Job Discussion Forums

[rebelsatellite]

Hi all,

So I had an interview with a well-known Eikaiwa agency and didn't get it (thought interview went pretty well but I suppose I just don't fit their profile). I'm quite gutted I didn't get it as Japan as my next step felt 'right'.

I have a degree, I'm a native speaking British citizen with a CELTA + 3 years exp. with young learners and adults. Is it worth me persuing something with Interac? People say working in local schools can turn out well. Are there jobs that can be arranged from the UK?

Any ideas?

Thanks,

R.S.

[marley'sghost]

[Rooster.]

Yeah, just because you don't get hired at one doesn't mean that you wont get hired at another. You shouldn't be surprised if you have to apply to a lot of places to get a job.

[jrwhisky]

Also I think it is useful to keep in mind that your credentials are not what's most important here(perhaps I'm wrong about some,) In Japan It's more about hiring the person with the right personality.

I was hired because I had former experience with the arts and acting. My employer wanted somebody with imagination and a free spirit. Everything else was bunk. Having a undergrad degree was only important so as to get me a working visa. Since English schools are a business they must sell their product in a similar way other companies sell theirs. Take a look at the people in their commercials. Products featuring excited, animated, motivating characters are attractive. Consider these attributes when in your interview. Of course maintain professionalism, but be real and show them how you can do more than just teach them grammar and pronunciation. As a native English speaker you are not just a teacher but also a status symbol for there school. They want to impress their clients.

Hey I've only worked one place but applied to many, the only one that snagged was the only I was relaxed and myself with.

[jrwhisky]

Also I think it is useful to keep in mind that your credentials are not what's most important here(perhaps I'm wrong about some,) In Japan It's more about hiring the person with the right personality.

I was hired because I had former experience with the arts and acting. My employer wanted somebody with imagination and a free spirit. Everything else was bunk. Having a undergrad degree was only important so as to get me a working visa. Since English schools are a business they must sell their product in a similar way other companies sell theirs. Take a look at the people in their commercials. Products featuring excited, animated, motivating characters are attractive. Consider these attributes when in your interview. Of course maintain professionalism, but be real and show them how you can do more than just teach them grammar and pronunciation. As a native English speaker you are not just a teacher but also a status symbol for there school. They want to impress their clients.

Hey I've only worked one place but applied to many, the only one that snagged was the only I was relaxed and myself with.

[Bakainfidel]

Thing that frustrated me the most when trying to find work in Japan is that most employers only accept experience IN Japan. I have 8 years experience outside Japan, and was constantly being told they would start me out at entry level salary. Also, there are a billion gaijin here so it seems really competitive, especially if you don't speak Japanese.

[nightsintodreams]

I think you hit the nail on the head. Once you have a reasonable command of the Japanese language, direct hire jobs at BOEs, high schools, private schools and universities become a possibility.

And in my opinion rightfully so. It's hard to imagine someone who can't speak the native language becoming a teacher or any other respectable profession in our home countries.