Job Discussion Forums

[pam.peh]

Hi,

I've recently been offered a job with a dispatch company, but a simple search on this forum has been very informative regarding this particular company (none of which I've learnt was good).

The thing is, this was the only company that has offered me a job (in fact, the *only* company that I even got an interview with).

For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me (and I'm being serious. It's extremely difficult to get a job in Japan from here) and at this point, I would rather go to Japan with a bad job (and expecting it) then to not go at all.

In any case, there are some things in the agreement that I would like to ask some of the others here.

They're asking me for my original certificates documents for visa application. Logically, it doesn't make sense to me to give them my original documents. Did anyone also have to give their original certificates? If not, how did you work around it? I'm not sure if a Certified True Copy or endorsed copies of my diplomas would be accepted.

I would also like to ask what else should I expect from an ALT contract? (Just for comparison sake. The contract that the company has offered is... err... very low to say the least.

180,000 - Basic
10,000 - Transportation allowance
20,000 - Performance bonus

Seriously, low!)

The have yet to let me know where the school is, as they're still bidding for the contracts from the various BoEs. (Which I've read about) so, seriously, not even sure if I will have the job in the end. Ha ha ha ha ha *weak laugh*

In any case, I need to let the company know by next week whether I will accept their offer. I am not expecting any other offers from other companies, but I would like to prepare myself before I jump in.

Thanks in advance!

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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[pam.peh]

Ah, I see. Thanks! Now to prepare my old documents >.>

[seklarwia]

They don't need to have the original certificate. An original letter on uni headed paper or an original set of transcripts will suffice. I just sent a letter of confirmation from my uni for my visa.

[Bread]

For my current visa, I used a regular photocopy of my degree together with an official transcript sealed in the envelope (which I then watched the person from my company open, so it doesn't need to be sealed for immigration).

[Hot-Carl]

Have you considered the reason that you're not getting many job offers is because this is the SLOWEST time for hiring in the entire year?

My advice: don't take such a shitty job. Apply for jobs starting in March/April. Most places will be advertising those positions from the middle of January to March. Tell this company to take their seriously low ball wage and go F--- themselves. You'll be happier in the end to wait for a better position.

Less than 180,000yen/month (NEVER count on performance "bonuses") won't even leave you with enough money to eat out at a decent restaurant every couple weeks. You'd be miserable.


BTW, I used a notarized copy of my degree. I didn't send the official one. Immigration was fine with this.

[pam.peh]

[Glenski]

Advice you've been given is very sound. Reread it and think again about that job offer.

The pay is barely subsistence living. If you're in a bigger city, you'll barely have anything left over after paying for basic necessities.

The transportation allowance is also pitifully small for bigger cities, so perhaps it is going to be in a smaller one. That case, will you need a car, and if so, you're going to need far more.

Find out what the rent will be. Now! If it's a place that has previously been used by a teacher, you shouldn't have to pay the security deposit (key money). Don't get ripped off further than you already are.

Just because this is the only job that hired you, don't let desperation guide you into taking it.

1. Find out more about the employer. But, if you have already found only negative news, here's a piece of advice from someone who has been posting for over a decade on these forums: don't come here to complain later if you get burned. You'll only get an "I told you so" response.
2. Keep looking. You can always turn this one down.

[cornishmuppet]

I would strongly advise against sending the original documents of anything important. Immigration don't need them (I used copies first time out, though it was a long time ago) and with any company offering a wage as low as 180,000 a month there's a strong possibility that they'll 'look after them for you' to ensure you complete such a crappy contract.

There's low and then there's low. And that job offer is low....

[ShioriEigoKyoushi]

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[pam.peh]

@Glenski:

Thanks for the information. I was already going, "uh-oh" when I read through this forum in regards to this company, and already had my doubts. (And seriously, if I do go for this job, and things go bad, I won't be expecting any sympathy )

@Shiori:

I've thought about what you've said also, just needed some sort of confirmation that the salary offered was bad. *sighs*

Thanks to everyone else for the advice. I guess the best thing is to reject the offer, and to hopefully see if I can get any other jobs earlier next year.

--

Another question though, I do know that one of the requirements for a visa is a 4 year college course. My course at uni is a 4 year course that I finished in 2 years (credits and all that), anyone knows if that will have any impact on the visa application?

[pam.peh]

[Hot-Carl]

[Glenski]

The visa requirement is for a degree equivalent to a bachelor's. Doesn't matter if you finished in 2 years. In fact, I tell everyone who asks for resume advice that they should stop writing the range of years they spent studying for the degree, and just write the graduation date.

Reject the offer is my opinion, but on more than just salary. You did write that you'd heard other bad news about the place, right?

[pam.peh]