Job Discussion Forums

[Glenski]

Since vash did not really seem too clear in his original post about "nuances" about job hunting in Tokyo, I gave what was sensible advice based on the following experience.
There is no secret handshake that'll get you a job in Japan. Job hunting here is much like what it is in your home country. Japanese are more punctual here, and they pay more attention to image/impressions. For some additional details on what I posted earlier, read on.

Do's of job hunting.
1. Have the proper qualifications for the visa.
Many people try to get jobs here without such qualifications, and they complain about it. Membership in any church is not proper qualifications, especially in a non-Christian based culture.

2. Have a good looking resume and cover letter.
I have seen dozens of them, and they are all in serious need of repair. The ones I have seen come from non-teaching backgrounds on up to master's and PhD's in linguistics. Most of them do not contain the proper information on personal details, including a decent photo.

3. Dress well and show up on time for the interview.
I have seen plenty of people just showing up at some eikaiwa in T-shirt and faded jeans and 5 o'clock shadow doling out resumes. Not a proper way to introduce yourself. I have also seen people come to interviews in disarray and far too casual clothing. One guy in particular strikes me because he came in flannel plaid shirt, ragged blue jeans, pillow hair, horrid bad breath, and he was 20 minutes late. Want the interviewer to wait for you? Fine. He won't.

4. Know something about the company/school.
This goes without saying, no matter what job you want. Many people post contract info online just to get someone's take on it, then are horrified at what they learn is regular and irregular business practice. You might get by with flip remarks at your last job, but they won't cut it here.

5. Do your hunting at the right time.
Golden Week, Obon, and December/early January are terrible times. If you want a high school or university job, know that April is the start date, so figure 3-6 months earlier in order to interview. Also, know that it takes 2-4 months to get a work visa processed. And, many people have recently asked about "summer jobs". Well, there are darned few, and there's no sense in complaining about it if that's the only time you have to work here. Some have even complained about not being able to find work for a one month period. Finally, don't bother sending out resumes unless employers are advertising, unless you have some inside information, or your resume will be added to the "pshaw" filing bin.

6. Know how to prove your adaptability to living in a foreign land.
One of the biggest things that employers want is a person who won't freak out in the first month and want to fly home to mommy. Some do because they aren't prepared. Some do even if the ARE prepared. But, trying to sell yourself to an employer involves this aspect...adaptability. Not only to the foreign culture you are entering, but to the different way in which business is practiced here. Save your drunk driving stories for the koban, not the interview.

Now, vash, I will ask you again to provide some background info on your credentials so it will be easier in some respects to help you. And, just what are your teaching goals? I have provided plenty of info, but it can't be directed too specifically unless I know this info. If you consider that bitter, well, that's your problem, not my intention.

[vash3000]

Okay.

Actually, I was attempting to make a caraciture of a generic ESL teacher in my second post, based on what I`ve been hearing on these boards.

I remember a post in the Korean forum asking for help job hunting, and the response was:

"Email a good picture."

I thought that was kinda funny.

The ULC is an internet site that grants membership in about 30 seconds. After which, you are legally entitled to perform marriages. I met an Aussy in Nagoya that was doing just that, performing marriages on behalf of the Universal Life Church in Japan.

(Don`t tell anyone, but I`ve ordained Godzilla.)

For the most part, I found Japan to really be a funky little planet to live on. but Gunma...Gumna has thrown me for a loop.

I`m your generic wayward adventurer. I have a BA, 100 hour TEFL, and 2 years experience (18 months in a small rice village near Nagoya). My Japanese is a little dodgy, but I`m pretty good with the adjectives.

Currently, I`m the English teacher for a big old soap factory in Gunma (9-5, M-F). My students are excellent (what few I have), the plant manager is cool, My fellow gaijins are a charming lot, salary is good (300k), and my office has a beautiful view.

But I`m not happy, and while I could (in time) bend things to my will (or be bent), I`d rather focus my energies in a place I like.

In short, I think I`m a city boy now.

I have no experience job hunting in the bigger cities. So I`m not sure what I should look out for. If this sounds odd coming from someone who has spent 2 years in Japan, well...for the most part, jobs in Japan have always been pretty easy to find. I`ve just taken whatever was offered, and made the best of whatever was given.

Now, I want a little more.

I suppose Tokyo is a fascination for me because I`ve heard rumblings that a crafty teacher can make a good score (I`m loosening up on the Zen...and driving full-tilt into crass materialism). So I guess I`m presupposing that Tokyo has the potential to offer something far above what the common rice village teacher is accustomed to.

I have no idea what that may be, but I`m hoping.

Best,
Vash

(If anyone has the audacity to break their silence on this issue, please feel free to PM me.)

[Star 9]

"Vash 300" sounds like medication for a bad snatch.

[shmooj]

[vash3000]

[easyasabc]

[TokyoLiz]

Vash, you made my day!

[Robbo]

Nice one Vash!!! You've got me smilin' all the way down here in Oz. With a sharp wit and wicked written style, I reckon you'll be into a top gig real soon!! Good luck from Robbo!

P.S We kinda like Aussie rather than Aussy if possible??

Glenski- I reckon you're a champ along with many others who might not post. You're advice is always well received. Thank you!!