Job Discussion Forums

runjohnnyrun · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 1

Hi there,

This is my first post but I have been lurking here a while. I graduated in July with a BA in Archeology (2:1) from York University UK and completed a CELTA course 2 weeks ago. Since then I have applied for a teaching position with interac. That was 9 days ago but they haven't yet rang. Is that normal?

Also I have voluntary teaching experience of about two years (2 hours a week working with special needs children between 8-15 years old).

Given my level of experience and qualifications is it realistic to be applying for jobs in Japan right now? I've sent off around 20 applications to various places just today. I'm wondering wether I am at all likely to get full time work. Does anyone have an opinion or realistic advice?

I'm 22 years old so I don't know if age is a factor. I am serious about a teaching career, I'm not just a student lookin for a holiday but I think maybe that's what employers might fear.

seklarwia · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject:

If you mean applied as in just filled in the form on their website, then you may be waiting a bit longer before any form of response. Interac is currently collecting info from current staff so they can tray and work out how many positions they will have to fill this spring, and thus how many new recruits they need to hirer and where from. I was 23 when they hired me, so, no, it's not your age.

Main start time for ALTs is in Spring (beginning of April), so perhaps you just applied to early to many of the places.

Have you thought about/applied to JET? Closing date for UK applications for summer the following year is normally the last Friday in November.

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

Be far more patient. It's more than a virtue here in Japan; it's a way of life (coupled with "endure").

Only 20 applications? (I think you get the hint.)

You know the state of the market in Japan right now (flooded with teachers). You must realize that November is a horrible time of year to start looking for any work that will start in the next few weeks. Things will slow down even more until late January. Keep that in mind.

You're minimally qualified, and there are tons of people just like you looking for jobs. Some are outside Japan like you, and many others are right here struggling to survive.

Keep getting experience.
Study Japanese as much as possible.