Job Discussion Forums

[vladinfar]

Greetings,

I have a question. I will be travelling to Japan for a week in February to interview for ALT positions. I am currently a teacher in a high school here in the US. I am writing to ask if anyone has any advice concerning interview questions BOE's might ask. Additionally, I have had wonderful correspondance via e-mail and over the phone with many of these BOE's. They are arranging for my accomodation and transportation. Do you think that I have a good chance of getting the job based on their willingness to help? I am investing a lot on this trip and any information concerning etiquette etc. for interviews and introductions to BOE employee's is extremely appreciated.

v

[Glenski]

I can't offer any advice specific to BOEs, but it they interview like most places in Japan, you should expect this sort of thing.

You would be interviewed by a panel of people, so the room would be set up with you facing a group of 3 or 4 people. Top person is usually in the center, although you might have a top person on the side who never even says a word.

Despite anyone's poor or good English, people might give you the impression that they don't speak or understand English at all. They might ask right away if they can conduct the interview entirely in Japanese. Be honest about your ability to do that. Many Japanese don't really expect foreigners to be able to speak Japanese well enough.

When greeting people, feel free to retain your western handshake, but if you throw in a bow, it won't hurt. Again, they won't expect it, but they also won't give you a solid fist of steel handshake, either. If you have a business card, provide it, face up, with both hands and a slight nod of your head. Accept theirs the same way, but don't just take it. Glance at it even if you can't read it. Hold it if there is no table for you, otherwise feel free to carefully place all cards in front of you. Do NOT put them in your pants pocket!

Expect long pauses. It is not nervousness or a pressure tactic. It is normal conversation style. Also, Japanese people tend to speak their peace one at a time, so they won't interrupt each other or add to each other's points. Direct your answers to everyone, not just to the speaker.

Show a friendly, enthusiastic disposition, but don't use a loud voice or make large gestures with your hands.

They may be like any other employer in that what they are looking for is a youthful energy, an enthusiasm to work with students, some knowledge of Japan itself, a sense that you can adapt to a foreign surrounding without suffering severe culture shock, and an acceptance towards Japanese business customs.

[spidey]

Yeah. What he said.

One more thing you may want to consider...

If you are a visual communicator (someone who likes to look people in the eye) you may want to tone it down a bit. Japanese typically don't look at each other directly in the eye when speaking. It tends to make them feel uncomfortable. This is one of the reasons why people think that Japanese are shy.

Good luck

S

[Nagoyaguy]

1/ Dress conservatively and well. If you have piercings or tattoos, cover them or take them out. Get a conservative haircut. If you have facial hair, consider shaving.

2/ Schools worry about you 'fitting in' at the school. I was asked about eating Japanese food, and about eating the School Lunch (kyushoku) with the kids. Reliability is very important.

3/ Show a flexible attitude. Emphasize that you will work WITH other teachers, not take over.

4/ Dont be too much of a Japan-o-phile. If you are a big fan of sumo or manga or anime, dont mention it too much. Schools prefer someone who is very 'western' and has a new culture to teach the students.

[vladinfar]

thank you all for the wonderful suggestions! I do hope I will soon be able to be one of your peers. Glenski, you put a lot of effort into these posts. I sincerely appreciate all of the hard work and great advice. Thanks again.

v