Job Discussion Forums

ej1986 · Joined: 17 Feb 2010 Posts: 4

So, I'm in the US right now, and I think I got too late of a start on applications this year to make a real dent. I submitted about 25 applications, and probably more than half were in the last 30 days, when employers were trying to hire from within Japan if possible, I think. Basically, I think I missed out on this wave of hiring.

I've heard that there's a second (smaller) peak of contracts that start in August, when the fall semester starts, and of course, some employers hire year-round. Is that so? When do you suppose the job notices will start popping up again?

Thanks!

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

25!? Wow! I submitted, like, two.

I don't know anything about Westgate, but it looks like they're still hiring.

Rakis · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 32

You're correct in your assumptions. Most spring hiring has already taken place so that documents can be sent and teachers can be brought over in time for the Spring semester.

August is a big push for some companies. Depending on business expansion/replacement plans, some companies may continue to recruit throughout the year.

Keep submitting applications and be persistent.

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

Fall semester starts in September or October, region-specific.

MidAugust has a week-long national holiday (Obon) that shuts down most employers, so don't expect answers then.

Yes, some places hire year-round, or what is probably more accurate, you will always see year-round ads from many kinds of places (like eikaiwa).

seklarwia · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 5:06 am Post subject:

Term can start as early as mid August. The second term started the 2nd/3rd week August in our area last year. I think I went back on August 14th. We only had 3/4 weeks off for the summer.

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

August 14th would be right in the middle of the Obon holiday- seems an odd time to go back to work. Did the children also go back to school then?

ssjup81 · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:58 am Post subject:

seklarwia · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 11:18 am Post subject:

Sorry, I'm having to guess because my schedules are back in J-Land but yes the kids were back and on the second day we had parents day. Something happened that weekend, too though I can't remember why there was school then.
The kids were back a day earlier than me, but it wasn't for classes. They all had to go in to move everything into the new school building.
We start school a lot earlier than the likes of Tokyo and other super hot areas.

Our winter and spring breaks are super short too. My last day was March 19th and openning ceremony is April 5th. Winter break was from December 29-Jan 7th. But our ES ALTs get slightly longer breaks.

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

It is unlikely that you worked during Obon (Aug 13-15 in 2009, by the way). You must have your dates confused, or you have a really unusual situation (like the few places that celebrate it in July)! That is one of the biggest national holidays of the year here.

seklarwia · Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 9:14 am Post subject: