Job Discussion Forums

skarp · Joined: 30 May 2004 Posts: 50

Ok - sorry if this is an old question.

I'm in Tokyo looking for my first teaching job in Japan. I have heaps of EFL experience and am fully qualified.

I've been through the Japan Times classifieds and looked on the various websites - Ohayo Sensei, Gaijinpot and ELTNEWS.

What else would people recommend?

The job needs to be in/near Tokyo and has to provide visa sponsorship and accomodation assistance.

Cheers

Skarp

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Not an old question but this is incredible.

We gave you advice about leaving Korea. We gave you advice about coming to Japan. We gave you advice about getting through the airport.

Now you want advice about getting a job!

Skarp... you're amazing Very Happy

FWIW, I never worked in Tokyo so cannot help you. Let's hope others can because you must be pouring money down the toilet until you get work...

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I can't give you any specific advice. Sorry. I'm sure someone told you that summer is the worst time to hunt for a job in Japan, right? We're coming up on Obon vacation.

skarp · Joined: 30 May 2004 Posts: 50

Yes - A lot of people did give me advice.

Thanks to them.

And yes - summer is worse for some jobs. Universities, High schools....

But eikaiwa have no special 'season', or do they? Obon is a factor of course. I knew about that.

And I'm comfortable with my decision to come in the summer. It was the right time for me to do it. Not an esy one and in some ways forced by regrettable circumstances that are no-one elses business. A case of if I were you I wouldn't start from here.

So - has anybody actually got any useful advice? Or is the heat just getting to everyone?

This forum is partly for people to ask for advice - so no apologies for doing just that. nobody is forced to reply. So if you don't want to respond positively just keep quiet. Is that too much to ask?

My philosophy is to ask the stupid questions others are too chicken to ask.

So - am I missing something? Is there a major source of job vancancies that I'm ignorant of?

PM me if you'd rather it was kept fairly secret. I do appreciate the help given me by others on this board and will repay in kind if I am ever able. if not someone else will pay them back for their generosity.

You reap what you sow in life. There seems to be a spate of negativity on this board just lately. What's the point?

Skarp

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

Shmooj, you come across as an arrogant *beep* in some of your posts, one thats pissed off at the world. Whats your problem? If you can't help someone keep your mouth shut.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

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

Skarp, besides looking for jobs online or in newspapers, what else are you doing to find a job? Advertised jobs are usually the worst way to find a job, if you're already in-country. I would say hit the pavement with your resume, set up appointments with the DOS and you should get some bites. Try and hang out with other teachers at gaijin houses, net cafes, Starbucks, bars etc. and see if they know of any openings.

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

One more thing, how are you dressed? If you're not clean cut, clean shaven and in a white shirt and tie, forget about getting hired.

Don't say things like teaching in Korea is just like Japan. You may think that, but the Japanese often feel superior to the Koreans.

Be patient, jobs don't fall on your lap in Japan as easily as in Korea. It took me 2 days to get a job in Seoul and within a month, I had about 7 or 8 p/t jobs (that was a long time ago though).

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Skarp Bro,

Hang in there mate. I don't envy you having to look for work right now in Tokyo.

I can offer you about 20 substitution hours in Saitama starting in August. You will have found something by then but if you want it let me know. It's twice a week, 4 hours on tuesday from 4 p.m. and 2 on thursday from 5 p.m. at 47 an hour.

As far as landing a job and sponsor you will have to decide between the entry level positions. I believe you can choose: A) language school
B) kindergarten
C) dispatching company

I have done them all and have friends doing them all now. If you are interested in C I know of Sagan Speak and Tokyo Language Institute.
I don't know the numbers off hand but I have worked for both and if you call TLI ask for Chris. Tell him you'd like to arrange an interview. Do the same at Sagan, it is run by two brothers Graham and Steven. Ask for Graham and ask for an interview.

I have seen piles of resumes come in and few people coming into the office. If you send a resume somewhere, get on the phone and try to establish some type of rapport with someone. Then, get in there and let them see you. What I mean is hit the pavement and don't sit back and expect to fax a resume and get a call.

When I first called TLI they were so excited about me just from my telephone manners. Remember there are a lot of kooks out for the same jobs. They aren't all kooks but many are. If you're not you shouldn't have any trouble.

It is summer vacation soon and there will be heaps of sub work which most always turns into a job.

Good luck, mate.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

skarp · Joined: 30 May 2004 Posts: 50

Thanks guys.

That's more like it.

I have had bites. I have been offered part time work.

I have applied for about 5-6 positions that would certainly do.

So - I think I'm OK on the cv and appearance front.

But it doesn't feel like enough.

I was unsure about walking in cold to a place and I still am. I'd rather ring up and arrange a meeting.

However, many places will drag you in and then offer you just a few hours a week. No use as I'm still on a sightseeing visa.

But I'll bear it all in mind.

Sometimes I try to be brief in my OPs. And so some info is lacking. Sorry if this causes confusion and cross purposes but I think we've got it sorted out now.

Thanls again everyone.

Substitution work is a kind offer but no use for visa reasons...

Cheers

Skarp

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Skarp,

All the best, mate.

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

What's your nationality, experience, and qualifications? I know my present employer is recruiting, but due to "Britishness" being a selling point, only UK citizens need apply.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Glenski,

I was only trying to lend a stranger a helping hand and cover my classes, which I don't even have to do, which is more than I can say for everybody else.

Do you really think Skarp would take me up on it or anyone for that matter?

BTW, how's the vacation going. Are you high above the Pacific at this moment?

Have a good one,
Sweetsee