Job Discussion Forums

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

It's my understanding that the primary hiring season for the Big 4 is between February and April. How stiff is the competition around that time? Are there more people applying then? Could I maybe increase my odds by interviewing just before or maybe just after that season? If I interview in, say, January, would that be too early? I don't want um to turn me down because I applied too far ahead of when they need me or too far ahead of when I'll actually be available, y'know? Lemme know what you think? Thanks. Smile

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

How stiff is the competition then? What sort of numbers are you looking for? Nobody knows. Let's just say that it's the peak season, and you have the best chance of getting hired then, ok? Wait, and you lose out. You've been posting here long enough to know that, Omeo.

Go ahead and try to apply in January, but if places aren't advertising, you have less of a chance then, too. Are you planning to apply in person? From within Japan or from abroad? Help us out. You know the score:

1. Apply from abroad, and you have about a dozen places that will come to native English speaking countries on their terms.

2. Apply from within, and you increase the number of places that advertise, but not all will sponsor work visas, and you will have to finance yourself until that first paycheck comes in. That could take 4-6 weeks from the day you are hired, so be prepared to support yourself for 1-3 months.

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

The big eikaiwa chains are always hiring.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I agree with Canuck.

I have been hired 3 times by big chain eikaiwas, including one of the big 4, and my starting times were mid-February the first time, late January the second and late February the third time. There were at least 40 people attending the orientations with me the first and second times.

I remember a lot of Australians and New Zealanders leaving/ arriving in Japan about this time, as it coincides with our school year ending and beginning, hence some turnover at this time. If you are happy to go with one of the big chains, you have a good chance of being hired in January.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

I'm planning on interviewing in Chicago.