Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I'm on my fourth contract and I have never used a recruiter for anything other than entertainment.

Let's stop feeding this parasitism. I mean why would you pay retail, when you could pay wholesale? Let's cut out the middlemen!

[jrwhite82]

How dd you get your first job in Korea?

[nchannah]

My recruiter has been really helpful with the annoying visa process, I'd have definitely made a mistake somewhere along the way without her. If I was already in Korea and knew what I was doing, then yes, I'd go straight to the schools...but that seems kind of impossible for me right now as I am in America and don't speak Korean.

[toph]

I found recruiters absolutely necessary in the very beginning. They were very helpful in answering my personal questions, especially when it came down to things like medical issues. For example, I have epilepsy and most people on Dave's will either tell me 1) that I'm screwed, and can't get a job, 2) the recruiter was lying to me about not being able to find a job, or 3) that I should lie on my application. These were not helpful responses, but the recruiters were able to give me professional advice...even when they were jerks.

I don't use recruiters anymore...but that's because I don't find them necessary. To be honest, I'd say they're a great help for those "newbie" questions, but I'd agree that they're pointless once you don't have anymore questions.

[THCbud]

so by applying directly to schools, you would get a higher pay?

[mogbert]

The middlemen aren't paid by us, so what do we care if we use them or not?

[Fox]

[wjf1]

For my first year I have used a recruiter to be on the safe side. They have answered all my questions throughout the process and they are now sorting out my visa. Through them I can also purchase some items to be there for my arrival e.g. a mobile phone. They also organise get-togethers for their teachers so that will help me settle in as well.

[ttompatz]

[ontheway]

[hagwonnewbie]

The first person I contacted about a job in Korea was a recruiter. I sent him an email because I was curious. 5 minutes later my phone was ringing with a dozen offers. He also answered some of my questions.

Mostly I was scared away by the desperate pushiness.

I found all my jobs on Daves or WorknPlay.


I've yet to hear a story about a recruiter that helped a teacher in crisis. However I have heard many stories about dodgy, ill informed and ill intentioned recruiters.

Here's the typical sob story: A recruiter lies to get some newb over here to work for a pitance. A couple months later after the newb gets wise and quits, their employer docks 'em 2 mil for recruiting fees and sends them home broke. Then the recruiter is happy 'cause his services are again required by the same employer.

[OiGirl]

I got my first job by interviewing with the company directly. At that time, I had also interviewed with Mike Oh, so you can see why I decided recruiters were not the way to go.

[fergalreid]

[NYC_Gal]

My recruiter has been amazing. I'm in my second year and I still keep in touch, and he was very helpful during my renewal process, as well as any contractual issues.

[austinmc86]

Recruiters are good, because they help you find jobs, you don't pay them, a lot of places prefer recruiters and you can go through many to find your best job.