Job Discussion Forums

[monocongo]

Hello,

I have recently completed a CELTA course and have started looking for jobs in Japan via the internet. I have a BS degree in Computer Science and ten years experience as a software developer. I really enjoy teaching and want a change for a few years, hence the career move. Of all the countries where I could teach EFL I am most interested in the culture of Japan. I expect that I will teach for two or three years but in the end I will probably go back to software development since the money is so much better than in teaching. My goal is to land a job in Japan beginning in the fall, but as yet I have had little response from the many CVs that I have sent to prospective employers via email. I am hoping that the readers of this forum can enlighten me about a few things which I may be misinformed about.

1. Is it likely that I would have an easier chance of finding work if I were in Japan ? I have heard that this is an expensive undertaking, requiring approximately USD $4000. I've also read that this is very risky as there are many cases of people coming to Japan via this route and leaving after three months with no job. I think that I have "the look" that Japanese schools are looking for - handsome white westerner, young and clean cut. Besides that I am also hard-working, easy-going and professional, but I have read in many places that the schools are looking for an image more so than a competent teacher. Could I come to Japan and hope to get a job based primarily on my appearance ? This seems very superficial in my opinion but I am willing to use whatever angle will work.

2. Is my age perhaps a factor ? I am 35, but most people tell me I look to be about 27. I have emailed a photo of myself with my CVs so that employers can see that I am no monster. Is my age working against me, in that employers may be looking for a fresh graduate ? Or perhaps my experience as a software developer is marking me as too experienced in the working world and perhaps harder to manipulate than a young newbie ?

In conclusion the age and overseas location factors are the only things that I can think of which are preventing me from generating any interest. I am certified (CELTA), have a BS degree, I am genuinely interested in teaching professionally (not going to Japan to drink or chase skirts), I have travelled extensively in Asia and have lived overseas before, and I have loads of references to attest to my professionalism and character. Maybe I am just having bad luck, or maybe the Japanese market for EFL teachers is more saturated than I have been led to believe.

Any comments or feedback will be appreciated, and I thank you in advance.

[Glenski]

[monocongo]

Thanks Glenski for your response.

[Glenski]

That page is not accessible. Is the address correct?

[PAULH]

Glenski

Take off the period he put in at the end of html

here is the correct page

http://www.geocities.com/james_adams/JapanCV.html

[PAULH]

james

just a quick observation:

you are seeking a professional type position teaching English in japan, where you are asking people to pay you a salary and have formal teaching qualifications, yet your photo shows someone who looks like they are enjoying themselves in Bali on vacation.

In Japan presentation is EVERYTHING. Dont you have a photo where your hair is combed, you are wearing a collar and tie, and you have perhaps shaved first?

If this were sent to me I wouldnt have good first impression to begin with. I will leave glenski to deal with your CV.

[PAULH]

Sorry I didnt see your comment above- my apologies. I would work on the photo before you send this out to anyone first though.

[Glenski]

James,

Ok, I accessed the page. Had to delete the period after the "html".


No need to put CV in the title. Someone will know what this is. I personally think the statement under your name is unnecessary because you are going to file this with the employer for a teaching job anyway, and it is pretty obvious why.
You should list an address or phone number.
You shouldn't abbreviate South Carolina because Japanese employers look at resumes from many countries and aren't always familiar with states' abbreviations. Include the country, even if it seems obvious.
You need to state the dates you received your CELTA and BSc.
Your personal details should include your marital status, nationality, birth place, and visa status (as well as the necessary contact info).
Do you have any other jobs to list, even if they aren't related to teaching? You are 35 years old, after all.

Your current position should state what nationalities you are teaching English to. Perhaps even list the textbooks you use. Maybe mention the size of your classes, too.

Personally, I think the list of "key skills" is unnecessary, and listing your CELTA as a skill and as a qualification is redundant.

Your picture is good enough. No need to change it.

In your description of CELTA training, what is "assessed teaching practice"? Sounds strange.

I would discourage the use of "References provided upon request". This has been debated before on this site. My view is that if you have them, fine. The employer might ask or might not. So be it. Rhetorically speaking, what good is it to say you have references? On the other hand, if you list them, that could be equally dangerous because if you send out a lot of resumes, potential employers might contact them, and they may not be willing to accept so many calls/requests for information on you.

[monocongo]

Actually the page is fine, but I think what's happening is that since the link is at the end of sentence in the previous posting, with a finalizing period, this BBS appends the period at the end of the HTML A-reference instead recognizing it as the full stop (period) for the sentence, which points you to a non-existent page ("CVpage.html. " instead of "CVpage.html").

Try the link http://www.geocities.com/james_adams/JapanCV.html which should work fine without the period. Thanks again for looking at this, feel free to pass along the CV link to anyone who may be hiring EFL teachers from overseas.

[monocongo]

[PAULH]

FWIW

Many of the larger schools that you apply to do have a dress code i.e. slacks and collared shirt for men. A tie is usually necessary at some of the language schools but you may not need one for your CV. Business dress for women, men should have short trimmed hair, and some will not hire teachers with beards or earrings. Jeans and open-toe sandals are usually a no-no in the Japanese workplace. Of course this is not Hawaii where formal means wearing tie over your floral shirt, you may not have to wear a tie once you actually get here (I don't and I work in a university). When you have the large schools getting hundreds of applications every month and rejecting half of them, obviously you want to present yourself in the best possible light. If Glenski says what you have is OK then go with that as he is teaching in a high school and is closer to what you will be looking for. These are after all my own personal impressions from many years (16) of living in this country and my understanding of Japanese business culture.

[Glenski]

James,

A couple of more points.

1. I would not plan on sending this to employers as an email link, so you should prepare a hard copy. That obviously means canceling the links you have embedded.

Even if you keep the online resume format, read #2 below. And, cancel the photography link. It adds nothing to a teaching resume.

2. Regarding the computer related CV itself, Japanese employers in the teaching field will find it practically impossible to understand that CV. Heck, even I do! If you must list additional, non-teaching work experience (and I suggest you do), trim it down and present it as simply as possible. Your potential employer probably has minimal reading skills in English.

3. Yes, the picture is acceptable, but I agree with Paul that you should post a more professional one. (My high school kids have uncombed hairstyles like the one in your picture, but you should realize 2 things. One, students do not do the hiring. Two, save your casual style pictures for the school brochures, if they want something like that. Mine did.) I will wait for your updated pic that you promised.

[homersimpson]