Job Discussion Forums

Sadmanonatrain · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 5

I'd like to know what exactly happens in the interview from peoples experiences.

What kinda of questions do they ask?
What did you ask?
How long was it?
Do they put you on the spot by asking grammar questions or ask to demonstrate how you would teach a lesson or something similar.
General advice you'd wish you'd known before.

Thanks in advance!

I'd also appreciate any experience with Nova. I have read many 'worst case scenario' stories. But I do tend to believe these experiences are the ones that people tend to post about.

I plan on going on a working holiday visa so the longest I can stay with them is one year anyway (working holiday - bit contradictory lol) Any experience with getting this would be most welcomed to!

Experiences!!!

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

I had a post on another website that covered this, but the thread was deleted.

It's very simple. They go over your resume, as you questions about your jobs, what languages you speak, what ages you prefer to teach, where do you want to teach (have two locations ready, but they are pretty good about putting you near where you want to be). The give examples from a book and ask you how you would teach it to a group of five or so people. It's simple, something like there are sentences with missing words, scenarios to have the "students" act out. Just dress nicely, be polite, and smile.

Inflames · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 486

Sadmanonatrain · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 5

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

You're welcome, let us know how it goes!

I've read that some people didn't break 210,000 for a few months. Living on that is doable, but it is lower than what they said. Just remember the obvious: more urban areas mean more expensive living.

Sadmanonatrain · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 5

How do they assist with accommodation? Are there specific NOVA apartments (if so are they competitively priced?) or do they just help you find an estate agent etc etc

I have the interview soon but I don't want to ask about how competitive their housing is in-case it gives the wrong impression.

INTERVIEW DONE. It was quite pleasant and very laid back to be honest. I managed to get it to the pint where it was almost like talking about life as ESL teacher on forums like this, but to someone face to face. Definitely have a few questions ready to show enthusiasm, which I think I nailed. I wasn't tested on the spot regarding a lesson demo/task demo. Didn't even go over and specifics with my CV.

I think I only stumbled right at the beginning by the "Why teaching English and why Japan". Managed to quite awkwardly spout out words such as anime, mixture of tradition and modern - and that's all I could manage!.. It sounded like there's 3 main people doing the recruitment, and the person I've had email correspondence with wasn't the person doing the interview. Because a few questions he asked, I had answered in my cover letter.

bornslippy1981 · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 271

I know Nova has reorganized, but when I worked for them in 2005-2006, I made 280,000 Yen/month in Toyama. I think it went up a little in Tokyo, but can't remember exactly.

Good luck with your interview.

steki47 · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1029 Location: BFE Inaka

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

U99A · Joined: 12 Jan 2013 Posts: 64 Location: P.R.C

210,000-220,000??

My goodness, how things have changed!

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

U99A · Joined: 12 Jan 2013 Posts: 64 Location: P.R.C

What are they called these days?

Still NOVA?

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

With the bad name and negative press that NOVA received when it fell apart, I have always been surprised to see that they are still using the name NOVA on their school signs and advertising.

I've never fully understood the process involved for the group(s) that took the struggling company over, but has it not changed hands now 2 or 3 times - or more?

There were different names used for the new company other than NOVA also, which I can't recall at the moment. I was told that the company was following a similar business model, also.

WHy would any sane Japanese person get involved with such a company as a student and any sane gaijin as an EFL teacher!

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

It all seems like a very sorry state of affairs.

Back in 1998-1999 I was just a regular teacher at Nova - Machida City (Tokyo), and my salary was 289k a month...now in 2013, people are earning considerably less is numerical terms, (and in real terms, it must be close to half!).