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daojiao
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
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 Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:12 pm Post subject: Advice on Contacting Hagwon Owners? |
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I've been applying to a few schools in the Daejeon area. I'm hoping to start work sometime in June. I'm currently in the U.S.
So far, my main method has either been to fill out the "application form" on the hagwon's website or to send them an e-mail at their contact address. Some large hagwon chains don't seem to have an "apply here!" or "Teachers" button/link on their site. Is this because they only use recruiters and don't take direct applications?
Also, how long does it usually take for them to reply (I'm aware this is probably highly variable), and will it be an obstacle for the interview process if I'm currently in the U.S. (i.e. don't have a Korean phone number)?
Sorry if the answers are obvious. I'm new to pretty much every aspect of this. Thanks! |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: Advice on Contacting Hagwon Owners? |
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| daojiao wrote: |
I've been applying to a few schools in the Daejeon area. I'm hoping to start work sometime in June. I'm currently in the U.S.
So far, my main method has either been to fill out the "application form" on the hagwon's website or to send them an e-mail at their contact address. Some large hagwon chains don't seem to have an "apply here!" or "Teachers" button/link on their site. Is this because they only use recruiters and don't take direct applications?
Also, how long does it usually take for them to reply (I'm aware this is probably highly variable), and will it be an obstacle for the interview process if I'm currently in the U.S. (i.e. don't have a Korean phone number)?
Sorry if the answers are obvious. I'm new to pretty much every aspect of this. Thanks! |
Unless you were writing in Korean or had a bilingual cover/resume your chances are somewhere between slim and none.
Pick a recruiter or 10 and have at it.
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daojiao
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:32 pm Post subject: |
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So basically recruiters are the only way to go? Some forum posts seem to suggest they're a crap shoot.
I have access to someone who could possibly write up a cover letter for me in professional Korean. Has anyone done this before? Or should I just keep it simple, try a few recruiters and cross my fingers? |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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| daojiao wrote: |
So basically recruiters are the only way to go? Some forum posts seem to suggest they're a crap shoot.
I have access to someone who could possibly write up a cover letter for me in professional Korean. Has anyone done this before? Or should I just keep it simple, try a few recruiters and cross my fingers? |
For someone who is in Korea, or with connections in Korea and/or has the ability to communicate in Korean then there are lots of options.
For someone who is abroad, no connections and no ability to communicate in Korean then recruiters are a necessary evil.
That doesn't mean it is a crap shoot.
| ttompatz wrote: |
ALL recruiters are good. They are a bridge to a job that you would not otherwise find.
The trick is in understanding what they are and what they do.
| ttompatz wrote: |
Really, when it comes to a recruiter, who cares where they are from or where they are based?
A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Unless you have an extensive network of friends and/or colleagues in your target country OR can read/write and speak the local language and can apply directly they are a necessary evil.
REPEAT: A recruiter is nothing more than an introduction to an employer.
Hello Mr. English speaker this is Mr Hakwon owner.
Mr. hakwon owner, this is Mr. English speaker.
Mr. English speaker, here is the contract. Please read and sign.
School, here is the signed contract. Pay me.
Good bye.
-You are not paying them anything (or you shouldn't be).
-THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! - They work for the school.
-They owe you nothing once you get here.
-They are not your friend.
-They are not your baby sitter.
-They cannot help you if things go to *beep* after you get here.
Beyond that it is YOUR responsibility to check the school out.
Do NOT trust ANY recruiter. They are like used car salesmen. They will lie and sell their soul to get the signature on the contract.
Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE in regards to the school or get burned.
Use the recruiters for what they are. Use more than one and keep going until you get what you want. There is no rush and there is certainly no shortage of jobs.
When it comes to the school - again - repeat - Do your own DUE DILLIGENCE.
1st - READ the contract over very carefully. If that doesn't scare you away then...
The best you can do is minimize the risk by talking to MORE THAN ONE of the foreign staff and ask POINTED AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS (*when the boss is NOT listening over their shoulder). Don't accept non-specific answers and broad generalizations.
No foreign staff references to talk (directly and via e-mail) to = walk away now.
Accept NO EXCUSES for any reason.
ONE CAVEAT: if it is a public school there may not be a Native English Speaker to talk to but there is a chain of command OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL (your POE liaison) if you have problems and they are more strict in following the terms of the contract.
7777 |
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| ttompatz wrote: |
Search yourself and you have access to perhaps 20-50 potential employers who may be able to actually READ your resume and perhaps can get you through the visa confirmation process (not always easy for 1st time applicants).
Use 20 recruiters and that number jumps up into the many hundreds or potentially over 1000 jobs, even if the employer himself doesn't speak English (lots of hagwan jobs, MOST private placement PS jobs and virtually ALL private K-12 jobs fall into this category).
The problem lies in the fact that most people do NOT understand the role of the recruiter.
They are an introduction to a potential employer that you yourself would not otherwise be able to find. Then, if they are any good at their job, they guide you through the placement and assist with the paperwork necessary to get you as far as the employer.
They are NOT your friend.
They do NOT work for you (they are paid for and work for the employer).
They are like a used car salesman.
You walk onto their car-lot (website), peruse the cars (available jobs), if you see one you like you inquire about it.
After you listen to the sales pitch you let YOUR mechanic have a look at it (due diligence checking out the school).
If it is all good then you make the offer (accept the contract) and complete the sale (begin the paperwork for your visa application).
A good salesman will ensure that the paperwork is in order to make the sale and allow you to register the car. (A good recruiter will make sure your paperwork is in order and help get you through the paperwork to get your visa.)
I have no problem with using a recruiter or telling anyone else to use one (or more the case, many). They are your best option for fining the BEST fit when it comes to a job in Korea (or most of Asia for that matter).
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daojiao
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
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| Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the posts. I guess I'll try a few recruiters and see what sort of responses I get. I'm also going to see if I can write directly to schools (in Korean) and see what sort of responses I get. If positive, I'll post the results. |
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