Job Discussion Forums

Flip-Flopper · Joined: 24 May 2012 Posts: 13

Is it easy to find a job in Japan once you get there, or is it better to wait for these job fairs to "come to a town nearest me"? The application process seems so much more longer than other places. Almost every country in Asia is spamming me with jobs except Japan. What gives?

Tsian · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Posts: 85

I think a quick glance at the forum will help you find the answers you are looking for.

Short answer: Coming to Japan without a job is risk, limits your choices and you have a limited time in which to find a job -- but being here is a big plus for many employers.

Japan has less offers probably because there are still far more people who actively try to come to Japan.

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

Come and you will have to support yourself for 3-4 months. Get hired the day you land, and you will still have to support yourself for 6 weeks until the first paycheck comes. That's after waiting 2-8 weeks for a visa because you aren't going to work until you get it, right?

Timing is important. There are dead times of year.

What do you bring to the bargaining table? What limitations do you bring? There can be 20-200 applicants per position even for entry level.

Stay home safe and secure, but you will have to wait until the recruiters are available, then you will have to pay your way for a 1-3 day interviewing process wherever in the few cities they are held. You will not have the luxury of getting used to daily things in Japan, but at least you can carry on your regular life until / if you get hired. You might get a discount airfare, depending on employers, but the number of employers that recruit from abroad is very small. Some do Skype, but you can't see everything from a computer screen.

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

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

I'm not the only one reading these forums, you know.

timothypfox · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 492

Ok I'm a little concerned about the job fair thing!

You probably know this already, but I'll throw my two cents worth in.

Waiting is definitely not what you want to do when looking for a job. You should respond to job posts here, gaijin pot, ohayo sensei, tesol.org, other sites, and directly to schools or particularly companies you are interested in.

If these companies you've applied to are at a particular job fair then that is great! Otherwise, go to job fairs - but they should not be your focus!

Job fairs are not a great way to get hired unless you've been in touch with a particular company or recruiter in advance.

I will of course say - never say never (go to a job fair even if you haven't been in touch with a particular company) - but getting your applications out should be your focus.

Then if you ended up deciding to land in Japan without a job (pack lots of money though!), you may end up with some contacts ahead of time...