Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ravel]

I am a teacher in Korea soon to depart for Japan for my next contract, but it has become obvious that my current employer is'nt going to give me a favorable reference. I can't blame them since pointing out that they are money grubbing, dishonest, unethical and incompitent by saying so directly tends not to lead to a warm relationship ESPECIALLY when it's the truth.

So does anyone have any CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions as to how best to deal with THIS issue? I plan not to use them as a reference, but have to site them as my last employer. I unlike them don't care for and try to avoid lying. Any suggestion as to how to deal with the obvious questions a potential Japanese employer is likely to ask about why (if they ask) do I not want to use my last employer as a reference? Yes I shouldn't have told my current employer they are idiots, but after repeated bouts of their idiocy making my job, even homelife very difficult at time it seemed to be the only way to get them to act on anything:-?

I am thinking about either Fukoka or Osaka (both have been recommended), does anyone out there have any insight as to either locations pros and cons, the time/ distance between these two location or the larger question....the best way to deal with not wanting to use then as a reference?

Thanks to everyone in advance,
Ravel

[spyro25]

if they bother to check your other references and they turn out ok then you can explain away your last position easily enough.

[Homer]

I agree with spyro,

If you have other references that speak well of you then this last employer will not weigh much in the balance.

However, perhaps telling them that they are money grubbing, dishonest, unethical and incompitent was not your best strategy...even you you thought that is what they were....

[Hotpants]

Good advice on the other references fall back.

Strangely, I've never managed to get any references for my jobs in Korea at all. I've only ever managed to get a letter of confirmation of the dates I was employed at the school, even though I've asked for references, and had no reason not to get any. I even had to write one of those letters myself and asked for someone to sign it!

I think most Korean employers are satisfied with a mere letter of confirmation of employment. I know that many employers here don't bother to follow up any referee contact addresses for lack of time.

It's best never to generate any skeletons in the closet, but if you do, you should probably just be upfront to your new employer about what happened elsewhere. Provided you don't have a serial history of poorly terminated contracts, I don't think it'll be a problem.

[ilovebdt]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I quit my last job on very unfavourable terms and simply told prospective employers that I left because I was so disappointed with the place and wanted a real job. This line seemed to be an advantage, not a disadvantage. I also had several excellent reference letters, one in English and one in Hanguel, from other teachers there.

[ravel]

Thanks for the advice:-) I think I'll try for the "confirmation of employment" letter. I tried the pretyped ready to sign reference letter....which is when I found out the boss grew some ethics for the reference letter specifically, he said something similar too (my English is clearer) signing a reference letter is like giving my word on it's contents. I said exactly, "if you feel it needs changes please do so." He said he had to add a section on what I did poorly or wrong, um... well it seems that defeats the purpose of the reference letter:-?

I agree the saying my boss is unethical....is the wrong way to go,it's unfortunate that this is my first full year esl contract, but a confirmation of employment dates will have to suffice.

Thanks everyone,
ravel

[Otus]

A good reference from an employer can be like gold in Korea. Even when you have one, don't bank on it too much. Employers who have given you one can still very quickly stab you in the back when contacted by another party.

I know this goes against what a lot of people say but not against what actually happens.

Ever wonder what the real reason is for background checks not being so common in Korea?

[Otus]

P.S. Your boss may be a *beep*-mongering embezzeler, but you do well and may prosper more if you do not state the truth directly to his or her face ....

Damn son ... you don't have to come to Korea to learn that ... just watch an episode of 'King of the Hill'.

[ravel]

Thanks Otis....NO SHIT!!!???

I knew telling someone they are incompetent, crooked...isn't a way to win friends and influence people. I tried the Dale Carnigee approach with them, I tried using the here's an idea, you are so smart for thinking of it...

but after weeks without HEAT, and after repeated attempts to get even the simplest things done.... I had to get agressive or I'd still have no heat and I would have still been waiting for my vacation. It simply got to the point where I either left, or managerd them since they likely can't manage their own toilet activities without instructions. Yes Otis .....son I did know it wasn't useful for future cooperation, but they couldn't or wouldn't manage things when we were on good terms, it's called a "last resort".

[mountain goat]

Re: Fukuoka or Osaka

I would say Osaka, I lived just outside osaka in Amagasaki for 2 years. Location wise its great for the rest of kansai-Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Himeji all amazing places for sightseeing and just general hanging out. Osaka is a huge place with so much going on- great nightlife, restaurants etc a lot more going on than fukuoka I think anyway. I had a fantastic two years there.