Job Discussion Forums

musashi44 · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Location: us

I'm a bit of a hefty individual and I was wondering if this is a barrier for being accepted by eikaiwas or other places like ECC, Aeon, Etc. I have been to Japan and know first hand what kind of physical requirments will be placed on me- that is not the problem, I'm getting my self into shape for that now. My main concern is being turned down if I were to interview now as opposed to waiting a few months and interviewing in slimmer form. I just want people's observations on this who seen or experienced it first hand.
Thank You.
musashi44

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

I have seen and worked with some overweight people here, in eikaiwa and high school. Unless it seriously restricts your duties, don't worry about it.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

If the eikaiwa cares about professionalism and quality teaching, they will hire you based on your qualifications, work ethic, and personality.

musashi44 · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Location: us

The main reason I did this post was because I had heard that some of the schools over there were more worried about appearances (through really more with professional appearances) than qualifications. I was just worried that I might be thought of as less desirable because it might be harder for me to adapt. perhaps I'm just being paranoid.
musashi44

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

Unfortunately, you're not being paranoid. I was over the age of 35 when I came to Japan. Even though I was an experienced and competent ESL teacher, I found that more than a few eikaiwas wouldn't hire me, or even grant me an interview, due to my age. But, I would not want to work for those types of schools anyways, so it was for the best.
There are however, employers in Japan who will look at your application & resume and make a determination whether your are the right candidate for a position with them, based on criteria that matter. Ganbatte!

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

IMO, most eikaiwas will hire based on your personality, your chemistry with them and potentially with the students, and your perceived lack of risk of culture shock.

Teaching credentials mean zip to most of them. If you seem like the type who might take his credentials and change the school's format, they won't usually hire you.

Age means zip to many as long as you meet the above "standards".

BobbyBan · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 201

When it comes to appearance the things that most eikaiwa worry about are visible tattoos, scraggly beards (particularly on women) and crazy hairstyles and facial piercings. If you really are worried about your weight then make sure that everything about your appearance is impeccable and you show willingness to work hard and be energetic in your job.

Mapleblondie · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 93 Location: Canada

Oh, and make sure you wear deodorant/antiperspirant. When I went for my interviews there was a fellow who was bigger and presented himself well, but didn't get the job, I'm guess, because he was sweating profusely while he gave his demo lesson. I think that does is not as big of an issue as their perception of you being healthy and taking care of yourself, in addition to all the qualities Glenski listed above.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

Bobbyban and Mapleblondie are absolutely correct. For the most part, professionalism is very important in Japan, and professional appearance is an asset.

iverin · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Ontario

I was hired by Aeon and I'm, to use your word "hefty". I had no problem getting the job. Just make sure to look professional. I've been told to get used to being stared at a lot, both for being foreign as well as for looking different, so if you're okay with that then there shouldn't be a problem Smile