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How to Handle Multiple Job Options in Korea....Seeking Advic

 
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aneikamcd66



Joined: 17 Jul 2010

PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:58 pm    Post subject: How to Handle Multiple Job Options in Korea....Seeking Advic Reply with quote

I have an offer from EPIK but am awaiting a hiring decision from Gangnam Public Schools, which won't come until next week. I have to send EPIK my visa docs so they can place me at a school. I want to hold out to hear from Gangnam though bc they are my first choice.

I'm concerned that if I wait too long to send my documents, EPIK will withdraw their offer....on the other hand I'm concerned that if I send EPIK my visa docs and Gangnam turns around and hires me, EPIK won't return my documents in order for me to hand them over to Gangnam for processing.

So, I'm considering email the guy I interviewed with at Gangnam to try to get a hint on whether or not I'm still in the running. The thing is, I'm not sure whether or not this would be committing some kind of job search faux pas. I'm considering saying something along the line of:

I'm entertaining another offer but Gangnam remains my first choice. I'm writing to request a hint on the status of my candidacy as I'm looking to make a decision by Monday....

....of course I'll word it better but that would be the gist of things....

...The guy who does the interviews is American and they're doing the hiring process american style...any thoughts or advice?

...should I just stop being a brat an be satisfied with the EPIK position? Its in Jeonju, which I've heard good things about.

...or should I hold out a bit longer?....Has anyone been in this situation? Would EPIK return my visa docs if I send them and decide to withdraw my acceptance of their job offer?
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thegadfly



Joined: 01 Feb 2003

PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Personally, I would be honest and direct -- I would contact the person at the Gangnam school and say just what you said, that you have other job offers, and that you would prefer to work with them, if you were to be offered the job. Unfortunately, without a solid job offer, you will be forced to accept one of the other postions....

If they want to hire you, they will tell you. If they aren't sure if they want to hire you (such as if you are the best candidate so far, but they imagine or hope a better one will come along), then they will be forced to vacate the pot, or else use it. If they don't want you, they will either not reply at all, or will tell you so when you ask....

In any case, you will know where you stand.

Good luck!
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jrwhite82



Joined: 22 May 2010

PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 12:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tell the Gangnam guy that you have another offer but they are the first choice but you need to know quickly and give them an ultimatum. Giving them a need to know by date is not going to make them want to hire you any less. They have a position that's open, they know they need to fill it. They are just waiting for some one better to come along.

Also, get two sets of documents if you can. That's what I always did during the background check and diploma notarizing process. I had 2 sets made of each. It didn't cost much extra and came in handy.
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shostahoosier



Joined: 14 Apr 2009

PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

jrwhite82 wrote:
Tell the Gangnam guy that you have another offer but they are the first choice but you need to know quickly and give them an ultimatum. Giving them a need to know by date is not going to make them want to hire you any less. They have a position that's open, they know they need to fill it. They are just waiting for some one better to come along.

Also, get two sets of documents if you can. That's what I always did during the background check and diploma notarizing process. I had 2 sets made of each. It didn't cost much extra and came in handy.


I've always believed that you should only use an ultimatum if you're willing to walk away with nothing (as in it could go either way).

So if you're fine with the Gangnam schools saying "Ok - good luck with your other offer" then I'd take this advice.

Their school district is in demand so obviously they wont have a hard time finding another teacher if you have another offer and cant wait. That wouldnt mean that they didnt want you. It could mean that they just werent able to give you an answer in the time that they had (maybe they had to interview a few more people, none of which ended up being better than you).

I'm not saying Jrwhite82's advice is bad or wrong, I just believe ultimatums can be dangerous.

Can you possibly get a deadline from the offering school (or recruiter - since they havent got paid for placing you yet) for getting your docs in? You could explain how your docs are on the way but you're concerned that since it's taking so long the school might dump you. If they can reassure you by telling you "Oh, we understand - American government workers are lazy so their documents take forever - we just need them by XYZ date.", then you get a little more time.
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aneikamcd66



Joined: 17 Jul 2010

PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and emailed him saying I have a few offers and will be making a decision on Monday. I asked him if he could give me an idea of where he's leaning in terms of my candidacy so I can make a decision. I didnt give an ultimatum, but logic and reasoning will tell him if he doesn't reply to me by Monday I'll go with one of the other options. If he doesnt reply by end of business day tomorrow I'll assume I'm out of the running, send off my visa docs to my choice school and never look back.


Is anyone in Jeonju?....I'd be going to a new school out there....another option is with the Korean air force in Jinju....anyone familiar with that area?

Thanks again!
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