not OP, but in lieu of work experience what else are you supposed to do get your foot in the door?
genuine question as i'm in a similar situation to OP but i don't even have certs just an IT related degree.
I haven’t started applying.
That’s why I am asking this question now, to figure out what’s the best next step.
My current job gives me a lot of free time so I am using the time to study for certs. I only plan on getting A+, N+, S+ and two AWS certs at max before getting first IT job, or maybe also before getting all 5.
If you want to work in IT you should apply for jobs that interest you.
It's weird that you have so many certs and zero experience, it will be obvious to any interviewer that you're trying to make up the lack of experience with a bunch of certificates.
Yes, you will get lots of rejections, but it won't be because you didn't have that one last cert, they're not pokemon for you to collect.
I started an IT job earlier this year after switching from ALT work.
We work with AWS, but it’s 90% coding. We don’t use the console for much other than looking at logs and costs.
If you’re willing to take a pay cut, I think you can find an IT job with the certifications you have. But to be honest, it might take some time searching to find a good job. I did an MS in IT (2018-2020) and after graduating it took me a full year of job hunting to find a decent paying job.
I have N2, and some jobs I applied to turned me down because I didn’t have N1 yet. But some tech jobs require no Japanese at all, so there are many possibilities in regards to language skill.
If you want to stay in Japan, but are unsure if you can get a job, I’d go ahead and recontract, then start job applications immediately. See what bites. If you find a good position, you can resign later. If not, you can stay put in your secure job.
Based on the timeline, I’m assuming you’re a JET. They have backup applicants lined up in case someone leaves, so they’ll likely be able to replace you quickly. Don’t worry about leaving halfway through. Just do what you need to for your own future. At the end of the day, it’s just a job. I resigned 6 months before the end of my contract (gave 1.5 months notice) and my school was fine with it and wished me the best.
>If you’re willing to take a pay cut, I think you can find an IT job with the certifications you have. But to be honest, it might take some time searching to find a good job. I did an MS in IT (2018-2020) and after graduating it took me a full year of job hunting to find a decent paying job.
Purely out of curiousity here - what's the attraction? Why would you put yourself through this? I feel like if I hadn't returned to my country to get going in product management, I'd never be at the salary I'm at now (transferred back to Japan). It just feels like Japan is A LOT of work for...?
Take a pay cut? Or go into IT in Japan?
I wasn’t willing to take a pay cut, that’s why it took a year to find a job. But many entry level positions were paying based on the “new grad” salary level (a lot of Japanese companies pay based on age, so this would be salary for someone 22-23, no responsibilities, living with their parents, etc.)
I switched to IT for a better earning potential, more freedom, skills that can be transferred if I do decide to leave Japan (my partner is not Japanese or American).
Could I make more money in the US? Maybe. But I would feel in danger every day. It’s not worth it for me. I can live comfortably here, walk down the street at night without fear, raise children here without fearing they’ll be shot at school. I’m never going to live in the U.S. again. There’s no salary high enough to entice me.
I have no desire to be fabulously wealthy. I’m satisfied we being comfortable and feeling safe.
I also grew up poor. But even at this point, I make more than my parents ever made combined, and my partner makes more than I do. I don’t feel a strong push to seek out much more than I’m already making. My job isn’t too difficult, and I have good benefits. It might change in the future, but for now I feel fine where I am.
> I make more than my parents ever made combined
For that kind of comparison you have to take into account inflation and maybe even purchase power parity
There's enough foreign tech here now that you don't need to move elsewhere just to get your pay up, and it wouldn't necessarily be more work than doing the same thing anywhere else. It's not SF pay, but you can still make "6 figures" with relative ease (compared to most other careers, at least).
Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. I’ll likely stay in my current job and just keep applying until I get a job. The job cushion will keep me sane lol.
Which city are you in?
Without looking at your resume I can't say much, but have you been in contact with recruiter or agent? They would be able to introduce companies that suits your background much better than random reddit advice. Also do you have bachelor degree? Cause you will need them for the engineer visa if you got the IT job.
Thanks for your reply.
I’ve haven’t been in contact with recruiters or agents. Do you have any recommendations?
After surfing this subreddit, I’ve heard many horror stories of recruiters, how they are just trying to fill their quotas. But maybe I am wrong.
I do have a bachelors degree from the US, unrelated to IT.
How do you recommend to make my resume good for my IT job goals in Japan?
Thank you
The one I could recommend is Robert Walters or JAC Recruitments.
