Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xelaniamas]

Hey, I applied via this recruiting agency and was wondering if anyone has used this company to get their first job in Korea teaching English?

I know there are some scams out there, I've read decent reviews from them, but if anyone can extend onto me some firsthand experience from using ESLPark, it would be most appreciated!

[ytide]

I accepted a job through ESLPark and had no real problems.

The reason I ultimately accepted a position through them is this: They offered me jobs according to what I actually requested, rather than just shoving bottom-of-the-barrel positions at me, far from my desired area and age groups, then demanding I accept ASAP. (Certain other recruiters tend towards this).

Certain other recruiters repeatedly offered me kindergarten, despite my continual rejections of their offers, and despite multiple short explanatory emails from me telling them that I do not want to teach kindergarten (sarcastic quote-marks could go around the word teach in this case ) and that I will not under any circumstance accept a kindergarten position. ESLPark, to its credit, actually listened and offered me positions I could accept. [Note: I don't blame those other recruiters for offering positions including kindergarten, if it's all they had available: Better to get some bad offers than for a recruiter to fall into total-radio-silence].

My first job I got through recruiting agency eslcom.net (head by Ken; one of his assistants even picked me up at the airport). That one was also a pretty good experience, too, recruiter-wise.

[ytide]

A word of advice, Xelaniamas, to veer a little Off-topic:

Asking about recruiters is, in general, the wrong approach. A recruiter is responsible for introducing you to employers. The employers are the people you are interested in. The recruiter has no control over the quality of the jobs they need to fill.

Street-smarts are called for in this process, which is always hard for a first-timer. Learn how to recognize signs a boss will exploit you, make you work too much (without overtime-pay), break contract, etc., Know what questions to ask in the interview to ensure with the highest possible likelihood that everything will be above-board. Feel free to turn down positions. Don't just accept the first thing coming down the pike.

A few Internet searches similar to this one will help you get an idea of how to maneuever through this process best.

[xelaniamas]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Yeah I have a good idea of the age group I want to teach (elementary-middle school). I have my phone interview tomorrow, and already have a list of questions I'm going to ask.

The main problem is I probably wont be able until June to start teaching, I hope that won't be a problem.

And yes, I am a noob when it comes to this, and I've heard stories about people ending up with horrible bosses and being exploited by their employer. I guess it's easy for many people to fall into that trap, because, like myself, this is a completely new experience for the first time. BUT i've also heard Korea is probably the safest region in Asia to teach.

Thanks again

[xelaniamas]