Finding other jobs in Japan

[Jiggit]

He's attracted to whatever scant options are left to him.

[Ark42]

I'm not really sure any Eikaiwa or ALT position offers that much long-term security. I'm more interested in getting to Japan, meeting people over there, learning Japanese, and maybe going on some hikes once in a while. If I get fired because I spoke English to somebody on the street, then at least I'm already in Japan and can probably find a new job a lot easier than from overseas. The money and hours with Eikaiwas aren't an issue at all. The only reason I'd prefer ALT is because of the specific stories of people having to be annoying salesmen at Eikaiwas, getting people to buy extra books or lessons, etc. That particular aspect doesn't seem like fun, but the rest of the things mentioned here, sure, no problem.

[SomePeopleJustSaySnow]

Eh, fair enough. I would advise you to consider why you were rejected from two major programmes though, definitely before you start searching for other positions. A lot of the same kinds of jobs have very similar hiring requirements.

[5100]

Now, snow. It is only a matter of time before Japan realizes its massive error and embraces the lad.

[Ini]

Heart will have anyone. One guy made it to Tokyo orientation last year before they discovered he was functionally illiterate and couldnt read the 3rd grade JHS textbook........

[word]

Heart will have anyone. One guy made it to Tokyo orientation last year before they discovered he was functionally illiterate and couldnt read the 3rd grade JHS textbook........

Please tell me this is a true story.

[Ark42]

Eh, fair enough. I would advise you to consider why you were rejected from two major programmes though, definitely before you start searching for other positions. A lot of the same kinds of jobs have very similar hiring requirements.

If only they would tell me, I could try to work on something to improve myself.

Honestly though, I'm pretty certain the only reason I didn't even get an interview with Interac is because I'm married. And as far as JET goes, the only thing I can guess at is that my letters of reference weren't unique enough. That's the only thing in the application I didn't get to see, and can't go back and review now. I suppose it could be the lack of teaching experience and Japanese skills, but I'm fairly certain many people get jobs at both of those places with those faults.

[Ini]

I like cheese

[sharpinthefang]

If only they would tell me, I could try to work on something to improve myself.

Honestly though, I'm pretty certain the only reason I didn't even get an interview with Interac is because I'm married. And as far as JET goes, the only thing I can guess at is that my letters of reference weren't unique enough. That's the only thing in the application I didn't get to see, and can't go back and review now. I suppose it could be the lack of teaching experience and Japanese skills, but I'm fairly certain many people get jobs at both of those places with those faults.

This might not be quite what you want to hear, but one of the first things I remember you posting was that you would come to Japan regardless of any outcome. Some of your posts have been a little... offish considering how new you are to the site. (Not that we have much to speak about, but we played nice when we were new then turn into what we are now).

How desperate did you appear in the letter? If you don't mind, why not post it up here and maybe we can help. Especially if you are going to use the basis of that for your other Japan job applications.

[5100]

And as far as JET goes, the only thing I can guess at is that my letters of reference weren't unique enough. That's the only thing in the application I didn't get to see, and can't go back and review now.

Who did you ask? Uniqueness doesn't matter in those so much, so long as they clearly hold you in esteem. I've seen letters for people (for other jobs) where the writer was clearly trying to communicate that the subject was a fuckup, just in a roundabout way.

[Penguee]

I think there might be a link here.

Well yeah. Lots of chain schools are awful factories from what I heard. But there are diamonds in the rough and you usually find that in original (not chain) English Schools. If Ark wants to get to Japan no matter what, a chain school offers the ability to get him here and (probably) let him stay at least a year.

[Zolrak 22]

Please tell me this is a true story.

+1

By the way Ark,

If you are THAT dead set on Japan, it doesn't hurt to get a TEFL certification. Even if it's an online one. (Like the one I got)

[itsabird]

but we played nice when we were new then turn into what we are now

Some of us made the change faster than others.

Edit : Think of it as if it were puberty.

[itsabird]

Silly

[Ark42]

How desperate did you appear in the letter? If you don't mind, why not post it up here and maybe we can help. Especially if you are going to use the basis of that for your other Japan job applications.

I made an outline answering all the bullet points I knew they wanted answered, and then just wrote an honest 2 pages about myself, the things I like about Japan, and what I want to get out of being there. I don't think I sounded desperate in any way. It's not that I wouldn't like the advice, but I don't really feel like posting such a personal essay on the Internet for strangers to read.

Who did you ask? Uniqueness doesn't matter in those so much, so long as they clearly hold you in esteem. I've seen letters for people (for other jobs) where the writer was clearly trying to communicate that the subject was a fuckup, just in a roundabout way.

I asked two of my best clients who I am very certain would have nothing but good things to say. I've been a freelance software developer for the 12 years since I graduated college, and most of my clients come and go, or are out of state and I never meet face-to-face. The two that I did ask are both local, and both people that I've done lots of repeat work for.

If you are THAT dead set on Japan, it doesn't hurt to get a TEFL certification. Even if it's an online one. (Like the one I got)

I've been seriously considering doing that, even if I'm already in Japan teaching while I'm getting it.

[sharpinthefang]

Have you ever proof read your own work? How about getting someone else to proof read it? You will never find flaws, typos or incorrect opinions in your own work, but you will in others.
I used to hate proof reading my work, but when friends from different courses helped each other out, it really made a difference.

I know you behave differently on here to RL, but think about how you come across on here. Think about the other points I mentioned and address them.

[SomePeopleJustSaySnow]

...and what I want to get out of being there...

How much did you focus on this? You seem pretty driven to get to Japan for reasons far removed from actual teaching (judging only by what you've said here, of course), and that could potentially come across very negatively in an interview/evaluation situation.

[Zolrak 22]

Hey n00bs. I'm BJ

There was a bit of a mocking tone in that thread, but the information is based on this very issue.

[Ark42]

Have you ever proof read your own work? How about getting someone else to proof read it? You will never find flaws, typos or incorrect opinions in your own work, but you will in others.
I used to hate proof reading my work, but when friends from different courses helped each other out, it really made a difference.

I know you behave differently on here to RL, but think about how you come across on here. Think about the other points I mentioned and address them.

I know exactly what you mean. Yes, there were certainly a few grammatical errors and odd things that I read over 20 times and never caught. That's why I had other people proof it, definitely.

How much did you focus on this? You seem pretty driven to get to Japan for reasons far removed from actual teaching (judging only by what you've said here, of course), and that could potentially come across very negatively in an interview/evaluation situation.

I'd say it was 50/50. In other sections, I did focus on why I want to be an ALT, and how I want to interact with students/teachers outside of the classroom. I tried to make it clear that I was not going to be a shut-in or loaner who just shows up to work and leaves as soon as I'm allowed. I also focused on the volunteering I'd done over the past several years where I was a mentor for kids of all ages in a mixed setting.

[sharpinthefang]

I know exactly what you mean. Yes, there were certainly a few grammatical errors and odd things that I read over 20 times and never caught. That's why I had other people proof it, definitely.

I was not trying to point that out, although that would also count. I was trying to point out hidden messages / meanings that may or may not have come across. Tone and the such like.