Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Birin]

I only just started sending out applications to recruiters. This will be my first job teaching English. I am 26 years old. I have a TESOL cert (120 hours), and some experience tutoring students and training my staff, but no previous teaching jobs.

A recruiter just contacted me the other day, saying that I might be a good fit for a company with a chain of hagwons. It is hiring for May and for August. The recruiter told me that, in order to be considered, I would have to write a two-page essay and make a ten minute video, demonstrating a lesson-plan. I'm surprised at having to do both, and not one or the other. Is this typical for a job that pays 2.1 million? Is the market bad enough that it would be risky to pass on this opportunity? I'd ideally like to start by June.

[big_fella1]

I know in the past Hagwons had difficulty with July starts, as people want their summer holidays before they start work, but in the current climate who knows.

As far as working in a chain hagwon, you should be paid, unless one of them is about to do a Nova in Japan (go bankrupt).

In Korea form is more important than substance, so the essay and video contents aren't that important. Probably just a lazy person in HR trying to cut the number of applicants they have to look at.

Having said that if it's a chain that makes you pay your airfare and then reimburses you, they don't have a leg to stand on if they fire you in training (it has happened) because you're not a good teacher but there are too few lawyers in this country (read 1 in 7000 compared to the US with 1 in 250 people), so that's not much help.

Theres no sweat writing 2 pages and doing a 10 minute video, but I wouldn't do it personally. But then again I wouldn't work for 2.1 either unless we're talking about 12 teaching hours a week.

[Birin]

Is 2.1 million a low offer in this economy for a teacher with no experience? It seems common. I'm not looking for this to be my career, I should say. I might teach for another year afterwards in China, but then it will be home again. That said, I don't want to accept a lower salary than I am worth in this market.

Also, I'm not too worried about the essay for the fact that I'm a good writer and it's only two pages. However, I am a perfectionist and I will be putting a lot of effort into producing a "perfect" essay. If they are asking relatively too much of their applicants, considering that I could (?) otherwise be hired elsewhere with just my resume and photo, I might just move on. Right now, I'm thinking of doing the essay and video.

[johnny_russian]

i'm assuming you have at least a Bachelor's degree? if so, and since you have a 120 hour TESOL, why not apply through EPIK and get a public school job?

[Birin]

[nicwr2002]

If it was for a job in Japan, then I would say writing a two page essay and a 10 minute video demonstration is normal. This being Korea though, it is too much work for so little pay. You can find a lot higher paying job without having to go through all of those hoops.

[lichtarbeiter]

There are still tons of openings from hagwons out there who need a teacher desperately and are willing to take the first foreigner who comes along.

That begs the question of what it is this hagwon thinks makes their position so attractive that they can require such a rigorous application process. Extra vacation? Good hours? Good location?

If this is just your typical 9-6 position for 2.1 million and 10 days of vacation, I would essentially just tell this hagwon to go f*** themselves, and find one of the other of hundreds of similar positions that will hire you off the bat.

[War Eagle]

Wow, I know I have been out of the Hagwon scene for quite awhile now, but are they really asking people for videos/essays to get 2.1 Mil at a Hagwon? I know it's not a big deal, well at least the 2 page essay, but man is that a load of crap. What would I talk about on a video for 10 min? I certainly had no idea how to teach when I first came here. So, a demo lesson would have been out of the question, lol.

This sounds like a head teacher has had a "bright idea" and is trying to earn some brownie points with the hagwon boss by firmly planting their nose where the sun don't shine.

A little over 4 years ago, I started looking for a job on a Tuesday in January and emailed 2 recruiters my resume (no exp.) and photo. By Wednesday evening I had sorted through various offers and signed an emailed contract for 2.1 Mil near Gangnam station, 2pm-9pm, 12 teaching hours a week, and full airfare/benefits.

Guys, when you're Facebook friends start asking where you're going for a year, do us all a favor and tell them you're heading to jail; see you next spring

[Michlerish]

When I was applying, I was asked for an introduction video (no mention of how long it had to be though) by a couple of schools/recruiters. I made one for those people, but I would also send it along with my responses to other recruiters hoping it would boost my chances of being hired.

After the interview with the school, when they say they want to hire you, they will sometimes offer you more money. If they don't, say you are hesitant because although you find the position and location (whatever else) interesting, another school has offered you X amount more. They will either say "sorry, can't do more than 2.1" or you get more money. No harm done.

Is this the only interview you've been offered so far? Have you contacted many recruiters?