Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Xanadu123]

I just talked to a recruiter and according to him its difficult to speak with more than just the current foreign teacher.

I was under the impression that I should ask to speak with at least 2 past and 2 former employees to make sure I could trust working with the school.

He mentioned the idea of Korean saving face and that a teacher who asks to speak with that many employees is being picky and possibly a liability and they also want to save safe. I don't know if this guy is selling me the truth.

Any input is greatly appreciated


Also, he mentioned that it is quite difficult for a male to get a job in central Seoul who prefers not to teach kindergarten because the schools are extremely picky and prefer females who also are willing to teach kindie. He said I should consider other areas but I don't really want to make any concessions except for the greater Seoul region.

[Jane]

Don't concede on your requests and find a new recruiter.

[Ukon]

He's lying or sucks, tell him to get bent or find what you want.

[Xanadu123]

Thanks for the replies

I appreciate it

[E_athlete]

ive heard of people getting fired for even asking references. If you value your job don't do it. If you have options go ahead and ask.

[Xanadu123]

[kimuchiii]

Or you could try finding employees on your own (searching google for people's blogs, here on dave's, etc). That might be better actually if you can. Good luck

[yingwenlaoshi]

"This is a great school (can you read my mind?)!"

[Skippy]

It should be no problem to speak to current teachers. Just take what they say at half value. They will likely talk up the school a bit better then it is. Any recruiter or school who says you can not speak to a current teacher is one that you do not want to teach at or use.

Past teachers - well that can be difficult...Many teachers just move on and rarely will leave any forwarding info. Also schools will be lazy in spending the time finding some teacher that in all likely hood will not give a great recommendation.

As to the 2 past and 2 current. That is good but will in many cases be too difficult to fill. You can try...

Thing it this way if a school things you are too picky, then it will likely not suit you.

[wylies99]

OP, find a new recruiter. It sounds like that recruiter has no credibility with the school board. Maybe he/she has given them some bad teachers.

[Otherside]

OP depending on the school, the request may or may not be reasonable.

If it's a public school, asking to speak to anymore than the current teacher is unreasonable. Public schools usually only have 1 teacher at any given time, and if the current teacher has been there for any length of time, you are really digging quite deep. "So, you worked at XYZ school in 2006"... (in which case, 90% of the staff, and half the students have moved on).

If it's a large hagwon with a handful or more FTs then it really shouldn't be too hard for the school to come up with some referrences. If you've got a current staff of 10, you've probably had atleast another 15 who've worked there over the last 18months, if they can't find atleast 1 guy who is positive about the school...then it's a @#$% place to work

[billietea]

[indyflyguy]

[Xanadu123]

Well it wont be a public school so like someone mentioned they should have more than one current teacher and they should also have a number of past employees as well

Once a recruiter finds a possible school match, should I ask him to contact the school myself and ask for the employee info from the school, or should I be asking the recruiter to get the info?

[Skippy]

BOTH. Ask both. The recruiter should be helpful. But if the recruiter then fopbs you off on to the school then ask them for the info.