Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toph]

So, this is for the gyopos out there...

Basically, I've been looking to teach at a hagwon for this upcoming Jan/Feb. Maybe even in late-December (like Dec 2010), but yeah...that's a maybe. Anyway, the point is I've been looking around, finding recruiters, doing my research, all of that. I know it's early for all of this (I mean December is 6 months away~!), and I'm not even posting about a job (per se), but I want an opinion on something that's been bothering me:

I've been in contact with A LOT of recruiters (big and small companies), and I've always mentioned that I'm gyopo. I never would come out with it upfront, but would reveal it later on to the recruiter. But the problem is, the recruiter always seemed to be throughly interested in me UNTIL they find out that I'm gyopo. They seem to think that the Korean job-market is limited to white-Americans/foreigners or something. Like one recruiter even told me this:

"...it is always harder to find jobs for Korean American applicants, so the combination doesn't look good.

Unfortunately, at this time, I do not think we will be the best company to help you. You might want to email a few other companies, in hopes someone else might feel more comfortable, or confident, they can help you."

That's an EXACT quote. And, btw, I'm just using the most recent recruiter I've been in touch with, so it's not like super-special or anything. Anyway, you can clearly see my point: "it is always harder to find jobs for Korean American applicants." How? As I've been doing my research for a hagwon-job, I've found PLENTY, no, HUNDREDS of job postings by very reputable hagwons that hire gyopo-only. So, is it possible that the recruiters I'm using aren't aware of these jobs? Sure.

But, like I said, I've been using some big recruiting companies. Some that are very popular in these threads even. And if THEY don't know about these jobs, then that's just sad. I mean, a simple google-search can lead you to a job-hosting site, which will post thousands of PS/hagwon jobs. So, there really isn't any excuse.

That's why I don't understand the issue. Why are these recruiters crapping out on me? I feel like...well, KNOW that I'm getting shafted. And I'm not even applying to a school yet~! (In some ways, I guess it's a good thing I started off so early, so that I actually know the process early on -.-). AND, to top all of this off...I've found some GREAT jobs that I want to apply for~!! I just can't yet, cause they start during the summer/fall months, and I'm leaving in the winter. But the good thing is I at least have been able to find some great job-sites on my own. And early on too, so I know where to go.

It's just annoying though--the recruiters don't even seem to put out a lending hand to us gyopos. Have any of you guys felt this way??? (Sorry for the long post by the way...)

[notafbiagent]

Recruiters suck if you're not a blond haired blue eyed abercombie fitch model, regardless of whether you're a gyopo or not. It's just the market that the recruiters cater to.

Still, tone it down a bit. Recruiters aren't as bad and the job market for gyopos aren't as good as you think it is.

[pkjh]

If you're willing to go into the provinces, it's super easy. I used to think like you, it was either Seoul or bust. But living in the country side isn't so bad. I'm not saying you have to go to some small village of 50,000 people. There are a lot of cities with 100,000 or more people that are desperate for english speakers, and a lot of these places are literally minutes away from a major city. Students and people are fascinated by a kyopo, because they really never know if they've actually met one. Also, if you know some Korean it makes it easier.

Also, try applying to EPIK or a public schools. There are alot of kyopos teaching in public schools. Based on personal observation I'd estimate over 30%.

BTW, to most Seoulites, anything outside of Seoul and Gyeonggi-do is rural. This includes cities like Daejeon and Daegu.

[chellovek]

[toph]

Okay, so I definitely gave off the wrong impression with my first post...

I'm actually not worried at all about getting a job. Right now, I'm trying to find a hagwon-position by myself. I'm looking online, in the States, but yeah...all of this is by myself. Hopefully it all works out. But if I'm not able to find a job, I know my aunt in Korea will be able to hook me up with a job, so I'm not concerned.

My only issue (reason for the post) was that recruiters don't seem to be willing to help me once they find out that I'm a gyopo. It was just becoming really annoying.

