Job Discussion Forums

wintersweet

Basically: when a job ad in KFM or whatever only lists a phone number, is it worth calling from the US, or is it an obvious indication that they expect Japan-located applicants only?

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

To answer with a common expression from Japan, "case by case".

Yes, they probably expect only local people to call, but it may also depend on you. Are you planning to be here in the near future? You could inform them of that and hope that they will schedule an interview. Other than spending the money on airfare, shelter, and food to come here and set yourself up for job hunting, you will have to spend money on SOME things while you are home. (That is not meant to be snippy or condescending, just realistic.)

wintersweet · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 6:16 am Post subject:

It's OK--I understand your tone and appreciate your advice. Smile

I have no objection to paying for calls to Japan (hey, it's only 4 cents a minute through onesuite.com!) or paying for faxes.

Well, we'll see what happens...

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I did. And it certainly didn't hurt to... Yes, people were surprised to receive a call from a prospective teacher in Canada but they were pleasantly surprised that someone would bother. Many told me in fact, that they had "never had someone do that before." It certianly worked to my advantage in a few cases -- I suspect you may find similar results.

Remember, getting a job in Japan is no different than getting a job back home. If you don't ask, you don't get. If you don't bug employers, you don't get. If you don't follow-up, you don't get either....

wintersweet · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:41 am Post subject:

locomote · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

I've tried to call a few 090 numbers, but it says invalid number.
I input +81 090 "number".

Is there any trick to getting through to those from outside the country?

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

090 is a prefix for cell phones. Don't know any special tricks to call them from outside of Japan. Anyone else know?

locomote · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

I figured it out - leave out the first 0. Just dial +81 90 "number"

Thanks~

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

That is the method of calling into Japan regardless of the number or area code prefix.

WITHIN Japan: 090; 080; 070; 03; 08; 0120; etc.... You must put in the initial zero.

Calling TO Japan from any other country: country code: 81 + number (omit the initial zero)