Job Discussion Forums

[ravel]

I have a solid job offer in Japan, I'm here and ready to teach. I have until 9am this morning to give a solid answer. They need a teacher for April 1st. Their offer is the very standard 250,000 yen per month for 25 to 27 teaching hours and a total of 40 hrs a week at the workplace. Can I and should I negotiate for a higher Salary? If so how much is good but not to high? I'm thinking that in the worst case I will still do as well anywhere, but... a bird in the hand as they say... I know this is late to say the least, but I have until nine a.m. and they made the offer last night. Anyone have any good and before 9 A.M. advice for me?

[wabisabi365]

250 000 yen is a reasonable starting salary and is the standard. I have seen lower as a starting rate, with the chance to increase to 250 000 yen after a probation period. Perhaps you could bring up the option of a raise 3 to 6 months into the contract when you speak to them this morning. The norm seems to be a raise after a year, bringing the salary up to 260/270 000 yen. (I'm assuming it's an eikaiwa?)

I don't know if this helps or not. Good luck with your job search.

ws365

[Glenski]

People may disagree, but I'd say that you don't stand much of a chance to negotiate. Are you still in Korea? If so, imagine the employer's position. He may have a secondary candidate ready to go and already in Japan. Why should he pay you more than him? What leverage do you have over him? If memory serves, you have only one year of work experience (in Korea) under your belt. No offense, ravel, but if this is true, then that's not much room for negotiating, even if you were on Japanese soil.

Take the standard wage. There are plenty of employers here offering less, the competition is steep, and April 1st is right around the corner.

[canuck]