Korean Job Discussion Forums

artstudent · Joined: 28 Jun 2010

From what I've been able to understand Koreans are very non-confrontational, and I'm wondering what the best way to go about negotiating a salary.
In my case, I have a lot of experience working with children (in a few daycares, and then a photography studio) and I'm planning to get a teaching certificate (most likely an online tesol course).
When offered a job, should I ask for a higher salary than what I expect to receive, or only slightly higher than what was offered?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Steve_Rogers2008 · Joined: 22 Mar 2010

artstudent · Joined: 28 Jun 2010

hapigokelli · Joined: 04 Aug 2009

As far as I know, that's not done here.

Oliver · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Location: Seoul, Korea

Someone else will fill your boots if you start arguing about salary. An extra 200,000 won a month aint something to cry over.

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

Justsurfin12 · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:04 pm Post subject:

Most of the schools I've seen here have a pretty set matrix...

If you have _______ (set of qualifications)____ ,then you get ___ (a certain pay)_____

If you have ____ (extra qualifications)____, then you get ____ (a set additional amount)____

There's really NOT a lot of negotiating at all that's going to happen if you are a new teacher coming in. If you are already at a school and looking to renew your contract, if you've done really well then you can negotiate.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

Conversation may go like this:

School: We'd like to hire you- your starting pay will be 2 million won a month
Artstudent: I'd like 2.2, you see I worked with children.
School: I will discuss it with my director and we will get back with you.

Next week
Artstudent: Hey why didn't you return my emails? I'll take the position for 2 million.
School: Sorry, we found someone else.

sulperman · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

How? Time-travel back to 2006 or before and apply for a job in a rich, but undesirable location.

GoldenPennies · Joined: 11 Jan 2010

i didn't negotiate because i could not

robot · Joined: 07 Mar 2006

Private education is a business. If you can show you can increase business, you can justifiably argue for a raise.

/received my fair share of them in Korea

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

When I first came here I tried, but the hakwon was on a set pay schedule per what hours you worked which = fail on negotiation. It didn't matter to them that I was a certified 6-12 teacher that had several years experience.

I switched to PS after a couple of years and am paid accordingly. I'm going into my third year and will be at the top of the pay scale for my particular PS system this year.

perkxplosion · Joined: 18 Jan 2010 Location: gogo's. you know know.

I negotiated salary with my kindergarten but you must know that prior to that I had 6 months experience at another hakwon (lost my job there). Regardless, basically I touched on my experience and so forth in the interview. Even though you don't have experience in Korea, just touch on any experience that answers the question "Why should we pay you 2.2 mil?" My school asked me that, I told them due to my experience I felt that was a reasonable salary. Stay positive when speaking about yourself. Confidence will get you what you want.

As far as negotiating goes... I would just say straight up that you want 2.2. Don't bs around. I don't feel like counter offers among teaching positions are very common. Sure, in the actual business world there is, but Korea is filled with too many hakwon owners who don't know the first thing about business. Just stick to the salary you desire and if you play it right and they can afford it then you should get what you want. Good luck.