Job Discussion Forums

[Omeo]

I'd like to start a list of common mistakes people make during the interviews that keep them from getting chosen for the job. I've seen plenty of advice on what one should do at the interview, but I want to hear more about the pitfalls one should avoid. For example, it seems, based on some of the messages I've read, that one should avoid being to confident about ones knowledge of japanese culture or the japanese language or teaching English or anything at all. What are some other common mistakes to avoid, though. Thank you.

[TK4Lakers]

Here's one: showing up late with no real excuse.

I also think using slang in your interview won't win your brownie points.

[Glenski]

There are a few tidbits for interviews in the sticky on resumes.
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=19922

My contributions off the top of my head.

1. Don't say you are interested in Japan because you love anime or manga.

2. Don't go to the interview in less than business attire. Lose the facial piercings, too. Look as conservative as possible.

3. Don't be late, even if you have a valid excuse. That means finding the place well in advance (a day before?). Remember that street addresses in Japan are not numbered consecutively.

4. Don't talk excessively about yourself. It may look like bragging. Answer the questions, but don't ramble.

5. Don't forget that if you deal with a Japanese interviewer, there may be a language barrier. Speak clearly and perhaps a little slower than usual. Watch for any signs of confusion. Keep the corporate buzzwords to a minimum. Remember, too, that in Asian cultures, it is common to have periods of silence in conversations. It's not just to digest a foreigner's words. It happens between Asians, too. Don't be uncomfortable with this even if it lasts 10-20 seconds.

6. Don't forget to say thank you when you finish.

7. Don't forget to bring extra copies of your resume. Maybe even a lesson plan, whether for demonstration or just to show them what you did.

8. Don't go on too much about your previous job if it was unrelated to teaching. You may be a hotshot in IT, for example, but that's not the reason you're being interviewed. (I interviewed simultaneously with a young man who bragged that he could help reformat the eikaiwa's entire computer system if needed. Hoo boy!)

9. Don't mention you have a girlfriend or boyfriend that is Japanese, or at least don't let on that this may be a large reason for you here. Focus on the task at hand, which is getting a job. AFTER you are hired, you can bring it up if it involves shared accommodation or something.

10. Don't slight any of the office staff. Indirectly, they interview you, too, and if you DO get hired, they will be your main supports until you get your feet wet. As the old corporate saying goes, don't tick off the janitor or the secretary because they do a lot of the running of the company.

11. Don't ask a LOT of questions. Some will do. You should expect that it's only fair for YOU to ask things, too, but asking too much will make the interviewer cautious. He/She might think you are a pushy and/or aggressive type (read: undesireable).

12. Don't go into an interview without doing your homework on the company. Even if that means coming to a discussion forum and asking for anonymous people's advice or experiences, know your sources. However, it also means learn something about the company.

Ok, that'll be my "dirty dozen" starters.

[earthmonkey]

Don't go naked.

Seriously though, don't continue to talk just to fill silence. As was mentioned above, periods of silence are more common here. Answer the question with all the detail that you think is needed, and then stop. A silence which might be excruciatingly long for you might be normal for a Japanese person. That's all I've got.

[Hoser]

I've really noticed these periods of silence so much. In fact sometimes I wonder why the hell they talk so much!!

*edit* in fact once I was worried that my girlfriend was going to pass out or something because she seemed intent on talking for an entire 2 minutes without taking a single breath.

[24601]

don't do the interview american style. As in don't be overconfident all american football player/cheerleader. Don't use words like edutainment or talk like you are a professional corporate schmuck with bleached white teeth. Don't act like you know it all. Don't don't don't don't be an EXTROVERT during the group interviews. Don't act like you already have the job in the bag.

Do beg. I swear I really do think blurting out "I really, really, REALLY want this job" when they asked if I had any questions helped. DO act humble. HUMBLE.

Don't fold the business card and stick it in your ass pocket�or worse�not even LOOK at it.

[chirp]

I think some of this advice depends on whether you are being interviewed in Japan or elsewhere by a Japanese person. I think the approach differs slightly if you are being interviewed by a non-Japanese recruiter outside of Japan (some "American style" interview traits will be accepted).

- That being said, demonstrate that you can listen as well as share ideas.
- Under no circumstances should you correct the recruiter or attempt to demonstrate superior knowledge. I actually witnessed this behaviour in an interview.
- Be friendly and upbeat with all those present at the interview, and remember that from the moment you arrive on the premises, you are being judged. The way you are dressed, the way you interact with others, and the way you sit in your chair are all fair game for the recruiter to determine if you will fit in with the company they represent.
- Don't wear anything less than a suit and always conduct yourself professionally. This is an interview after all!
- Make sure you answer the questions asked. If they ask for a specific example, give them one! Don't say what you would do... They didn't ask you that. It seems obvious, but it is one of the most common interview mistakes.

And don't forget to !

[fion]

Apparently you're not supposed to sit with your legs crossed. I only discovered this recently.

[Glenski]

[Sherri]

[Omeo]

On a related note, who here has been rejected by the Big 4 and why were you rejected?

[Glenski]

I don't think you're going to find many people who know why.

I was rejected by ECC Junior. Never heard why.

[Apsara]

I met a guy who was rejected by Nova, and I also knew one of the recuiters who interviewed him- the reasons he wasn't accepted were: a) he only wanted to teach high level students, b) he wasn't very articulate- although a native speaker, his English was pretty sloppy. c) he came across as only wanting to talk about himself.

[Quibby84]

My husband was accepted by the NOVA Chicago office but rejected by the Boston office one month later. (Its a long story but it comes down to the fact that Boston would have let us interview earlier/before school starts and at a time that Michael could take off work. Chicago wanted us to wait until the last minute, which would have been bad because we have to have some sort of direction when I graduate in December because we will no longer have a place to live, and without knowing what we were doing or how long we would be in the states, it would have been hard to find a place to stay) I dont know if all of that makes sense but what I am trying to say is my husband didnt get accepted...but I did.
The reason may be because he doesnt have as much teaching experience as me, although he does have some. Other than that I have no idea.

[Henry_Cowell]