Job Discussion Forums

[jah434s]

Hello, I'm getting ready for a phone interview. I'm not real sure what to expect from the interview, but I know they'll probably ask me about my reasons for wanting to come to Japan. The main reason is to be with my fiancee and live with her in Japan for 1 or 2 years before we move back to the US. I'm just wondering if would be detrimental, beneficial, or make no difference to mention this. Any ideas?

Also, any advice as to what kinds of questions they might ask, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Tara2117]

I guess it depends on who you're interviewing with. I just had a phone interview, and they only asked me about my experience and previous jobs. They didn't ask anything about my personal life.

[AndyH]

Agreed. I think there are a few eikaiwas who would prefer to hire someone without any previous experience in Japan, and without any pre-existing ties to the country. They figure these people are easier to control.
But, most companies, especially those which are worth working for, won't look at it negatively.
Like Tara2117 wrote, if the phone interview is brief, you won't even have the opportunity to bring it up.
But if the conversation is lengthy, and they do ask about personal issues, it probably won't hurt to mention it. If I were an employer, I would think it odd that the employee never mentioned it, and would wonder if they were trying to hide something.
In the end, it's your call. As for me, I don't think I'd want to work for a company who would discriminate against me for being engaged to a Japanese woman, or for having spent time in Japan.
Ganbatte!!!

[Quibby84]

I think that it would be something good for them to know, if they ask of course. Most japanese people that I work with are excited when I am interested in Japan and know some information. I have heard of companies that dont want people to have experience with Japan, but that is kind of weird, and in the end you wont be able to hide your relation to japan forever so if they ask, you should just as well tell them..

[Mothy]

I agree that it would depend a little on who you were interviewing with, but I think 99 times out of a 100 (or even 99% of the time if you'd prefer) it wouldn't hurt.
When I interviewed with JET I'd heard that sometimes they might not like romantic connections to Japan in their prospective employees, so I was a little concerned about whether I should mention my wife happening to be Japanese or not. In the end I figured it would just be weird not to if the conversation turned to personal things. So I did mention her and I got hired anyway. So I think if the company is reputable, and actually cares about getting decent employees, they'll hire you if you're qualified without any concern about who you're romantically involved with.