Korean Job Discussion Forums

[corinthian]

I am hoping to get a contract that starts in the beginning of January. Ideally, I'd like to get that signed by the middle of November or so, to give me time to prepare. I have currently applied to one recruiting company, who said they would be looking for work for me, and I have also been browsing the postings here and thinking about applying to some of them myself.

However, the recruiter hasn't gotten me any interviews yet, and while I don't expect to be flooded with interviews 3 months in advance of when I'd want to start, I am wondering if I should use multiple recruiters? If so, how many? I may apply to some of the job postings here, but I am a little hesitant because I don't exactly feel qualified to handle this all on my own.

[lukas]

I would go with as many as it takes. Personally, I found 2-3 works for my tastes. My advice to you though is to have a good idea of what you want in terms of a job & don't be adverse to a little compromise if you have difficulty. (I.E. who knows where the job market is going)

Recruiters aren't your best friends, however they can be helpful & informative. At the same time you are their paycheck, and they want to get you over here, sometimes by any means. If a recruiter isn't being responsive enough for you, chances are they're busy with someone else. Yet, respect their time by letting them know if you found a job so their finding jobs for you needlessly.

So, go search for the kind of job you want on the forums and apply.
Originally I wanted to teach in Seoul, but I settled for Bucheon, since I don't want to any longer to go to Korea.

[blackjack]

I have thought long and hard about this and I believe that the ideal number is 257

[Murakano]

if you're applying for public school, just use ONE recruiter. SMOE/GEPIK will reject you if they receive multiple applications from different recruiters. EPIK is a little different (1st application in from what I have heard).

For hagwon.....as many as you want. Send your resume to all of them until one of them comes up with a position that suits you.

[son of coco]

[Kikomom]

If your looking at hagwon jobs, use as many as you can manage. They will be calling you (usually in the late evenings), and emailing specifics so you need to keep it organized. Take notes, make document files, and keep the emails sorted so you know where you stand in the process.

Find a recruiter with a good website that explains the job application/Immigration process then follow their instructions. But don't just blindly follow instruction, learn about why they require these things and how to go about it--Criminal background checks, degree copies/notorization/apostille, transcripts. Ask questions here on Dave's if something seems fishy and use your common sense to discern the good answers. Educate yourself on the visa process, learn what an apostille is, why they ask for it, and how your state or country handles it (more $$).

Make yourself a grid with the pros and cons of your offers and when you've narrowed it down and chosen one, be courteous and send a note to the others that you've accepted a position and will no longer require their services at that time. (Don't burn bridges.)

Make a checklist of document requirements for both the job application and visa to track that process also. Anything being mailed or fedexed should be accompanied by a cover letter explaining your purpose and intent of the contents, a short note for email attachments. Keep copies. Organization and good record keeping will keep you on top of the game.

When you do fedex your final documents package, learn to use their package tracking system, and keep your recruiter/school informed of it's whereabouts and when to expect to receive it. Hopefully they will extend the same courtesy to you when you're wondering what's up with the visa issuance/immigration application, and will help establish a mutual trust and respect from the get go.

I've heard of people who got by with scanned copies of all their documents being emailed, but most places want the original apostilles (CBC and diploma) and signed contract when the school is applying to Korean Immigration for your visa. Understand the process: When you have signed a contract and sent them all the required documents, they will get you approved for a visa. K-Immi will give them a visa issuance number to send you (over the phone, or by email), then YOU take that to the nearest consulate in your country to have a visa put in your passport.

I like the recruiters who say they will be there for you after you arrive to offer any help or support should any difficulties arise. Some will try to get you to buy your own plane ticket (and some people do). But if the ad said pre-paid flight, HOLD THEM TO IT if you're strapped for cash. Take about $1000 with you to get you thru your first month till payday, and maybe an extra $200 to get your luggage on the plane.