Yes, there are many horror stories involving recruiters, but you just have to have a mindset that you're using them as much as they're using you. No need to get emotional, if you get a bad one, just use another one. If you don't like the companies they're introducing, say so. If they're pushy just push back. Remember they want you to succeed, cause you're the product they're selling.
Just try to talk to some of them first, I'm pretty sure you'll get better advice than here.
>How do you recommend to make my resume good for my IT job goals in Japan?
Have you seen some job description for job you want? If you haven't yet, then start here first. Look at LinkedIn, Indeed, tokyodev or other million sites. Then you taylor your resume to match that job description. Don't do it the other way around.
How can I find networking events in my area? Is there a specific website that shares IT networking events?
Any other IT networking ideas?
I am brand new to this so apologizes for questions that may seem basic
In your area, that would be hard, but there are a number of websites that may have some.
Personally though, I have been mainly working online.
So I contact people through LinkedIn, have recruiters contact me, etc.
And that has really been helpful.
But I haven't been to places in person. However if you look online there should be a lot of helpful resources.
Regarding portfolio, what do you recommend I do?
I didn’t have an IT background before taking CompTIA tests.
Virtual labs or something? Do you know where I could find more info on that?
Virtual labs, make some content explaining how you would fix a problem, etc.
I made my own website, posted my learning process, and also how I would solve a certain problem in data analytics. I foun da problem or sample data, and showed how I would solve it.
The point of the portfolio is to flex your skills and show them that you can do the job. If that is part of it, then do it!
I'm not so savvy on what AWS Cloud Practioner and Solutions Architect but no programming experience is required there?
I would have recommended a bootcamp. That could at least help you get your foot in the door, but that would focus around making applications with no AWS involved. Once you find a job, that is when you would begin to focus on AWS and apply your self-study knowledge towards improving in that area.
I don't think the job hunt will be easy either way. Good luck.
My 2 cents; don't just stick to AWS. Get Azure AZ-900, AZ-104 at least, as well.
As for getting the job... try Rakuten when it's new grad hiring season.
Dude, have you applied for any jobs or are you just collecting certs for the sake of it? If you have N2 you should be applying for jobs everywhere. There is a labour shortage for IT workers.
But if you're coming from the JET program (your post history) be prepared to lose half your salary, work longer hours and question why you're still here. Also consider accepting a programming job as there is more demand for that. In my case I applied for a company for an IT position, (no certs) but that asked me to be a programmer.
Tokyo is obviously the best choice especially if you want to progress your career, but I'm in the bumfuck inaka and it was easier to get a job here because there's less competition.
Just apply.
I don’t have programming knowledge. Should I get some even if it’s my first IT job?
Did you have programming experience when you applied to your programming job?
I mentioned in another response here that I have a lot of free time during my work, so I just spend it studying for certs .
Now I am at a point where I want to know my next best step, whether starting to apply for jobs or something else.
Yes you should, programming and computer science knowledge is a must, bunch of certificates are worthless to be honest, much better to learn programming, get a job and get actual real work experience. Even if you won’t be software developer, there aren’t any sysadmin jobs where you just click around console to set up networks, everything today happens through automation and you have to have at least basic programming skills to work in infra.
No I had 0 experience programming. No you already have enough theory. You need to get some real work experience instead of just studying for certs. IMO you should have started applying for jobs when you passed N2 and Comptia A+.
Take a breather, you won’t need to teach much longer with those credentials. .
Reach out to recruiters. Robert Walter’s, Michael page, TEKsystems, to name a few. Also leverage LinkedIn heavily, networking there is great and my LinkedIn network is how I got into my current company.
With those certs, you can probably get into a data center entry level role with HCL or Amazon as a trainee.
Also Craigslist (of all places) has some IT roles.
Aaaand you have N2, you’re gonna be fine.
Send me a PM and I can give you some more tips and refer you to people. I’ve helped a few teachers get into IT here, glad to help out
Some questions.
What does your resume look like?
What do you want to do? It seems like you’re just collecting certifications. Is there a field you’re interested in?
How’s your Japanese?
Also don’t get both cloud practictioner and solutions architect. Skip cloud practictioner
Am working on fixing the resume
But I do a lot of work experience before the ALT job
I want to work in cloud AWS like a network technician or something. Honestly everything interests me right now, so once I get a job in a certain niche, I’ll just gain experience and continue learning new skills.
