EFL, ELT jobs Japan
How and where to look

This is crucial, as finding ELT jobs isn't hard, but finding the one for you probably is. So make sure you go though all the details before deciding where to send your applications, and don't let the flow of events distract you. Many people have had their unpleasant surprises with language schools or private tuition before, even in their own hometown. Imagine the same situation abroad, and you'll get the general picture of why not to haste things too much.

It is my intent to keep an eye out for some good teacher positions, and if circumstances allow, to travel to Japan and apply for the job. You'll learn that most of the job openings will require that the Native English Teacher should already be in the country, and have a work VISA as well. That's the cache 22 there, for you usually don't get a working VISA unless you have a school or company invite you for a job, and even then it's not that easy.

In order to get a job in Japan you HAVE to have a working VISA.
In order to get a working VISA, you have to have a degree in what you teach and an invitation.
In order to get an invitation you have to apply for a job.
In order to apply for a job, most of the time you have to already be in Japan.
You can stay in Japan for up to six months as a tourist, and get your working VISA there.

Does that sound simple enough? There are numerous stories of/from people who didn't do their homework on the topic, and needless to say, I feel like a novice myself. But all that said, I will be posting all my findings so that ELT labs can become a workshop for not only people teaching English in Budapest, Hungary, but also for people getting ready for their TEFL, ESL jobs in Japan. Particularly Tokyo, for that's my main area of interest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan - VISA information - English website

All you need to know on how to apply, when to apply, who needs to apply, from the most official source you could imagine. A comprehensive guide, even if a bit extensive, you're better off reading through all of it, so that you don't run into any surprises. Once the paperwork is over ( could take quite some time ) you will enjoy a relative calm regarding this issue. But first things first, get informed!

ELT events Calendar: Teaching English in Japan - English website

A great example of a useful resource on teaching English in Japan, which is probably even more useful once you're already in the country. A collaboration of ELTs, this website serves as one of the vital hubs of English language information on conferences, events, meetups and even books of interest.

ELT Workshop from Michael J. Crawford - English website

This little website is useful and clean of any major marketing blurbs, directly from the Hokkaido University of Education, Hakodate. Which location by the way has climate and weather closest to Hungary. Word has it that except for its volcanic landscapes and huge mountains, the inland scenery can too be somewhat familiar to those who have lived, worked in Budapest. But the fresh and abundant seafood, and the prefecture capital of Sapporo ( with the size of Budapest! ) will probably tip you off where you are, if nothing else will.

ELTNews : Teaching English in Japan - Jobs - English website

Yet another all around resource with job classifieds ( updated daily ) breaking down ads to any detail you'd like, including cities! They have their own in-house guide to people who wish to learn about the tricks of the trade, teaching English in Japan. Tips, resources, downloads, a forum and articles, all in one place.

GaijinPot: Working in Japan... Teaching - English website

GaijinPot is probably the biggest expat forum in Japan, with a thread for everything that happens in the country. And as so, it has grown into a major portal, where you can not only browse available jobs, but also send in your resume, CV, and wait for headhunters to show up. It needs to be a pretty attractive resume though, as you're not the only one competing.

Jobs.edufind.com - English website

A seemingly chaotic website with a lot of history and a huge directory of links on many related topics. Although using it is an adventure in itself. Some ( including me ) prefer more localized websites, but for those who are new enough to this work that they need generic guidance, this resource may just as well work out.

TESall.com - Search 4000+ ESL jobs - English website

News and jobs for teachers, with a handy search interface that will show you not just what has been posted on TESall.com, but also its partnering sites with names like ESLcafe, Monster and such. It's quite useful when all you know is where you want to go, and don't want to keep visiting the "brand" name ESL job sites one by one.