Job Discussion Forums

[redstanggt01]

I don't know if I'm the only one feeling this way. I graduated back in May 2012 with a Major in International Business and minor in Marketing, and since then I've been trying to find a English-teaching job in Japan. I've applied to Interac and JET twice and haven't even made it to the actual interviews, and I've also applied to Berlitz, A to Z, ECC and AEON and other companies in Gaijinpot. I failed the pre-screening interview with Berlitz and most other companies wouldn't even bat an eye on me. I have a 120 hour TEFL certification I obtained last year in November and I have study abroad experience at Kansai Gaidai. I also have tutoring experience, though it was only for two weeks because during my study abroad term in spring 2011, I had to evacuate due to the tohoku earthquake.

I've been applying for teaching work in Japan for about 1 1/2 years now. My friend says that it may be best for me to go to Korea for a year in order to gain experience and transfer, while my mother says that it may be best for me to stay home and spend six months in getting my teachers certification and license. I plan to teach abroad for three years before I decide to go for my Masters. Personally though, my feelings are more towards Japan than Korea, and I'm not sure about working in that country because I don't have that strong of an interest in Korean culture, nor am I in any sort of financial debt. On the other hand, I have a strong passion for Japanese culture and I've visited the country three times before. I'll also be going to japan again in November for two weeks to see a friend. Personally through, I feel very frustrated and I'm at the point where I'm considering going to Korea as a stepping stone to go to Japan, although Japan is where I truly want to go. Should I post my resume on here?

[Solar Strength]

You should go check in over at the Korean forum. A lot of those kids have also been rejected by Japanese EFL companies. It's not really a big deal, however, because English teaching opportunities in Japan have been declining for years now. It's just not as easy as it used to be.

[Vince]

Considering your major and minor, many TEFL employers would probably see you as a flight risk.

Have you considered looking for work with a company from your country that has offices in Japan? If you really want to teach, I'd suggest getting your masters and certification, then looking for a job with an international school.

[redstanggt01]

Out of curiosity, why would my major and minor be considered a flight risk? My degree required me to study a language for 5 semesters and I was also required to study abroad. I'm not seeing the reason.

Considering though that if it is true and that because of my degree, that I can't find a teaching job in Japan, I feel like I now want to throw up due to the majority of my sacrifice of doing college, staying out of trouble and spending years writing essays being a waste....

[marley'sghost]

[Solar Strength]

[redstanggt01]

Thanks I guess....when I read that, I was really stressing out at the time. TBH, I really want a teaching job badly in Japan. I know a lot of you would say that it's not as great as it used to be, and I understand but, Japan really means a lot to me, more than I can ever put in words.. Developing a career in Japan was my focus from the very beginning I started University. I just feel that I've come a long way and I would be really pissed off at myself if that dream was never realized.. This isn't just something I planned on a whim...


Also there isn't much I can do with a Bachelor's in International Business anyways, that and despite myself taking over two years of Japanese, I haven't used it in a long time, so I'd consider myself basic level at this point. If I had a Masters in International Business on the other hand, then yeah, I'd most likely be able to find non-teaching work overseas.

[TokyoLiz]

You're competing with many experienced, skilled people on the ground in Japan (except for the JET Program, which requires candidates to interview in their home cities).

I'd say look at other countries like Korea and China. You are close by, and those job markets are better places for starting TEFLers.

[nimaime]

[timothypfox]

From what people are saying, what would improve your chances is to get some teaching experience with international students. If there are no language schools in your area, be aggressive about setting up private language lessons. Put fliers up around a local campus and charge $15-20 bucks to help with conversation, accent and writing. Try setting up several language exchanges with Japanese people to meet with every week. You can post around a college campus for this, or you can use a website such as: http://www.japan-guide.com/ and click on language exchange. This site is also good: http://lang-friend.com/us/

Language exchanges can appear as part of your Freelance ESL teaching on your resume.

Just a thought.

[redstanggt01]

Do you guys think then that I would have a lot better chance landing a job in Japan if I gain a year's teaching experience for teaching in Korea? If I could, I'd like to teach a year in Korea then go job hunting for work in Japan afterwards.

[rxk22]

[nighstar]

[Solar Strength]

Head off to China or South Korea. Get some experience. You may find that you are no longer interested in Japan.

[mitsui]

It is hard to get work. I need a job for next year.
One guy I worked with quit last month and works in China.
The pay is pretty good.