Job Discussion Forums

[mersshroyer]

I know that there is already quite a bit of this on the forum, but I wanted to invite anyone else who might be applying to ask questions and those that have participated to share some of their wisdom.

So, here are my questions:
1. For the reference letters, I have asked one of the few linguistics instructors at my university who taught me for more than just 1 term and also a big-wig manager of the store where I worked for 4 years during college. Both of them can say good things about my work ethic and personality, but are they strong enough references? I also considered asking the volunteer coordinator at a community college where I volunteered as an ESL tutor for 3 months, but I didn't think it would be the best choice since 3 months is pretty short.

2. 2 years ago, I went for stress-related counselling and was on anti-depressants for a month. I don't think any real diagnosis was made and I stopped going after about 2 months because I was feeling okay. I'm in Argentina now and the counsellor doesn't want to sign the physician's form because he can't speak for how I'm doing now, having not seen me in 2 years. A person at the Japanese embassy said I can have an Argentine physician sign it in English. But how much will this weaken my application?

3. Lastly, is there anyone willing to peer-review my SoP?

Thank you!

[Glenski]

1. Any solid reference is a plus. If you don't have all of your references from some teaching institution, so be it. Give what you can.

2. No idea.

3. Sorry, way too busy right now.

Best of luck.

[G Cthulhu]

[mersshroyer]

[G Cthulhu]

If you're selected you'll have to complete a medical. If you weren't diagnosed previously then there's nothing to report on that front. Why would you volunteer the info if it's not a recorded medical fact?

As with any job application, don't go volunteering information that can get your app culled.

Remember, at the application stage they're looking for reasons to ditch apps.

[mersshroyer]

Good to know. Made the changes to my app.
Last question, I swear
Does it weaken your application to state a preference for a placement that isn't extremely isolated? I stated Sapporo, Kanagawa prefecture and Ishikawa as my 3 preferences after some research. I also put suburbs as my preferred location type.
I'm tempted to just take it off the app though because it's not like I'm going to die in a small village, I would just be happier somewhere more populated.

Thoughts??

[kpjf]

[mersshroyer]

[G Cthulhu]

Nominating requests isn't a problem. If you get an interview they will, however, ask you *why* you put those requests so you need to have some sort of reason for them. Just as they will ask about why you requested JHS vs SHS.