Finding a job while in Japan

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone.

I would really like to work as an English teacher - as do many many others.

I am currently looking for a job in Tokyo. The thing is I am already here on a visitor's visa. Many jobs seem to want applicants to already have a work visa or the big schools seem to hire from overseas.

My question is do any of the big schools hire within Japan and then sort out visas for them? I am perfectly willing to leave the country to apply for my visa at an embassy in my home country. Only thing is that I would like to first find the job while I am here.

Also do smaller schools recruit from within Japan and then help out with visas?

Any comments about this would be of great help in educating me about my prospects.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

ECC definitely recruits people already in Japan. Visit their website for more info. Also, many big and small schools you've never heard of recruit exclusively in Japan and they are more than willing to sponsor work visas for first-timers. Then best thing to do is look at the classified ads in the Japan Times every Monday, use the resources on this site, and www.jobsinjapn.com

[Anonymous]

I don't recommend big schools, especially if you're rebellious enough to come here on your own, without anything set up. Go to Osaka and then go to a pub, like Pig and Whistle. Talk to the bartenders and patrons about it. They'll steer you toward a school or two.