Resources for finding jobs in Japan?

[tada]

II am currently a student at University of Washington planning to graduate next year, going for a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Japanese. I am at about JLPT 2-kyuu level, and am taking it at the end of this year. I am looking to get a job in Japan (preferably Tokyo or other major urban area) once I graduate.

Does anyone know any good resources someone in my position to find a job? I'd prefer something that's not English teaching (though I'm willing to do that if that's all I can find).

 

[Glenski]

I'm going to make a guess that you don't have much in the way of Japanese language skills, even with a minor. Have you taken any of the JLPT exams?

That, coupled with only a fresh BS degree and no experience will not put you in good standing for IT jobs. Usually, employers want someone with high Japanese fluency and some experience in fields they don't already have people in. Why bother with the effort of hiring a foreigner otherwise?

See what places like the following links may advertise, but I seriously doubt you will find much.
www.gaijinpot.com
www.kansaiscene.com
www.kfm.to
www.jobsinjapan.com
www.japantimes.co.jp (classifieds here are different from the print version, which has them on Monday)

Another option is to see if there are any employers with branch offices here from their main office in your country. SOME may hire people with low Japanese skills, but it's all case by case. If they are willing to risk sending an unproven newbie graduate overseas, that's another thing, too. You might be able to get a direct hire here, or if you work for the home office to get an intracompany transfer visa, you'll have to work in the home office for a year first to qualify.

Then, there's always teaching English to get your foot in the door and your butt in country so you can network, but realize that most of the jobs you are suited for have hours unsuitable to job hunting.

 

[tada]

Actually, I am at about JLPT 2-kyuu level (I'm studying for it and taking it December this year). After that, I'll probably aim for the 1-kyuu in a couple more years.

I still think I'm going to try and find something, and then teach English if that's all I can get.

 

[Glenski]

2-kyu seems to be the minimum employers want, if they want anything at all, so good luck on the test.

 

[dreamer]

I just wanted to point out that if you graduate from a certain major and take a job in another field for a couple of years you might have some problems getting back into the "right" field...

Also I've seen a few IT offers from agencies and they indeed ask for a JLPT 2-kyu so if you can somehow obtain it, you might wanna try and apply for these positions.

 

[Mike Cash]

Actually, I am at about JLPT 2-kyuu level (I'm studying for it and taking it December this year). After that, I'll probably aim for the 1-kyuu in a couple more years.

Keep in mind that there's a considerable difference between JLPT2 "book learning" Japanese and JLPT2 "on-the-ground-and-using-it" Japanese.

Also keep in mind that it is pretty much a universal phenomenon for people to overestimate their Japanese proficiency.

 

[tada]

I took a diagnostic JLPT 2 test, and was a little below JLPT 2 level (though I did pass in the kanji area), but that was almost 6 months ago. I'm probably going to take that book's other test soon.

Of course, I practice the speaking and usage aspect as much as I can too... I know that there's also the hands-on part of learning a language.

 

[tada]

Took the other 2-kyuu practice test. Still failed, but I went up from 148 points in January to 198 points now. Looks like I'm on pace to pass in December.