The Post-JET (Teaching) Job Hunt in Japan During COVID by Sophie Taylor
Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
Like many JETs who decided not to re-contract, I believed I was ready to move on. I thoroughly enjoyed my life in Hiroshima’s countryside, however, I knew for me, I needed something new. However, this was before Covid-19 threw all of this into a spin. I was leaving JET and entering a world where unemployment is rising. Not only this, but I had plans to remain in Japan where my life here is dependent on a job — for earnings and a visa. I visited the After JET Career Fair in Tokyo and secured some work, but knowing I could be laid off before I begin, it was only natural to continue the job hunt. I can now safely say I found a job that I think I will love and excel in, not only a job that supports my survival and visa. Here is my advice if you are about to enter the teaching job market in Japan.
Disclaimer: This is for teaching jobs only. Moreover, I am not the most qualified or experienced JET, this is advice for JETs with limited experience in teaching and other fields, and under N2 Japanese.
1. Get yourself up to scratch NOW
This is clearly stating the obvious, but now is not the time for mediocre applications. Make sure you are selling your JET experience in the best way possible.
- Freshen up your resume.
- Start/edit your LinkedIn profile.
The earlier you start the better, as now is the time people are making the decision to remain in Japan or not — be ahead of the competition.
Photo by Marten Newhall on Unsplash
2. Search job websites and apply
Apply for as many roles as possible. You could apply for twenty jobs and only hear back from one, I only heard back from 25%.
For general searching:
Gaijinpot Jobs — https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/index/index/lang/en
Link Japan Careers –https://linkjapancareers.net/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI55mI7qmy6QIVDz5gCh0mcgcPEAAYASAAEgK4XvD_BwE
Apply for ALT dispatch if you are happy continuing a similar role:
Interac — https://interacnetwork.com/
Altia — https://recruiting.altmoot.com/
Borderlink — https://www.borderlink.co.jp/alt/
Heart English School — https://heart-school.jp/en/
Working for Eikaiwa:
AEON — https://www.aeonet.com/
NOVA — http://nova-holdings.jp/teachinjapan/
Berlitz — https://teach.berlitz.co.jp/
ECC — https://eccteachinjapan.com/
Amity (children) — https://amityteachers.com/
Gaba — https://www.gabateachinginjapan.com/
World Family English (children) — https://world-family.co.jp/about/recruit.html
Working for Kindergartens or Childcare:
Yaruki Switch — https://recruit.yarukiswitch.jp/native/
Hiring for this style of work is predominately done locally. Apply directly.
Apply to schools directly:
Search for International Schools or Boards of Education and check their ‘Employment’ pages (use your best friend google-sensei). This was how I got the role I will be sticking with.
Photo by Kumiko SHIMIZU on Unsplash
3. Emphasize your logistical strengths
At the moment, it is very difficult for many teaching companies or schools to hire from abroad. Also, many of these companies are strapped for cash. Although the number of positions may have declined, the number of applicants have also declined. Thus many recruiters will be happy to hear that you already hold a visa, already live in Japan and require less or no assistance with housing and living arrangements. Emphasize this in your cover letter or on your resume under additional notes.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
4. Be flexible and realistic
If securing employment and remaining in Japan is most important to you, you have to consider being flexible with one or two things such as:
Your location
Your job role
Payment and benefits
Of course, it is possible to secure a job that is in the location of your choosing, the role is fulfilling and the payment/benefits are good. However, it is not guaranteed. Be prepared to make sacrifices. JET is a high paying job with good benefits compared to the aforementioned positions, so be prepared to take a salary hit, be prepared to relocate and be prepared to do something new.
Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash
The decision to leave JET and start something new in Japan has never been an easy one, now more than ever with Covid19 that holds true. However, I hope this post reassures you, you are not alone and the work is out there. All you need to do is make a concentrated effort and reach out for help.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me! They can be about application processes or even about how I secured my role.
Best wishes, Sophie xx
Email: Sophieannetaylor97@gmail.com
