Korean Job Discussion Forums

[corinthian]

So I have been preparing to go to Korea for a few months now. My documents should be all in order by the end of this week. I really want to be in Korea by the end of January. Unfortunately, I don't think I hit up enough recruiters or looked for enough jobs early on.

I've had a couple recruiters tell me flat-out they won't have any positions in January, and the earliest they can get me to Korea is mid-February. I'd really rather not wait that long. I've applied to as many recruiters as I can find, but I don't have anything lined up at this point. I've also applied directly to a few schools, though I haven't found many job postings that weren't from recruiters. I posted my resume here on ESL Cafe, but mostly heard from recruiters.

What would you guys recommend I do? Is it unrealistic at this point, and I should settle for a March start date? Or do I still have a shot at January? thanks for the help, I really appreciate all the advice I've gotten here.

[SSA]

There is a possibility you can be in Korea by late Jan if the right job comes along in the next couple of weeks. But its important not to rush and sign the first contract you see just because you are desperate to get here quickly. If a contract sound horrible and has really unfair clauses you shouldn't sign it - of course. Hagwons hire all year round whereas public school have two main start dates (March and Sept) although some hire independently of the umbrella organisations EPIK/GEPIK and therefore may have a different start date. You sound like you dont have a preference about the type of school. If that is the case then just hold out and wait. When you said wait for a March start - that is really only if you are trying for a public school position - and I think (not sure) that most people have applied for that start already and they may be full. Try calling some recruiters in your country and get some info from them. Once you have all your docs in an envelope ready to mail to Korea and you say that I think you may be in a better position. People quit/get fired/end contracts from Hagwons all the time so jobs come up quickly. Don't be disheartened yet but do call some recruiters and get some further info. Good luck!

[corinthian]

Thanks! I'm trying not to feel desperate so I won't jump at a bad contract, but I'm definitely getting anxious to get to Korea and a bit worried about it. Hopefully this week I'll have all my documents ready and then I can start hitting up ASAP positions or something.

[xingyiman]

Easy just agree to work for 1.8 mil

[corinthian]

Haha, I'd hope it wouldn't come to that, but thanks.

[GTG09]

I know how you feel. When I first started looking for a job and had all my documents I was ready to leave the next day, but you really need to take your time and pick the right spot. I realized that and am leaving in February after finding a position I am really comfortable with.

[mattdsoares]

You can get a job as quick as you want. I was offered a contract after my very first interview. Korea is awash with ESL jobs. I don't think it could be easier to find a job. You should have no trouble finding one starting in January. If you're working with recuiters just make sure they know you want to start ASAP. They'll be happy to oblige as it means you'll be easy to place in a school.

Just keep in mind that if you rush it and take the first contract offered, you may get a raw deal.

Sure, that first contract offer may be perfect, and in that case go for it, but don't just take any old contract because you want to get there ASAP. You have to live with those terms for the next year. Make sure they're terms you can live with and protect yourself.

[vaticanhotline]

The last poster is right. I was trying to find a job for three months after getting screwed by a recruiter, and I was starting to get worried after reading a lot of the negative posts about the ESL industry on this board, even beginning to consider taking on something crappy and demeaning just to get my foot in the door, but waiting paid off and I got a decent PS job.

[corinthian]

[hagwonnewbie]

Personally I'd stay clear of recruiters

I recommend you post a topic for any place you're considering moving to or working at.

request former teachers to contact

Theoretically, you could be here in the beginning of January

[corinthian]

[maingman]

corintthian

http://www.koreapot.com/

[ddeubel]

[hagwonnewbie]

http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/jjj/

[corinthian]

wow, thanks for the sites! i'll check them out.