Re: [tlug] Embedded linux dev wanting to find work in Tokyo.. Seeking advice.

[Jon Povey <jon@example.com>]

Thanks very much to all responders, more than I hoped for :)

Sach Jobb wrote:
> > 3. If you can afford to do so, consider coming over on a tourist
> > visa (90 days) and looking around for work on the ground. There are
> > a couple of decent recruiters subscribed to the list, so if they
> > are reading, they should contact you. If not, I'll send you their
> > email addresses.
>
> I recommend this method as well. Although it is possible for you to
> interview over the phone (or VC), most companies will feel much more
> comfortable if they can meet you in person. On top of that, when a
> company is looking to fill a position most of the time they are
> trying to do it right away, so any foreseeable delays or
> complications is typically not a desirable trait. Being physically
> present in Tokyo will help quite a bit.

This is certainly possible. I had hoped to do some research, find some 
likely companies or people to talk to, and if it's not as simple as 
someone on the other side of the world being overcome by my CV and 
hiring me on spec (hah), then come back over to Japan and press the 
flesh / network etc.

The idea of finding a multinational is one I'll look into, I have tended 
to prefer small companies and steer away from the highly corporate after 
an unpleasant exposure to things like mission statements and corporate 
values in a previous job, but that was partly thanks to my role at the time.

> The laws very between countries but I believe with the U.K. you can
> have 90 days on a tourist visa. There is some risk here because if
> you don't find work within 30 to 45 days your likely hood of having
> to leave the country once (and come right back in) is quite high as
> it typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for the Japanese government to
> process your visa request.

Leaving and returning immediately doesn't sound too onerous..

> Note that only the Tokyo immigration office has this "pick up where
> you left off" power. If I understand correctly, if you try to do this
> in Osaka or another region, your application will be canceled the
> moment you leave the country and you will have to re-apply from
> scratch.

Worth knowing. I am certainly aiming at Tokyo, I have a few friends 
there already, I like the city and have the impression that Tokyo is 
"where it's all going on".

> For an engineering visa you need either a university degree related
> to your field or you need 10 years of experience. Although a little
> gray, you maybe able to get a different type of visa with a bit more
> ease.

Just to clarify then I have a B.Sc. Honours in compsci (from a British 
university) which I assume qualifies.
I also have the funds (and inclination!) to come over for 90 days in 
Tokyo with a view to finding work.

I must update my CV and get it online. I'm sure you could all use a chuckle.

Also, thanks Jun for the info, I will look into those sites and 
agencies.. Google recruiter? I picked up some Google toys from the guys 
at AsiaBSDCon this year, maybe you were there?

Thanks again for the pointers all. And I'll keep working on the language.

--
Jon Povey
jon@example.com