Job Discussion Forums

[ethandh]

I'm intersted in corresponding with anyone who got a job in Japan that was living in the U.S. when they applied. I'm going through the process and was hoping to get some insight from people who have been through some of this before.

Things that I can expect. Tips on what to say to get a job. Things that may be asked of me during the interview process. Etc.

Anyone interested in helping would be greatly appreciated. I'd like more than one viewpoint, so don't hesitate to reply just because this is an older post.


Thanks in advance

[Glenski]

I'm one of those people, but that was 11 years ago.

Have you read any of the threads here?

Might also help responders to know your situation regarding education, work experience, age, and goals.

Short version, knowing nothing about you:
1) you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or 3 years of related work experience to get a work visa if you are a native English speaker.

2) get hired first, then get the visa

3) Far fewer employers advertise to recruit abroad than those who recruit from within Japan.

4) Stay home and deal with the recruiting schedules and locations. Come here, and you have to consider supporting yourself for 2-4 months before the first paycheck rolls in (US$4000-5000).

5) What to say in an interview?
a. why did you choose Japan?
b. why TEFL?
c. what would you do in a situation with no textbooks?
d. what do you have to offer?

6) the market is flooded, but entry level jobs are still pretty much limited to eikaiwa, ALT, and some business English jobs.

[ethandh]

Thank you for your feedback.

I have a bachelor's degree and an online TEFL certificate. (I've heard the online one's aren't preferred, but they're cheaper)

I've been sending out applications, letters, reference letters, photos, etc. for a few days now.

It seems that some companies require more documentation than others. Is it odd that a company request a copy of diploma or passport on the initial application?

The advice on interview questions is good. I'll think about those answers.

I have friends who live in Japan, I suppose I could stay with them until I found a place to work. It seems like it would be easier to get a job if I were there.

[Glenski]

It's not odd to have an employer ask for a copy of your passport on the application, but it's not really necessary until he hires you. I suspect that such employers are either very paranoid about the status of their applicants, or they just don't realize how unnecessary it is at that point.

Copy of diploma, too. Only needed for visa, but I suppose some suspicious employers may want to see something to try confirming it's not a fake.

Yes, it might be easier if you are here, but it also depends on when you come.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[kojimoji]

Some pointers to remember when having an interview
(you will have a phone interview first and then a f2f interview, at least in Japan.)

1. Smile a lot! They want someone friendly and happy to work for them
2. Speak clearly and be articulate.
3. Act natural and relaxed, and remember that you are an asset to their company.

They'll ask you specific questions like:

Why do you want to go to Japan?
Would you be interested in learning Japanese?
What is your experience teaching?
Can you tell me what you would do if.... (and then they'll insert some crisis such as a student doesn't want to learn or is misbehaving etc.)

Overall I think if you appear extroverted and friendly, those are the main characteristics schools look for. Mine is a private conversation language school, and they trained me for two weeks according to the style of teaching they preferred.

I was also asked to teach a mini lesson for five minutes, and I taught an actual Japanese student.

There are a ton of interview questions available on the web too! Good luck! Gambatte kudasai!

[Glenski]

[Glenski]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]