zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 21, 2020 10:43:20 GMT 9
So I will be in Europe for the month of May travelling. If I were to get accepted into the program (non-early departure), would my travel plans complicate getting paperwork done? Not sure as to what extent there is pre-departure training either... I mentioned this when some JETs ran a booth at my school, but they said it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Do any of you current CIRs recall having to get a lot a paperwork done? I was short listed and then traveled in Hokkaido for 3 weeks of May of that year and didn't have any problems! If you're really worried, you can always email the embassy who would accept you (after you've receieved the results) and let them know about your plans, so at least they would know?
That sounds like a good idea. I have been debating whether or not to mention during my interview, but I feel like that might be a little over cautious. Thank you for your response!
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Post by michiru on Jan 21, 2020 11:29:08 GMT 9
There is some paperwork in May, but the main thing for travelling is turning in your passport and that doesn't happen until late June/early July (differs by departure location). Even then, in my case, I was going to be traveling internationally around the time of the passport deadline, but I just emailed my consulate and they said it was fine if I turned it in late.
So, tldr: email your embassy. They're nice, and they'll help you out.
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Post by Dee on Jan 21, 2020 13:42:46 GMT 9
So I will be in Europe for the month of May travelling. If I were to get accepted into the program (non-early departure), would my travel plans complicate getting paperwork done? Not sure as to what extent there is pre-departure training either... I mentioned this when some JETs ran a booth at my school, but they said it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Do any of you current CIRs recall having to get a lot a paperwork done? So long as you can send in your "Reply Form" that says whether or not you accept the position if you get accepted, I think you'd probably be ok.
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Post by Sparkles on Jan 21, 2020 14:13:28 GMT 9
So I will be in Europe for the month of May travelling. If I were to get accepted into the program (non-early departure), would my travel plans complicate getting paperwork done? Not sure as to what extent there is pre-departure training either... I mentioned this when some JETs ran a booth at my school, but they said it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Do any of you current CIRs recall having to get a lot a paperwork done? I think you should be fine as long as you have time in April to get all your ducks in a row and maintain clear communication with your interview embassy/consulate should you think you might need extra time! I do remember having to get some paperwork done but it wasn't nearly the amount that was required for the application itself. The trickiest thing was timing, since some of it was dependent on other people (in my case, a doctor and a government agency), but if you're ready to spring into action as soon as the shortlist comes out, you should be good to go.
If you live in a place where you need to make an appointment in advance for a full physical and a TB vaccine/chest X-ray or whatever kind of final medical check/procedures JET is requiring this year, I recommend making that appointment now for mid-April and canceling later if need be. (When I was applying, a doctor had to do the full physical + TB vaccine and record the results on the JET-designated Certificate of Health. Because of where I lived/my home country's health care system, I had to make two appointments -- one for the physical and TB vaccine injection, and another one a couple days later to pick up the physical results/completed COH and get the results of the TB vaccine recorded.) ALSO, if you will be bringing more than 1 month's worth of legal-in-Japan prescription (or other? but definitely prescription) medication with you, you will most likely need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei certificate. I didn't need to do this but my impression is that this can also take a long time and may require a doctor's appointment.
The only other thing that occurs to me that you may have trouble with is that IF you are an American and you HAVEN'T started your FBI background check (identity history summary check) request yet, I would plan how to do so well in advance because fingerprints are required and it can be hassle/take a long time to process. Apparently they have an electronic request method now that's a lot faster than it was back when I applied, though, so you should have more wiggle room (back when it was hard copy only, it took MONTHS). But the check still requires fingerprinting which in turn can sometimes require making some sort of appointment (whether you submit them electronically or get them done on paper) etc etc. I think I had to get my fingerprints taken at a police station. (My apologies if you are not an American and have already said so, OTL.)
I also applied some time ago so if other CIRs have newer info that contradicts the above, please take their advice instead! And enjoy your upcoming travel in Europe!! うらやましい~(笑)
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Post by Aqua on Jan 21, 2020 15:55:50 GMT 9
The only issue with paperwork I had was my passport. I qualified for a big sports competition in Italy about a month before leaving for Japan, and I was travelling a bit before that. When I talked to my embassy about it, they asked me to get a passport card (EU citizens can use them within Europe) so that I could use that for my travel while my actual passport was with the embassy to get visa stuff done. They seemed really willing to work with me on it though, saying that if the passport card wasn't a possibility that I could have dropped all my forms off early and they would have tried to process my documentation as quickly as possible (like, before the submission deadline even came around) to get my passport back to me in time.
I had some issue with the health certificate, mostly just because I went to my University doctor and they were awful (no appointments, only open from 9am-12 each day, waiting for 3 hours to be seen, having to go back 4 times!). When I studied abroad, I had to do a similar health check and just went to a private GP, and it was done in one appointment.
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 22, 2020 2:07:11 GMT 9
So I will be in Europe for the month of May travelling. If I were to get accepted into the program (non-early departure), would my travel plans complicate getting paperwork done? Not sure as to what extent there is pre-departure training either... I mentioned this when some JETs ran a booth at my school, but they said it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Do any of you current CIRs recall having to get a lot a paperwork done? I think you should be fine as long as you have time in April to get all your ducks in a row and maintain clear communication with your interview embassy/consulate should you think you might need extra time! I do remember having to get some paperwork done but it wasn't nearly the amount that was required for the application itself. The trickiest thing was timing, since some of it was dependent on other people (in my case, a doctor and a government agency), but if you're ready to spring into action as soon as the shortlist comes out, you should be good to go.
