Job Discussion Forums

[Tre]

As many of you know I will be leaving for Japan in just under three weeks. I was planning on sending out applications from England this coming weekend so that prospective employers have a few weeks to process my application before I am available for interview.

Is this a good idea?

Secondly - I dont have any ESL qualifications, just a degree in computer science. I dont have any teaching experience either. The only thing I can think of which may help my application is the fact that I have a Japanese girlfriend who when I met her could not speak good English. I helped her with English and she helped me with Japanese. Is this not a language exchange? Can I use this to my advantage. I think that this experience has given me an idea of some of the more basic problems Japanese people have with learning English.

If so can I put this in my letter or resume?

Also during my year long placement with university I gave many presentations, would this be worth mentioning?

I have to use what I can as I have no experience really. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Gordon]

Yes, I'd send out resumes and cover letters to some of the schools you want to visit, telling them the dates you'll be in Japan and that you will stop in.
Yes, talk about language exchange, but don't say it was your girlfriend,just say a student. They don't like mixed couples here.

[Glenski]

If you send out letters now, what Japan address are you going to use so that these potential employers can contact you? Your girlfriend's? If so, state when you are going to be available at such address. Otherwise, I wouldn't even advise sending out resumes and cover letters unless someone is advertising. You didn't say whether you were answering ads or just cold calling. The latter is rarely effective.

You

might get by stating that you were a private tutor (for your girlfriend), but just how long was that? A week? A month? It really should be at least a month to look the least bit plausible. And, I agree with Gordon, don't mention your student was your girlfriend.

Presentations? What do you mean? Probably of no use on a resume, but maybe in a cover letter or at the interview.

[sutekigaijin]

Tre, absolutely listen to Glenski 100% because his word is as good as gold. Trust him like the good lord himself. He knows best. Glenski wrote the cover of all cover letters and the CV of all vitaes. Please listen to him for your own sake.

[fat_chris]

Sutekigaijin,

Stop being a jerk.