Job Discussion Forums

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 8:32 am Post subject: Getting that first job....how?

My situation: Stuck in UK, girlfriend lives in Tokyo area.

My question: How do I get that first job in Japan before Christmas and before I go mad? I tried with Nova, but I turned them down as they refused to tell me where they would place me....
99% of the stuff I see on-line needs a visa, which I don't have. I am a total TEFL newbie.....just with a degree and some commercial tutoring experience in the UK. I am not fussy, I just need a job in the Kanto area.

My thanks: To anyone who can help !!!

cabbagehead · Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 46 Location: Japan

You might find the timeframe tough even if you land a job today. THis is because it can take a couple of months to process a work visa application.

You may know this but you can't get a work visa in this country. You have to apply at a Japanese embassy. One way round this is to come here, secure employment and then head out to Seoul where you can get your visa overnight. However, I doubt if bigger companies would do this for you. You still have to wait for the paperwork to go through (couple of months perhaps) and any money you take during that time is officially illegal so the big firms aren't going to risk that.

Sorry to rain on your parade but getting a job here before Christmas is probably going to be tough.

If you don7t mind me asking: why the rush?

Someone else here with more knowledge of immigration might correct me though so there may be hope Wink

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

I second the query about the Xmas rush to land a job here, and I agree with cabbagehead about the other points.

However, immigration is easing up on the work visa situation, so people don't always have to leave the country. As they say, case by case.

As for AgentMulderUK, you have the basic minimum qualifications (a degree) for a teaching job here, so don't fret over that. However, you are facing a huge task of getting hired by staying in the UK. There are very few places that hire people from abroad. Lately, I've been updating my list of such places, and this is what I've found.

GEOS
NOVA
ECC
AEON
Interac
JET Program
Westgate Corporation
James English School
Language House, Inc.
Altia Central
Peppy Kids Club

Now, depending on what you want, these are about the only places that will interview you at home and sponsor a work visa. If you want to increase your chances, you are going to have to come to Japan. That means filling your pockets with money (US$4000 or so) and planning on your hunting strategy. If you come with a tourist visa, you have only 90 days or so to find something. Brits can get a working holiday visa, however, which extends that period to about a year, but according to many sources, they are only able to work part-time. Of course, if you string together several PT gigs, you can make decent money. The choice of how you job hunt is up to you. I made a list of advantages and disadvantages of job hunting from abroad vs. from within Japan. Send me an email if you want it. It also includes some figures on expenses while you do the hunting here.

One point I'll mention rather delicately, so don't take offense at it. I've seen my share of resumes from prospective teachers. They are all in need of improvements, so I would suggest that you ask someone to look at yours just to see that everything is in general order. I'll look at it, too, and you can expect an honest but frank appraisal. The same thing goes for a cover letter.

cabbagehead · Joined: 22 Sep 2003 Posts: 46 Location: Japan

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 5:57 pm Post subject:

Well, the reasons for the rush are:

(1) impatience
(2) my current job ends Christmas

I went to Japan last month and had a look about(but only for 2 weeks...yeah..I know....I expect too much too soon) , but pretty hard....I'll keep persevering. I'll also try the rest of the places on your list.

Being 34, I am too old for a working visa. Sad

I am really greatful for all your help guys..... Smile

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

nomadder · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:28 pm Post subject:

Well he has a girlfriend in Japan so that could cut costs. You might not need as much money as mentioned above. You say she lives in the Tokyo area so that gives you a lot of potential places to check out. You might find a desperate employer who needs someone quick who will be willing to take you on. It's possible. Depends on luck and tenacity.

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

When I interviewed with Nova, I stated that I was going to Nagoya and would be interested in work there only. I was told as long as I could give them a fixed address, they would offer me work there within the 30 - 60 minutes commuting timeframe they offer. But I had to provide them with the address first. As I couldnt go that, they told me to just turn up at a Nova branch when I arrived and had an address.

As you have an address and arent choosy about eikawas, why dont you apply for big-chain schools around your girlfriend's apartment area? I find it hard to imagine you couldnt get something in Tokyo if you arent choosy!!

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2003 3:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks again all, for taking the time to write all this.

Yes, Glenski, I did mean I am too old for a working holiday visa. Sorry I was not very clear.

I do try and check all the usual websites. I have been trying for about 3 months but nothing. They all seem to want visas or experience. That�s why I started getting a bit negative�.

And yep, I�ve started on the learning Japanese mission.

I did wonder if there are any large companies over there who use English instructors within a commercial/industrial setting, rather than just English schools or purely English teaching companies. But finding those seems very difficult.

Benj, interesting what you said about Nova. Although I turned them down, as they refused to tell me where in Japan I would be�are they allowed to employ people who just walk in off the street in Tokyo?
I already applied to the big chain schools like Aeon, ECC within the UK but they are not even interviewing until next year, if at all.
Are you saying its different, if I just walk in off the street again? I just thought they would say �yeah yeah go and get an interview in your home country�?

Yeahm, nomaddder, a desperate employer would suit me, as I am becoming a desperate employee!!! Send all desperate employers address to me!

Funds: In theory I could come to Japan for month or even 2,but it sounds one hell of a risk. But, from what your saying, guys, sounds like I�ve got to face it.
Is January a good time, in your combined experience? I wouldn�t want to go during a �quiet month�? Berlitz have promised me a 2nd interview in January also.

Hmmm�.decisions�decisions�.

Confused

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

Nova seems to me an easy choice and I don't live in Tokyo where I would imagine it much easier. Yes you can just walk in off the street. Try them but obviously dont mention a previous interview in your home country.

Try them all, cant hurt.

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

You might consider lining yourself up with 2 or 3 interviews in the 2nd week you are in Japan, so you can fly over and be here in person.

Don't plan on having interviews (ie don't pre-arrange) in your first week on arrival. You'll be so jet lagged that you won't make a good impression.

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

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

listen to Glenski - i've forked over so much money so far setting up apartments and the extras and just paying for food and 5 weeks later I have still to see that first pay. Unless you have a job already and everything is being handed to you on a platter you NEED those thousands and thousands of dollars.

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

First of all... Good luck... I hope you can pull it off... I really mean that (not being sarcastic or anything)....

Second of all, although I never recommend people just come to Japan without having a job first, as it can backfire, it's definitely not unheard of for people to come to Japan job-less and then find employment here. This is what my wife and I did. We purchased a pre-paid cell phone on day 2 of our arrival in Tokyo, and for the next 2 weeks went to interviews in the area... We were fortunate... In the end we chose from 2 offers.

Thirdly, it all comes to money. When I used to sell compuers in Canada, I always used to tell my customers: If you throw enough money at a problem.... it WILL go away..... Smile

What I mean by that is, your stay in Japan job-less and seeking employment will be most likely limited by how much money you have to support yourself before you get that first job...

Otherwise, I hope you achieve your goal. Good luck to you....

JD

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 9:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the wishes of good luck. Think its working.
Already been invited to one interview here in London by Aeon....
So there is hope yet!

Cheers Smile