Job Discussion Forums

[tokyo9297]

I have taught English in Tokyo about 10 years ago, and I’m looking to go back. However, I would like to check out Sapporo this time. Here are some questions:
 Are there many jobs available in Sapporo or is it still easier to get work in Tokyo despite the economy?
 Are more schools willing to sponsor in Sapporo because it’s less saturated with gaijins?
 Should I try to fix up a job ahead of time or is it wiser to go there and negotiate in person? If so, when’s a good time to go?

[Glenski]

Based on the fact that I've been in Sapporo since 1998, here are my responses.

 Are there many jobs available in Sapporo or is it still easier to get work in Tokyo despite the economy?
Easier is a relative word. Tokyo has 12-14 million people, while Sapporo has just under 2 million, so by sheer logistics, there are more jobs in Tokyo. Also, there are more jobs advertised in Tokyo. You will find hardly any advertised, especially in English, for the Sapporo area. Look at the Hokkaido Insider for the most number of jobs.

 Are more schools willing to sponsor in Sapporo because it�s less saturated with gaijins?
There are plenty of us foreigners up here, mostly Australians and Canadians, it seems. That word "more" is again relative. Besides, the economy here is pretty much the same as it is in Tokyo...shrinking.

 Should I try to fix up a job ahead of time or is it wiser to go there and negotiate in person? If so, when�s a good time to go?
Here's your most key question. Whether you choose Tokyo or Sapporo, it is better to be in Japan than to look from abroad, unless you are satisfied to go with the very few outfits that recruit from overseas and offer visa sponsorship. Coming to Japan affords you the opportunity to interview with other companies, and with the flooded market today, many places are asking that teachers reside in Japan before they apply. Sapporo is no different from Tokyo in that respect.

Timing is the same, too. The biggest surge in hiring takes place in late February to March for the April hires.

Oh, don't think about "negotiating" too much, whether it's here or in Tokyo. What you see on the ads is pretty much all you can expect to get. Start negotiating for better things, and they are likely to pass you by for the next 200 foreigners in line.