Job Discussion Forums

[Solana]

Hi all,

I've read lots of valuable posts on here about Gaba as a company and there was a recent request for info about their 3-day training. Well, I'll find out this weekend if my second interview tomorrow is successful. I know it's not a guaranteed salary, but from what I'm hearing most people start out getting about 60% of the hours they've offered.

My situation: I've just finished my third eikaiwa and while I'm still looking for the right full-time opportunity, I've decided to go with Gaba.

I am a bit perturbed that I have to spend money on another business suit for a job I might not get. I assume I can't wear the same suit for the second interview. Once I get students, I certainly don't mind buying suits since that's the required dress. Not easy being a woman somewhat larger than average!

But what I really want to ask about is housing. They like that I want to work in 2 locations not in Tokyo because there's more student demand and less teacher supply. But I'm only in my apartment til April 20 as it was provided by my previous eikaiwa (they've given it up because my replacement has his own place).

I have to find another place very fast. There are only two gaijin houses in Yokohama from what I hear, and I think they're full. I have no guarantor for an apartment. Any ideas are much appreciated.

[Apsara]

Just wear a different shirt with the same suit. None of the recruiters there are going to care- or even notice- if you wear the same suit twice. If you do get the job, you will be wearing a black suit every day you work anyway, so at Gaba it looks like everyone is wearing the same suit every day

[Solana]

Thanks, Apsara. I still have to go out to buy -- believe it or not -- a blouse, because the only other blouse I have is a colored one, not white, and a "non-fancy" cotton. Would that be considered ok? I always thought you had to wear a white shirt or blouse at an interview in Japan.

[Apsara]

If you were interviewing at a conservative Japanese company like Mitsui Sumitomo, you might want to wear a white shirt only. Your interviewers at Gaba though are a) unlikely to be Japanese, and b) not likely to be overly concerned about the colour of your shirt as long as you look smart and are personable. I used to work for them a few years ago and I very much doubt that I wore a white shirt to the interview as I don't remember the last time I owned one.