So yes, I can speak Korean. I know the job market sucks right now. I know that being a gyopo is a disadvantage in some ways. I know about the pros/cons of hagwons. I know all of that. But again, I'm not worried about actually GETTING a job. My only point was that recruiters suck, and they've been shafting me for my gyopo-status. And this was frustrating me, because I've been able to find plenty of jobs for gyopos-only just by doing google searches. So that's why I was mad. I didn't understand how a regular person (me) was finding desirable jobs (gyopo-only), while recruiters were saying that the Korean job market was really tight and my gyopo status would limit my eligibility. It was totally contradicting my own findings.

Oh, and I don't think it's really necessary to settle for provinces. I mean there are a lot of jobs outside of Seoul, but this includes major cities like Ilsan, Busan, Incheon, etc. I'm planning on working in Ilsan or Bucheon (e.g., Gyeonngi-do), but again, not until December at the earliest.

Anyway, sorry if I came off really mad or anything in the first (or this) post, but I was just really annoyed at the time.

[winterfall]

There is a certain amount of discrimination especially if you don't have experience and we usually get placed in much, much harder teaching assignments compared to 'Obvious' foreigners with the same level of experience and certs.

Google "Recruiter in Korea". Hes made a few posts about hiring gyopos

[oldfatfarang]

Apply for EPIK and GEPIK public schools. TALK (if you only want 6 months).

[kiwipenny]

Hey~

I'd suggest you even sign up and use the site SARAMIN... it is a korean job search site... you can find all kinds of jobs on there .... for a gyopo you have a great chance.. my bf is korean and thinking of working in the 영어 world... but most of the jobs on saramin aimed at koreans are actually looking for Gyopos... Take a look! Some teaching / translation/ global companies needing help with foreign headoffices etc..

[pikachun1]

I am a gyopo, too and it is difficult getting a job as a gyopo. I heard the same things from different recruiters about how there are so many gyopos in Korea right now and how hakwons hire them since it is more cost efficient (no airfare, no housing probably).

It is easier finding a job if you are in Korea but you will most likely not get airfare, but probably a return ticket home.

[kalliope]

Hey!

I am also a gyopo and ran into similar problems during my job search. Some recruiters flat out told me that I would not be able to find a job because I am a gyopo while others were not as negative.

Just give it some time. Try applying directly to the hagwons instead of solely relying on recruiters. I contacted a lot of different recruiters but ended up getting a position with a hagwon that I applied directly to. I'll be leaving for Korea in a few weeks and I'm getting all of the accommodations (RT airfare, free housing) that "foreign teachers" are offered and I'll be working in Seoul.

The whole process can be really frustrating, but just give it time and I'm sure you'll be able to find something.

[toph]

Hey thanks for the replies~
Yeah, I just wanted to see other peoples' experiences, and it seems like applying directly has been more successful. Thanks to kiwipenny for the saramin tip. Will definitely check that out.

I've pretty much figured out that applying direct is going to be more successful for me though. And I think I know which hagwon I want to work for too, I just need to wait and see if they're hiring come December/January. I'm rather confident that I will get a job, so that doesn't worry me. I was just upset at the whole recruiting process -.-

Anyway congrats to those with jobs, and good luck to us who are still looking/waiting for the right time~~
korea vs nigeria? 대한민국 fighting!!!!

[skim234]

I'm a gyopo who came to Seoul without a job. I stayed with my mom's friend for a month and she found me a hagwon job in Ilsan, where I am at now.

I definitely suggest going this route, rather than doing it from the US. You can skip the middle man recruiter as well as being able to see the hagwon in person.

If you have enough money saved up for 2 months or so, then I suggest you come here and find it on your own.

[Peter258]

I'm a gyopo who doesn't speak or understand Korean.

Does this rule me out of these "gyopo only" positions? I ask because I'm wondering if these employers assume that a gyopo speaks Korean.

I'm also considering flying to Korea and searching for a job. It just feels risky though.

[toph]

No, most of the hagwons say something like "don't need to speak Korean" or something to that extent.

[mike123_ca]

I think Hagwon's prefer their teacher's have a E2 visa.

The F4 Visa gives you too much freedom to walk away from a crappy job.