Korean Job Discussion Forums

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

Hi,

Currently, I am looking for a uni job. If I don't get one by the time this uni hiring season is over (the end of January, I'm guessing), then I will start looking for a hagwon job.

My question regards how prospective employers at Korean unis go about checking an applicant's references. That is, for references I include all the normal info: name, position, relationship, email address, phone number, snail mail address.

Most (all?) of my references are not setting by a phone 8 hrs. a day, and given the time zone difference there isn't a lot of working hours overlap anyway. So, I'm curious what other people's experiences have been with this. My guess is that, because of its convenience, email would probably be the first choice, but it doesn't have as much of a reliability factor as speaking with a reference on the phone and confirming that they really exist.

So, this is just one more of the many topics regarding teaching in Korea where I am ignorant and would appreciate your enlightening me.

Thanks.
PS. For reference, when you respond would you please mention whether your experience relates to unis, hagwons, or both.

ThePoet · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2004 6:40 pm Post subject:

I think that Universities like to see at least one of your references from inside Korea. If you have one, that puts you a step up and thats the one they call. I've had three University interviews this season, and none of my references back home got called, but I know that in at least one instance, my hagwan director got called because I was asked if i was going to take a particular university job I'd interviewed for.

Poet

kelly · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Yeah I was in the same scenario. My university asked for two references, one who was in Korea, and one from home. They asked for written references from both, and I honestly don't think they contacted either, because I would definately have heard it from my old school here in Korea. So I'm guessing if they ask for written references theres a slim chance of them calling them, otherwise as the previous poster said they will more than likely call the Korean referee first. Anyhow good luck in your search!!

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Our uni DOES contact references in "home" countries as well as in Korea. People come in early to do the phone calls. Giving a "best time to call, Korean time" would be a plus in a resume. Also, if you're not in Korea, giving a "best time, Korean time to call for an interview" is also a plus.