Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lifeinkorea]

I just had an interesting phone call interview with a recruiter who handles the GEPIK positions. I got the usual questions asking me to confirm what I put in my resume. Then, we discussed visa arrangements and how to transfer the visa. I am not sure on the process (even though I did this last year), because this time it will be from public school to public school. However, my focus on this thread pertains to something else.

She asked me for a reference number and name at my current school. I didn't have it offhand, so I went into the teacher's room with my cell phone. While I asked him for a reference number, she said "Oh!! He is listening to the intervew??" like maybe he shouldn't. I could understand a face to face interview where you are signing contracts, but I don't have any secrets to hide here.

Where else would I be at 2pm? She knows I am working at an elementary school now. Was this a major no no on my part? My current school doesn't care. They know I am looking for a middle school in September, and we are working together to make the transition best for all. I don't understand why it shocked her to know my co-teacher might have heard me say stuff like "Yes, I have lived in Korea for 2 years" and "My contract finishes on (date)", etc...

So, after I gave her the number she told me she couldn't place me at a school because she doesn't know which schools won't have a teacher renewing their contract. She said they usually decide during summer vacation. This is my first year at a public school, so I don't know how true this is. Makes sense, but at the same time it's cutting things close because if the school wants a teacher by September 1st then all the documents have to be sent in quickly. I was planning on getting the school and then the documents, but the way it looks I will need the documents now and be able to present them immediately in August.

Does this sound accurate to other middle school GEPIK teachers? Have I missed a deadline which might not have given me a school? Do you think the lady had job offers but when I went to ask my co-teacher for a reference number she decided not to offer one to me?