Job Discussion Forums

[bamboocactus]

Howdy all, thanks for all the replies. I have a lot to think about.

Glenski, you're the most vocal one I've seen on the whole of the forum, so I appreciate the input of a "grizzled veteran"; I'm not sure how much of what I'm dealing with you've gone through personally, but I can tell you at least know what you're talking about so thanks for all the responses.

Some clarification: Yes, I am American. I do realize I'm using a misnomer in saying "tourist visa", what I've meant was 90 day landing permission.

Also, yes, Aspara, I will be hopping over to Korea for a couple of days (I have friends and, believe it or not, family there, so I can chill in Seoul for a day or two), and then hop back to Japan for another 90 days. The only problem is this:

when I do a "run" to Korea and back to get another 90 days, when I land in Japan again, will I need to have another ticket out of country in-hand? From the questioning I've done I think the answer would be "yes" but I just want someone else's experience on this.

I am by no means putting my faith in the placement service, but I'm going to take your advice, Glenski, and have them spray my resume and coverletter goodness all over the country and see what pops up. Worse comes to worst they stick me in Chiba (been seeing a lot of jobs there), on the other side of the country, where one of my best buddies from college happens to be living and working. I'm going to keep a positive attitude about this. Yar!

Oh yeah, and I think the nice thing about them is that they have "contacts". The language they use is all real vague and professional-like, but it boils down to this: the companies and schools they have relationships with, know that the seminar graduates are pre-screened and retain a certain level of quality they're looking for, so from what I've learned, through this service, hiring seminars are waived. I THINK. Don't quote me on it. (literally!)

Kitano: That's my plan, man! I'm hoping it works as smoothly as all that. People have been telling me to do it time and again, even some Japanese, so I'm putting some stock in that as an option. Only problem is amassing enough money to support myself through that time; I can't find employment here in the states (imagine that!), so it'll be rough. I can fortunately still get a student loan as I'll be a student until a few weeks before I leave, which is better than nothing, but I'd rather not be in debt.

Nevertheless, I think it can't be helped in this case, especially if I have to stick it out until the hiring season, which means three return trips to Japan. That might get dicey. Anyone have any experience on that?

GambateBingBangBOOM: Gotcha. I understand what you're telling me, and I definitely know not to say anything about plans and such like that to potential employers. I want them to employ me pretty much no matter what, so I'll refrain from shooting myself in the foot at any point!

[Glenski]

[Beebe05]

I am having a very similar problem. I am teaching currently in Thailand and am moving to Japan in October. I am wondering if you have figured anything out more in regards of the steps you are going to taken once you arrive in Japan in August. Thanks

[bamboocactus]