- While writing your resume be to the point and don’t use informal phrases or expression– Employers don’t like reading the excess and it annoys them anyway.
- If you’re applying for a teaching position, list the jobs in your resume that are teaching related– Following the tip above, employer’s don’t care you worked at a pizza delivery service or baby-sat.
- It’s better to use the name of the person who is going to read your resume– A little personal touch always helps.
- Prefer sending hard copies to electronics. Because people like reading paper rather than looking on a computer screen. It is worth and cost effective.– If you take the necessary steps to be unusual, unique, and again personal it makes you stand out.
- There are hiring seasons for universities in Seoul which are held four times a year so you can attend the interviews in person.- Universities are busy with school, administration, and who knows what else, it’s best to get them when they are looking for you.
- Prepare yourself for the interview with computer skills, communication skills, and other essential skills that will come handy when you will be teaching.- It’s always nice to get a teacher who happens to have a few more abilities to give a hand here and there. It can also help you in the future.
- An E2 visa is required for teaching in Korea. You can get one when the degree has been notarized by your local Korean Embassy.- You don’t want to get deported because you don’t have the proper documentation.
- It is risky to work with a tourist visa for a long time. You can also be fined since it is illegal.– You may not get caught right away, but you will get caught.
- You cannot teach private lessons even though you’re teaching here legally at universities.- This is the same thing above, if your employer and/or visa says you cannot do the work than you shouldn’t, you can get caught.
- Create a portfolio of your work:
a) Samples of from the annual report and Newsletter class which you created and taught.
b) A detailed essay outlining your teaching style, influences, and strengths.
c) Examples of homework and class work that you had given in the past.
d) One intermediate plan and one beginner plan as well as all the resources needed to teach those lessons.
e) Letters of recommendations.
f) Passport scans.
g) Degree and transcripts.
h) Passport Photos
Other Tips & Advice:1. You will not get permission to work for another employer in Korea, if you resign from your job before the contract term. Do not resign unless you’re sure of getting another employer.
2. You should be well aware of Korean Labor Laws.
Ministry of Labor:
You can contact Ministry of Labor office by calling either:
02-6900-8000 (press 7 when you hear the recording)
Migrant Workers Center in Korea is under the Ministry of Labor
This center help you to collect your salary.
1577-0177 (press 1 when you hear the recording)
You have the facility to file your complaint through a proxy, if you don’t have time to wait for the decision of the Ministry. The Ministry will put an order to the employer to pay your salary to proxy.
Do you have any tips or advice for the future English teacher? Please send your tips, suggestions, and stories here.