Job Discussion Forums

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Ehh, keep your chin up. I feel like I have the best job in the world and I got it through Gaijin Pot. I didn't really have much for qualifications either except 2.5 years working at NOVA

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

1. Don't rely on just one job (or its response) to tell you what the market is like, or what your chances are.

2. Don't rely on just one web site for that, either.

3. Work the percentages. Don't expect more than a 10% response rate from the employers. Your quote above was a computer-generated one and doesn't count until the actual employer contacts you (if he does).

uberscheisse · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 94

i've got better nibbles (and my current, awesome job) from ohayosensei.com's classifieds. i got a few offers from gaijinpot, but nothing concrete.

i'm sure it doesn't really reflect upon each individual website but just how fickle prospective employers can seem.

many people don't hire until a (relatively) short time before the school year starts in late march, so just sit tight and be patient, you will get some nibbles closer to christmas time. i believe that if jobs are hiring now for ALT positions, they're looking for people who are already in japan - and there are many already here. i think they'll look abroad second. i could be wrong, but that's what i would do if i was hiring.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

I think one of the problems with gaijinpot is that it is so easy to apply for a job ... Your resume is already online so it only takes a second to do it. That probably attracts a lot of people who aren't that interested but because it's so easy "give it a go".

A few years ago I was involved in hiring and we got a lot of applicants through gaijinpot and despite it being so easy, a lot of the cover letters were so bad (or non-existant) so those were instantly deleted. The amount of serious "usable" applicants was much smaller.

originaloli · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 5:54 am Post subject:

Personally I find Gaijinpot is often depressing due to the preponderence of crude humour and casual racism. Not that it's all that, but it's common to encounter "Japanese people are horrible"; "Japan sucks compare to MY country"; "Where can i do everything just like at home?"; "J-girls are so hot, nanpa rules".

Gosh. Maybe i'm getting old or something.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

chrisms86 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 30

Ironically since I posted this I landed an interview with Interac but am now considering backing out of it because the start-up costs are so high in Japan that I may as well go to a cheaper country and pay for my CELTA. I might make less money for a year but I'll be better positioned for the future, plus I like the freedom that less developed countries provide. Not to mention I get to choose my own placement.

moral of the story: be careful what you wish for, you might not want it