Job Discussion Forums

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Just an update on the university that required the videotape.

I didn't get the job. They shortlisted ten names out of thirty applicants, and I didn't make the first cut. Four that did will be interviewed IN THE USA!! The others will be interviewed here in Japan.

Let's see...
Major university with a Science and Technology department looking for an English teacher for that dept.

I have seven years of teaching experience, including 4 at a prestigious private HS.

I have 15 years of biotechnology research experience (partly in Japan, but mostly in the USA), plus years of proofreading for Japanese scientists and teaching some English.

I have a master's in science, plus TESL certification.

Visa is no problem as I'm here on a spouse visa.

Who could they possibly have found more qualified?

P.S. I'm not crying in my beer, just mildly frustrated. At least the letter I got was nice and polite.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Sherri · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:29 pm Post subject:

My guess would be that they found people with an MA in TESOL plus some post grad science-related degree and relevant teaching experience at university level. They have probably got publications in their field as well. Just because some of the applicants are interviewing in the US doesn't mean that they don't have experience in Japan, though perhaps they prefer an applicant who is "fresh". What did they say they were looking for in the ad?

Still very frustrating especially after you have gone to all that trouble making the video tape. I hope they watched it at least!
Sherri

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sherri,
I'll snip the advertisement a bit, but here is what they said:

2 FT instructors of EFL to teach English, develop English language programs, and conduct related language research. Applicants must have a master's degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or a related field and demonstrate relevant experience in EAP/ESP/EST training and/or teaching.

Instructors will be collaborating in a team situation alongside the supervision of experienced language professors and instructors. Instructors should have a "frontier spirit" when considering these positions and have a good concept of the theories behind successful self-directed learning. Students will come from disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, math, and informatics.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Cheer up Glenski, certainly you will find a position worthy of your talents.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Glenski see it as a blessing in disguise. I once went for a really top notch position in the UK, which paid well over 30K (Thats pretty good in British terms), I was shortlisted, interviewed but didn't get the job. I was devastated as I really wanted it. It turns out that the position wasn't all that it turned out to be, and that they have had three resignations within 6 months!