Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beau]

ok so i just finished going to College, and due to circumstances unforseen I now wish to go teach English in Korea. I've heard many things both positive and negative, and I'm willing to press forward. I've heard that as long as you have a BA you can get a teaching job. I do have minor teaching experience (I tutored foreigners at my college, and for a short time I was a teacher's assistant). So now what do I do? I've never written a resume, I wanted to know if anyone could give me some advice on that. I'm hoping to post my resume here at Dave's, as well as submit it to a good school (if I find one). I really hope this is the right forum for this question, thanks in advance!

[eamo]

As long as you aren't too picky ( a little picky is good though!) you should get a job within a few weeks of posting your resume.

Keep your resume short (list quals. and exp. briefly then a quick, one paragraph, personal description) and in plain English. Don't worry about lack of experience or relevent teaching qualifications. Most private schools don't care about that as long as you have the degree.

A lot of private schools like to hire 1st time teachers as the teacher tends to be less suspicious and cynical than us jaded veterns. My advice is to come to Korea expecting to be treated fairly as you most likely will be treated fairly. However, know your rights and don't be afraid to question and alter contracts offered to you.

[TiGrBaLm]

Theres only one thing you need to put on your resume

I AM A WHITEY

you will have offers dropping into your inbox like flies on poop

[bobbyhanlon]

no worries.. it's what i did in fact, when i first came. your youth might actually be a positive.
when you arrive and you see the state of education (and probably some of the other foreign teachers!) in your hakwon you'll most likely wonder why you ever worried about if you were qualified or not.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[Beau]

You have all been very helpful and encouraging, I thank you! In addition I would like to reiterate my point on never having written a resume, let alone an online one. Could anyone point me in the direction of a online-resume template? Or perhaps just submit a false example of one? It could be filled with "blah blah blah for all I care, I would just like a good layout. Thanks again guys, your help has already been very beneficial.

[sheba]

Do your research too. Learn a little about the culture, and be prepared for any problems that may arise....

I was fresh out of college when I came here and Im loving it. I enjoy teaching (although I had never done it before), and my boss and the teachers at my school are great. I had heard a lot of bad stories about Korea too, but everything has worked out terrific for me. So, don't expect all bad things, but be prepared just in case.

As for your resume, well I was told to first write a cover letter introducing who you are, outline your qualifications, explaining why you want to come to Korea (want to teach, experience a different culture, travel, gain experience etc), and mention something specific (like learning the language, wanting to attend a certain festival, or visit a certain place - it shows youve done some research). It should be no more than one page in plain English.

Then write a few paragraphs about experiences and relate it back to teaching - for example, babysitting (being able to relate to kids), tutoring (teaching experience), learning a language (you can understand the difficulties the kids face), captain of a sports team (leadership, teamwork, encouragement, patience) etc (although your first paragraph should be about your qualifications in more detail).

Thre are a lot of layouts for a resume but this is the one I was taught when I did my TESOL course. I used and I had no problem getting a job. In fact I turned several down before finally accepting one.

Dont be afraid to turn jobs down either.....

[poker player]

[joe_doufu]

Save yourself! Go to Taiwan or Japan instead!

[Beau]

*deleted*

[peppermint]

Surely, your university has some sort of employment center. They can walk you through writing a resume among other things.

If not, check here: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/resume/

[Beau]

Thanks for the idea Peppermint, I never even thought to check there!

[joe_doufu]

[joe_doufu]

[Yu_Bum_suk]