How to apply, from advert to offer.
Reading a listing, shaping your CV for Korean employers, writing a cover letter and preparing for the interview. General editorial advice — always follow the advert's own instructions.
E-2 teachers · Reviewed 17 October 2026
Your first teaching year & renewalDocuments, school induction, shared responsibilities and four paths after your contract.
Download the complete E-2 guide1. Read the listing before you apply
Every listing links to the original advert. Apply there and read it in full. Our summaries come from manually imported dated Story Learning Lab snapshots; roles may have closed since checking.
- Check the application deadline. Firm deadlines are shown in Korea time. Listings without a firm deadline can close without notice. Source recheck windows are freshness limits, not application deadlines.
- Distinguish check dates from posting dates. Listings last checked records the latest recorded source check, not when the employer posted the advert; original posting dates may be unknown. Confirm availability at the source.
- Read the visa line carefully. It repeats the advert's wording. It is not a promise you are eligible — ask the employer directly.
- Note what's not stated. If pay, hours or housing say "Not stated", write them down as questions for the interview.
- Never pay to apply. Genuine employers and recruiters don't charge application or placement fees.
2. CV tips for Korean employers
Korean hiring often expects more personal detail than Western CVs. Follow the advert's instructions first; these are common expectations, not rules.
- Keep it to one or two pages. Clear headings: contact details, education, experience, certificates, languages.
- A photo is often expected. A plain, recent, professional headshot. Leave it out only if the advert says so.
- List nationality and visa status. Say which status you hold now, or that you need sponsorship. Don't guess a category.
- Lead with what the role asks for. Teaching: degree, TEFL/CELTA, classroom hours. Students: availability and languages. Other work: portfolio and results.
- State Korean ability honestly. Use TOPIK level if you have one; otherwise describe it plainly (e.g. "basic conversation").
- Name files clearly. For example Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf. Send PDF unless asked for Word or a Korean form.
3. Writing the cover letter
Short and specific beats long and general. Aim for three short paragraphs.
- Paragraph one: the role and why. Name the exact job title and where you saw it, and one reason this employer appeals.
- Paragraph two: proof. Two or three examples that match the advert's requirements, with numbers where you can.
- Paragraph three: practicalities. Your current location, start date, availability and visa situation — stated factually.
- Keep the tone polite and modest. Formal greetings and a thank-you close read well with Korean employers.
- Students: mention study. Say your weekly availability fits your course and that you'll get work permission before starting.
4. Korean interview prep
Interviews may be by video, by phone or in person, sometimes with a demo lesson or a short task.
- Be early and dress smartly. Join video calls a few minutes early. Smart-casual or business dress is safest.
- Greet respectfully. A slight bow and a simple 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is appreciated; you don't need fluent Korean.
- Teaching: prepare a demo lesson. Have a 5–10 minute activity ready for the age group in the advert.
- Expect personal questions. Age, family or health questions are more common than elsewhere. Answer what you're comfortable with, politely.
- Prepare your own questions. Pay and pay date, hours, overtime, housing, insurance, contract length and who handles visa paperwork.
- Get the offer in writing. Read the full contract before you resign, fly or start work.
5. Before you accept
A job offer is not permission to work. Confirm your status first.
- Students (D-2/D-4): Ask your international office about permitted hours, then get immigration permission before your first shift.
- Sponsored roles: Ask which visa category the employer will apply under and when.
- Teachers (E-2): Ask which medical examination is required and book it soon after arrival.
- Everyone: If unsure, call immigration on 1345 or check HiKorea.