Job Discussion Forums

[Amadruada]

I fully admit that I have been renowned for being a "crazy" dresser my whole life. Moreover, I've lived in Toronto for five years, where pretty much any outfit is appropriate for any occasion. As such, I'm a little worried about properly transitioning into the rigid eikaiwa work environment dress code. I know it varies from working environment to working environment, but I would really appreciate some general tips.

I know that professional business attire is the standard, and have a few conservative pantsuits waiting, but there are some points I'm not so clear on:

1. Colour- how much is too much? For example, if I were to wear a dark grey suit with a black shirt underneath, but pair it with bright blue shoes, would that be inappropriate?

2. Embellishment- under my suit jacket, could I wear a shirt with some lace around the neck, or is that too much?

3. Jewelry- one earring per ear, of course, but should I eschew all dangling earrings? What about sparkly studs?

4. Makeup- should I ever wear nail polish, and if so, can it ever be a colour other than clear or pale pink? I'm not talking bright green, but would a deep red be pushing it?

5. Shoes- low heels seem to be the best option, and I know not to wear anything with open toes, but what about shape?

Thanks a lot!

[AmorFati]

If I remember correctly, you won't be wearing your shoes whenever you are teaching classes

[Apsara]

I worked at several different eikaiwas, and always wore my shoes. You will have to check the dress code at your school- some might insist on dark shoes, others don't seem to care. I was told not to wear some dark gold shoes once, but I kept wearing 'em with the excuse that it's hard for me to find shoes my size in Japan (US 9). You might find that medium-high heels are acceptable, but if you are standing to teach they may not be so comfy. You will also find yourself doing a lot of walking in Japan, and standing on the train during your commute.

I have had 2 earrings in one ear and 1 in the other for years and it was never mentioned in my eikaiwa days. I knew female teachers with 3 or 4 in each ear. Big bright plastic dangly earrings might not go down well, but you most likely have some leeway with your earrings, you don't have to be too conservative. Sparkly studs will be fine.

A shirt with some lace is unlikely to be a problem. You can also get away with fairly colourful shirts, most likely. Generally women have a lot more leeway than men here.

You will probably be all right with red nail polish, but perhaps avoid it for the first month or so you are there. Once you settle in you can start to see what the atmosphere of the place you work at is like and which rules might be a bit more flexible.

[alexcase]

It might help if we knew your gender- I started reading after looking at the photo and was about to start laughing at the picture of your first day at Nova, but the other reply seems to be assuming that you are female...

TEFLtastic blog- All the truth that's fit to teach- www.tefl.net/alexcase

[Amadruada]

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

It's not what you wear, but how you wear it.

Keep your clothes well-pressed and neat. Don't wear baggy or worn out stuff, even if it's a suit blah blah blah.

Don't worry about the color of your shoes, so much as their condition. Don't wear cheap stuff. Aside from the fact that it's made by people in horrible conditions, it gives a bad impression.

You can wear nail polish but you have to keep it neat. No chips or smudges acceptable.

You'll have to spend time on your hair and make-up unless you are a phenomenal teacher. I recommend fitting in as much as possible while you get your bearings. You're bound to make some mistakes teaching-wise if your first eikaiwa gig, and your bosses will be way more tolerant if you at least look the part.

Don't think that just because your coworkers are bending the dress code a little, you can do so at first. You have to prove yourself first. Then, around the six month to one year mark, you can start incorporating some other stuff.

[Apsara]

I have impossible hair (fine and lifeless) so have never bothered with much more than a ponytail. I am also pretty minimalist with the makeup, especially in summer here when I sweat it off while I am applying it anyway. I have never had a comment on this from any of the schools I worked at, so it may not be that big a deal.

Looking tidy, keeping the students happy and not blatantly breaking any of the dress code rules is most important I would say.

[bule_boy69]

So what about the blokes then?

Yeah i know women get a lot more leeway... same here. Blokes at my place get hassled for not wearing a tie but women can walk around with bits exposed and push the boundaries almost no end it seems.

Anyway, any scope for the fellas or is it plain dull businesslike full stop?

Cheers

[Lyrajean]

Here in Okinawa the dress code is pretty laid back. There are still a few things that are 'no go' for the ladies.

Sleeveless tops. Even if that sleeve is only a little cap or ruffle of lace it still counts!

Cleavage. Seriously. If you can see the separation between your *beep* (particularly when you bend over) its not for work. Note: if you are not as flat chested as your Japanese colleagues this may result in you being expected to wear higher necklines than they are.

Skirts should not be much shorter than the top of your kneecap. If you wear coordinatingly dark hose you can push this one a little. I've never noticed any complaints, but then here in the tropics very few ladies wear hose at all.

[southofreality]