Job Discussion Forums

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

Hello, I just moved to Japan, and am setting up shop to look for ESL jobs. I've gone over my credentials and documentation in other topics, so I am not worried about that, I am just concerned about finding a job that will sponsor my work visa. I am really determined to find a job in Osaka-shi, and I have enough money to last about 2 months. Any advice, or any schools you could recommend, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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

Maybe you've gone over your credentials and stuff, but we don't know anything about them, nor do we know what sort of teaching job you're interested in. Help us help you.

You're also asking a huge question here. What specifically do you wish to know?

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

start shotgunning now.

sources to consider for possible employers:

1) ohayoo sensei
2) gaijin pot
3) Daves ESL cafe Job Boards
4) Word of mouth from within Japan

Plan of attack:

Step one - create a great cover letter and resume package. This should include a photo of you (obviously in a suit) a nice little introduction to who you are and basically sell yourself to the company in your cover letter. Why should they hire you, what do you have to offer.

Step two - shoot that package out to as many possible employers from the potential employers list, plus whoever else you can find to shoot it out to. Just make sure you change the employer name on your cover letter Laughing

Step three - wait like two weeks. After you make that big splash in the pond, you have to wait for the water to settle a little. The ducks will come looking as to what is that magnificient foreign creature that has just entered their water.

Step four - make yourself completely available for any interview. At the interview, wear a suit (obviously) that is completely normal...like black on black with white shirt and normal tie.

Step five - become the greatest actor that you can be for that interview. have your politician smile, your two cups of coffee energy, and your I love teaching, working, making you money, and Japan attitude out in full force.

Step six - Rolling Eyes

if you don`t the job after step five I have nothing!

good luck!!

maximmm · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 59

Another alternative-- find a Japanese chick and get married to her.

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

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

rawlings · Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 19

Thank you all for your replies. I'll go over my situation and credentials briefly:

I am 23 years old, American, and I have a B.A. in English. Despite my youth, I have a solid resume as an educator; I've taught children and adults in America in both classroom and private settings, in all levels of English. I've taught ESL for one year in Thailand, in an international school, to 4th graders. And I also have extensive experience teaching science, mathematics, music, guitar, and college entrance exams. I have letters of recommendation from all of my teaching positions, and I have every document an employer could ever ask for at hand... except, of course, for a working visa!

I have a very nice and clean resume, and a stock cover letter that I make slight changes to in order to personalize them a bit for the employer. Just to be safe, I have had both my resume and CV checked by a colleague who used to work in helping people develop resumes. I also have charisma on my side, and I am very confident that if I were given a chance for an interview, I could impress them and win them over. I have a new suit, nice clothes, and a clean haircut.

I've sent out my initial e-mails to as many employers as I could find, but the returns have not been hopeful. I sent e-mails out about 10 days ago, and the only 2 responses I've got have been this: "sounds great, just one question: do you have a working visa?" I tell them I don't, but I am willing to start work immediately while the process is underway, and they have both declined. I am still optimistic, but feeling a little helpless. I've only been in osaka for a day or two, and have enough money to last 2 months without a job.

That is my current situation. I'm here, in osaka, and I know this is where I want to be. I don't want to go through one of the major hiring companies, because they will put me outside the city. Any further advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
John

maximmm · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 59

Ryu Hayabusa · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 182

maximmm · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 59

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

None - Maximmm is just plain wrong in this instance.

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

anthonyteo · Joined: 19 Mar 2010 Posts: 10

Hi all,

I'm planning on going down to Japan to look for a job as well, and I understand it's not easy, from your posts. Still, I believe it beats overseas hiring, which I know happens even more rarely. One practical question I have though: anyone knows more advertising channels to recommend? I check Gaijinpot and Jobsinjapan regularly, and am waiting for the next Ohayosensei issue, but realizes 90% of them are looking for those residing in Japan with valid visa. As such, I think people like rawlings and me would need to know more channels to increase our chances of being hired by one that sponsors visa!

Oh, and one more thing: I think it may be a better approach to (if poss) secure a few interviews first before flying to Japan, what's your opinions?

seklarwia · Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:44 pm Post subject: