Job Discussion Forums

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Hey, all. I have a friend who lives near Nagoya who has said that if I don't get the Nova job I just applied for the other day that I can come to Japan and stay with her and her husband while I look for a job. Does anyone think this is a bad idea? Are my odds of finding work in Nagoya soon good if I spend every waking moment pounding the pavement?

furiousmilksheikali

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

She said that, besides the schools I can apply to, she can introduce me to several people she knows who will pay for private lessons (even though I pointed out to her that I've never taught formal lessons before.)

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

Go for it. Just don't wear out your welcome, and offer to pay for your stay in some way.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Well, again, how much luck do you think I'd have in Nagoya if I really get out there and look hard?

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

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Okay. That doesn't sound too bad. What if I do a lot of research and start applying for and arranging interviews before I get there?

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

C'mon, Omeo. Nobody is capable of quoting you the odds. This isn't a racetrack. You sound like you're going to do all it takes. Go for it.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

I don't expect anyone to calculate an exact probability; I know there's no way to do that. I was looking for more of a ball-park estimate or maybe someone to just say they think my odds of success are "good", "bad", "okay", "not great"; something like that.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

Your odds are decent. Nagoya is one of the largest cities in Japan with a good number of opportunities for an English conversation gig. Also, (I assume) you're a native speaker of English with a Working Holiday Visa - pretty much meeting the base requirement for part-time teaching at any eikaiwa. Having someone introduce you to a gig also improves your odds (over someone applying for the same gig with the same qualifications).

If you have a bachelors degree, your odds improve as potential employers may sponsor you for a Specialist in Humanities/ International Services visa (leading to more long-term and/or full-time employment, if that's what you're looking for).

If you are Caucasian, your odds also improve as that is the image that most eikaiwas tend to go for.

If you know a little Japanese or know a little about Japanese culture, that's also good as you may be less inclined to freak out due to culture shock - just don't come off as a know-it-all Japan nerd.

etc etc...

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Those are good points.

More advice:
be humble
dress professionally even if it is for a kid's school
wear a nice shirt and pants even if it is meeting for a private lesson, I'd skip the tie for that
get a prepaid cellphone and put the number on your resume

AND definitely help out around the house at your friend's, chores and buying groceries... No one likes a mooch, not even friends.

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Good. Thanks very much. Mr. Green

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

I'd like to try reversing the question. What are the odds of NOT finding a decent job in Nagoya if I research and apply to schools before I arrive and bust my butt to find a place after I get there?

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:25 pm Post subject: