Job Discussion Forums

vash3000 · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 56

So I visited Roppongi...

Nice place.

Heh.

It was my first time in Tokyo, and while I can`t say I found the essence of Japan there...I`m sure that many Japanese might consider it the essence of gaijin folk.

Ouch.

Even so, it was fun. Forget Sumo, K-1, or Pride...just situate yourself outside of Gas Panic! and watch the army boys wack each other on the head with beer bottles.

(put your money on Security...they seem to have the rear-naked chokes down pat)

So I had a good time...met a cool Brazillian, and we communicated in Japanese (not exactly the international language of love...but "tenshi no yoni kirei des" goes a long way. Follow up with a "kawaii" or two, and you`ll be dancing in no time. I recommend club "Zoom")

Which, I guess, is all to say...If a granola boy like Vash finds happiness and solace in a cesspool like Rappongi, perhaps my days of country living are numbered.

So...

What are the dos and donts of job hunting in Tokyo? I take it that one might wish to be a little more selective than in the country. Is everyone freelancing? Schools the norm? Part-time business English contracts in vogue? What`s an acceptable base rate?

Where the heck do you live?

Hey! Tokyo! I need the crib sheet!

And what`s with the girl who told me that in one year I could make a 100K?

I only had a glimpse of a rather disturbed little spot in Tokyo, but even so it seemed preferrable to Gunma.

(I dunno, maybe the novelty of having old men in onsens comment on my ... is starting to wear off.)

Thanks guys and dolls,
V.

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

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

vash3000 · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 56

Mission control, we have a problem.

Do's of job hunting.
1. Have the proper qualifications for the visa.

Well...as a registered member of the Unity Life Church (membership is free, but please be responsible with your pastoral powers), I am mildly offended that any heathen would ever question my standing. That said, I suppose I could whip up a reference from God if the need be pressing.

2. Have a good looking resume and cover letter.

Sorry, all I have is a photo.

3. Dress well and show up on time for the interview.

I will make you wait, and you will thank me for it.

4. Know something about the company/school.

Heh...at my last interview:

"CoMpaNY whAt yoU kNOw?"

Vash: "Soap....right?"

(True story, got the job)

5. Do your hunting at the right time.

pshaw

6. Know how to prove your adaptability to living in a foreign land.

Ah...gotcha. For example when the J-cop pulls you over for drunk driving (actually, you weren`t drunk...but just driving erratically `cause the sidewalks are so big and the Subaru Vivio the the soap factory gave you drives remarkably well on those sidewalks in GUNMA) you have a pre-set strategy:

1) "Wakalimasen" (repeat as necessary)

2) Breathing in when they hold the bag to your nose, all the while (and here`s the tricky part) pretending to breath out.

3) If all this fails and they do drag you to the police station, claim to be some drunk tourist. Under no circumstances are you to tell them you are actually working in Japan.

(Actually, this three step little plan was laid out for me by one of my students. I am forever gratefull)

Hey...wait a second. Who am I talking to here?

Glenski!?

Sheesh...I should have known.

NEXT!
V.

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

grampus · Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 18

Oh dear, here we go again. Someone has started him off.

vash3000 · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 56

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

I chomp with impunity.

Please lighten up a bit,
V.

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

vash3000 · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 56

grimmer · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 9

Glenski

Lighten up. Take the wise words from Vash with the respect that they deserve. My people have long since grown tired of your jaded patter, charmlessness.
Re invent yourself. My people need more `have a go` heroes like Vash, fewer ego driven, leisure centre manager types like yourself.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Take it easy everyone. It is starting to sound like the China forum here, or worse Korea. If you don't like someone's advice, ignore it and don't take everything so personally.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Chill out, already! And that goes for everybody.

I'm with Gordon on this - of all the forums on Dave's, the Japan forum appears to be consistently civil and useful. Let's keep it that way.

Vash, your comments are hilarious, but your humour doesn't appear to appeal to all tastes. Go easy on the doses you give us Smile

Glenski, you've been so helpful to so many on this forum. I guess a lot of us expect a lot of you...

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

Ditto. Now it's your turn to turn the other cheek and ignore it, Vash. You've taken this far too personally. Can we please talk about topics, ideas, job info/advice etc. instead of each other?

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

Ditto. Now it's your turn to turn the other cheek and ignore it, Vash. You've taken this far too personally. Can we please talk about topics, ideas, job info/advice etc. instead of each other?