Job Discussion Forums

[jugle]

Hello folks,

I've been a member of this board for a few years now, as I anticipated this day which has finally come, and I find myself now in the thick of it.

Well, perhaps not exactly, but I am in Kanazawa, and arrived here last week. Fortunately, most logistical concerns (i.e., room & board, visa, etc) are a nonissue, but of course I will start my tefl job search, shortly.

Any opinions on my chances of landing at least an interview if I simply go door to door with resume in hand, viisting the individual eikaiwa's listed in the yellow pages. Granted, this is not Tokyo, so I won't be covering too much ground, but my concern is mostly if these schools tend to be put off by that sort of approach, as I'm sure I'm not the first genius to consider it.

And, I do understand that this would be a complete waste of time with the larger schools (i.e., Nova) as they do have structured recruitment programs, so this is directed more with regards to the smaller schools.

Anyone, please throw this pup a bone. Thanks.

[luckyloser700]

I lived in Kanazawa a few years ago (worked for one of the eikaiwa biggies) and had heard that NOVA and AEON hire people already living in Japan as part-timers. But, without a working holiday Visa, you might be seen as too much trouble to hire. If Kanazawa is the only place you're considering working, you're probably only gonna find work teaching private lessons. There's an international center in a building called (Rifare) that had all sorts of postings from people wanting private lessons.

You could always send an email with your resume attached to the big eikaiwa companies. Some will interview you in Tokyo or Osaka. Osaka is only about 2.5 hours from Kanazawa. NOVA's head office is in Osaka so you might want to try them first.

[Glenski]

Cold calling rarely gets you anything. Give it a try if you are desperate, though.

I'd suggest following some etiquette to maximize your chances. If you haven't bothered to see if a place is advertising, then at least phone them up and ask to speak to someone. Make an appointment. Showing up and surprising people is bad manners. Besides, they might be in meetings or out to a late lunch when you arrive (if you haven't called in advance).

Oh, and dress for the trip. I've seen too many clods show up in jeans, T shirt and 5 o'clock shadow expecting a miracle with their resumes in a cold call.

[jugle]

Thanks for the tips, folks. I'd searched this board, but hadn't seen anything recently with regards to "cold calling".

I'll post my success, or lack thereof, if I go through with this, y'know, just to keep any other would be clods, informed.

Best.

[kdynamic]

Hey neighbor! You're right by me
Good luck with your job search? Kanazawa is a great city!

[PAULH]