Finding Work.

[Poppy]

I have been in Japan for just over one month now, and im finding it hard to find work.
I dont have any qualifications but I have a Working Holiday Visa and I would really like to stay for the one year.

I have been sending my CV off for all sorts of jobs mostly teaching, but the same response always pops up "Im sorry but we are looking for some one with atleast 1 year teaching experiance, a BA degree or at the minimum a TEFL certificate.My spoken Japanese level is basic, and my reading skills are very basic, so ill admit I dont really deserve any job...

I come to Japan purely out of my love for the country and people, and ill admit I rushed into it, not doing the research I should have.

I was wondering if anyone else is in or has been in the same situation as myself, im running out of money fast.
At this time my options seem to be: keep trying to find work and hope for the best untill my funds run out OR throw in the towel, go back home and get the qualifications needed to live and and work in Japan.

Although my time here has been by no means wasted. For the first time in my life I know where I want to be. Japan. And although Im still not sure on what it is exactly ill be doing out here this was a very big decision for me. I really want to live here!!

I look forward to peoples advice/opinions ,and If you have a few minutes I would also love to hear about you lot who are living in Japan, What qualifications do you have, what jobs do you do etc etc.

Sorry for the long and slightly depressing post :P
Thanks
Pop

[Mr,Fartsville]

Take on any job that you can get. Enjoy your time in Japan and do not add up your pennies. Live and have a good time. Then go back to the place you slimed out of.

[Mr,Fartsville]

Sorry about the slimed out part, cheers

[KansaiBen]

If its any consolation. people with degrees and experience often cant get jobs either or they are not willing to take the ones that employers are offering.

Probably time to go home and work on that degree.

Japanese employers dont care about how much you love the country and people.

[wildrose]

I was in the same situation 10 years ago. I came on WHV and was in between semesters in college. At 28, I got into the J.E.T Programme and am living the dream I realized 10 years ago. It seems like you know what you want as well. This will help you in your planning and motivation back home. Best of luck!

[Glenski]

Keep sending out the resumes. December is the deadest time of year, but you might snag something lucky, especially if some foreigner bails out of the country and his job at the same time.

[Rogue_Trooper]

Keep sending out the resumes. December is the deadest time of year, but you might snag something lucky, especially if some foreigner bails out of the country and his job at the same time.

I agree.

This late in the year most companies have their headcount sorted and are unlikely to hire before the New Years break as there is just too much going on for them to be training new staff. Particularly in teaching. I would keep trying into the New Year if you have the money. People leave the country unexpectedly and there just seems to be more work in general.

In your position I wouldn't be too proud to look for work in bars,clubs or restaurants either. Those sort of places are probably hiring now.

[tkyosam]

If you are in Tokyo check out the magazines Tokyo Notice Board and Metropolis.
They have plenty of jobs for people looking for basic WHV work

You can find these in many gaijin stores and tourist information counters in major stations.

Good luck! Enjoy Japan sucka

[Touky]

Did you try registering with the Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers? I think they have a job referal program for WHV holders. Might be wrong but here`s the website:

http://www.jawhm.or.jp/eng/index.html

[Poppy]

Thank you to all those that helped and gave your advice and opinions.

But im afraid still in the same situation.
I went to JAWHM and am now a memeber, they were very helpful but I was told like someone pointed out in this thread earlier, December is dead and not many people recruit etc etc.
I have been reading Metropolis and Tokyo Notice Board and have frequently check online through Gaijinpot or Japanzine, applying for jobs and being turned down

Im not sure if my age has something to do with it aswell if im on the phone I have had "Really! just 20? ok we will contact once we have read your CV" etc etc.

ARGHH I really dont know what to do.. I really dont want to give up after being here for nearlly 3 months I have settled down, got used to the way of life and have a good group of friends etc etc, but maybe it is time to go home and get the qualifications I need. Even though the amount of students im teaching conversation classes to are building up it isnt enough to survive on, not by a long shot.

Im going to give myself to the end of January, and if im not sorted by then...... *sob sob*

Anyway thanks again for all of your info, you have been most helpful
Pop

[Glenski]

ARGHH I really dont know what to do.. I really dont want to give up after being here for nearlly 3 months I have settled down, got used to the way of life and have a good group of friends etc etc, but maybe it is time to go home and get the qualifications I need.

Sounds like you were perhaps too busy in establishing a social life than in networking for job contacts. Job hunting is a job in itself.

Don't know what to do?

1) Spend 10-12 hours a day looking up employers. Not much else you can do.
2) Reassess your resume.

[tkyosam]

You should watch my buddy Luke's video series on youtube, he talks about he started getting work on a WHV. The only thing different about you two is that he speaks Japanese, but still, has a couple of videos out there about his job situation:

www.youtube.com/aloneinaichi

Also, like Glenski said, go on google and find some examples of good WHV resumes

[Jake XXX]

tkyosam: do you know what happened to his blog? i always found it pretty interesting.

poppy: good luck, really. i'll be in your exact shoes pretty much in a few weeks...