My Japanese is N2
How come I should skip cloud practitioner? Is 4 - 6 months enough time to get both cloud practitioner and solutions architect?
Making resume shouldn’t take more than a day. Get it finished and start applying to jobs. The earlier you can apply, the better.
Just work on the solutions architect cert while you job hunt.
Uhhhh you are asking the **wrong** place. You need to send your resume to as many companies in Japan as you can and see what they have to say.
Frankly Japan is generally an awful place to work in IT related jobs. You should go back to your home country, get paid an \*actual\* salary and then visit Japan from time to time.
A better guidance make easy for you in getting better placement. If you in Japan and need career advice for getting first IT job then **Code Chrysalis** in Tokyo will be the right option for you where you will get lifetime career support and they have training programs for better reach. Visit once!
Why does everyone think “IT job” means it MUST be a programming job?
I have ~7 years experience now, started as windows support desk, got into networking and projects. Technical project manager now with decent salary and haven’t done any programming. I can do batch scripts 😂
times change. 7 years is a long time in terms of IT.
tbh even entry level IT positions without any programming requirements are steadily being phased out.
some are still there... help desk, etc., but the trend is clear.
those starting out now without decent programming skills are going to be left out. the first step to many job interviews today is a coding challenge.
thankfully there are many great free coding courses out there for the motivated.
Oh no. Am I becoming… old?!
Good points, I did start a while ago so certainly can understand things changing. I guess just starting by building and troubleshooting your own PC won’t cut it these days eh?
Have you even applied for any jobs yet or are you just collecting certificates for the sake of it?
not OP, but in lieu of work experience what else are you supposed to do get your foot in the door? genuine question as i'm in a similar situation to OP but i don't even have certs just an IT related degree.
I was told to do online labs to get “experience”. Like setting up Virtual networks, using VMs, setting up cloud etc
I haven't done that in a "lab" setting but I've done those things as part of classwork. Can one spin that as experience in actual interview?
I would also like to know lol
If you have an IT degree, why not going through the normal channels of fresh graduates?
Second degree, late 20s.
I haven’t started applying. That’s why I am asking this question now, to figure out what’s the best next step. My current job gives me a lot of free time so I am using the time to study for certs. I only plan on getting A+, N+, S+ and two AWS certs at max before getting first IT job, or maybe also before getting all 5.
If you want to work in IT you should apply for jobs that interest you. It's weird that you have so many certs and zero experience, it will be obvious to any interviewer that you're trying to make up the lack of experience with a bunch of certificates. Yes, you will get lots of rejections, but it won't be because you didn't have that one last cert, they're not pokemon for you to collect.
I started an IT job earlier this year after switching from ALT work. We work with AWS, but it’s 90% coding. We don’t use the console for much other than looking at logs and costs. If you’re willing to take a pay cut, I think you can find an IT job with the certifications you have. But to be honest, it might take some time searching to find a good job. I did an MS in IT (2018-2020) and after graduating it took me a full year of job hunting to find a decent paying job. I have N2, and some jobs I applied to turned me down because I didn’t have N1 yet. But some tech jobs require no Japanese at all, so there are many possibilities in regards to language skill. If you want to stay in Japan, but are unsure if you can get a job, I’d go ahead and recontract, then start job applications immediately. See what bites. If you find a good position, you can resign later. If not, you can stay put in your secure job. Based on the timeline, I’m assuming you’re a JET. They have backup applicants lined up in case someone leaves, so they’ll likely be able to replace you quickly. Don’t worry about leaving halfway through. Just do what you need to for your own future. At the end of the day, it’s just a job. I resigned 6 months before the end of my contract (gave 1.5 months notice) and my school was fine with it and wished me the best.
>If you’re willing to take a pay cut, I think you can find an IT job with the certifications you have. But to be honest, it might take some time searching to find a good job. I did an MS in IT (2018-2020) and after graduating it took me a full year of job hunting to find a decent paying job. Purely out of curiousity here - what's the attraction? Why would you put yourself through this? I feel like if I hadn't returned to my country to get going in product management, I'd never be at the salary I'm at now (transferred back to Japan). It just feels like Japan is A LOT of work for...?
