Job Discussion Forums

[PO1]

I've heard people give a lot of hard advice here on the forum, and for good reason. It is tough to get a job these days, even in your home country. I just wanted to post this and let you know there is hope if you are persistent, positive, and take the right steps to gain experience to come to Japan. It's not an easy road like it used to be. It's not a fairy-tale land of anime, sushi, and manga. It's still a job, and unless you take it seriously as a job and not an extended vacation then you may decrease your chances of any longevity there.

I'll be coming back to Japan in September now as I was offered a job. Just wanted to share with you if you're positive, flexible, and take the right steps (education, certification, etc.) it proves you're serious about teaching in Japan and will increase your chances. I changed my way of approaching interviews and I think it paid off.

For all those still searching, stay positive but still be realistic. It's still a buyer's market, but if it's your dream to come to Japan, I say keep striving for that goal. Just take the necessary steps to give you the best chance at standing out in the crowd. Ganbatte!

[robertokun]

So what did you do, and what kind of job did you land?

[Glenski]

PO1,
You have previously written that you worked for James English School, so can we assume that you were already here when you landed the job you are talking about above? Perhaps not, as you wrote "coming back to Japan", but as robertokun wrote, it would be nice for readers to know what you meant by "if you're positive, flexible, and take the right steps (education, certification, etc.) ". Sounds like you already had experience here, and if your post is addressing newcomers, that doesn't fit them.

[PO1]

I'll be teaching University students this time. I got this job from interviewing overseas.

It's true that having experience in Japan helps, but I was hired before last time with no experience. I just notice a lot of people may be too specific on their location requests. Like they only want to work in Tokyo or Osaka or wherever. That is why I suggested being flexible. It increases your chances I think for sure.

As far as experience and education, it takes time to build a resume that may make you more attractive for Japanese employers. I just think investing time into that will help a newcomer's chance of being noticed.

Anyway, I wasn't trying to give an overly romanticized idea of what I think it takes. I'm still a newcomer myself, so I just wanted to let people know what worked for me.

[Mr_Monkey]

Ah, Westgate.

[Glenski]

It is rare to get a university job as a newcomer and from overseas. I share the previous sentiments but will ask...

[flyer]

Westgate is not the best place to work

but I suppose its better than nothing? Yes, I doubt very much if you could land a normal uni job from overseas