| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
ellienihon
Joined: 20 Sep 2003
Posts: 34
Location: San Diego, CA
|
 Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 4:19 pm Post subject: Applications |
 |
|
Most of the applications I have seen are asking for pictures of some sort. What are they looking for? Should I dress professional? Is a regular photo okay?
Also, many of them are asking for a letter of introduction, and I'm really unclear as to what that needs to include. Is it the same as a self introduction? Oh, and is it legal for them to ask my age and my parents and my weight and such? That's just weird.
Thanks all.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 617
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 4:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The attachment of a picture on a resume is normal in Japan.A passport sized picture will do.If at all possible I would dress professionally since you are probably applying for a new job at a school.
The other questions may seem strange but a lot of applications here in Japan ask what would be considered very personal questions in North America.
If you are not comfortable with a question,just don't answer it.
Hope this helps. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 11:44 pm Post subject: Re: Applications |
|
|
| ellienihon wrote: |
Most of the applications I have seen are asking for pictures of some sort. What are they looking for? Should I dress professional? Is a regular photo okay?
|
A photo is standard on a Japanese resume as first impressions are very important, and they can see if you have things like facial hair (on men) earrings and your personal appearance. They need to see if you will fit in with the character of the school and with the other teachers.
A passport size photo is sufficient- avoid holiday snaps or 'poses' in your resume photo.
Also, many of them are asking for a letter of introduction, and I'm really unclear as to what that needs to include. Is it the same as a self introduction? Oh, and is it legal for them to ask my age and my parents and my weight and such? That's just weird.
Thanks all.
I have recently proofread a couple of cover letters and in general they should be kept short as the reader may not be a native speaker of english. avoid slang, colloquialisms, abbreviations and 'trendy' words that only people in your area would be familiar with- dont assume everyone understands 'Americanisms' if that is where you are from.
A cover letter should give a brief introduction, explain why you are interested in the position, why you want to work in Japan. Sometimes it will state when you are available to start work and what your qualifications are (the most important one being able to qualify for a work visa).
Normally they will ask you age as they will consider your ability to fit in with work colleagues e.g. most conversation school teachers are in their 20's while you have some who apply who are in their late 30's and 40's and your 'adaptability' to new ideas and working in a different culture. Your previous work experience will be a factor as well.
Normally you dont need to detail information about your size, height or weight, or information about parents. (If you are married though there are considerations about dependent visas for a spouse and accomodation arrangements for married teachers). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 11:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| is it legal for them to ask my age and my parents and my weight and such? That's just weird. |
Age is legal and normal.
Asking about parents and weight is unusual.
I agree with the others about the photo. Dress professionally. One glance at any Japanese resume, and you'll see why. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
shmooj
Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
|
| Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2003 12:37 am Post subject: Re: Applications |
|
|
| ellienihon wrote: |
| That's just weird. |
ha ha... just wait til you get here if you think that's weird 
Actually, one thing about the photo that springs to mind is that a nice cheesy grin probably won't help your cause. I was told at city hall that, for photos for my gaijin (ID) card here, I should not smile.
Oh yeah... a plain white background is probably the best thing too. This has been standard on many an occasion I have needed to supply photos here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ellienihon
Joined: 20 Sep 2003
Posts: 34
Location: San Diego, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 2:32 pm Post subject: Letter of Introduction |
|
|
| So the letter of introduction is just another way of asking for a cover letter? That makes sense, I guess. I was concerned that they wanted it to be written by someone else, which is just so much more of a pain. Thanks all. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
flaco
Joined: 27 Dec 2003
Posts: 30
Location: Brooklyn
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2004 1:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
| should your picture be scanned onto your resume or is a paperclip acceptable? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2004 4:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Preferably embed it (electronically insert it) onto the resume. If you don't know how, a manually attached photo will be acceptable. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
