Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mindlessroller21]

I am a 23 year old white male. Looks wise I would say I'm right in the middle, not at all unattractive but not getting by on look alone.

The picture I have been sending out with my applications is not the most flattering picture of me but it is a face shot. I don't really have many pictures to choose from. Should i be really focused on looking as attractive as possible for my app picture or do they just want to see that I'm a normal looking white dude?

[Setaro]

Just use a damn sexy photo. Photoshop out your zits, wrinkles, scars, full facial tattoos etc.

Once you get to Korea it won't matter.

But seriously, it's not that big of a deal, probably 1/4 of all the foreigners here are fugly as hell anyway, and they all still got jobs.

[swinewho]

OK so you might not be god's gift -BUT looking at someone's photo for the first time you automatically form a pos/neg opinion.

[Malislamusrex]

depends what job you go for, I had a picture with me teaching a class just a normal teaching day and was offered a job without an interview.

[failan]

Well, I heard Korea takes appearance very seriously, and Koreans dress up a lot. So, I put on a business jacket, black tie, and white oxford shirt on and went to the local Kmart and had them take a business shot of me. I figured anyone looking at it would see me as a professional or at least very serious. The way you present yourself as a whole is important.

So, try to take a good pic somewhere and look as professional as you can. That's my advice.

Also, give a sincere, friendly smile for the pic. .

[mindlessroller21]

I just wanted to know if you thought it mattered at all. If it does I'll get a better shot...

[Setaro]

[Gorf]

In my photo I'm in a basic headshot position, smiling slightly, with a jacket and tie on. Also a young white male. I think that the photo is just as important as the resume. Your pasty white skin is the moneymaker.

[Skippy]

Many factors at work here. From skin color to height to where you are looking for a job. I am going to take Cohiba's old law about Seoul and Fun.

The more you are in Seoul or any major Korean city the more important looks are. Schools in central Seoul will want good looking teachers and visa versa for most foreigners want Seoul or a city. So it becomes an employers market. Still ugliness and fatness can be balanced out with other factors like having better experience or availability. The further out from the city center you go the more likely a school will accept the uglies and fatties because finding teachers for these school are harder as teachers are reluctant to work in a small town or suburb.

So basically my advice is if you have long hair - get a hair cut. Shave the stubble, dress professionally, cover any tattoo's, take out any piercings and you will get a job. The more you look like a missionary the more likely you will get hired. Adjust your expectations and you will get hired.

[whatisinmyhead]

should i fix the very small and hard to notice type-o in my resume?

[Skippy]

[whatisinmyhead]

hahaha god, it was a joke! my question is as ridiculous as the op's!

[PatrickGHBusan]

[morningsoju]

i agree, it is a pretty ridiculous question. it seems like common sense that you would try to send a decent photo of yourself.

[alwaysgood]

It's not really that hard to put on a nice shirt with a tie and have someone take a picture of you smiling. It doesn't need to be professional, but put at least a little effort into it. And don't forget to shave.