Korean Job Discussion Forums

JoelCosmeJr · Joined: 01 Mar 2006

I have an interview for SMOE in a couple weeks and I wanted to know what to expect in terms of questions. What about how I should dress? I had to toss out my suit since it was 4 sizes to big after my 2 years here. I have some nice dockers and summer dress shirts to wear. that good enough? what have you guys gone through with the interview? been at my hagwon for 2 years, and that was a basic phone interview, so been like 5 years since face-to-face and wanted to see about any needed preparations. many thanks for answers in advanced.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

JoelCosmeJr · Joined: 01 Mar 2006

thanks...so a suit is a bit much for the interview? I am just not sure what is expected for an SMOE interview. so black slacks, a dress shirt and tie it will be ^^.

xCustomx · Joined: 06 Jan 2006

Why dress down for an interview? Even if you were interviewing for a kindy position and you really wanted the job, why would you assume that it's acceptable to wear jeans and a polo shirt? Isn't it better to just overdress and not have to worry about whether or not you're wearing the "correct" clothes?

JoelCosmeJr · Joined: 01 Mar 2006

the thought of wearing jeans and t-shirt never crossed my mind. just that i threw away a bunch of my clothes, including two suits since they are now too big for me. i was just seeing if i need to head to a suit shop. well, i talked with an ajuma student of mine who has offered to take me to a cheap and quality suit shop this weekend and will get a good suit and dress up for the interview ^^ ... haha, i had not even worn jeans in like 8 years until about a year ago per the advice of a wannabe fashion consoltant friend ^^ well, thanks guys. aside from the clothes, are there any questions I should be prepared to ask? I will look over the website and this site to see what I can find about SMOE. I just wanna be prepared.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

SMOE will want to know why you want to teach and if you like Korea. Don't expect many hard questions, especially ones about teaching theories. You should be able to highlight your passion for teaching and past accomplishments.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

This is Asia. Korea is a 'face' society. Substance just is not as important as style/appearance. If you 'look like a teacher' you will get the job. It won't even matter what your teaching style is - or your qualifications.

Korean teachers dress very well, and so should you. A button down long-sleeve shirt, tie, and smart pants are good for any interview. Also wear well shined dress shoes . A jacket or a suit is even better.

As another poster said, If you work public school you're going to need some good clothes for special occassions (Parents' Day, school functions, meet the Principal/Parents etc). Wearing smart clothes to school will also reduce discipline problems in your class - get you onside with the students ("You're so handsome etc"), and gain immediate respect from your Korean co-teachers. If you dress down you will be looked down on.

I bought my suit for $100 at a wholesaler. It's Chinese, very thick cloth, and does the job for Middle School. I'll also be wearing it to future teaching interviews in Korea.

Incidentally, the first thing my current Principal said to me was: "You look like a teacher." So my advise to you is: so should you.

JoelCosmeJr · Joined: 01 Mar 2006

thanks for the comments. i will go with a korean friend and find a suit for the interview this weekend and I will show my love of teaching (which is true ^^)...