Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ucfacrg]

So after reading a few posts I'm very worried I'm going to end up unpaid, homeless and possibly eaten by dogs...

Basically I have nooooo idea where to start my search for a job in Korea. I've had loads of recruiters contact me, only to "die" at interview time. My background - many years experience and a Masters, Celta plus other misc teaching certificates - should surely mean that I can get a good job? So I guess I'm wondering if anyone can PM me great recruiters or advise me on my next steps.

Also - could someone tell me what documents I need or post a link so I can see. Everytime I email recruiters (this may be my problem) about visa documents they go quiet so I'm finding it hard to know that the ** I need.

Please be nice. I don't want this thread derailed by newbie haters. (What's that about?)

Oh, I'm British/South African (with a SA accent) if that makes any difference. 30, female.
Thanks, Carolynne

[unitedhotcakepreferred]

Recruiters are likely to ignore you once they find out that you don't have your documents ready. Once you get them all together, you'll receive much more attention.

As for what you need, most recruiters' website have this info, but here it is:

A copy of your diploma with an apostille
A criminal record check within the past 6 months (in the US it needs to be an FBI check, I don't know where you'd get it from in the UK or SA)
A passport, if you don't have one already

Those are the three that take time to get. Once you get them recruiters will talk to you. As far as which recruiters to use, I'd say any and all, but then do your own research of any schools they put you in contact with.

[unitedhotcakepreferred]

oh and the background check needs to be apostilled as well.

[Ucfacrg]

Thanks for this - I was beginning to wonder why people just dropped me! For some reason I'm really nervous about this move, got screwed in Thailand and really don't want that to happen again!

[PatrickGHBusan]

1- Get ALL your documents in order and have them IN HAND before you apply.

2- Do your homework in terms of where you wish to work (city, small town) and for what type of employer (Hakwon, PS) then apply during hiring season (this applies for PS only).

3- Know your worth on the market. IfYou have MA, a few Certs and some experience. This means applying at entry-level positions may slow your job search down. For example, applying with Public Schools may be a rough road as the market is flooded with newbie applicants with no experience who fit what the PS program needs better and who costs less.

Universities are not hiring now, next hiring season starts in November for a March start. Note that to get a good shot at a University position, it is better to apply from inside Korea.

Hakwons can be a decent option for you and you can find, if you are patient, a place that may pay for your qualifications (a slight increase over base pay).

4- Be realistic with your demands in terms of placement. This means be flexible and consider options that are slightly out of your prefered location if the offer is interesting.


5- Be ready to adapt, learn and be open-minded.

6- When you get offers, talk to the Foreigners on staff at the school if you can and ask them a few questions about the place.

7- Make sure that you understand your contract, the limitations of your visa and what that implies.

That should get you started.

About this place...it is a good place to get information but you need to take a step back and take what you read here with a healthy dose of skepticism. Note that some people come here to vent some frustrations and in the process will tend to exagerate things. Also not that unhappy people (no matter why they are unhappy) will be louder than happy people so the negative side tends to be over-represented.

There are GREAT people here who will give you excellent and well informed advice (ex:Tompatz), there are other who just have opinions and then there are those who come here to vent or stir the pot.

Once you have ALL your documents in hand, start applying with recruiters or directly with schools you see advertising.

PM me if you have more questions.

[Ucfacrg]

Hahaha - just a few!

Thanks so much. Good to know about the Universities. Would they hire if it meant you had to break your current contract? (So if I came over sooner in the hopes of finding something in March would that be feasible?)

Also - I don't really have a preferance about location. This is because I know absolutely nothing. I like the beach, I like cosmopolitan (groups of people as opposed to cocktails) and that's about it... How's Jeju?

[ttompatz]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2682200#2682200

If you do not have your documents ready you will largely be ignored by all but the most desperate of recruiters since you are weeks if not months from being ready to accept a job.

..

[shifty]

OP, join facebook group Saffas in Korea.

Avoid being forced to get criminal record certificates from both South Africa and UK.

Say you've only ever resided in SA. Unless you're forced to disclose time in UK for some compelling reason.

[Ucfacrg]

Actually for me it's the other way round. The accent is stubborn, but all my education and the last 14 years have been here (UK). So I'll be getting everything from here. They'll have to dig pretty deep to find SA. But I will join the facebook group!

[thegadfly]

Korean dogs are pretty small, and seldom travel in packs, so you are probably safe from being devoured...so one less thing to worry about....

[PatrickGHBusan]

[Sinnerman]

[Ucfacrg]

How far back does this have to go? Was actually in SA for 2001 - 2003 so I'm wondering if that's an issue? Also - 3 year degrees via correspondence ok? Please say yes because my full time study is all postgrad Aargh. Brain burst...

[PatrickGHBusan]

You degree is a 3 year degree earned via correspondance?

You need to make sure your university is accredited and recognized then.

[shifty]