Job Discussion Forums

[fiver]

I'm 35 (female), a writer and an Economics grad who has taught English before (ten years ago) in Beijing, and has done some relief work for a friend in Japan a couple of years ago, teaching English to kids and adults.

I want to go back to Japan and teach in the Tokyo/Kanagawa area. I have enough cash reserves, and I can stay with my friend while I search for work. Unfortunately I had an ecc interview here in Canada with a decisive "no, thank you" result a few weeks ago

Although I could teach children before with positive results (so it seemed), I found it hard to recreate those results when trying to 'teach' fellow applicants playing 4-5 year-olds at the ecc interview. Maybe next time I could, but I am afraid that I am too monotone plus too old for most employers who are also willing to sponsor a visa.

I think my preferences being limited to the Kanto area were a big minus in the interview, plus, yeah, I think maybe I hit a genki-barrier.

Now I am applying over the internet, filling out three hour questionnaires, plus considering creating a very specifically requested teaching video. Unlike some people I've heard of here on this forum, not one of these online applications are willing to spring for a phone call.

My friend has her own school, she can't offer me a lot of accurate info about the current job scene...I was wondering if anyone else had anything to say about it before I cancel my lease and hop on a plane in the hopes of an April-semester start. And, uh, producing that teaching video thingy.

[Glenski]

Why limit yourself to Kanto? There's plenty of Japan to go around, and everyone and his brother wants Tokyo, so if you request another area, you are more likely to get it.

Oh, and forget phone interviews. Do you really want to say yes to a place where you haven't even seen the interviewer face to face, or the office, neighborhood, staff, students, and fellow teachers?

[fiver]

Thank you for the reply, Glenski. It's just what I needed to know...

I was thinking it might be a bit unrealistic to expect a teaching position with such a short turnaround...now I'm beginning to realize that it might be because of the area.

I'm keen on the area because my friend is there and that's a big plus for me, part of the reason I chose to consider teaching in Japan. I have worked overseas before, and studied overseas; and I love it, but I realize I find it a bit alienating at times. I also like teaching in Japan, but it is also the chance of having an old friend in the neighbourhood that made me consider going. Combine that with my desire for a career change, and it seemed a perfect fit.

I am hoping to better my prospects somehow. The phone-call-reluctance thing just seemed to say that the market has become really tight...? You've just confirmed that, I guess.

I have to decide whether or not I'd be willing to go without being able to work in the Kanto area (*), I guess. The competition in the Kanto area must be pretty fierce.

[Mike L.]

There are other areas in Japan but when it comes to economics and variety of jobs, Kanto is far and away number one.

You don't have to live right in Tokyo if that doesn't appeal to you. There are nicer places in Kanto.

I suggest you come here and look for a job.

Here's a useful link:

http://www.tokyoconnections.com/

BTW don't worry about ECC, from reading your exp, you are too good for them!

Good luck!

[fiver]

Thanks a lot, I think I'll do that

[Big John Stud]

fiver getting a job in Tokyo is easy, getting a job in Tokyo that will sponsor you is not so easy! There are many guijin(none Japanese) in Tokyo so schools perfer to higher people part time. This way they only pay you when you teach. A company can not sponsor a part time employee.

Large schools or agencies will hire you on the condition that they put you where they want! You have no say.
Other disadvanges of living in Tokyo:
The rent in Tokyo is also very expensive! And you are right about your age! To most Japanese, specially in Tokyo, you are over the hill! I always say, "I may be over the hill but right now I am going up the next hill!" Why specially in Tokyo? They have more applicants to choose from!

If you are not really to work and live in one of Japan's other cities, you might want to consider going back to China! Or just stay in Canana! I hear the weather is fine this time of year there!

[fiver]

gee thanks sweetie pie!

Why don't you follow your own advice and edit yourself out of the gene pool?

fyi...

higher s/b hire

Vancouver=no snow

[Big John Stud]

[quote="fiver"]gee thanks sweetie pie!

Why don't you follow your own advice and edit yourself out of the gene pool?

fyi...

higher s/b hire

Vancouver=no snow[/quote]

Sorry I didn't mean to offend you! I was just giving you the advice that I would want if I was in your situation! You'll see if you come here.

About hire! It was a typo! I am at work and go on and off this thread! Anyway best of luck to you!