Take a pay cut? Or go into IT in Japan? I wasn’t willing to take a pay cut, that’s why it took a year to find a job. But many entry level positions were paying based on the “new grad” salary level (a lot of Japanese companies pay based on age, so this would be salary for someone 22-23, no responsibilities, living with their parents, etc.) I switched to IT for a better earning potential, more freedom, skills that can be transferred if I do decide to leave Japan (my partner is not Japanese or American). Could I make more money in the US? Maybe. But I would feel in danger every day. It’s not worth it for me. I can live comfortably here, walk down the street at night without fear, raise children here without fearing they’ll be shot at school. I’m never going to live in the U.S. again. There’s no salary high enough to entice me. I have no desire to be fabulously wealthy. I’m satisfied we being comfortable and feeling safe.
I agree with your safety points. I don’t want to return to the USA as well. Would rather find my first IT job here in Japan and stay.
I see. Different mindset I guess, which is totally fine. I grew up poor so money is a big motivator for me and I've never felt scared in the US.
I also grew up poor. But even at this point, I make more than my parents ever made combined, and my partner makes more than I do. I don’t feel a strong push to seek out much more than I’m already making. My job isn’t too difficult, and I have good benefits. It might change in the future, but for now I feel fine where I am.
Cool. Good to hear you found a good place for you and your partner.
> I make more than my parents ever made combined For that kind of comparison you have to take into account inflation and maybe even purchase power parity
Ah man, this comment breathes so much new life into me. That later part is what I keep in the back of my mind everyday.
There's enough foreign tech here now that you don't need to move elsewhere just to get your pay up, and it wouldn't necessarily be more work than doing the same thing anywhere else. It's not SF pay, but you can still make "6 figures" with relative ease (compared to most other careers, at least).
Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. I’ll likely stay in my current job and just keep applying until I get a job. The job cushion will keep me sane lol. Which city are you in?
Tokyo.
Without looking at your resume I can't say much, but have you been in contact with recruiter or agent? They would be able to introduce companies that suits your background much better than random reddit advice. Also do you have bachelor degree? Cause you will need them for the engineer visa if you got the IT job.
Thanks for your reply. I’ve haven’t been in contact with recruiters or agents. Do you have any recommendations? After surfing this subreddit, I’ve heard many horror stories of recruiters, how they are just trying to fill their quotas. But maybe I am wrong. I do have a bachelors degree from the US, unrelated to IT. How do you recommend to make my resume good for my IT job goals in Japan? Thank you
The one I could recommend is Robert Walters or JAC Recruitments. Yes, there are many horror stories involving recruiters, but you just have to have a mindset that you're using them as much as they're using you. No need to get emotional, if you get a bad one, just use another one. If you don't like the companies they're introducing, say so. If they're pushy just push back. Remember they want you to succeed, cause you're the product they're selling. Just try to talk to some of them first, I'm pretty sure you'll get better advice than here. >How do you recommend to make my resume good for my IT job goals in Japan? Have you seen some job description for job you want? If you haven't yet, then start here first. Look at LinkedIn, Indeed, tokyodev or other million sites. Then you taylor your resume to match that job description. Don't do it the other way around.
Make a portfolio demonstrating your work, apply for jobs, make a linkedin/careercross/etc account, and network.
Use meetup website to find some meetup next to you, and to talk live to people
How can I find networking events in my area? Is there a specific website that shares IT networking events? Any other IT networking ideas? I am brand new to this so apologizes for questions that may seem basic
In your area, that would be hard, but there are a number of websites that may have some. Personally though, I have been mainly working online. So I contact people through LinkedIn, have recruiters contact me, etc. And that has really been helpful. But I haven't been to places in person. However if you look online there should be a lot of helpful resources.
Regarding portfolio, what do you recommend I do? I didn’t have an IT background before taking CompTIA tests. Virtual labs or something? Do you know where I could find more info on that?
Virtual labs, make some content explaining how you would fix a problem, etc. I made my own website, posted my learning process, and also how I would solve a certain problem in data analytics. I foun da problem or sample data, and showed how I would solve it. The point of the portfolio is to flex your skills and show them that you can do the job. If that is part of it, then do it!
You have many certificates and N2. Just start hunting on LinkedIn and Vorkers.
I'm not so savvy on what AWS Cloud Practioner and Solutions Architect but no programming experience is required there? I would have recommended a bootcamp. That could at least help you get your foot in the door, but that would focus around making applications with no AWS involved. Once you find a job, that is when you would begin to focus on AWS and apply your self-study knowledge towards improving in that area. I don't think the job hunt will be easy either way. Good luck.
My 2 cents; don't just stick to AWS. Get Azure AZ-900, AZ-104 at least, as well. As for getting the job... try Rakuten when it's new grad hiring season.
