Korean Job Discussion Forums

[verseinu]

A recruiter has a GEPIK position for me in Yongin, I was initially told that the school was compiling a list of applications to interview and given notice that I would have an interview. Now I have been told that because the school is a head office school they will forego the interview and hire me on the recommendation of the recruiter.

This sparks some concern that someone is trying to hide something....

Has anyone had a similar experience with GEPIK through a recruiter?

[romano812]

Check the red and white flags posting for more info about GEPIK.

[verseinu]

I saw the flag posting, but I haven't yet been told that I can't speak with anyone. If and when I hear that I'll know something is definitely fishy.

I am also wondering what is the difference between a 'head office position' and a regular position?

[lifeinkorea]

It might mean it will be like a school I am at. They use the school to teach other schools. One class from another school will come for 2 hours. As long as you work at that location, they can fill up classes with different students.

It's not really more, but you end up teaching more students, just not as often. Some people don't mind this, I don't like it cause I have only seen the students once a semester.

Also, when there are summer/winter camps, you will definitely be stuck with doing them. I got paid overtime, but I have no time off. This week is scheduled as a camp week, but many schools already started on Monday. So, I am only teaching 2 classes a day this week. It pays off sometimes I guess.

[efemmera]

verseinu,

I wanted to PM you but I haven't posted enough and I checked your profile and you have not posted enough to PM me. Do you have any issues with identifying the location of the school and/or your recruiter. I completely understand if you do not wish to but I have quite a strong feeling that is the position i turned down. I wish we could speak off board as I have quite a bit of info I could relay.

[verseinu]

efemmera,

The school is Goggi Elementary in Yongin, the recruiter seems to be a well know organization whom (from my understanding - though that isn't saying a whole lot) is in good standing.

I'd rather not post my email? is there anything you would mind saying here?

otherwise I would like to hear what you have to say

[efemmera]

It's not my job so your situation could be much different. But below are the warning signals I encountered:

was denied contact details of employees past or present
my accommodation had not yet been verified so did not have pictures and could not tell me how far I would be from school
was hired without speaking to anyone at school
when I asked for specific info for the area in which I would be living, I was told to google a nearby location
all questions I asked via email, were answered via phone (no written record of answers that way)

The recruiter I worked with was very personable and managed to relay all the above details quite diplomatically. I have done searches on this recruiter and could not find any negative info but my instincts told me all was not well. It was when all of the issues were laid out in a list that it really became apparent that something was amiss. The recruiter seemed quite persistent (in a very nice way) that I was wanted for this position even though I refused to sign the contract for almost a week and that also set my alarm bells off. While I have a decent resume, surely there are many others eager for a public school contract and I could be replaced easily?

I hope for your sake you are in a good situation. However, if you are posting on here, your instincts are most likely telling you something is amiss. Press for all of the details you require and hopefully you will get the answers you need. Good luck!

[verseinu]

Thanks Efemmera,

Thats exactly where I'm at now...what is the threshold for those warning signals to signal 'no and move on'.

I'm left with a dilemma now (a good one, I realize) where I have two job offers. 1) at a public school where I don't have much info or 2) a hagwon where it looks as if all my questions will be answered (I will be able to speak with a current teacher).

[efemmera]

If you feel like you can approach your recruiter, I would be honest and explain that you have another job offer and you need more information to make an informed decision. I have been very honest with all of the recruiters I have been in contact with (maybe good timing on my part but I am fortunate to have been offered several positions in different countries) and I feel that has worked to my advantage. I am not making decisions based on desperation because I know I have other alternatives. Just remember those are not the only two jobs out there. I hope that helps and please feel free to disregard this as we all have our own comfort level. I hope it was at least a bit helpful.