Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Philippines]

I recently had an interview for a university position. The department chairman seemed very interested until he took a closer look at my resume and noticed my J.D. degree. That's when his tone changed. He became less talkative and he just said something about how lawyers are always quick to sue whenever there is a small problem. Then he thanked me for coming and the interview was over.

Would I be better off leaving my law degree off my resume when applying for jobs in Korea?

[bassexpander]

Not to be rude, but you have a law degree and can't figure this out?

Either:

A. They are used to screwing people over, and don't want to be challenged later when they try to mess with you.

or

B. They expected someone with a doctorate in something else.



Short answer: NO

Leave your law degree on there, and avoid employers who are afraid to hire you becuase of it. There are A LOT of shady schools in Korea, including universities.

[bbonthec]

I'd leave the law degree on the resume. Like the above poster said, it'll help you weed out the potentially bad employers.

[rt]

I have always put my law degree and bar membership on my resumes and it has gotten me jobs (and generally at doctorate level pay) that I would not have gotten otherwise. On the other hand, it has probably kept me from getting some jobs, so it is a crap shoot, I suppose. Just try to take each application on a case by case basis regarding the law degree disclosure. Some employers will see it as an asset and others will see it as a liability.

[scorpiocandy]

I just applied for a job today and since i don't have a Masters Degree yet played up my law degree and admission to the Bar big time.

I'm hoping it helps me! If it's a worthwhile job they'll recognise your worth and want you for it. That's my optimistic point of view anyway

[I-am-me]

I tend to leave off my engineering degree. Doesnt really make much difference when applying for teaching jobs. My hagwon experience carries a lot more weight.

[BigLarry]

Of course you should leave your degree on your C.V. Personally I've always found it to go in my favour with recruiters and schools. Though it is an idea to include the equivalent standard degree in brackets [ e.g. LLB (BA), LLM (MA)], otherwise you can spend ages having to explain what it is.

What happened at that interview seems to be the reaction of someone who's upto no good or has been burnt by a difficult teacher.

[frankly speaking]

Personally, I disagree with the others. I think that if you are applying for EFL type positions, you are overqualified and they might question why someone with a law degree and the potential to do a lot more would be taking a low level EFL position.

When I have applied for elementary age teaching positions, I often leave off my University positions, and my publications.

As a (former) manager and academic director, I often would pass over people that were over qualified.

If however, you are applying for jobs in a related area, then of course keep it on.

One poster, said that has a law degree but not a Masters. I thought that a law degree was a masters. I know of people with a Doctorate in Law, so why wouldn't a law degree be a masters?

Again, why would a board certified lawyer be looking to teach EFL? Red flag goes up to me.

[Palladium]

I know a a guy in Seoul with a law degree who makes a mint teaching English to Korean lawyers and other legal types...............

[Goon-Yang]

Just leave all your degrees off of your resume. They're just a waste of space anyways

[hellofaniceguy]

Why would anyone with a JD degree want to teach english in korea!?!? Unless it's teaching to other lawyers of course and you're making 100.000 Won an hour. Still, with a law degree...all the time and money spent to earn one...why teach english in korea? Or any where for that matter? I do not know of any lawyers who are not making decent money "lawyering."
The ones I do know who are not...could not pass the bar exam..and I ask them when I see them..how the hell did you graduate and now can't pass the bar! I'd be willing to bet that JD holders are not making big money in korea save a very very few.

[cruisemonkey]

It seems to me the 'question' is moot. Any uni (worthy of consideration) considering hiring you will read your transcripts.

[rt]

I stopped practicing law because I finally got tired of listening to other peoples problems all day every day (and because of a lack of time for traveling/self-actualizing, as those are my real loves!)

And, cause I really enjoy teaching, too! It is good to know that I can fall back on the law degree and do other things, however - like teaching law classes, and at law firms, etc.

Just remember, those who can, do. Those who are wise, teach (a few hours per week, and travel 5 months per year!!)

[cruisemonkey]

[Khenan]