Korean Job Discussion Forums

[austinmc86]

I am tired of recruiters and directors. I get tons of offers, interview and nothing happens. Even if I am offered a job, the job is bad.
It is all a big game. Recruiters contact me, say they have a job, but nothing transpires.

I am done with the games and the back-and-forth calls from Korea leading to nothing.


I have decided to just go to Korea myself. I will bring all my E2 documents with me. Has anyone else done this? Can I just show up in Korea and look for work? Do I still need a visa before I arrive?

Has anyone else just showed up and got work?

[azzwell]

If this is your first E2 visa have fun paying for your flight home to get your visa. Unless your American, then you get to go to Guam.

[Bloopity Bloop]

Something is missing in your story... actually, more like a lot of things. Are you a convicted felon?

[crisdean]

I know F-class visa holders that do this with little problem, but I'm not sure how easy it would be for someone applying for an E2. And I think for all first time E2 visa applicants you need to apply for it in your home country and many consulates require an interview before they will give you your first E2 visa. Of course if you've had one bfore then that won't be an issue.

Best just to try some new recruiters, It took me a fairly long time this time around to land a "good" job, I too had a lot of offers that weren't appealing and decided to wait on better options. I lucked into a last minute offer from SMOE, which is an okay job.

So my advice is either wait it out and try to get something that appeals to you, or lower your standards.

[jiberish]

You could do this before and just do a quick visa run to japan. But didn't they change it so you need to have an interview at the embassy in your home country?

[austinmc86]

[Gibberish]

You're either really bad at interviewing or you're just an idiot. Maybe both. Anyone who shows up in Korea looking for a job with no plan or leads is going to get turned away and sent back home with their tail between their legs.

Or maybe you're just REALLY impatient. Beggars can't be choosers these days, pal.

[saram_]

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

There are sooo many positions advertised, it is best that you
define the criteria for the job which you want (age, type of school, location etc.) and aim for a position which will be a good match for you and the school.

If you have no TEFL certification, get one.
Have a look at your C.V. redo it and make sure it has a picture and reference contact info.
Do you have great letters of recommendation? Get some.
I wouldn't hire anyone that didn't have a recommend from a past employer that I could contact.

Just showing up is not a very good strategy in my opinion.

Apply directly for positions via e-mail with digital copies of all your necessary documents:
Passport, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, criminal record check (with apostille), resume, letters of reference, cover letter, photo, health check.

How long have you been looking? Months?

[banjois]

Maybe go over your interview technique before your come, if you've interviewed a lot and not been offered a position. In my experience, interview=job offer.

[austinmc86]

I have had job offers, but they're all from schools in places i don't want to live, or from a school with a bad rep.


I just thought my best bet at getting a job in Busan (with a good school) was going there in person. Plus, then I can start ASAP instead of waiting here.

[whome33]

I think it's to your advantage to be here already. It's less risk for the employer if they can meet you first, and you already being here says your commited and aren't going to get cold feet about going abroad. JJ recruiting has alot of jobs that require the teacher to already be in korea. It's also good that you get to meet the employer and possibly checkout the school/area. However I'm this based on Seoul, not sure if it would be the same case in Busan.

[Son Deureo!]

The market is definitely a bit tight here in Busan these days, and late March isn't exactly prime hiring season in the best of times. You'll probably have more luck being here in person, but I hope you have enough cash to hold out for at least a month of searching, plus waiting another month for your first paycheck.

[goat]

[curiousaboutkorea]

Assuming you're coming as a tourist (visa-free), you'll need proof of onward/return travel. You can get it and change it later, but that will still cost you extra.