Job Discussion Forums

[ShapeSphere]

If this has been asked before, please point me in the right direction.

Does cold calling work in Japan? Meaning: it`s okay to turn up announced at a school and show your face and documents.

I`ve been doing it recently, but wonder that it might be too direct for the cultural norms here. Isn`t it better to ring/email ahead and arrange a formal interview and ensure respect is maintained?

Thanks for any help or feedback.

[PAULH]

[JimDunlop2]

Cold calling is fine -- but Paul is right too... If you're going to do that, call ahead and make sure the boss (or someone in a position of authority) is around when you come by.... In other words, make an appointment.

[kevinyam]

calling first seems like the logical and sensible thing to do for no other reason than to save the time and money it would cost to travel around to random schools. Before I changed schools, I called around, e-mailed them my resume even if they told me they weren't hiring at the moment, went on gaijinpot to look for schools hiring, etc, etc.

[ShapeSphere]

Sorry, I forgot to thank people for replying. I don't like it when people start a thread but never respond - so I shouldn't do it.

I agree with what you said.

I did actually do some cold calling in Fukuoka back in August. In a compact and well-connected city I don't see it as a chore. You can cover a lot of schools in one day, but in Japan I was generally greeted with surprise and awkwardness. At Berlitz met with near hostility by the unfriendly English manager there. Mind you, if I was that short and ugly I'd be miserable with my life as well. (Note to Berlitz managers - it's a good idea if you take your hands out of your pockets as it creates a more professional image).

In China I never needed to do cold calling, but in Germany did it and it worked a treat. Secured two immediate freelance contracts with two great schools. They both lasted the entire duration of my stay there.

I still think cold calling has a certain energy, initiative and impact to it.

Some of you will know Sudoku - a bloke went unannounced to the offices of The Times in the UK, with a mock back page of the newspaper with the infuriating number game inserted. He was extremely successful with this approach.

[Glenski]

Remember, too, that cold calling can mean phoning to ask whether a vacancy exists, not just showing up to lay your resume across the counter.

Phoning has its problems, namely, language barrier. I'd avoid that one if possible.

Showing up? Others have already told you to check in advance, which is a good idea. My advice is to show up dressed professionally. I've seen too many guys come at the end of the day, when they have scoured the city with their resumes in hand, and they are wearing blue jeans and T shirts and 5 o'clock shadow. That may feel comfortable to you, and your resume photo may look professional, but how do you think the receptionist feels, or the manager who might be there to receive your resume to forward to the director? Think ahead. And, be as polite and professional with the staff as you would with the director. You'll probably depend on them more anyway if you get hired.

[patsensei]

Hi. I've done cold calling in a number of countries too but never in Japan. Places like Ikebukuro and the like with a lot of schools in a small area might definately be worth it. Also I would probably target smaller English schools rather than the big chains.
Good luck!

[redcliff]

It is an interesting question from the cultural perspective. Like yourself I made cold calls to public schools in Canada when I was looking to get supply work and by the end of the first day I had two gigs lined up.

The main benefit is you distinguish yourself from the pile of faceless resumes and show initiative and interest and in many cases you get an on the spot interview.

I agree with the previous poster who said you should probably target the independant or small shops as they are not hamstrung by procedures from head office. That said, I know of a woman who walked in to a Nova about ten years ago and was hired on the spot.

I think the cultural aspect is all about how you come across. If it a low pressure, "I was in the neighbourhood and am interested in learning more about future ops with your school" no prob.

[furiousmilksheikali]

[Glenski]

Just curious. Have you guys actually made calls in countries where the receptionists speak marginal, if any, English? That would be what you faced in Japan in most cases.

[ShapeSphere]

Regard wearing a suit when making a cold call, then sure that's what I did. The whole point of visiting is to make a good impression. Look smart and show you're keen, in the city and ready to go.

In the end a school contacted me through O-Hayo Sensei and I got a job back in September.

A lot of job hunting boils down to luck anyway. Sure, you can wear nice clothes and plaster on a fake smile to improve your chances, but if the timing is right and the interviewer likes you, you'll get the job.

Nobody will employ a person they don't like. I wouldn't. Would you?