Job Discussion Forums

[Icarus]

Hi all, I've been reading as many posts as I can for a while now, I thought it was about time that I asked a question of my own
Most of what I am about to write will have already been asked before but I am looking specifically for information of the current employment situation (I'm looking through 2009 posts at the moment)

My intent is to arrive in Japan at the end of February so that I will have enough time to scour for jobs before the April term start date and I am just wondering just how likely it is that I will be even considered.
I do hold a degree in an unrelated field and intend to take a TEFL course before I land. I understand that a lot of the courses aren't recognised there and am taking it more for a refresher for myself than anything else.
I have no experience either which will obviously be a handicap though I am looking to do as much voluntary work as possible (the course that I will be doing claims to ensure voluntary placement which would be great if it is true)
I have no real preference for location though I'd rather be placed somewhere nearer the city if possible

My question is, as someone completely new to the whole thing and understanding that there are too many people looking for work as it is I need to know whether I even have a chance.
I should have a working holiday visa which will help and i am enthusiastic and very driven, I just don't want to waste my time and limited funds on a wild goose chase

Thanks in advance for any replies

[HungryteacherY]

if you did your BA in a Western country then your chances are good, especially when combined with your TEFL.

[thomthom]

If you're enthusiastic, presentable, driven, and you get that TEFL, of course your chances are very good.

If you want to come for an April start date, presumably you're looking at public schools? In which case you have plenty of time to go through one of the ALT agencies and get everything set up to arrive two weeks rather than two months before you're due to start work.

By contrast, if you want to work for an academy, February to the end of autumn is a good time to come. Around Christmas is the only dead zone. Arriving for March-April specifically is not crucial.

As ever, it's an issue of money. If you have limited funds, coming as early as February for a job that won't start until April and won't pay you until May will do you no favours. $5000 is the recommended minimum to come here with, and having a few grand over that will serve you better than any TEFL certificate will. Time is money.. especially in Japan.