Job Discussion Forums

jah434s · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 8

Hello, I'd like to apply for Berlitz' winter hiring campaign, but I'm not exactly sure how. Here is quote from the site about the hiring process:

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

If online application forms are all they have, use them.

If you "don't really consider flying to Japan just for an interview an option", then don't even apply. You don't have many options if you stay at home and apply long-distance. Only about a dozen places come to you (in person or by phone interview). I don't know how Berlitz does its phone interviews, so I wouldn't necessarily count on something like Skype (but keep it in mind so that you are dressed and groomed well). I've only heard of one or two places doing such a web cam interview.

The page before the application form itself has an email address. Perhaps you would want to use that to contact them directly or send your resume. https://rec-log.jp/site/prvcyp.aspx?OT2pgWusIYWvd13xj4YAO72Dg9uGIcWJafoLCiQOOl2RgnuUIqWWatoZCwQ2Oy25gBu8IEWaaHodCKQgOM2jgPumISWoaVorCXQuO02xg3uzI6yCi93FEbmI
Resume almost seems redundant considering what they ask for on the application form, but if you think they want that, too, then inquire.

jah434s · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 8

Glenski,

Thanks for the advice. I saw that email address but didn't really know who it reached. You're absolutely right about the resume being redundant, other than to send a picture. I guess I was more worried about a cover letter, as I always like to send something that sets me apart from the rest, no matter how slightly. I think I'll just fill out the online app, and take it from there. If I don't get a response after awhile, I'll try contacting them. Once again, thanks! Also, thanks taking the time to fill these forums with all sorts of relevant information. I've learned quite a bit from many of your previous posts!

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:56 am Post subject:

I had a phone interview from Berlitz from my home country this year. So it's doable.

I turned them down after I found out about the CCTV in each class.

jah434s · Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 8

Do you remember how you applied? Did you just do the online app? Also, any insights into how the rest of the process (interview, etc.) went would also be greatly appreciated.

Yeah, I've read about a lot of the downsides of Berlitz, including the microphones and such, but all in all it doesn't seem too bad, comparatively.

Thanks!

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:34 am Post subject:

I applied online, then received an email from the recruitment dept. Then we arranged a phone call - they called me. You have to pass the first general interview then Berlitz will arrange a second with the head of the actuals school they will place you at.

Questions were along the lines of :
"Why do you want to work in Japan?"
"Why do you want to work for Berlitz?"
"Do you know anything about the teaching methods Berlitz uses?"
"Are you happy to work evenings and weekends"

Usual stuff.

santo · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 11

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:28 am Post subject:

I was told there are CCTVs in most rooms, hence I declined the job offer.

Why would they lie about that to me?

And why would I subsequently bother to lie about it here.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

Cameras in classrooms?

That means they're hiring people they don't trust.

Nice.

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

santo · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 11

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I have never seen a camera, but the listening systems are common in all Berlitz classrooms. The number of actual classes they tape and/or listen to are few indeed. Management claims it's primarily for improvement of the lessons and a way to check on or verify student claims, which are pretty crazy in Japan sometimes anyway.

billysmolesworthy · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 26 Location: Hamamatsu, Japan

There are no cctv cameras in our branch, though, as mentioned in several posts above, every class has a mic.

You can completely reject the idea that it is an Orwellian behaviour monitoring system. It is solely for training purposes. That's not to say I'm in favour of it. Sometimes we were told that we would be monitored in an upcoming class by the head teacher as part of the regular teacher feedback program (in my case once in like, two years). This was all quite relaxed, and the comments were constructive and supportive.

There were two applications of the microphones that caused tension though. One was the unannounced monitoring by the J-staff, who then surprised the teachers with unsolicited teaching tips. This was rare, but when it happened, the fact that these hints were coming from staff with zero teaching qualifications or experience, caused a little resentment and staff room bitching. When I say rare, I mean like once in two years - I suspect a half-arsed campaign in some knee-jerk reaction to a student complaint. (Do you like the way I worked both arse and knee into that sentence?)

The other application was the close scrutiny of one teacher who was struggling to meet the Berlitz teaching standards and/or adopt the Berlitz method. Poor *beep* felt under constant pressure - the line between trainer and Big Brother was probably blurred in that case. But his is the only time I have ever seen the mics used so much, and he really was struggling to do a decent job.

Anyone who has been in a Berlitz branch can vouch for the fact that they are as busy as any eikawa in the country once the students start comng through the door. They simply don't have the manpower or time to afford the luxury of someone manning a monitor or speaker to keep tabs on the teachers.

Agent Mulder and others can pass at working for Berlitz for many reasons (except for Gabba, they are probably the lowest paying gig in town), but fear of the Eye in the Sky (or ear) shouldn't be one of them.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht