Job Discussion Forums

[Grimrider]

I've recieved an application form for "Matty's Teaching", a school in Yokosuka Japan. While reading over the application, I notice that they ask for a lot of very specific information, and in some cases some very weird information.

I know that in Japan employers are allowed to ask more questions than they are in North America, and I don't have a problem with that per se. I just want to know how normal, and legal, it is for a company to inquire about my religion, the names and ages of my parents and their religion, the names and ages of any brothers and sisters I have...

There are other questions that, while feeling intrusive, are understandable...whether or not I have a history of parking or driving tickets, whether I have any unpaid debts or lawsuits pending. Given that they must have had a few less than savory individuals in the past, I'd understand them wanting to be careful.

So, bottom line, is it normal for your average Japanese company to ask these kinds of questions (re: religion, parents' names, ages, and religions)? Is this a sign of something suspicious with the company, or on the contrary is it a sign of a prudent, above-board company?

Lastly, does anybody know anything about Matty's Teaching itself? Any reputation, or previous workers who have stories to tell?

Thanks in advance

[Mike L.]

I don't like the idea of employers asking too many personal questions!

Just like back home: normal employers don't do it here too!

I don't care much for that guy's website either. He doesn't seem to think to highly of English teachers.

[Glenski]

No, it is not normal. The only time I saw something like that was for a school with heavy religious backing. Asking for your religion and your parents' religion suggests that. Perhaps they have Mormon backing or support, and they expect you to teach with some very strict religious foundation.

[madeira]

The only things I know about Matty`s are...

They are in my neighborhood, have 2 large, very nice-looking schools, and lots of cars. I think you`ll be driving around if you take the job.

I looked at their website once, and they are affiliated with some kind of religious school in the states.

They`ve been in the neighborhood for about 20 years. Most of my neighbors send their kids there.

Now, perhaps off-topic for the job... but my neighborhood is FANTASTIC!! Tree-lined streets with sidewalks, a huge park with rock-climbing courses and great views, close to Zushi beach and to Yokohama. I highly recommend the area; I just bought a house there.

I like Matty`s so far as I`m planning to start an eikaiwa in my house... and I don`t want kids classes. Matty`s is just 2 blocks away!

[Grimrider]

This is on the application form.

"29. MATTY�S School of English has a special agreement with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. This agreement allows university graduates the opportunity to receive Master degree credit at EMU for their work experience at MATTY�S (3 credits/per year, max. 6 credits in Education and credit by examination in Japanese language). Credit will be awarded upon admission to the EMU M.A. program"

I guess that explains the question about religion. Oh well. I hope 'Religion: None' doesn't get me rejected out of hand.

[PAULH]

I assume you have seen their website:

http://www.mmjp.or.jp/mattys/GENERAL_INFO.htm

[Grimrider]

Yeah, I checked it out shortly after posting this thread.

[Dominique]

Is it just me or does this site have little to no men in the pictures?

[Grimrider]

Probaby because it's a children's school. I imagine they'd be biased in favour of female teachers.