Job Discussion Forums

XMizer · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 51

I have been rejected bey JET, Nova, AEON, and GEOs. I am really depressed about it. I really think I have ADHD and it may have hindered my abilities to perform during interviews and teaching demonstrations.

I know it may sound like an excuse but I honestly never heard of a failure story equal or worse than mine.

fion · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 69 Location: tokyo

What is ADHD? And did you ask Nova etc for feedback? Some companies are willing to tell you why you were rejected and maybe give you some pointers for next time. Anyway, don't worry about it; there are worse things than not working for Nova.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

My wife has ADD and it has not stopped her from teaching -- although it has made her job much more challenging.

Since I don't know you from Adam, I can't comment. What are your qualifications? Are you a good teacher?

Have you taught before? If the answer is no to the above question, then why do you think you would be a good teacher?

Before going to ANY interview, those are questions I'd be asking myself. Obviously you haven't convinced any of these companies that you would make a competent teacher. What are your selling points? Analyze yourself.

I cannot decide whether or not you are (or would be) a good teacher or not.... but some people are just not supposed to be teachers -- just like I'm not supposed to be an NBA player. Try to build on your strengths and not on your weaknesses. Is teaching your strength?

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

I too was rejected by NOva, Geos and Jet. I failed the Geos grammar test and made a sarky joke at the Nova interview. Don't be put off.

XMizer · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 51

XMizer · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 51

I did plenty of preparation but I just couldn't do the interviews. Because I'm on the forums, I'll be honest. I know I'm not a good teacher but I still had to try to sell myself because there isn't that many opportunities to get to Japan.

According to my friends, I'm one of those people that can fail miserably in one area and succeed tremendously in another.

Yawarakaijin · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 504 Location: Middle of Nagano

Sorry If I sound like a arse but you have admitted that you know that you are not a good teacher right?

What is your reasoning behind wanting to come to Japan to teach? Is it just for the Japan experience? Don't you think you might be doing your potential students a disservice?

Why don't you take the take to get some TEFL certification. It might be a little costly but it is surely worth it. It will definately help you in your interviews and you might even feel better about yourself if you ever land a job here.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

XMizer · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 51

My main reason is to come to Japan. I highly believe there would be tons of people worse than me that are working in these schools.

It's just that I mess up interviews. Hence, I mess up the first impression.

I do always reflect on what I did wrong on my interviews.

But when it's interview time, my mind goes blank and wanders to something that much more interests me. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the stuff I said don't even make sense.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

fion · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Posts: 69 Location: tokyo

My opinion, not being a great teacher doesnt have to be an impediment for the sort of thing the OP has in mind. After all, these companies provide training, right? I think the 'I-know--I'm-not-a-great-teacher' attitude may have affected his confidence and maybe this is why he was rejected. If he tries again he should try to be positive and confident and remember Nova or whoever will TRAIN him IT'S THEIR JOB! Training can't make a great teacher out of poor material but it's not so hard to produce a competent teacher if the person is willing to give it their best shot.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

here is a link with information on ADD which suggests its more of a hyperactive mind, where your mind is multitasking and thinking of six different things at once. Does this sound like you?

Tuning out and clamming up during an interview doesnt sound like you have ADD.

XMizer · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 51

Wow, it does sound like me.

When I say my mind goes blank, I don't mean I stop thinking....it means my mind is off in space thinking of all these other topics, like in the article.

Which means, I am not fully listening to what hte other person is saying.
And inattention is one of the many symptoms of ADD.