Job Discussion Forums

[nonsmoker]

How soon should one apply to a school that has posted a job starting date? I'm talking about the time required from when a successful candidate sees the add until the time when one is actually in Japan and ready to work. This taking into consideration the time it takes before and after the interview, visa processing times, and actual arrival dates. I'm thinking along the lines of 3 months but I'd like to hear your input. Thanks.

[Glenski]

You should apply as soon as you see the ad (not "add").

If you are simply asking about the timeline, you've pretty much given a fair estimate, IMO, for someone living outside of Japan and who needs a visa. JET Programme's application process is much longer. For Americans, you apply by December, interview in February, hear in April or May, and ship out in late July or August.

If you are doing this sort of thing, you have to cancel the lease on your home, find a place to store belongings (and physically move them there), deal with changing insurance on cars, arrange for travel insurance (if you like), arrange shipment of belongings to Japan (things you don't want to carry on the plane), etc., and this takes time. A reasonable employer will understand that and will be interviewing abroad with this timeline in mind. There will always be ones that want you here in a hurry, but it is up to you to figure out whether it's for legitimate reasons.

If you are already in Japan, obviously you should apply ASAP, especially if you are sitting here on a tourist status. You can be interviewed and hired within a couple of weeks (depends on the employer), and you can start the visa process and work with the "pending visa" status while you wait however long it may take to get the final call (4-6 weeks).

[nonsmoker]