Job Discussion Forums

[Blanca]

I notice, upon reading the websites for Interac and Altia (who I'd prefer to go with), it seems that being able to speak basic Japanese is "preferred" and "required", respectively. The missus and I don't speak a word. Are we likely to run into problems here? Altia, in particular, mention assessment of your Japanese speaking abilities in the interview. Hmm...

[Pitarou]

Take it for what it says.

If you say, "I speak fluent Japanese." they'll check.

If you say, "I don't speak a word." I reckon they'll believe you.

[rxk22]

[RM1983]

It's not something youre gonna be able to blag your way out of so be honest!

[PO1]

From experience I interviewed with Altia Central and the interviewer asked me stuff in Japanese. I'd only been in Japan one year and didn't speak that much, so yeah, I didn't get hired. He noted that it was one of the reasons as well because they need people with at least conversational level I believe.

[steki47]

My interview with Altia included a 10-minute segment in Japanese. But a friend just showed up in Japan and got the same job as me with zero ability. Our training included some basic office Japanese.

My interview with Interac never even mentioned Japanese ability.

Just apply and find out.

[kah5217]

Interac doesn't care one way or the other, but I highly recommend against it if you don't know any Japanese. There are a lot of things Interac won't help you with that require Japanese skill, especially if they place you in an area without a significant foreign population.

[rxk22]

[nightsintodreams]

[rxk22]

[RM1983]

I had an interview with an ALT dispatch company who said they might prefer someone who spoke Japanese to help with the smooth running of things. This was for schools in Tokyo though so I assume it is quite competitive around here for these jobs.

I'm writing here because they actually asked me 'What would you do if a kid came and asked you something in Japanese in the corridor?' which totally threw me as I hadnt thought about it. Think I said I'd try and have a mimed conversation, which didn't even sound good in my head at the time. Perhaps prepare an answer for this should it come up

[nightsintodreams]

[HLJHLJ]

If you don't arrive with a school that recruits overseas you won't usually have anyone to babysit you while you do these things, the same as when you arrive in most countries. Speaking the language makes it easier of course, but it's perfectly manageable without it.

Banks, phones, bills, gaijin card are all easy enough to arrange without Japanese. The only admin things I really struggled with were when I had to change health insurance plans, and when there was a problem with my tax return. I got them sorted out in the end, it just took a little longer.

[kah5217]

[TokyoLiz]

I surveyed ALTs last year about working conditions. Out of the 40 or so who corresponded, most told me that Japanese ability was important for their quality of life and ease of work.

There are many studies about ALT and Japanese teacher interaction that show failure in communication in the classroom. You can see this information on the JALT website, in their publications.

You don't have to fail, though.

Even the most basic course in Japanese before you start as an ALT is going to help you have an easier life. Once you start, take Japanese language courses. Many city offices offer these for free to foreign residents.

The Interac minders don't necessarily have good English fluency. Don't count on things getting done quickly, and expect bumps due to language barrier.

Good luck!