Job Discussion Forums

smoralaura · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

I've looked at a few different companies websites for teaching in Japan and most of them want some sort of essay written along with the application explaining why you want to live and work in Japan. I know that this is naturally going to be quite personal and everyone's will be different, but I wonder if anyone has tips on writing these things? should I be completely honest by stating that my main motive for going is to pay off loans or should I be trying to kiss some a** Question

junk'n · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Posts: 12

Don't say anything about money. Say you want to experience unique Japan...cherry blossoms and hot springs!

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

Deleted.

junk'n · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Posts: 12

lalalateda · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 72 Location: JAPAN

I think you're meant to sell yourself a bit in these essays (cover letters). Explain why you'd be good for the job and what you can offer their school. If you have teaching experience or experience living abroad, this is the place to talk about it. Also include a bit on why you want to work in Japan.

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

Definitely don't say it's for the money, that hardly paints a picture of someone who will be keen and enthusiastic about the job. In fact AEON made a point of telling people that they needed to have some savings behind them for things like airfare, startup living costs etc.

From memory in my essay I wrote about Japanese people I had met and the appreciation they had given me for their culture. People I knew who had visited or lived in Japan and how they had inspired me to want to live there/visit too. Why I wanted to teach English in particular. Why I chose that company. I'm sure there was more but that was the bare bones of it. Good Luck!

PT

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

Some people seem to get pretty touchy feely with these essays ("Japan is my destiny! I love Anime! Pick me!") but I think ti's better to think of it as a resume in paragraph from. Just hit the main points: These are my experiences, which give me these skills, which make me perfect for this position in these ways. Period. And then throw in a little of the 'I want to experience Japane culture and share my own' as dressing.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

Some people seem to get pretty touchy feely with these essays ("Japan is my destiny! I love Anime! Pick me!") but I think ti's better to think of it as a resume in paragraph from. Just hit the main points: These are my experiences, which give me these skills, which make me perfect for this position in these ways. Period. And then throw in a little of the 'I want to experience Japane culture and share my own' as dressing.

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

Excpet that that isn't exactly what is being asked for all the time. The AEON essay topic is 'Why I want to live and work in Japan' not 'Why I am the best and most qualified person to live and work in Japan'. They already have your resume, now they want you tell them why you've made the choice.

PT

smoralaura · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

Thanks everyone for your suggestions...this website is great Very Happy