age on your resume if you feel you're a bit old. Send them a picture of you looking as young as possible, clean-shaven, with a haircut, and if possible dressed in nice clothing like a shirt and tie, or a suit. They will see your relative age from the picture, and they will get your age eventually. Let it sink in that you're not a recent college grad and then by the time they get your age they'll be prepared for the fact you're older.

By the way, there's not enough teachers in Korea, so you're going to get a job. Smile

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

Thanks to all for the helpful answers.

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

ReeseDog, don't let the naysayers get you down. I was 61 when I got
my first job in Korea...

ReeseDog · Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Location: Classified

tonyvu · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:09 pm Post subject:

relevant info first and if you still have space on that page (preferably only 1), put any other information you think might make your resume stand out a little more. I dont have much experience in regards to teaching besides tutoring elementary students a long time ago. i think that and along with my BA in business i should be able to land a job. I wont be heading there until early next year but i feel confident i can get a job, no problem. You should look at it that way as well, regardless of age...