Interview tips!

So, you’ve been applying for millions of jobs, and now have that all important interview. Here’s some tips to help you prepare!

* It will be in English, but…

Unless you’re lucky enough to be fluent in Japanese, most likely your interview with be conducted in English. This not only is easier for you, but helps your future employer listen to your accent- so if over Skype or on the phone, speak slowly and clearly!

You may be asked to demonstrate your Japanese skill, if any. With my Borderlink interview, I was asked five questions in Japanese, such as: have you ever taught children with special needs? how would you deal with a rowdy child? how would you help children learn the alphabet?

If, like me, your Japanese is novice level, such questions will freak you out. I didn’t understand most of them, but that’s okay. If you don’t understand, a simple “sumimasen” (sorry) or “wakarimasen” (I don’t understand) will suffice. I bombed all five questions, but passed the interview. The reason? Simply that although my Japanese is not good just now, I was keen to learn and better myself- that’s all your employer wants to hear.

For your interview (certainly before you go to Japan) you should try to learn to introduce yourself in Japanese. There’s plenty of videos on youtube demonstrating pronunciation, but the key phrases you need are-

“Watashi wa (insert name) desu.”

My name is….

“Hajimemashite. Doozu Yoroshiku.”

Pleased to meet you. Please take care of me.

“Watashi wa (insert nationality) -jin desu.”

I am a …person.

In Japan, it is considered good manners to ask someone to take care of you when you first meet. It’s kind of like our “Pleased to meet you” scenario. You might not be pleased to meet the person, but it’s just polite ^_^

Instead of saying you are from a certain country, in Japan you say what nationality you are. So for example,

“Watashi wa Sukotorando -jin desu” does not mean I am from Scotland, more “I am a Scottish person.”

An  “Argiatou” (thank you) also won’t hurt!

*Question time…

Apart from the lingo, be prepared for the unexpected. Every interview will be different, but if you are applying for an teaching job in Japan, you should be prepared to answer the following questions-

1) What teaching experience do you have? (Or what experience do you have working with children?)

2) What do you like about Japan?

3) How will you cope living alone and far from home?

*Expect the unexpected!

Simple things that people forget to think about!

– Dress smartly, as they will be able to see you. PJs or grubby t-shirt are not going to impress!

-Have a glass of water handy. I was asked to sing for my Borderlink interview, (be prepared for this! they just want to test you’re confident enough to sing learning songs with the kids in the classroom, like ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!’) and the interview could last up to 45 minutes long.

-Check your Skype/webcam connection BEFORE the interview starts. I had the horrible experience of not being able to hear anything because my sound wasn’t on correctly and it really throws you off when you’re already nervous!

Hope this helps, any questions ask away 🙂

x Keke x

Japan Journeys…

If you want to get a teaching job in Japan, here’s a few tips:

*Apply for as many jobs as possible!

Check this daily. This section of the website posts jobs specifically for foreigners trying to get in Japan. Most jobs require you to either be in Japan or have a visa- these don’t. The site is great, because you can upload your CV once, and just simply click a button every time you want to sent it to an employer. Same goes for your cover letter!

Remember if applying for an ALT job, you will be assisting the Japanese teacher that already teaches English in the school. If, like me, you’ve gone for an eikaiwa (English conversation school) you will most likely be teaching the lessons yourself.

*Get teaching experience

There are many options work experience in a local school (though this can be tricky due to certain laws and you may need to pay for a disclosure), work with after school or children’s clubs, or like me, tutor. I tutored English for several years thanks to the website First Tutors. It’s free to sign up, you pay no fees to the website, and students can leave you feedback, earning yourself a reputation and resulting in more work!

*Get a TEFL qualification

Not only good for teaching in Asia but anywhere, or just to have on your CV. If you live in Scotland, you can apply for funding through ILA Scotland and get your course completely paid for!

*Start learning the language and engaging in the culture!

Obviously there’s no way to become fluent learning Japanese yourself (unless you have unlimited hours at your disposal!) but there are many great textbooks, youtube vids and tutorials out there. I’ve been using–  it has a CD to you can listen to and repeat words and phrases, and exercises to work on.

In terms of the culture, I won’t deny that I learned a lot from anime and manga. Also dramas, films and novels based on Japan (I’d recommend Tokyo Fiancee by Amelie Nothomb for a great foreign insight ) But there’s so much more! I’m willing to bet there will be a Japanese restaurant somewhere near you. Even if you’re not into Sushi, there’s millions of noodle and curry dishes to choose from. I love Wagamamas, but for authentic Japanese try Ichiban or Nanakusa.

There’s more to Japan than anime though (Cosplay?) Japan, like any country, has its own unique sound. I like J-pop, but there are many, many more genres. I check Tokyo Hive  for all the latest Japanese music goss.

This is again, only tipping the top of the Mont Fuji size of hobbies you can develop linked with Japan. Martial Arts, Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, Noh Drama…the list goes on and on. There’s bound to be something to perk your interest, and something to make your CV stand out from the crowd of Otaku! ^_^

*Personality Check!

I’m not saying you have to change yourself to get a job, but if you do score that Skype interview, treat it the same as any interview you would travel for. Prepare, dress smart, be cheerful and polite. Expect to be asked personal questions, and asked to provide examples of lesson plans. For my interview for Borderlink, I was asked to sing Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes to prove I could “carry a tune!” In other words, you need to be up for it, and you need to big yourself up. If this proves uncomfortable for you, Japan or indeed any foreign teaching job, may not be for you.

Any questions? Please post them in the comments!

x Keke x