Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sigmundsmith]

It is unbelievable in these days with the market being so competitive for university positions that people don't even think about wearing a suit (for men). The number of times that interviews have happened (those that I have been applying for and those that I have conducted) that I see people not wearing something that shows any professionalism.

I will give some advice... spend $100 and get a suit. Also, don't carry your bike helmet into the interview room (I saw this just recently).

For those who disagree or think that I am being pedantic, thank you! Because the more people who attend interviews for the coveted position with their dress attire the better chance that I have

It is some helpful advice. It makes a difference to that "FIRST IMPRESSION". And if you have been here long enough (Korea) you should know that first impressions are important.

If you don't care? Good for you and your job search.

[newb]

[candy bar]

[schwa]

I've got on famously with principals & supervisors I've encountered buck naked in public baths. A great equalizer.

[sigmundsmith]

Yep. I knew it would come. Yes, ask anyone who has worked in a hagwon or public school and they want the university job. E.g. Hongik University gets hundreds of applications every time they advertise. As for coveted position? Yes, in the Korean EFL context is is. Less than half the teaching hours that happens in hagwons on most public schools.Five months vacation. No desk warming. More time to do other work on the side. May I ask if candy bar or newb works at a university. If you don't or have not, you don't know what you are talking about.

Now, for (hahahah) candy bar, am I inflating my own ego? absolutely not. I have been here long enough to know how the system works. As I stated I was giving some helpful advice. Unfortunately, you seem to lack the intelligence to recognize that. Thats ok for you. Enjoy what you have and personally that is important.

And for newb, sure business casual is ok but Korean universities (like most universities around the world) want professional, able people working for them. What does that mean? Presenting yourself in the expected professional manner that sets you apart from the business casual dressers.

Many times Koreans and foreigners have discussed the dress sense of foreigner applicants for university interview jobs. Well I will tell you that the suit makes the positive impression that they want. So when they see someone who is casual, that applicant is basically dismissed out of hand.

So candy bar. I was giving some advice (as I stated). Giving advice does not mean I'm stroking me ego. Unfortunately, your comment shows that you are either jealous or insecure. Either way, take the "ADVICE" or not.

And newb, I have been in the system long enough. Wearing a suit creates a positive impression right at the beginning. Why would you want to have people question your professionalism right from the beginning. In the Korean context working at a university is very prestiges (yes, we are different as to how we are perceived) so they expect people who apply for any university job to approach it that way as well.

So peoples this was advice for people applying for university jobs. As for candy bar.... hahahah silly person

[candy bar]

[cdninkorea]

[sigmundsmith]

[robbie_davies]

[rockbilly]

I recently returned to Korea from years in China and Vietnam during which I didn't make any money and so was forced to dress like a slob.

Job one in Seoul, a few months ago, was getting back into suits and ties. I took my first new Korean paycheck to Hahn's, in Itaewon, and got measured up.

No, a hundred bucks doesn't cut it. You're looking at about 400,000 KRW minimum, in Itaewon, for something made-to-measure. Hahn's (Itaewon's more upscale tailor, the only one you'll hear consistently praised) will quote you more, 550,000. But you'll get full floating canvas, no slight-of-hand substitution on the fabric (choose your bolt of Scottish all wool and that's what you'll get), bone buttons, the works.

If richer, you've got even better options. I'll admit that I wasn't overly impressed by the way Hahn's handled my fittings--when I suggested that we might go tighter here (at the belly) or looser there (at the armholes), they just said, "no! you look fine!"--making me wonder a bit.

Extra pair of trousers, BTW, sets you back another 150,000 won.

End result, though--brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I am much better dressed than 99% of everyone out there. And for better or worse, it DOES make a difference in the way people perceive you, and in the way they treat you. A HUGE ONE!

I've budgeted a good chunk of the rest of this year's earnings to clothes. One more summer suit (or "three-seasons" suit) is paid for and waiting. For winter, I'm gonna go with two heavier suits, and with vests this time--my first ever 3-pieces. I'm gonna have a sports coat made to go with jeans, for evenings and weekends. Cashmere coat for the winter.

West end of Itaewon, opp. Noksapyeong station, almost right next door to Suji's. They speak English. They're no-nonsense. They will just plain measure you up and make you an excellent suit.

Sorry, ladies, I don't know. This advice is for men.

You will feel good, look great, and it turns out to be money very well spent.

[newb]

[candy bar]

[erasmus]

Really? When I give advice, which is to say well meaning words which I hope will benefit the listener, I generally tend to cloak it in less aggressive and derogatory language. The negativity of your post makes it really hard to have faith in your good intentions.

I also wonder why you care. Well, I don't think you do, but why, I wonder, do you pretend to care?

Suits, by the way, are not the only way to look good.

E.

[byrddogs]

[Chaucer]