Job Discussion Forums

anna07 · Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Posts: 5

I am flying over to Japan and looking for a job after Christmas. I am experienced, have a degree and am certified. I've heard this isn't the best time to be looking for a job over there. Does anyone know if there are still ample job postings at that time of year??

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Yes, January is fairly sparse with job openings. The first half of the month especially so, because some businesses are just coming out of New Year's break and many not even be open. Places often shut down for 7-10 days from just after Xmas to early January.

Does certified mean you have some sort of TEFL certification (like CELTA) or that you have a teaching license?

Despite your experience and any certification, I think you will have to search hard for work then. The fiscal year begins in April, too, which means a lot of places won't have room until then to begin new contracts. That's why the peak hiring time is usually March (when contracts lapse and/or people give sudden notice).

Plan ahead. Line up interviews before you come, if possible.

PrinceofZibo · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject:

Well, I think there are jobs all year round. My school is now searching for someone to replace me from November. It's a very good school. If you want to come earlier.

anna07 · Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks for your advice!

I am TESL Certified, and am not able to head over there until atleast mid December.

I will make sure I have some opportunities lined up before I head over, and I'll wait if I can't find some.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Really in most countries mid-December isn't the time to be looking for a job- everybody is busy with wrapping up work for the year, year-end parties, holiday preparations etc., and it's no different here.

As Glenski says, it will start to pick up in mid-January- I wouldn't plan to arrive before then. I don't think it's necessary to wait until March though. I arrived in Japan twice- once with a job in advance that I started at the end of January, and the other time to job hunt, in mid-February, It took me less than a week to find a job that time.

Just another thing to consider- the end of the year is not a good time to have your visa expiring a year from now (or three) if you can help it- it will cause you problems if you want to travel over the Christmas/ New Year period. My end of January expiry date has made things tricky before.

PrinceofZibo · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

Glenski : Don't worry, it is nothing personnal. I know you didn't mean her chances were none. I was trying to use the situation to advertise the job at my school.

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

where are you going to look?
after being in tokyo for a year, i can tell you there are jobs, but i have been looking for something DECENT and ACCEPTABLE for the last month and can't find a thing. i'm not willing to work for the big companies....jobs seem sparse right now, and i'm actually going to korea for a stint to save some money and will come back when there is more work.
i used to think the older posters on this forum were a bit rigid when they talked of the job market here.....but it's true, it seems toght right now and the economy is not the greatest either.
bring a lot of money!!!!!!!!
there's always luck....and i have had no problem finding private lessons!