JOB INTERVIEWS, JOB OFFERS, JOB CONTRACTS

 Moving to Japan to look for work? Finding employment should take approximately one month, if you meet the criteria listed below.

• Have your paperwork in order - (relevant certificates, diplomas, degrees)
• Have a visa that will enable you to work in Japan.
• Diligently and continually search for jobs.
• Present yourself professionally at job interviews - (See #1 below).
• Maintain a well-groomed appearance.
• Keep a positive attitude, even when things are not going your way.

This section provides important information on the following four topics:

1. Job Interviews
2. Job Offers
3. Job Contracts
4. Labor Relations Act

1. JOB INTERVIEWS 

When you start your job search in Japan, you may be surprised at the large number of "WANTED" ads in the various English language publications. However, keep in mind that you will be competing with several others. Therefore, whenever going to an interview, be at the top of your game. Below are some points to consider when searching for a job and attending interviews. Following the advice below will bring great benefits in terms of reduced stress and interview success.

• During your first couple of months in Japan, you will probably be arranging numerous interviews. To keep the job-searching information in order and from becoming overwhelmed, have a "Job Only" notebook. Also consider the distance, travel time and cost to get to a potential job. You find this out by calling the employer and asking - (they will speak English and be familiar  with this type of questioning).
• When arranging a job interview, cut out the actual job advertisement and tape it into your "Job Only" notebook. Next to the ad, copy all the relevant details of your upcoming interview - (date, time, address of interview, directions, transportation lines to take, etc.) After the interview, fill in your comments/notes about the job position, the location and the interview itself. This way you will have a record of all the jobs that you applied for, the time and cost involved to get there and how well the interview went - for future reference. (You will be glad you did this.)
• Addresses in Japan can be tricky to find. So whenever arranging an interview, be sure to ask for clear directions on how to get there, from your starting point to their's, and the approximate travel time involved from this location - (see Tokyo? No Problem Chapter 6, Pre-travel Advice). Bring these directions with you in your "Job Only" notebook, remembering that you will need them for finding your way back to your accommodation.
• You will be in a new environment so allow plenty of time for travel. If you are really nervous about finding your way, consider travelling to the inteview location the day before so that you know exactly where it is and the travel time involved. Bring all relevant documentation with you to the interview inside a professional briefcase or backpack (degrees, certificates, diplomas, passport containing your visa, etc.)
• Bring a notepad/pen to the interview containing your contact information and a list of prepared questions pertinent to the advertised position.
• Be well-groomed: neat, clean, fresh breath, cleanly shaven and wearing professional, wrinkle-free attire (preferably a suit). Make sure that you do not smell of cigarettes/coffee and are not chewing gum.
• Be punctual (10 minutes early).
• Be polite to the receptionist and sit in the designated area.
• Stand to introduce yourself and shake hands firmly when approached.
• During the interview, have a positive attitude and smile - not fake though.
• Listen intently to the interviewer and show a genuine interest in the job position they are offering.
• Ask general questions about the job. For instance, if it is a teaching position, enquire about the students (class size, type of students, student ability, ages, etc.), curriculum (type of program, teaching materials, etc).
• Highlight your qualifications during the interview (degrees, certificates, experience) and have a good response prepared for the question regarding any of your shortcomings (such as a lack of experience).
• Ask questions about salary and benefits and if they pay for your travel costs ONLY near the end of the interview. Asking about these things first will jeopardize your success.
• Ask when the position begins and when they will make a decision about the hiring near the end of the interview.
• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his/her time and for the opportunity for an interview. Say that you hope you are a suitable candidate for their company and that you would truly enjoy working there - (if you genuinely feel this way).
• Shake hands, say good-bye and leave, acknowledging the receptionist on your way out.
• Leave the area - do not hang about for a coffee, to shop, etc.

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2. JOB OFFERS

You do not want to scare off a potential employer by overwhelming them with contractual questions during the interview process. However, you do want to ensure that you are being treated fairly. Hence, if you are offered a job and before signing on the dotted line, make sure that you have answers to all of your questions – especially if it is a full time position.

When it comes to a full time teaching position, the combination of interview and paper contract should address the bulleted items listed below. If they do not, politely ask for clarification on matters to which you are unclear. Finally, whether you accept a job offer or not, generously thank the employer for their offer and confidence in your ability as an employee. (Note: Please tailor the bullets listed below according to the job position specific to you.)

• Hours: Contract length? Actual teaching hours? Office hours? Is preparing and grading part of office hours? Total hours? Overtime? Which days off? Start time and finish time? Which national holidays off? Termination notice?
• Working Conditions: Who are students? Grouped by ability? Class size? Location of classroom? Duration of each class? Break time between classes? How long break time? What is expected at break time? Break time paid? Duties during office hours? Duties during teaching hours? Any “extra” duties? Meal time?
• Curriculum: Does school have own program of study or teacher develops it? Does school provide teaching materials to teacher? Do students have own books or does teacher prepare copies for each lesson? Is lesson plan flexible?
• Teacher Training: Does school provide teacher training? How long? Paid? 
• Housing: Housing provided? Furnished? Shared? If shared, same gender sharing? Rent paid? Key money paid? Utilities paid? Any other costs?

• Salary and Benefits: Salary? Completion bonus? Vacation time? Paid vacation? Raise for renewal? Health insurance? Paid national holidays?

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3. JOB CONTRACTS

For full-time and regular part-time jobs, insist on a contract - no matter what the job and the company. The places where you may not need a contract is for private language lessons or free-lance work from a trusted source. Do not sign a contract until you have fully reviewed and understood it.

If you are considering accepting a full-time teaching contract, be aware that most full-time teaching contracts contain some commonalities (listed below).

• Minimum salary of 250,000 yen/mo. (about US$3000/mo.)
• Teaching hours not exceeding 25 hours per week (excluding office hours)
• Completion bonus of a one-year contract averaging between 50,000 to 100,000 yen
• Minimum of two weeks off per year, excluding national holidays
• Some (or all) national holidays off with pay
• Health insurance provided or at least partially subsidized
• Transportation expenses reimbursed to teacher for travel between home and work, depending on distance teacher travels
• Transportation expenses reimbursed to teacher for travel to any lessons outside the school
• A raise when renewing a contract - often tied to whether the teacher received favourable student assessments at the end of term
• If the employer is providing teacher’s housing, employer pays all key money to the landlord.

• If the employer is providing teacher’s housing, it should contain essential bedding, furnishings and utensils.

4. Labor Relations Act

As an employee, it is always important to know your rights. Foreign residents working in Japan are covered by the Labor Relations Act, regardless of their nationality or whether they have been working legally. If you have questions about your contract, treatment at work or Japanese Labor Standards, visit the website of Shiga Prefecture, click English and then Information for Foreigners. Topics covered here include:

• The Employment Contract
• Wages
• Working Hours and Rest Periods
• Overtime and Rest Day Work
• Protection of Women Workers
• Medical Checkup
• Dispatch to Other Locations

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