Steps

1. Join the JET program. http://www.jetprogramme.org/
2. Hope to get in. Regarding partcipating countries, the Jet program recruits the greatest number of teachers from the U.S. with a whopping 2879 recruits in 2006. More on participating countries and do’s and don’ts in the Jet application process at http://www.all-about-teaching-english-in-japan.com/teachESLabroad.html

and you can find the latest teaching opportunities at http://www.all-about-teaching-english-in-japan.com/teachingjobsabroad.htm

1. If JET doesn’t work out for you, try one of the major English schools, like Aeon, Geos, or ECC They are always looking for new recruits. But keep in mind that these companies generally offer entry level positions.
2. There are also job postings to be found on the Internet at places like http://www.japanenglishteacher.com – lots of English teaching jobs. The free electronic newsletter O-Hayo Sensei — http://www.ohayosensei.com — reports 100+ currently available positions every two weeks; it’s available by email or ftp. Also, do a search for “EFL job Japan” and see what you can find.
3. Additional search items are “jobs in japan”, “jobs overseas” “teach English in Japan”

Tips

• JET = Japanese Exchange and Teaching
• Interviewers are on the lookout for people with approachable personalities, good spoken English and a high level of adaptability, among other things.
• JET is one of the most reknowned programs for teaching English in Japan, but there are also several companies that regularly recruit English teachers from around the world (see above). The benefits and support usually aren’t as good as with the JET Program, but the opportunity is there if you want it.
• Almost anyone who hires you will sponsor your work visa. Some times, but not all the time, the company you hired for will pay your fare to and from Japan, but not always. Several of the Big Three Japanese English schools require you to get to Japan on your own dime.
• Before you decide to take any job in Japan, take a look around the internet and see what comments you can find about others who’ve taken the same sort of job. Recruiters for the big English schools have a reputation for making things seem rosier than they really are. You will do yourself a favor if you research the good, the bad and the ugly before consenting to anything.
• Private schools and small hiring companies like ALTIA may provide you with a higher salary and an overall better situation than larger companies can guarantee you. Their needs may also be more specific, and they may be searching for people with more qualifications than the average JET teacher.

Steps

1. Apply for your passport.
2. Begin your Internet search for jobs in Japan. Start with the larger schools, then continue to smaller schools. In their adverts they will often clearly spell out if they provide accommodations and visa. Salary and working conditions are also clearly spelled out. If not, ask. Teaching opportunities can be found at http://www.all-about-teaching-english-in-japan.com/teachingjobsabroad.html
3. Check out the school, after they agree to hire you, to make sure working conditions are normal.
4. Start studying Japanese. It’s not necessary to be able to speak Japanese to get a job in Japan, but it sure makes things easier.
5. Get a certificate of eligibility through your employer. You will need to bring it your local consulate to get your visa stamped.
6. Write your resume and cover letters and start working on a theme like “Why I want to teach in Japan. Make sure it also includes all personal references with their contact information.
7. Book your flight and send this information to your new employer, so that they can make arrangements to pick you up at the airport.

Tips

• Get information about your living arrangements. They might be shared or individual.
• Find out if your travel expenses will be compensated.
• If housing is provided ask how much your rent is.
  • TESL or TEFL certificates will help will small scale employers but large chains schools don’t require them. They do of course require a university degree.
• Prior teaching experience isn’t necessary but a desire to experience a different culture, enthusiasm and willingness to commit definitely helps in the interview process.