Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nanbu]

Hello. So, here's my situation and I would like some advice.

I'm currently in Seoul with a F4 Visa and I'm applying for different teaching positions in Seoul. I have contacted a couple of hagwons and recruiting places via email and online applications. I'm getting a little anxious since I'm not getting any feedback from them. I have contacted a couple of recruiters but heard nothing from them (this was about a month ago). While I contacted the recruiters, I was studying to get my TEFL/TESOL certificate. Now that I have it, I'm a little worried that the same thing might happen again.

My nationality is not from an English speaking country, but I have studied English my whole life and lived in the states for 8 years. I have graduated from high school, college, and even worked as an intern for about 2 years there. I believe I'm qualified to teach elementary and middle school students.

This leaves me wondering... is my nationality that big of a deal or is this just a lack of professionalism? I say this because I would at least expect a simple email stating that they are not looking to hire at the moment or that they cannot assist me with my job hunt.

How should I proceed? Tips/advice/suggestions appreciated...

[plchron]

since you have an F4 you can get any job in korea, you don't have to limit yourself to the hagwon/ public school arena. If you really want a job, keep spamming recruiters (their non response might be because you are picky about location and they don't have anything in the area you want to work).

Unfortunately most private places want the blond haired, blue eyed, etc. If you look Asian and are having trouble with hagwons because of looks, go with Public Schools. Apply to individual MOE's and also to Epik.

[Skippy]

Teaching and Hagwons is also marketing.

Take two people both Korean and one speaks English. Which one is it. Well you can not tell from language ability by race or skin color. Hagwons and school use nationality and skin color to sell it.

Oh you are more then qualified to teach hagwon, just that you are not much in demand. Also change your job search. Recruiters can be picky. They see you an F-4 and they will likely either bin or put you down the list. Do more then send an email - call them. Sell yourself, your in Korea, you speak great English (maybe), less hassles to deal with like Visas, place may not have to pay for apartment.

Also stop concentrating on the recruiters, go school to school. Find an area and find the schools, hand in some resumes, network with some people. Sorry you are not the desirable that a recruiter will call you. You sorry Mohammed will have to go to the mountain.

Why limit yourself to hagwons/schools, start your own tutoring or see if you can find a job in another field. Plus you are in Seoul. Seoul is the demand place. Consider outside Seoul.

Note, check to make sure you have proper paperwork. Recent changes means you very likely will need your verified degree and a CRC. Do not have those less schools will want to deal with you.


ALSO PLEASE CHECK OUT THE OTHER VARIOUS THREADS...
on this topic of the trials and triubulations of being a Gyopo.
www.searcheslcafe.com

[Nanbu]

I'm not completely relying on recruiters. I saw one posting jobs available and I asked if I could get more information on certain positions. I don't understand why would they post if they are not interested.

On a side note, I know I could get other jobs, but I am really looking forward to teaching. It is something that I always wanted to try out and I think it would be a good experience and possibly a start of a career. I applied to hagwons because of the flexible hours. I was thinking about (hopefully) perfecting my Korean skills.

In any case, if I'm left with no options, I will try out public schools. I made up my mind in trying out in Seoul even if it is harder.

Thanks for the input guys.

[andrewchon]

You don't say that your uni degree is from an English-7 nation. If it isn't then even with F-4 you'll have a hard time getting a teaching job.

When you feel that you are NOT the most desirable candidate yourself, then only sell the positives: you want to teach, you are young, and have an F-4 visa that expires more than a year from now. Have a professional looking photograph taken and have it heavily photoshop-ed.

Leave out the rest: e.g. internship, spent only 8 years in US, etc.

It's upto the recruiters and employers to come up with the rest to sell your image.

[Nanbu]

I graduated, both high school and college, in the States. I feel like I'm a great candidate (I don't require flight tickets, nor a visa), but according to other people, looks matter. Also, I already highlighted the positive things and I already have a professional looking photograph.

I'll be patient, but I won't be waiting putting my faith on my current places. All I have to say is that it seems to me a little unprofessional NOT to contact those that apply. Imho, if I'm not the desired candidate for their position, be man (professional) and just back with a simple email stating that you are not interested. That's my only little rant here.

Anyway, I'm not giving up

[pikadoopoo]

[northway]