Job Discussion Forums

Sez · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 32

Hi everyone,

I know this has probably been brought up before, but upon searching through the forum I couldn't find much that would really be of help.

I am in the process of writing the 'Why do you want to live and work in Japan' essay. I have clear reasons for wanting to live and work in Japan - Primarily, I want to go into teaching EFL (and get some experience in Japan), I am fascinated by Japanese culture.

The thing is, I am concious as to what AEON WANT me to write - are there certain qualities they are particularly seeking in a person (apart from a pulse?)

Also, I don't want to repeat myself in both the essay and my covering letter - what kind of accompanying covering letter do you think I should send - would it be enough to use this to introduce my essay and resume or should I go into more detail?

Any advice, especially from people who have applied and interviewed with AEON would be much appreciated.

bohinj · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 30

Your reasons sound ligitimate for wanting to teach in Japan. Seriously, just put it down on paper, elaborating on specifics of why you want to teach ESL and what about Japanese culture interests you. It doesn't sound like you will need to BS about anything.

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

Read what I wrote in the thread about the "ultimate cover letter". You should not duplicate a lot of material in your letter and essay. The essay is specific. The cover letter has a different purpose.

Mark-O · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2003 2:45 pm Post subject:

Hi Glenski,

Would you write a paragraph as a mini personal statement? From this I mean a few sentences on your personal qualities and strengths that would be relevant to the job?

So as a plausible basic, brutal structure then tackle the essay in 3 parts:

-personal statement of qualities/strengths
-teaching EFL for AEON - benefits for you and AEON
-aspects of Japan - culture, language, people etc - ie what draws you to want to be in Japan

Is this sufficient as a 'skeleton'? (not necessarily in this order)

KarenMarie · Joined: 14 Nov 2003 Posts: 60

I have the same question. Do you think they really care why you want to live and work in Japan, or are they just seeing if you have a command of the language?

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

They are checking your English skill, but AEON is very concerned about finding people with a friendly and adaptive personality. These characteristics can show through in the writing sample. Show that you are commited to teaching and to doing work, but also that you are dynamic and detail some of the aspects of Japan that intrigue you. Topics by successful applicants I've seen include; food, religion (Japanese), philosophy (Japanese), literature, history, festivals and onsens. If you have personal experience in Japan then write about how wonderful it was. They want you to really want to come here, be a stable and flexible person, friendly, and hardworking. Of course proof read your essay several times for mistakes.