Job Discussion Forums

[KarenMarie]

about myself and why I want to teach. So, what are they looking for? What do I say? (Besides beg for the job.)

Please advise me. Thanks.

[unchi pants]

[april]

I don't think it matters what you say, just how you say it. Be lively, animated and upbeat. Obviously I don't mean like a wind-up toy! Just come across as a person with an out-going personality. Don't sit there as if you are interviewing for a home loan. Smile, change facial expressions, use some hand gestures, be aware of eye contact.

If I were you, I'd breifly mention a couple of reasons of why you prefer to work for their company and not any others. But mostly focus on what you can bring to their company. For example you might say "one of my interests is playing basketball and I really enjoy showing others, like my friends, how to play the game that I love so much. It makes me feel really good to watch someone progress from a total beginner who can't catch a ball, to someone who can shoot a hoop from 10 paces away!" (sorry to all basketball fans - I have no idea about basketball terminology!)

Another example that might give you an idea of how to turn your non-teaching related job into something relevant "In my current job I work as a bank teller. The most rewarding part of my job is helping the elderly to adjust to modern technology. I enjoy taking the time to show and explain things such as debit cards, phone banking, EFTPOS, and ATMs. For example the other day one of my regular customers, an 80-year old woman, proudly came into the bank and said a final goodbye to me and thanked me for my patience. She said she won't need to come into the bank anymore, now that she can use the ATM by herself!" I'm sure that with whatever job you have or have had, you can think of a situation that will reveal a part of your personality that might be necessary for teaching.

So hope this helps. If you are still stuck, let me know your hobbies, your job etc, and I'll try to think up something you could say about it.

(to everyone reading this - yes, I do have a lot of spare time on my hands!!!)

[KarenMarie]

[Gordon]

Gear the taped interview around what they are looking for in the ad. Ask them what they are looking for if the ad doesn't give you any direction. Don't tell about moving around and lots of jobs. They want stability and job skills that can be transferred to their school. I'm guessing that the school is for kids, so dress professional, but don't look uptight. They want you to look "kindly". The Japanese always use this word.

[april]

Sounds good! Honestly, you'll do fine with whatever you say. I agree with Gordon about gearing the video around their ad. Do they have a website? Many langauge companies state exactly what kind of teacher they want in their website.

You seem to be aware of transferable skills with your jobs already, ie. communicating with foreign people. If I give you any more info then you run the risk of your video being too stilted...know what I mean? Just one tip though; I know that writing and speaking is quite different and you probably typed out your last posting really quickly, by when doing the video try to avoid starting too many sentences with the word "I". This can be really hard to do. (And probably even harder now that I have drawn attention to it!)

From what I've read so far you sound like you've got what language companies are looking for. Good luck with it!

[KarenMarie]

[KarenMarie]

[PAULH]

Karen Marie,

If I could add my two cents worth:

Glenski and I do a bit of proofreading for people's CVs and your profile would fit that of 90% of people who come to teach in Japan- no formal teaching experience, want to travel and experience different cultures etc. Nothing wrong with that but what we sometimes do is tailor the CV to Japanese requirements and if you can think of this as a talking CV or a self-promotion of sorts I hope it may help.

here are some insights of what i think the major schools are looking for:

reliable stable people who will not drop out or disappear or wilt at the first sign of adversity, or who have come for a visa and then do a bolt.

Teaching and a daily workload at times can get to be a little routine and monotonous. They wont say this of course, but you might want to , work long hours and drive themselves pretty hard at work. Show some of the same qualities and you will be OK

People who are team players and are not prima donnas, or 'full of themselves' becuase they have a CELTA or teaching experience etc. Im sure you are not those but you will be working with other people, so co-operation is important. As Gordon mentioned you should avoid 'I' or 'blowing your own trumpet too much, even on a video. Be a little humble or self deprecating if possible without coming across as insincere.

Obviously having contact with foreign cultures is important but another thing is how you deal with culture shock or values that are alien to your own. Things will be done a bit differently in Japan of course and you will have ot deal with homesickness and loneliness too.

I think one thing you can consider is what you have to offer your students and think about why they should hire you. Dont think about 'what's in it for me?' but what you can offer them. Have you studied any foreign languages, do you know what its like for your students to study a foreign language?

remember also you are not be paid to come over and learn the language and experience the culture but do a particular job for them. Keep that foremost in your mind that you are there for your students, not just for yourself.


I dont really know how to advise you on body language, but try to be relaxed, friendly, and confident, rather than look like you are going before the principal. They will want you to project warmth, energy and friendliness. Dont worry too much about nervousness and just be yourself, smile and you'll be OK.

[PAULH]

[KarenMarie]

Thank you so much, PAULH.