Job Discussion Forums

ranmawoman · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 64 Location: San Francisco, CA

Hi everyone,

Me again. So I've applied to the large Japanese companies. I've read good and bad things on all of them (thanks to all of you who have been reading and responding to my posts). Which ever one comes through, which ever ones offers me a better deal, I'll take after doing some more research. My question to you all is how long did it take for some companies to get back to you and do all companies interview everyone.

Anyone you know not even get a first interview? I'm wondering because I'm wondering what my chances are. I've had to put down some money to fly out to LA for an interview. If this company doesn't reject anyone until they meet you for the first time, my chances would kinda suck. So I guess I'm just asking and wondering if I've made the first cut and awaiting the 2nd 3rd cut...

So NOVA has been slow in response. Its been two weeks or so. They say that they're full and won't be hiring for a while. I've had this discussion via other posts. They now tell me that they've sent a response via snail mail. Dunno what that means. I'll keep you all updated.

ECC responded within a week but they are WAY full until fall 2004.

GEOS has ignored me.. Dunno if that's because I haven't made the cut or my app didn't go through. I gotta email them.

AEON has been the quickest in response... to which I'm wondering if they bring everyone in... Every bill bob and joe..

Any input?

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

so if they don't offer you a job, you want to work for them, if they do, you're suspicious? A job is a job, take one and enjoy Japan.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I'm with Ben. Stop second guessing your every move.

If you work with one of the big 4, so much of your experience will depend upon the manager and co-workers. So it is impossible to say that one school is better than another, so much depends on the staff and or city you're living in.

Ajia · Joined: 22 Jun 2004 Posts: 31 Location: Mie-ken

ranmawoman--
I was kind of in your position not too long ago--- I, too, applied to GEOS, NOVA, AEON, and ECC. I heard back from all of them for interviews except ECC said they were full, just like they had told you. I heard back from everyone within a week of applying probably because I had sent an email asking if it was possible for them to reply back with a confirmation email indicating that they had received my app.--- That might of sped things up a bit, but I don't know.

After I had spoken with all of them, I scheduled interviews with GEOS, NOVA, and AEON. One was basically right after the other.

Before the interviews, though, I found myself reading ALOT of posts, and researching other people's opinions on these schools, on sites such as this one. So.... this is what I did-- I cancelled my interview with GEOS because it just scored too low on my pros and cons list and I had to make a cut because it would be so damn expensive to attend all three.

I was willing to go with NOVA or AEON if one of them were to hire me. But even more research led to--- I really wanted to be at AEON because they seemed to have the best deal and less gripe. Nova seemed so-so but if Aeon denied me and NOVA wanted me I wouldn't complain because I'd still be going to Japan.

Anyways I'm going to Japan but it is not with either of them. It is with a smaller school. I ended up cancelling both interviews and taking the one I was offered simply because I really didn't feel like dealing with the bullshit from a huge corporation.

Let me know if you want any ideas on some smaller schools I've found. You might have a better chance with them.

bearcat · Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 367

You are applying at one of the worst times of the year. You missed the main recruitment season and the sloppy seconds season. Thus its the (when someone else quits early) season.

You're pretty much only gonna get well picked over left overs at this stage. The big companies like to do hirings in groups as its more cost effective. Some of them will do some more hiring in Aug/Sept but dont bank on it.

If you really want over here and cant be patient to wait until next years main hiring season, you'd better start hitting resumes to as many places as you can.

Just be patient

ranmawoman · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 64 Location: San Francisco, CA

Hey all, thanks for responding. My intent on posting wasn't to be suspicious of the companies. I'm just wondering what the turnaround time is for companies to get back to you, as well as if they seriously just bring very joe jack and bob in for interviews.

Thanks to Bearcat for the post though. I know that I've missed the main hiring period and most likely if I get placed, its probably a horrible place that someone quit because of poor management or what not.

Just gonna keep my fingers crossed!

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

This year is the first time I have heard of NOVA being full... The three years I was there Nova was contantly understaffed at many schools in my area. I wonder if they are starting to do the old Hotel/Airline overbooking routine, knowing that some new hires will cancel out the last minute.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

worldwidealive · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 84

Regarding Nova being full, I have heard from a few good sources that Nova is enjoying a much better pool of applicants (well, to Nova standards anyway) than ever before. In North America they are seeing a huge increase due to the overall poor job economy. Not sure if this the only reason they are hiring less, but I can say that many of my co-workers are staying on, because what job market is there to go back to?

WWA