Job Discussion Forums

haopengyou · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 197

I live in Shanghai now and am looking around the world for teaching jobs - ideally that pay more money, to help me fund a masters degree. I am hoping that my apps sent to Japan will lead to something fruitful.

I have never been to Japan and am thinking of taking a whirlwind trip there in the new couple of weeks - a Sunday and Monday - to visit Tokyo to see what life would be like there, as well as to meet the people in the recruiters. I don't know if I can make the trip coincide with an interview, but I think it would have a positive effect on the recruiters no matter what.

Will I be able to pick up the "flavor" of Tokyo or some other city in 2 days? What can I do to maximize the impact and usefulness of my trip, in terms of learning about Tokyo and making points with the recruiter? What kind of clothing/suit would make the most positive impression? etc.

Finally, I have read the stickies about getting visas. It did not mention whether or not I have to have things apostilled or not. Is this necessary?

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

Meet the recruiters? You don't need recruiters to get a job in Japan. If you insist, wear a conservative business suit.

Two days is not going to give you much of a feeling for anything, even sightseeing, let alone "to see what life would be like".

I have never heard of an apostille (certificate to legalize a document for use in another country) for Japan. If you get to the stage of applying for a visa (that is, after you are hired), you will have to provide the original of your degree, or an official copy, so perhaps that can be where it applies.

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

Dark coloured suit, conservative tie (if you're a guy). Everything should be really well pressed.

One thing you can do to see what life is like in Tokyo is to catch a central city bound train (like the Chuo line) during the morning rush hour, for at least 20 mins- find out what it's like to be a sardine Very Happy

I'm not kidding though, commuting here can be an endurance test and not everyone can deal with it, even Japanese people. Mind you, if you've been living in Shanghai you're probably used to crowds!

Luckily with a lot of English teaching jobs hours and locations means you don't have to commute at the busy time twice a day, every day, but you'll definitely have to do it sometimes.

Cool Teacher · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:44 am Post subject:

Yeah, defintinely make yourself look conservative. Take out all your noserings and hide those tattoos! Laughing

It is worth looking at Gaijin Pot first or Ohayo Sensei if your looking for a job instead of just doing cold-calling. I know I once worked in a conversation school and some bloke came in looking for a job! Laughing

I didn't know what to do. If you go to the schools directly you might end up talking to someone like me. Hopeless! Very Happy

haopengyou · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 197

Am I likely to find schools open on Sunday? If so, am I likely to find someone in the school on Sunday that can interview me? I only have Sun and Mon off Sad

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

Some schools are open Sundays, but are you thinking of cold calling? Very few schools will recruit that way- with the chains in particular all recruiting is usually done centrally and as above, walking into an individual branch would be a complete waste of time.