Job Discussion Forums

[Waegook]

My apologies if this has been covered elsewhere on the forum, but I've just joined.

After teaching for a year in Korea, I am currently looking for a job in Japan, hopefully in Kitakyushu. I am now back in my native Scotland, and have been sending my CV/resume out to non-chain schools with vacancies.

I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time, not being in Japan with a visa already organised. I know I can apply for the Big 4 and go through the recruitment process in London, but I don't want to do that just now because I'm looking for work in a specific place in the first instance. I am able to leave for Japan at any time, and I'm considering going there to look for work in person, but the visa issue would still be there, and I couldn't afford to hang around for too long without any income. Also, I'm not prepared to work on a holiday visa, as I understand this is illegal.

Is the Big 4 route my only real option, or are individual schools often willing to accept an applicant not residing in Japan?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Glenski]

[Waegook]

Thanks for the reply and the advice.

A friend of mine got a job in Japan from Korea, the interview being by MSN Messenger, but I think she was lucky.

It looks like I'm going to have to go the chain schools route. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against them. Actually, I'd prefer a chain school in many ways, because of the advantages you point out. It's just that I was hoping to find work in a particular location, and the chain school route would mean giving up on that.

[cappuck]

MOD EDIT Personally, I got my first job in Japan at a non-chain eikaiwa simply by applying for it right off of this website! And I know a lot of others who did exactly the same thing.

Please don't take his advice on this one. Too many people listen to his inaccurate information. In fact, a lot of places want to hire people directly from abroad for different reasons. They are not necessarily reasons favorable to the teacher, however, they can get you a visa and a job.

If you are hoping to land a job teaching in Japan and would prefer to secure something before you leave home, then you should shotgun your resume out to employers. Likely, you'll get some responses, possibly some phone interviews and / or offers.

[Glenski]

MOD EDIT

Small outfits, as I wrote, rarely hire and sponsor from overseas. That does not mean they NEVER do.

Heck, even I got hired by one, but I was fortunate enough not to have to go through a phone interview. Of course, that was 8 years ago. How long ago was your first job? Times change.

Go ahead and shotgun your resumes, if you like. Most people will agree that it's a waste of time, energy, and postage if the employers aren't advertising. You could get lucky, but personally I wouldn't do it and I don't advise it.

[Like a Rolling Stone]

Well Nova have most places available so maybe it would be the easiest place to get a place in a specific place. All the other schools would just be good luck.

[Waegook]

Thanks for your contributions, guys.

I'm going to apply for the chain-schools, but on the side I'm going to send off CVs electronically for advertised vacancies, or in response to school directors who contact me (as I have done), as it's no real effort and who knows?

From what you've been saying, though, I won't pin my hopes on getting the location I want, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for good luck!

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[Glenski]

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[Glenski]

I would say emphasize it merely by writing it in a final separate paragraph (right before the thank you, of course). No need to put something as glaring as bold font in a cover letter. Just my opinion.

[Bozo Yoroshiku]