Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rel]

Hi. I have all my docs ready (crc, degree, tesol etc) and they've already been notarized in Toronto. Out of 10 recruiters I've emailed 3 replied. However out of these 3..2 recruiters ignored me after I emailed them my docs and 1 recruiter actually applied to a school on my behalf but I wasn't able to make the cut. It's been 2 weeks already and I can't seem to get an interview.

A bit about me. Canadian of Asian descent. 5 years teaching experience in China. BA in Economics. Tesol cert. In my 30s.

I can't seem to catch a break. Can anyone help me out? Perhaps even recommend a reliable school or recruiter? I'm looking for a position that starts on or before Sept 1. Preferably public (less discrimination?) or a private school (elementary and higher) that honors the contract. Location isn't important as I'd rather work for a school that I can trust.

Much appreciated!

[YTMND]

Asian and in your 30s? That explains it.

I wouldn't aim so high from so far away. Try to get a hagwon job and work your way into the public school system when you are in the country. You are basically an unlucky number abroad, if you show yourself in person and visit schools you can change that impression.

[viciousdinosaur]

I would say your chances are pretty slim right now. Public: unlikely, they're downsizing, not hiring. Those jobs you see advertised, it's like 10 ads for the same position. Very deceiving. Looking Asian: big negative. Being Korean: that's a plus, you can get a good visa. Experience: big negative. Most places don't give a crap about qualifications and experience. Young, white, female, nice, obedient, --those are the qualities they are looking for.

My advice: China.

[Dodge7]

[Keeper]

How long have you been looking? I would keep applying to other recruiters and positions. Forget about the public schools. It's too much of a limitation. I know you want elementary or higher but I would drop that as well. Recruiters love to hear you have all your documents. You will teach any level, and anywhere.

They won't be hiring you for Kindy jobs your age and sex are not right so don't even worry about that. Stay positive and energetic during your communications with the school / recruiters.

[Troglodyte]

Were you born in Canada? If so, then don't bring up the topic of your ancestry. If they ask, say that your great grandparents or such immigrated. If they were from Korea, don't tell recruiters about that. Since you taught in China, if your ancestors are from China, don't tell recruiters about that. They'll make the assumption that if you're of Chinese descent and you were in China for a few years that you went there because you are a native speaker of Chinese (or at least that you're not totally fluent in English). Many Koreans seem to think that someone could not be fluent in any language other than what they learned at home as a child. Some hogwons will prefer a non-Asian because it's good for marketing to put your picture on their website or fliers. Otherwise, a PS shouldn't really care.

My advice would be to just keep contacting recruiters. The more the better. Tell them that you want something that will start in August and that you aren't picky about location. Stress that you have experience and a ELT certificate. It can also help to send a couple of photos of you teaching. Try to pick ones where you and the students look like you're having fun, you look professional (not necessarily suit and tie but conservatively dressed) and try to choose ones where you don't look as Asian (in case that really is the deal breaker for the employers).

Good luck.

[matthews_world]

Relax, man.

It's summer vacation. Wait until next week or so when things get back in the swing.

[Hotpants]

Why not just try all positions going at the moment, including the university gigs? You don't seem to have a lot to lose at this stage, and unis might actually pay more attention to your experience over your appearance.

Is there any reason that you want to go for Korea over China? It sounds as if you already have a strong foot in the China market, and there are increasingly good positions to be found in China right now. On the contrary, Korea seems to be entering a downturn, and it's known that a lot of recruiters don't actually have half the jobs they are advertising, which may also be a reason why you are not getting a look in.

Getting into Korea looking 'Asian' can be more difficult, but certainly don't give up hope. As another poster said, you might just need to pay more attention to how you market your appearance.

If you're in TEFL for the long term, you should definitely think about getting a relevant MA, then coming to Korea to apply directly in person.

[andrewchon]