Job Discussion Forums

[ipsa]

Hello,

I am a 26 year old canadian female who recently arrived in Japan. I have a university degree, TESOL, and have some teaching experience. I am not having much luck finding work in Tokyo, but there seems to be more work elsewhere in Japan. I thought it would be easier finding work in a big city?? I really want to work in Tokyo, does anyone know of any reputable schools hiring? Any suggestions? I appreciate whatever info you have!

Thanks in advance!

[homersimpson]

Check ohayosensei.com, Monday's Japan Times, Kansai Time Out magazine (available at Kinokuniya bookstore). Also, American Language School and WinBe always hire (americanlanguageschool.co.jp and winbenet.com).

[ruggedtoast]

Dont despair.　I had the same problerm when I arrived and I weas under pressure to find somewhere fast as I was on a tourist visa and needed an employer who would give me sponsir ship, which gave me very limited choices.

NOVA always seem to be hiring, as do most of the big schools, especially if you keep calling them. GABAs only requirement seems to be that youre warm and breathing.

I was very demoralised that all my first choices ignored my applications when I first got here, then, weeks later theyre all phoning me asking for interviews, so be prepapared to take whats on offer while you wait.

Good luck

[Glenski]

ispa,

How long have you been looking? With 12 million people in the greater Tokyo area, it seems implausible that a person with your qualifications hasn't found work. But, if you've only been there a couple of days.... (don't know)

Also, exactly where have you been looking (high schools have stopped hiring after April)? How many places have you applied to? Are you knocking on doors, or mailing cold resumes, or answering ads? Personally, cold calls won't work very well in Japan.

One more thing. This is a sensitive topic, so I won't hit it too hard, but just what does your resume and cover letter look like? This is a rhetorical question, of course, because I don't expect you to post it here. I ask only because so many resumes that I have seen from people who have a tough time getting jobs are pretty poorly written. Cover letters, too.

[ipsa]

I truly appreciate the feedback/info.
Thanks homer for the websites, I have been looking on eltnews.com and jobsinjapan.com..and this one. These will certianly help me broaden my scope.
Before leaving for Japan, I had a temporary 2month position lined up. Unfortunatly, the temp position no longer needed to be filled when I arrived...hence my query. The pressure is on to secure a position, I may consider Nova etc, thanks Rugged.
Glenski, I have been looking for work for 1.5 weeks. As mentioned, I have been looking on the above websites. I found two jobs of interest, sent off an application that included my cover letter, resume and pictures, but no luck yet. I believe my resume and cover letter are well written...but perhaps I will have it reviewed by another party.

Thanks again!

[Sunpower]

Ipsa:

Timing is everything.

I've met and talked to people who have interviewed for NOVA been rejected and then hired by Berlitz who were hurting for bodies.

I don't know why this is maybe they don't interview well or it's just the luck of the draw.

Anyways here are some links. Send me an e-mail address if you want more info on work in Tokyo.

http://www.jobsinjapan.com/jobs/teaching.html
http://www.ohayosensei.com/current.html
http://www.interninasia.com/lnk_lnk.asp
http://mcentyre.com/forum/index.php
http://jrecin.jst.go.jp/
http://www.tefl.com/jobs/results.html?searchOpts%5Bage%5D=&searchOpts%5Bcou_id%5D=207&searchOpts%5BtitleKeywords%5D=&searchOpts%5Bjo_category%5D=0&x=28&y=5
http://www.fukuoka-now.com/forums/forum.php?forum=tech
http://www.koraku-ec.co.jp/teacher_e.htm

[ipsa]

WOW! Great links, thank you.