Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Anna_Louise]

I've just started my fourth week of searching for a job in Seoul the few offers I've had up to now are pretty crap. Many of the recruiters I've been using haven't got back to me, after an initial e-mail saying that my resume looks great, they'll have no trouble finding me something, etc etc. I got the impression that people tend to find jobs pretty quickly, so I just wondered if it's something that I'm doing wrong, or if it's just-as a couple have said-a really busy time of year for recruiters and it's going to take me a bit longer than I expected to find a job?

Any advice gratefully appreciated

[Saxiif]

If your resume looks great, it could be your photo. That often counts for more than the resume...

[Hellsmk2]

Have you tried mailing the recruiters and asking them how the search is going?

I found that I had to put a bit of pressure on them to get them to hook me up with a job. Nothing too professional - just a simple "Hi, have you found anything suitable yet?"

Also, what is your cover letter like?

There are a couple of recruiters I've been really impressed with as they've been really helpful and forthcoming. I'll PM you their e-mails so you can get in touch with them.

(I'm no expert on any of this stuff though - I've only just accepted my first position in Korea)

[Ilsanman]

Are you kidding? I posted my resume on a certain site related to working and playing, and I got 14 e-mails in 2 days.

[thegadfly]

Do you have your degree in hand? You made another post elsewhere saying you graduated but did not have your actual diploma -- if you do not have it in hand, a reputable place wouldn't consider you, and you probably don't want to work somewhere that doesn't care about your degree....

[Draz]

[crazy tigger]

I'm with chasing the recruiters, I have had a few good ofers as a result of hassling recruiters, just short e-mails saying "hi, I was just wondering if you have found any suitable obs for me yet", although I'm not looking for Seoul.

[Chloe11]

I've also in the process of looking for work. I've been offered a number of terrible contracts, and one or two standard ones. I've had recruiters who wouldn't leave me alone, then I've had others contact me once a week with some offer then never get back to me on it. It's been difficult to remain patient and not just take the next terrible offer I'm given.

Also, when I first contacted a few recruiters I made it extremely clear that I couldn't leave until mid-September at the earliest, as I didn't have my documents and personal matters in order yet. This didn't stop some of them from pushing offers for the end of August on to my lap, then getting extremely frustrated when I explained, for the 6th time, that I couldn't go very far without a passport. I ended up getting the passport just in time, but what difference does it make if I've already said I won't be ready to leave then? Grossy unprofessional.

The lesson I've learned from this is to not go fishing with recruiters unless I'm ready to go NOW.

Regardless, good luck and just keep on looking. You'll find something, with a little patience.

[Anna_Louise]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I do now have my degree in hand-it turned up earlier than I expected and I have transcripts and everything already sorted. I think I'm just going to try being extremely persistent with recruiters and hope that something good comes up. Thanks again for the help

[MarionG]

Post your resume here, if you haven't already.Write a few lines at the beginning of your resume "I have all required documents and can be in Korea is _____ weeks."

Also, send you resume and cover letter to any ads on here that interest you. My job came directly from the owner director of the school I work for, and I found it posted on this site. There was no recruiter involved.

Make sure that wherever you land, the director of the school speaks good English, or you'll always have a problem.

Good luck.

[Squid]

Word to the wise:

Bring at least 3 sealed transcript copies and 2 degree certificates...just in case.