English Teachers - Am I too late?

[KashimaKing]

Good morning/afternoon everyone!

I had a question and I wondered if someone would be kind enough to offer some advice (preferably an English teacher working in Japan).

I have a working holiday visa and will stay in Osaka for 1 year with my Japanese friend. I have a lot of money saved up but obviously would love a job as well. I have no degree, however I do have teaching experience from a volunteer placement in Japan before and I also have a TEFL.

Because I dont have a degree I already know its going to be hard, however I know it's possible. My original plan was to get to Japan on March 21st, to hopefully enjoy some time for travel and to start work in April. I have started applying from the UK online using GaijinPot and so far a company said they can interview me when I get to Japan but only for positions in September, and I had a Skype interview 3 days ago which im sure I failed.

My question is...

I can't decide if it's better to do as im doing and trying to apply online, then from march when I get there just apply for more jobs that allow me to as I will be residing in Japan...

or,

Would it be better to try and get to Japan earlier and start applying from within-Japan? - I've heard most of the jobs start in April so I'm very concerned.

I appreciate your time for reading this,

Thank you

David

 

[Glenski]

You have the edge on work visa applicants because you can start work immediately after being hired. They have to wait for weeks. If you are looking online and at the same time look around while here in March, you have the better chance. Come in April with nothing lined up, and you will be taking sloppy seconds (jobs that others have turned down because they discovered at the last minute weren't good, so they bailed). Tell your online potential employers clearly when you plan to be here.