Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mark7]

I've been seeking to teach English abroad after I graduate from university, which is this December, and I desire to go to Korea.

I've been to various websites such as this one and looked at different job boards to see what's out there. I've spoken to a few recruiters and tried countlessly to e-mail many of the jobs posted on this website and others, but I really felt like Alex Rodriguez when it comes to getting a response: swing and a miss.

I was wondering if you guys have any advice when it comes to the job search and what strategies are best in trying to secure a good teaching job. So far, one recruiter helped me tailor my resume to look much better for one searching for a job in this line of work. The only disadvantages I have is that my potential employment would only come around February or March, because other members have told me it would take a month to secure a visa (I graduate in December). Many employers would probably be turned off by that since its a far way off. The number two problem is that when I send my photo to a school via e-mail, I usually get no responses back, because I am Asian American. I have this funny mental picture in my head of a guy sitting behind his desk smiling and confident when he sees my information and thinks he could be a potential ESL teacher candidate, and then when he sees my face, his face turns into a massive frown, clicks delete, and moves on.

Anywho, when I write e-mails, I usually use this format: I introduce myself, tell them when I'm graduating and where from, and let them know that I am American citizen and speak fluent English. I tell them why I want to teach English in Korea and qualities that would make a great potential teacher. Then, I tell them my contact information and some of my experience in teaching. Then I attach my resume and cover letter. I tried to be as formal as possible in my e-mails, and I spend a good time writing them, but sometimes I feel like I'm writing to a rock.

With that said, is there any other methods you guys have used that help securing a good teaching job? Thanks a bunch for your assistance.

[corroonb]

I know its tough but you have to be patient. When it comes to recruiting Korea schoosl are very last minute I'm looking for a November job and I've only just started getting November offers. Some schools are still asking for me to come in October even without a degree. A month to get a visa seems a bit of an exaggeration to me, if you get your degree in December you probably have a visa by the middle of Jan or by Feb at the latest. I am assuming you don't graduate on New Year's eve .

I can't help you with the racial issue. I'm unsure about this as I've never been to Korea but I've heard on this board that Korean schools/parents can be quite racist. I assume you're not of Korean heritage. But even if they are racist, there are still plenty of schools that probably won't care what race you are or what you look like. Sometimes nationality is far more important, North Americans seem to find it easier to find work than Europeans (Uk and Ireland) or the other countries.

Overall I'd say just keep on doing what you're already doing. You sound very professional and organised and you should find a job. Keep in mind that recruiters and schools are most often unprofessional and disorganised. Good luck!

[Mark7]

Thanks coroonb,

I also hope you find the good job you are looking for. You are right when you mentioned to have patience. In a dream world, it would be cool to secure a job in advance a few months ahead, but I realized it does not work that way when it comes to ESL jobs because they are usually looking for immediate positions. I just got to be patient and keep searching.

I have had one bite in the past few months, from a school in Incheon. However, they said they will contact me in December when my time is near to graduate, and from the looks of things I've heard some shady funny money stories about their chain of schools. But, like you said, I guess I just have to keep trying and trying until someone does take a hint that I want to do this job and want to do it well.

You're right about certain schools and recruiters being disorganized. I had this one experience where this one school wanted to do a phone interview, and I was really excited, so I had to postpone my evening plans with friends just to wait by the phone...phone call never came. Upset, I e-mailed them to see what's up, and they just found out that I won't able to start till February due to my graduation date, so they didn't call me at all that night. Ironic thing is that I wrote explicitly in the original e-mail that I won't be able to start in Feb. What a waste of time.

[corroonb]

I had a school which falsely claimed they had called several times, when I am 100% positve they never called either of my phones. Either they lied or they were too disorganised to ring the correct number. Very annoying and not the first time its happened. You shouldn't have much of a problem finding work, putting up with the annoyances, stupidities and incompetence is the difficult part.

[CBP]

About your ethnicity, recruiters might not give you much attention, but lots of schools post listings for their own openings, which means you can bypass the recruiter, who might unfairly screen you, and interact directly with the schools. Also, did you grow up in America? Is your English spoken without an Asian accent? I'm so sorry if that's a rude thing for me to say, but if your "fluent English" is native English, then consider emphasizing that in your initial point of contact. You might also say something about "sharing American culture" with your students. While it's good to be professional in your interactions with these schools, I think they are most interested in your English ability and the status/prestige of having lived in an English speaking country.

[ttompatz]

[i_teach_esl]

[Mark7]

Thanks for your advice. For now on, I won't sweat it anymore and will be patient and do as much research in the meanwhile until I am ready to send out resumes. I appreciate your wisdom, and in the meanwhile, just be on the lookout for a potentially good opportunity to teach ESL in the future.

[jen_the_great]