Job Discussion Forums

dharmachicken · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Niigata, Japan

I've been in Osaka for three weeks and am starting to get worried about the bank balance. I have sent my CV off to numerous employers and have had little response. I have 5 years teaching experience, CELTA and an MA in Language Teaching and Learning (Applied Linguistics). I also have a work visa as I have already been teaching in Tokyo. I would really like an ALT position to get some experience with teaching kids or, if necessary, would teach in private schools (eikaiwa). Is it possible that my MA is getting my CV sent to the bin? Should I take it off my CV?
Help! How can I just get a job so I can stop worring about money?

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

It's possible. But try to remember that August is the absolute worst time to find a job in Japan. Everyone is on vacation.

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

dharmachicken · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Niigata, Japan

Sorry, forgot to mention that I was also searching the net, newspapers, etc from Tokyo two months prior to arriving here in Osaka.

Guest of Japan,
Thanks, I'm now realising that (wish I'd known before leaving Tokyo and spending money to set up down here) but am still in the predicament of needing work...any ideas???

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

With ALT positions a bunch will suddenly open up in September when the teachers don't come back after the vacation. You can't be sure if they don't come back because the job was terrible or if they just decided to stay home. Get out on the town and get to know people.

dharmachicken · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Niigata, Japan

Sorry, yes, I meant that I had taught in Tokyo (typing quickly and not thinking clearly). I arrived in Japan on a three month contract with Westgate and have now finished that contract. I then moved down to Osaka as I have some Japanese friends here and thought it sounded like a nice area.
I have been replying to adverts in Kansai Scene magazine and Kansai Flea Market (Perhaps you know of them??) Most do not specifiy anything apart from 'proper visa required'. They simply state that they want a teacher, whether it's full or part-time, and whether it's teaching kids or adults. Some actually say to e-mail for full details rather than send a CV and I have followed those instructions. I am not cold-calling.
The only other thing is that most positions are for teaching kids. Most of my experience is with adults but, I do have a little experience with kids. I do express clearly that I would like to 'further my experience in teaching children'. This is true, as I am currently deciding whether to go for a Phd or do a school teaching qualification. I don't tell them this, of course. Arrrrghhhh! What now??

dharmachicken · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Niigata, Japan

Guest of Japan,
That's good news. Do you know where I should look for these positions? Most ALT jobs seem to be through dodgy agencies. I went to an interview with one called W5 and they wanted to send me to a different school everyday and wouldn't say exactly how many hours it was, etc., etc.
Perhaps there I a better place to look?

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

dharma,
Can't help you with Osaka as I've never been there, but perhaps you can boost your financial reserves temporarily by taking on private lessons. Even if they bail out on you shortly, you will at least have made some money to help tide you over.

Yes, I've heard of those publications. I look at them myself and don't really see much of anything beyond PT work and scuzzy-looking eikaiwas. Keep digging and make those contacts. Use your friends as much as possible. Make flyers. Give out business cards. Don't waste a moment.

dharmachicken · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Niigata, Japan

I agree, but I'm getting desperate for money. I'm assuming I can get something better in a few months but now I just need to pay my rent.
I think I will look into the cost of flyers and business cards. Thanks for all the advice.
I also want to make some contacts but I'm not sure how to do that (apart from for privates) in a city where I only know a few people...and they are in other fields. How do you network in a society with no cold calling? Anyone know of any jobs in Osaka for a well-qualified teacher? Very Happy

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Looks like you're in trouble. Even if you landed a job tomorrow, you still wouldn't get paid for 6 to 8 weeks depending on when the company's pay day is.

Private students take time to meet and get going. This isn't a realistic option.

If you made it your full time job to find a job, armed with only the Kansai Flea market along with faxing the companies that want a faxed resume, you should be able to land a job fairly quick, after most people get done with their holidays. This is a bad time to search for a job.

To get something better, you'll probably have to wait until Jan, Feb, March to land something at a high school or a university, and that takes an effort too.

Revenant · Mod Team Joined: 28 Jul 2005 Posts: 1109

I didn't see whether you've mentioned if you have published any articles refereed or not. Have you?

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

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

I have an MA also. It seems to be a mixed bag. An MA might disqualify you from the typical eikaiwa positions, but it can be an asset when looking for "higher tier" positions, such as those at a high school, technical college, corporate class, or university, since that will put you ahead of the majority of other foreigners here. I think you should tailor your resume to fit the kind of job you want. If it's a NOVA-type position, I'd recommend leaving the MA stuff off. An MA may help you get some privates though. Check out www.findateacher.net and set up a profile there and maybe you can get some students there.

One last thing. August is a TERRIBLE month to look for work. You do know that the Obon holiday just started, right? Everyone's on vacation! Sifting through resumes is the last thing on employers' minds right now.

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

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

I just had dinner last night with a guy who worked at W5 in Nagoya. During the interview he discovered from another applicant that teachers were not paid during vacations and the company was very evasive about saying exactly how much teachers were paid between contracts and "down" periods when there were little or no classes. That will also hit your wallet as well, if the company is not forthcoming about what they actually pay you until it's too late.