Link to interview with Mr. Graham McDarmott (spelling? guraamu makkudarumotto-san)
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I recently got official word that I company I thought I was set to work for couldn't place me for fall. So I and my husband continue to browse the gaijinpot and Japan English Teacher. We also came to the conclusion that I may start out in Korea. Not being single, or rather, having a spouse accompany me, locks me out of a job market designed for singles but I know ALT companies tend to be more flexible and are still an option in the future if I do what I need to do to make myself competitive. The interview above is with someone who works writing the Eiken exam. It sounds like an interesting position and the interview is not that hard to read (easy kanji), and would be good for anyone interested in working in Japan someday to read.
My friend just made it through the AEON interview. As I said, these common entry-level teaching jobs are exclusive to singles or those who intend to come to Japan alone, or come without co-habitating with a spouse. I ran into this issue at an interview for an independent eikaiwa chain in Aichi. If there are any readers out there who are married (especially to an international... his English is excellent but he can't be considered native-born English speaker), perhaps they can identify. But I'm thrilled for him as he does not only have solid interpersonal skills for a position like AEON, but is also business minded so it will be a great experience for his future.
I have a phone interview tonight with a school near my husband's parents' home in Korea, and perhaps one ALT company that would probably be able to place me by spring. All the Japan stuff is yet to come though. It's so competitive these days!
