EPIK Recruiters vs Flying solo – here’s what you need to know about making this decision. I chose to go with a recruiter, but both options have benefits.
When I decided to apply to the EPIK program, this decision was a no-brainer for me. From what I read (and what I’ve been told), there is nothing to lose with going through a recruiter, but everything to gain.
A recruiter will walk you through each step of the process, be a sounding board for all your questions (and believe me-I’ve had a TON) and provides GREAT interview preparation materials. Since I’ve never applied for a teaching job overseas, I knew I could use all the help I could get-especially since it was FREE help!
There are several recruiters approved by EPIK, including Gone2Korea, Footprints, etc. I reviewed the websites of several recruiters and decided to go with Gone2Korea–this was based purely on my impression of the company and information available through their website and online reviews. Though I was not a fan of the name of the company, I was impressed with the level of detailed information provided up-front.
I have been VERY satisfied with Gone2Korea and my recruiter James. He answers emails promptly and always offers to have a brief chat if you need further clarification. He has held my hand through much of the process and hasn’t given me any crap about the crazy amounts of questions I’ve been asking.
After I successfully passed my interview, I received an email from James letting me know that Canadian Connection (Canconx) would be taking over my application from here on out. It seems that Gone2Korea will now be focusing primarily on Private School applications and Canconx will focus on the Public School Applications. James let me know that I am welcome to contact him with any personal questions I might have and I was assured that the two companies have worked in unison for a number of years and that NOTHING would change except for my recruiter contact. So far, this has been the exact case! I received an email from my new contact Shane within 24hrs. I have since asked him a question or two and I’ve been met with the same level of professionalism and efficiency as with Gone2Korea. I am confident that my application and future with the EPIK program are in good hands.
This all being said-it is UP TO YOU to do your research and decide what is best for you and your situation. For me-a recruiter was a great idea and I’m glad I chose Gone2Korea/Canconx!