Job Discussion Forums

[wanderingsalsero]

I'll be finishing 3.5 years in public schools here in S.Korea in mid December. I originally came over here in 2007 because I didn't have any ESL experience and didn't know anything about the industry.

After 3.5 years of working outside the main cities, I'm fed up with these smaller towns. I like the metropolitan environment. And since my age prevents me from getting a job with the public school administrations here in either Seoul or Busan or Daegu, I'm ready to try my luck somewhere else now that I've got some experience on my resume.

A friend of mine recommended Japan very highly to me. And it just so happens that my masters degree was in Japanese area studies (i.e. business, history, culture, language, etc....kinda like an international MBA). So I think I'd like to try to get a job in Japan.

My question is......what's the best way to look for a job. Just fly in and start spreading resumes and trying to get interviews?

My Japanese language skills used to be reasonably conversational although I haven't used them since grad school. But I do think I'd pick it up pretty quick.

I've got an undergrad degree in music education too. Plus lots of sales and business ownership experience. And I'm a little older than the average teacher (like.....66).

I almost hate to mention my age because I'm so used to people thinking it's a total negative. But the fact is nobody guesses my age when I meet them personally. I look more in my mid 40's.

I interview well, make a businesslike appearance (i.e. fit the image) and I communicate very well in front of a class (especially relevant if I'm working with business people).

I'm not especially particular about what age group I work with. I usually make a big hit with kids but I'm kinda burnt out on 'kids' and I'd really like to deal with adults for a change.

My friend said he used to work for Aeon and he had a good experience. I don't know anything about them except that they're big and they interview back in the states.

But I'd rather not go through the expense and hassle of going back to the states to get a job.....i.e. if I'm already over here in this part of the world. If I have to go back to the US I think I'd be tempted to head from there down to Chile instead.

My friend also said that the primary thing Japanese employers look for, in addition to at least a little experience, is cultural sensitivity and an indication of a good attitude toward dealing cross-culturally. I think I'd have no problems with that.

So....can somebody tell me if it's possible to approach Aeon if I go to Japan? How can I contact them from Korea?

And what other strategy would you suggest for Japanese job hunting from Korea if I'm able to go there from here?

Also.....would finding a job in December or early January be totally out of the question? If so, I might be able to hang around here for awhile and go to Japan later.

I'd appreciate any advice you veterans could give me.

Regards,
Art

[seklarwia]

Firstly teaching jobs normally start in April (the beginning of the academic year), so I'd be weary of the odd job starting anytime before March.

Besides it can take up to 2 months to get a COE for your visa from the time that you are hired. If you were accepted for a job starting December, you would undoubtly be working minus a work visa which is never a good sign about an employer.

The other thing is location. Positions in the big cities more often than not go to people with a high level of Japanese and in-country experience. Unfortunately many employers will show little regard for your experience in Korea. So if you really want to come here, you should prepare your self for the big possibilty of living amongst rice paaddies (although rural/village locations do have their good points - Easier to learn Japanese with fewer pesky foreigners for you to socialise with; You'll likely find that people will be more open and friendly than in the big cities; cost of living is often cheaper and your rent money will go a lot further likely getting you a decent size apartment for what would be considered not even shoe-box money in the big cities, etc)

As far as your education and experience go, you've had a fair bit more than the average new recruit in entry-level jobs. Sure there are Masters holders in entry-level, but you have business experience that might at least get you in to the business English market which is not only a large step up from entry-level and will have you working with adults, but will have a better chance of getting you a far less rural location.
But I'm only truely familiar with entry-level jobs... I'm sure the likes of Glenski and co will be along in a few hours with more info.

[ciccone_youth]

I agree with everything the previous poster wrote ^

I was teaching in Korea as well, and made the leap to Japan- but ended up in the rice paddies. It was amazing for a year, but now making the transition to a big city in Japan.

All I can say is that it's probably best to start out in rural Japan. If you really want a big city, Seoul could be amazing- how does your age prevents you from finding a job there? There are so many positions in Seoul, it seems.

[Glenski]

You're going to have to come to Japan to do most interviews. Rare cases will interview by Skype. Others will require that you be in your home country to interview.

So, plan ahead to contact employers and come here. December and January are pretty dead times of year to hunt.

For places like AEON or ECC, look at their web sites. They say that they have certain large cities (Osaka, Tokyo) where you can apply and interview, so for them you don't necessarily have to interview in your home country.

Being 66 will be a factor against you no matter how you look. Be prepared mentally for that, especially if the job requires a lot of activity. It's not impossible to get work, but I think it will be hard.

Having only 3 years of teaching experience at your age will also hurt a bit, and especially since it's not in Japan. Many J employers don't see work in Korea as equivalent, but it's up to you to explain otherwise.

You're going to be looking for 3 types of teaching positions:
ALT through a dispatch agency (beware),
eikaiwa instructor, and
business English agency (or direct hire at a company).

[shostahoosier]

To the OP. If Japan doesnt work out...look into China too! I've been hearing good things lately from friends who have Japan/Korea to work in China.

[Old Surrender]