Job Discussion Forums

[junglist]

Hi there! First time poster here, looking for advice.

I've applied for the JET program but intend to also apply to ECC and Aeon so that I have some fallback options. I am hoping someone can tell when the best time would be to apply.

I find out whether I've been accepted to JET in early April and would like to time possible job offers with ECC and Aeon to correspond with that time as well. I'm worried that if I apply to these private companies too soon, I will have to make a decision about contracting with them before I hear back from JET, the program which I prefer. My question then, is when should I apply in order to anticipate an April job offer with these companies?

If anyone can provide some insight I will be highly appreciative.

Thanks.

[Glenski]

Are you in Japan now? If so, you might be able to interview at any time, but I think that places like ECC and AEON have their own specific recruiting schedules. They certainly do for candidates living outside Japan, so you may not have any choice. Look at their web sites.

Otherwise, figure on your work visa taking 2 months to process, so backtrack from there. If it takes a couple of weeks minimum from sending in the inquiry to taking the interview, and another couple of weeks or so (max) to hear from them regarding your interview results, then you need at least 3 months bare minimum. You will also need some time to schedule your flight and dump your current apartment and store your belongings.

[Li-ka]

Interesting question, and it's hard to give the right answer. I was in the same position last year. I applied to JET and Nova at about the same time. I had been offered a position with Nova before I even learned if I had been accepted into the interview stage by JET. Then, before I had my interview with JET, I put in my app for ECC. I was offered a position with ECC before I had the results of my JET application. I was put on the alternate list, meaning I might not know if I was going to Japan until August. I accepted the position with ECC. With JET, it's a very long waiting game, and you have to play your cards carefully with the other companies so that you can leave for Japan at the time you want to leave. I interviewed at the end of February for ECC and came to Japan in August, after all of the JETs were here. If you look on the websites, you should find that both Aeon and ECC recommend you to put in your application AT LEAST four months before the date you want to leave. (Actually, I think Aeon's says only four months before, something to keep in mind.) And I strongly encourage this for ECC.

Best of luck to you! I hope you get that position on JET!