Job Discussion Forums

[jazznfox]

tyrabunny:
I managed to get my documents into them before Christmas so my CoE was already being processed before everyone went on New Year's recess. I also completed my online resume before everyone left for New Years vacation too. I think I got my online resume about 1.5-2 weeks after sending my documents away.

I would not worry yet. It sounds like you are being proactive and staying on top of things. I would look through your email records though. The specific email of the placement department might be listed within the contact information of some of your past emails from them. Also, make sure your junk mail filter is not flagging important emails as 'junk/spam'

[Captain_Fil]

Congrats! More success to you.

Your placement in a tough job market like Japan is inspiring me.

Teaching in Japan would be a dream, despite the high living expenses. I've always wanted to see Tokyo. And I have long admired the Japanese culture.

I guess, as a newbie, I'll have to first acquire years of experience.

Any advice?

[ruby_silence]

Thanks for the info Wayne. That's a big branch! The school where I will be teaching is Yokosuka Middle, so it looks like it's south of Yokohama. No driving.

They're supposed to call in a few days with the training info. Does everyone train in Tokyo and then go to their respective cities afterwards?

I applied close to a year ago. Maybe 10 months. All of my documents were in about a month and a half ago.

[jazznfox]

Captain_Fil:
It is a pricey country and set up costs are steep but I find the day to day expenses to be comparable to when I was working in Washington DC.

It is tricky trying to pinpoint what exactly recruiters are looking for and what experience is helpful for those just trying to get their foot in the door in Japan. I would say attitude is probably an important part. Always try to be mature, professional, and polite. Socialize with people at interviews. Come prepared, having done all your homework before the interview. Don't ask questions that were answered in pre-session emails. It shows you did not pay attention to the information sent already and does not reflect well on your ability to be self reliant and prepared. By all means, ask questions but make sure they are thoughtful questions. Be flexible and do not make demands during the recruitment phase. Someone who says 'I will only take urban placements' or 'I will only take a Tokyo placement' is setting themselves up to be rejected. It is fine to say you would prefer a certain area if it is available but don't demand it or refuse alternatives.

This advice goes beyond ESL to all in entry level jobs. As an entry level employee in a tight job market with no or little work experience outside of university (as most people trying to come to Japan are), you do not have the bargaining power to make upfront demands, period. Doing so stinks of entitlement. As with any job, you work for the company the company does not work for you. It is not a study abroad program where someone holds your hand the whole time and caters to your demands.

That is just some generic advice I could think of. I can probably answer more specific questions too if you have any.

[-E-]

Good to hear that folks are generally liking where they are going!

I've been told I'm headed to Sapporo, which I'm very happy about. I won't need a car, and the placement note says "in Sapporo", so I'm assuming I'm to be near the city, at least.

I wonder who all I'm going to bump into over there.

Man, I got to get serious about dieting now, huh?

[wayne432]

-E-, unless you're a recluse (ie stay at home, not active) or you eat only bad foods, you won't have to worry about dieting I think. There will be lots of walking/biking, etc to keep you busy, so eat healthy and the pounds will come off

[jazznfox]

I second Wayne432. You have to try really hard to be unhealthy in Japan. You would have to do nothing but eat cheeseburgers and play video games every free hour of the day for most of your time in Japan to not loose at least a few pounds. In Hokkaido you will probably shiver the weight off during those arctic winters if you just go outside a few hours a day.

[Vince]

Congrats, Ruby! Yokohama is a great place to call home.

[-E-]

[jazznfox]

While I am trying to get into shape before I leave too, height is my nemesis. I hover around the 5'7" line and wear a women's US size 8.5-9 shoe.

I'm sure some of you ladies out there can empathize.

At least I can get a laugh walking into a Japanese women's shoe store.

[midnightpariah]

Congratulations! I'm living in Yokohama now. It is really nice! It has plenty to do and is a quick train ride to Tokyo.

[tyrabunny]

Thanks Jazznfox for your reassurance! I finally emailed them yesterday and they told me that they have kept my online resume from last May, so I won't need to fill out another one. I was meant to be going last August but I actually turned down my placement because it was too rural. I don't regret the choice and I do feel more ready/sure that I want to move to Japan than I did 6 months ago. Seems like a lot more people have been called this week with placements so I will keep my fingers crossed!!

I also received an email today regarding the Japanese language test...haha that almost makes me more nervous than waiting for my placement!

[jazznfox]

That is not unusual for companies to keep records on file for a year before chucking them. My last job kept me on file for 1 year after my fellowship/contract ended before removing my resume and other files from the system.

Glad I could assuage your worry a bit.

[Apsara]

[wayne432]

Well yeah, if you drink and eat a lot of the stuff you mentioned (gonna guess there was lots of fried chicken, etc involved), then your waist will expand. I count beer in the "eating bad foods" category, since it has quite a bit of calorie and not any real positive value.

Drink and eat bad stuff in low moderation and you'll be fine. Also, just cause everyone else in Japan smokes (and it's cheaper to buy them here), doesn't mean you have to. I still maintain that you have to work at it to gain a lot of weight.