Dude, have you applied for any jobs or are you just collecting certs for the sake of it? If you have N2 you should be applying for jobs everywhere. There is a labour shortage for IT workers. But if you're coming from the JET program (your post history) be prepared to lose half your salary, work longer hours and question why you're still here. Also consider accepting a programming job as there is more demand for that. In my case I applied for a company for an IT position, (no certs) but that asked me to be a programmer. Tokyo is obviously the best choice especially if you want to progress your career, but I'm in the bumfuck inaka and it was easier to get a job here because there's less competition. Just apply.
I don’t have programming knowledge. Should I get some even if it’s my first IT job? Did you have programming experience when you applied to your programming job? I mentioned in another response here that I have a lot of free time during my work, so I just spend it studying for certs . Now I am at a point where I want to know my next best step, whether starting to apply for jobs or something else.
Yes you should, programming and computer science knowledge is a must, bunch of certificates are worthless to be honest, much better to learn programming, get a job and get actual real work experience. Even if you won’t be software developer, there aren’t any sysadmin jobs where you just click around console to set up networks, everything today happens through automation and you have to have at least basic programming skills to work in infra.
No I had 0 experience programming. No you already have enough theory. You need to get some real work experience instead of just studying for certs. IMO you should have started applying for jobs when you passed N2 and Comptia A+.
Take a breather, you won’t need to teach much longer with those credentials. . Reach out to recruiters. Robert Walter’s, Michael page, TEKsystems, to name a few. Also leverage LinkedIn heavily, networking there is great and my LinkedIn network is how I got into my current company. With those certs, you can probably get into a data center entry level role with HCL or Amazon as a trainee. Also Craigslist (of all places) has some IT roles. Aaaand you have N2, you’re gonna be fine. Send me a PM and I can give you some more tips and refer you to people. I’ve helped a few teachers get into IT here, glad to help out
Some questions. What does your resume look like? What do you want to do? It seems like you’re just collecting certifications. Is there a field you’re interested in? How’s your Japanese? Also don’t get both cloud practictioner and solutions architect. Skip cloud practictioner
Am working on fixing the resume But I do a lot of work experience before the ALT job I want to work in cloud AWS like a network technician or something. Honestly everything interests me right now, so once I get a job in a certain niche, I’ll just gain experience and continue learning new skills. My Japanese is N2 How come I should skip cloud practitioner? Is 4 - 6 months enough time to get both cloud practitioner and solutions architect?
Making resume shouldn’t take more than a day. Get it finished and start applying to jobs. The earlier you can apply, the better. Just work on the solutions architect cert while you job hunt.
Beside AWS you should also try to look at Microsoft and Google. They have some entry positions you might apply. Just search on their web
Do you have a Computer Science related degree?
I don’t. I have an bachelors degree unrelated to IT
I had a normal cert for administration. Also said I had N1 and got the job within a couple of days— way more than I ever made ‘teaching’ English
What administration cert did you get and which kind of job did you get?
Modern Desktop Admin Associate, system admin job.
Off topic question: what is the first certification someone wanting to work in IT should get? Like level 1
Off topic question: what is the first certification someone wanting to work in IT should get? Like level 1
Uhhhh you are asking the **wrong** place. You need to send your resume to as many companies in Japan as you can and see what they have to say. Frankly Japan is generally an awful place to work in IT related jobs. You should go back to your home country, get paid an \*actual\* salary and then visit Japan from time to time.
A better guidance make easy for you in getting better placement. If you in Japan and need career advice for getting first IT job then **Code Chrysalis** in Tokyo will be the right option for you where you will get lifetime career support and they have training programs for better reach. Visit once!
IT person here, why do you think you can get an IT job without programming? Did you mean IT support jobs, or network admin jobs?
Why does everyone think “IT job” means it MUST be a programming job? I have ~7 years experience now, started as windows support desk, got into networking and projects. Technical project manager now with decent salary and haven’t done any programming. I can do batch scripts 😂
times change. 7 years is a long time in terms of IT. tbh even entry level IT positions without any programming requirements are steadily being phased out. some are still there... help desk, etc., but the trend is clear. those starting out now without decent programming skills are going to be left out. the first step to many job interviews today is a coding challenge. thankfully there are many great free coding courses out there for the motivated.
Oh no. Am I becoming… old?! Good points, I did start a while ago so certainly can understand things changing. I guess just starting by building and troubleshooting your own PC won’t cut it these days eh?