Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ElasticRaven]

I had the initial interview with James of ParkEnglish almost a week ago. He didn't seem very professional.

He was surprised when I mentioned I was still a student, and I don't even think he made the connection that I meant *graduate* student as he was talking about a letter of completion in case my diploma wouldn't be printed in time. I already have my BS diploma, and that should be all that is necessary for the visa. I suspect he didn't read my resume at all.

He called 30 minutes early and rushed through the interview because it was 8:30 am where he was, and he hadn't even dressed or left home since he had been on the phone since 6:30. I was supposed to be on vacation, but instead I was sitting alone in Central Park on a cold, dark night to have this interview because it's the only quiet place I could find. But I was happy to have the interview.

He also said he would email me instructions for the visa documents later that day. They came four days later and were obviously copy-pasted, but at least they came. I assume that means I passed the interview.

I hear the market is pretty tough to get into these days, so I'm a little hesitant to give up on any possibility, even if I still haven't interviewed with a particular school yet. Also, they claim their positions are located near Seoul, which is great, but it also makes me wonder how I passed the interview as a first-timer with only 3-4 months experience as a teaching assistant in a technical field.

I have seen mixed reviews online, but that seems pretty common for recruiters. I also have interviews with Footprints and ReachToTeach next week. They both seem professional for now, but so did ParkEnglish before the interview. Is it worth it to keep working with ParkEnglish?

[Johnwayne]

Just work with as many recruiters you want until you get the job you think you want.

No point putting all your eggs in one basket. Besides most agencies are the same in terms of the way they behave.

[magni]

I was working with park english and was having zero luck, in the end I ended up switching to TFSK and Apple Tree and have had great success since.

[ElasticRaven]

[Johnwayne]

Generally speaking, after you get here and have been here a little while, the good job opportunities will come from social contacts you make unless you are a hermit. Besides the agencies aren't going to care if you tell them nevermind. It isn't like you are the only person they are trying to match. Even if they were to care, English agencies are a dime a dozen here, you can just go find another. Just go look at a site like WorkNPlay.co.kr.

[pmwhittier]

I had a similar experience with James from Park English. Except he didn't call on time, so I called him. He seemed irritated the entire time. Then I sent him an email 3 weeks later to remind him of the document guidelines he had promised to send. They arrived in my email the next day. I have had much better luck with gone2korea ASKNOW and eslteacherrecruiter. I know there are as many recruiters out there as there are schools, so just keep applying to as many as possible. You'll find the one that works for you.