Job Discussion Forums

[ShefRich]

Hello everyone,

I had my Interac interview yesterday, here's the overview for anyone wondering.

Arrived in the lobby, there were 6 other candidates. About half had TEFL type qualifications. No-one had been to Japan before, no-one spoke even basic Japanese apart from myself and one other person, and no-one had really taught before (one chap had took some chemistry seminars).

None of the other candidates seemed to have researched the interview/company as much as me (suprisingly), and I was the oldest.

Our interviewer was a girl named Sarah who was very pleasent, articulate and honest - and a good rep for the company. I certainly got a good impression of Interac and the whole ESL experience from her.

We had a presentation which lasted 2-3 hours and basically just went over all the stuff most people should already know.

Then we had the 5 minute lesson plan, which Sarah filmed on a small digital camera (no huge BBC style film cameras as expected... :O ) There's nothing I can really tell you about that which Interac don't tell you themselves. Just smile like a dumbass and you'll be fine... is the impression I got.

We took it in turns to film while the rest of the group waited outside the room (so no stage fright pressure). The whole group did colours... and two people sang songs (golden ticket).

We then had our personal interviews - Sarah let us choose ourselves what order to go in - we drew lots and I drew the shortest. Coming last wasn't beneficial, I would recommend going early if you get the chance.

While waiting our turn we did the grammar and personality tests. The grammar test is very easy, but the spellings might catch you out if you're used to spell checks. The personality test is this type - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keirsey_Temperament_Sorter#The_Four_Temperaments

I answered honestedly and came out as a "Guardian" which is probably a good thing for a teaching job. Despite some of the other candidates seeming shy/nervous to me EVERYONE came out as "Extroverted". I imagine the interviewer would have saw right through this and I doubt that lying on personality tests is looked on in a good light...

The interview lasted about 30 minutes and contained all the obvious questions. The only ones which sprang out of the blue were

"What support would you expect Interac to give you if you were placed in a small rural village?" (I mentioned localised customs)

"What would you do if Japan didn't live up to your expectations?" (I talked about reframing expectations, which I think was a little too complex for what they wanted - basically the correct answer is "Stick it out." rather than "Run home crying".

Basically show you're a relaxed responsible adult who can take care of themselves and you're fine.

[yamanote senbei]

Shef, did Sarah mention at the interview that Interac is illegally dispatching ALTs in violation of Japanese Law and that they do not enroll their teacher in legally mandatory health insurance?

If she didn't, I don't know how you or anyone at the interview could have called her honest.

[flyer]

thanks very much for sharing that info on the interview

I am such some people will find it helpful

all the best

[ShefRich]

She said that all employees are enrolled in the health scheme.

[Miyazaki]

Thanks for the description of the interview process.

Good info!

A personality test! WOW!

I think I've done grammar tests when I've applied for jobs but never a "personality" inventory test.