Korean Job Discussion Forums

benblex · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul, South Corea

I already have a full-time 9-5 editing job.

Got an interview for a teaching gig twice a week, 1.5 hours each.

Question 1: wearing a suit is too formal? Or just wear something presentable.

Question 2: I get off my first job at 6 p.m. each day. The commute to the other part-time job would take 20-30 minutes, leaving me only 30 minutes before the class actually started (7 p.m.). For a part-time job, do you have to be in the class like an hour before--if so, I won't be able to make it. Also, during the interview, how much should I mention my current job... in terms of it POTENTIALLY "conflicting" timewise with the part-time one. (Of course, they already know about it by looking at my resume... if it bothered them so much I don't know why they'd want to interview me).

Thanks.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Q1: How long have you been in Korea? Since when is a suit too formal for any teacher any time, any where?

Q2: If you have to ask this, then perhaps you're not ready to be teaching anyone anywhere.

Are you 'legal'? Either way, your first job is none of their business as this is a part time gig.

With a 9-5 job already, why work more? Insanity!!!

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I'm kind of impressed with the other poster's people skills. No doubt that got him/her the present teaching job.

Anyway, I do agree that a suit is never out of place in a teaching job on the first day. After that, look around and try to dress at about the same level as those around you.

As for the main job interfering with this part-time gig...I think you should be up-front and clear. After all, the people who read your resume are not native speakers. They may have missed the detail about your present job. Maybe they think you will be quitting it. Who knows?

If you are not up-front and in a couple of weeks you have a schedule conflict, do you think they are going to be happy with the surprise? If you are fair with them to start with, and they hire you, you can be secure knowing they will work with you when a conflict of time comes up.

If they don't hire you, it isn't the end of the world. There are lots of other part-time jobs out there.

It is true that most of us cannot work 2nd jobs. It might be OK for you, depending on your visa status. Generally, it is illegal. Be warned.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Sorry, cupcake. I calls em like I sees em.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:30 am Post subject:

benblex · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul, South Corea

thanks ya ta boy for the advice. i'll be upfront with them. also, i have an f-4 visa, so i'm assuming this is legal... riiight?

as for PRagic, i'm doing it for the $$. why else would i do it? sounds like your drained from your shitty job. trust me, i understand the feeling. still, chill out dude.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Sorry. Can't help you with f-4 info. Don't know a thing.

Try this: I'd try calling Immi directly. (Someone once suggested giving a phoney name when calling them. I don't know if that is necessary.) That's the only place where you will get a reasonably dependable answer. (I say 'reasonably' because it is not unknown for one bureaucrat to interpret the rules differently from another one. Even in the same office.

Anyway, good luck.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Sorry, there, yataboy. I'm just trying to provide culturally sensative info. Do it 'Korean style' and hold your cards close to your chest. You cannot approach employment situations here like you would in N. America For example, you can't really successfully play employers off against one another for better terms. Here, you'll only come across as disloyal. Face means everything, and Koreans regularly tell bold faced lies when ending employment just to beat the hastle involved. I've seen it work against foreigners when they apply their homespun moral reasoning. If you can handle teaching on top of the 9-5, then go for it. Yes, the income can't hurt. It's just that many are looking to work less and make more. Weigh your options.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

PR: I find it amusing that you used the word 'sensItive'.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Meaning? Oh, because I didn't rnu a spel chk?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Meaning? Oh, because I didn't rnu a spel chk?

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Missed the point again, didn't you?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

English is supposed to be a low-context language. Yes, 'I' get it.