Job Discussion Forums

[TheBiggestBob]

Hi There,

I'm looking at teaching in Japan by hopefully April this year. I've realised that I've missed the opportunity to apply for the Jet program but was wondering if it is relatively easy to just fly over there and pick up a job within a month or so?

Also, I have noticed that you can secure a job from your home country before arriving in Japan or even meeting your employers face to face. Not too sure if this would be the best option.

Would be really grateful if anyone could offer some helpful advice.

I've got the usual requirements: 4 year degree plus TEFL certificate but have no experience.

Thanks.

[Glenski]

Come in April, and you will have missed the biggest period in hiring for the year. That is a widely known fact. Oh, you might scrape up something shortly thereafter, but nobody can guarantee it will be good or bad. Bear in mind that some people bail out soon after getting hired because they realize they've gotten into a poor situation.

A generic set of qualifications will give you a generic set of chances, and post-March is not necessarily prime. Even before April, you do realize that the market here is pretty flooded.

Come if you must, but bring enough money to support yourself for about 3 months. My question is, what's the rush?

[whispechoes]

I'm no expert on this, nor do I have any firsthand experience, but from what I've read in previous threads here and on other forums is that coming to Japan and hoping to look for a job can be pretty difficult, especially during certain times of the year. Where are you from? I know that there are at least a few big companies still hiring abroad; it can't hurt any to apply to those, and that way when you come over you'll have A job (even if it's not necessarily the one you want) and at least some minimal support on getting set up.

Good luck to you.

[TheBiggestBob]

Thanks for the responses,

Ok it may seem I have missed the better hiring period. On that note, would it be possible to have a greater chance of securing a job outside of the major cities in places like say miyazaki to the south of the country? Also could anyone suggest some schools that may hire after this period being March onwards?

There's no real rush, but given I have finished up my current job it would be nice to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

The other option is Taiwan where there appears to be a number of cram schools that hire throughout the year. These schools seem to be run independently regardless of school curriculum.

I'm from Australia.

Thanks again.

[Glenski]