Job Discussion Forums

[Tre]

Hello,

I will be arriving in Japan around the 8th October with my degree and a CELTA qualification that I am currently taking. I have no other teaching experience and my degree is in Computer Science.

I have a rather unique situation as I have a long term Japanese girlfriend who is now back in Japan after studying in the uk (where we met). After visiting Japan on three separate occasions I decided that I would like to teach English in Japan and be with her.

I am going to Japan without a job lined up although I can live with my girlfriend while I job hunt. I am very aware that I need to get a job a.s.a.p once I get there as my money savings will not last forever.

I will take an up to date cv and a covering letter with me but to be honest I am not sure what to do once I get off the plane. Can someone give me advice as to what steps I will need to take to successfully get employed?

Should I look for jobs before I leave? If so, where?

I also have the problem of being tied down to a location as I will be living with my girlfriend in Suginami-ku, Tokyo. This will narrow down the number of jobs I can apply to.

What do you rate my chances of getting a job before Christmas

I would be so grateful for any advice you can give me.

[Glenski]

It's pretty basic. You answer job ads and hope that someone who sponsors visas is hiring. With your background, you are suited only for the eikaiwas.

Get the Monday edition of The Japan Times, and scan the Internet postings at...

www.eltnews.com
www.gaijinpot.com
www.jobsinjapan.com
www.ohayosensei.com

Send resumes and cover letters before you arrive if you see that someone is hiring in that area. Tell them you are going to be there and will be available for interviews. Continue doing so while you are in Suginami.

Your chances are fair.

[azarashi sushi]

Tre,

You are in a good position in so much as you don't have to worry about accomodation ( or presumably rent ). That's a huge headache you won't have.

If you are eligible for a WHV, you should definitely get one ... You'll easily be able to pick up part time work. The "Jobs in Japan" website always has lots of part time stuff. Without a WHV though, it might be a little tricky.

Suginami ku is a pretty good place to live ... It's not too far from Shinjuku. And it's especially good if your girlfriend lives near a Chuo line station. The Chuo line has rapid trains running east-west, and is well connected, so it's pretty convenient to get to just about anywhere.

Oh and incidentally, the Chuo line is the most popular line in Tokyo for suicides!

Good luck!

A.S