Job Discussion Forums

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I want to teach ESL in Japan and am currently in the process of saving up money and planning things out. I hope to bring $2000-$3000 with me, and I hope to interview in the U.S. and fly to Japan once I have a job. In my research, I have noticed it is difficult to find a recruiter that doesn't require an in-person interview (as opposed to a phone or Skype interview) located wherever their office is in the U.S. It makes sense that an in-person interview is preferred, but I don't have the money to spend on plane tickets, especially when I will probably have to interview with several recruiters before landing a job.

Given all of that, what should I do? Do you know of any recruiters who don't require an in-person interview? If I don't use a recruiter, will I be able to find a school that doesn't require an in-person interview? Is my desire to stick to phone and Skype interviews even possible?

All help is appreciated. Thanks!

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

The Faq lists a number of employers which hire through phone interviews, or have recruitment drives in other countries.

PO1 · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 136

It is definitely possible. I've done it not once, but TWICE. So just search the FAQ for info about which ones offer only phone/Skype interviews. I think they are few and far between, but they are out there.

As anyone will say, EFL jobs are becoming harder to find. I recommend starting with schools like AEON or ECC who offer interviews in the US and Canada. Even though I've not done an interview or worked for either, they have good reputations.

Have you taught ESL or EFL before? That would greatly increase your chances with recruiters in the US or in Japan. It seems more recruiters are utilizing Skype for initial interviews, but may still require an in-person interview for the final stage.

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

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I have looked in the FAQ and looked at the website for each of the recruiters under the heading "The following employers are known to hire and sponsor visas from abroad. See also JET programme. Check each one to see whether they also interview in Japan. Some do not." Cormac, is that what you are referring to? If so, only one of those recruiters does not require an in-person interview (Westgate), and their program is not as long as I would like it to be. I wonder if you could be more specific as to what part of the FAQ I should be looking at. I can't seem to find anything for some reason.

Glenski, yeah, as I stated originally, it makes sense that employers would rather do an in-person interview. I also recognize that employers don't exist to cater to my financial needs. That doesn't change what my financial limitations are. I'm looking at my budget and thinking there must be a better way to spend money than on plane tickets to interviews that might not even be successful. I recognize the limits this imposes, but I'm willing to put up with that.

I just need to be pointed in the direction of the recruiters or employers who will settle for a phone or Skype interview. Of course, once I find some, I'll do some research to find out how reputable they are.

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

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

This is so helpful! Thank you!!!

Okonomiyaki · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:02 am Post subject: Sure you can.

Glenski is being waaaay too cynical, in my opinion.
(I taught in Japan for 8 years, and applied to a large number of schools before being hired, so I know what I'm talking about.)

OP, first, DON'T go to Japan without a job offer in your pocket already. 2,000 to 3,000 US dollars is barely enough to set yourself up in an apartment, commute, and eat the first month before your salary starts rolling in. If you go there with only that much money and no job, SURELY you will end up leaving Japan empty-handed when your tourist visa and money run out in 90 days. Of course, there's a strong chance that you'll get a thin smattering of callbacks months later, from the schools you applied to while in Japan that had no openings at the time, but I'm assuming you want to get a job ASAP and not just yo-yo between Japan and home while job-hunting.

Glenski isn't aware of simple resources like the FREE help-wanted ads posted every two weeks at OhayoSensei.com. What makes those job listings precious is that each ad will either say "APPLICANT MUST ALREADY LIVE IN JAPAN" or "APPLICANTS OUTSIDE JAPAN MAY APPLY". Many of the ads will suggest that you include a Skype contact, and/or a telephone contact, and/or a DVD or VHS videotape that shows you teaching English. (Yes, that last one can be totally fake/staged. They're just looking to see how organized you are, your overall appearance, and whether your accent is acceptable.)

Help the employer get to know you: include a photo of you in Mormon/midwest/FBI/accountant/office clothing. Include some kind of video sample of you teaching. Include a Skype account AND a telephone number. Go for it!

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

Okonomiyaki, thank you for this information! Are you saying that there are some jobs on OhayoSensei.com that only require Skype interviews rather than in-person ones?