If you live in a place where you need to make an appointment in advance for a full physical and a TB vaccine/chest X-ray or whatever kind of final medical check/procedures JET is requiring this year, I recommend making that appointment now for mid-April and canceling later if need be. (When I was applying, a doctor had to do the full physical + TB vaccine and record the results on the JET-designated Certificate of Health. Because of where I lived/my home country's health care system, I had to make two appointments -- one for the physical and TB vaccine injection, and another one a couple days later to pick up the physical results/completed COH and get the results of the TB vaccine recorded.) ALSO, if you will be bringing more than 1 month's worth of legal-in-Japan prescription (or other? but definitely prescription) medication with you, you will most likely need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei certificate. I didn't need to do this but my impression is that this can also take a long time and may require a doctor's appointment.
The only other thing that occurs to me that you may have trouble with is that IF you are an American and you HAVEN'T started your FBI background check (identity history summary check) request yet, I would plan how to do so well in advance because fingerprints are required and it can be hassle/take a long time to process. Apparently they have an electronic request method now that's a lot faster than it was back when I applied, though, so you should have more wiggle room (back when it was hard copy only, it took MONTHS). But the check still requires fingerprinting which in turn can sometimes require making some sort of appointment (whether you submit them electronically or get them done on paper) etc etc. I think I had to get my fingerprints taken at a police station. (My apologies if you are not an American and have already said so, OTL.)
I also applied some time ago so if other CIRs have newer info that contradicts the above, please take their advice instead! And enjoy your upcoming travel in Europe!! うらやましい~(笑)
Booking a doctor's appointment now to get shots done is a great idea! I am a Canadian, so thankfully no FBI check for me.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 22, 2020 9:09:43 GMT 9
zaza My info dates from 2017 and is Ottawa and Alternative-specific, but I'm thinking it shouldn't be that different from other Canadian locations and from non-alternates. Also, some of the dates might be later because of the Olympics. March 29: results come out April 12: reply form due (confirming that you're still willing to participate) If you are an alternate, you don't need to provide the health certificate or criminal record at this point. In my city, getting the police record took about a month, and the health certificate not even a week. They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory)
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Jan 22, 2020 11:27:58 GMT 9
They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory) Are those events all in your embassy city? I’m a long boat ride away from Vancouver, my nearest embassy, so it would be a real pain to have to book full days off work to travel and attend. Are you required to get a second police check and health certificate if you’ve already submitted them? I can’t recall anymore but I think I had to submit those as a requirement for choosing early departure eligibility. Also, I know it’s not technically required for CIR but I just got my JLPT results back and I passed N2!!!!! I’m kind of in shock right now because the real test was so much harder than all the practice tests I did. I had expected to fail. My mark wasn’t stellar but a pass is a pass. This has me feeling much more confident for my interview in February. YUSSSSSSS
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 22, 2020 11:37:21 GMT 9
They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory) Are those events all in your embassy city? I’m a long boat ride away from Vancouver, my nearest embassy, so it would be a real pain to have to book full days off work to travel and attend. Are you required to get a second police check and health certificate if you’ve already submitted them? I can’t recall anymore but I think I had to submit those as a requirement for choosing early departure eligibility. Also, I know it’s not technically required for CIR but I just got my JLPT results back and I passed N2!!!!! I’m kind of in shock right now because the real test was so much harder than all the practice tests I did. I had expected to fail. My mark wasn’t stellar but a pass is a pass. This has me feeling much more confident for my interview in February. YUSSSSSSS 1- Yes, they were, but only two of them were mandatory (the orientation and farewell party; they gave us our passports and visas at the party), and even then I think at least one person missed the orientation.
2- Yes, you did have to submit them as part as early departure eligibility! Usually, the ones you provided already are fine, but the consulate will tell you if they need updated info. I applied for early departure most of the time, but I don't remember ever having to get new documents (even though I checked every single time.) If I remember correctly, there's a second health-related form, though (but I can't remember for sure)
3- Congratulations!!! If you mentioned the JLPT in your application, they may ask you about it during your interview.
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 22, 2020 12:28:30 GMT 9
zaza My info dates from 2017 and is Ottawa and Alternative-specific, but I'm thinking it shouldn't be that different from other Canadian locations and from non-alternates. Also, some of the dates might be later because of the Olympics. March 29: results come out April 12: reply form due (confirming that you're still willing to participate) If you are an alternate, you don't need to provide the health certificate or criminal record at this point. In my city, getting the police record took about a month, and the health certificate not even a week. They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory) This is super helpful, thank you so much! I think I will just get my criminal record check ahead of time just in case. I think I may just bring up my travel plans at the end of the interview and verify with JET, but hearing from everyone else's response, it seems like I should be okay to go ahead with my plans.
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 22, 2020 12:48:40 GMT 9
They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory) Are those events all in your embassy city? I’m a long boat ride away from Vancouver, my nearest embassy, so it would be a real pain to have to book full days off work to travel and attend. Are you required to get a second police check and health certificate if you’ve already submitted them? I can’t recall anymore but I think I had to submit those as a requirement for choosing early departure eligibility. Also, I know it’s not technically required for CIR but I just got my JLPT results back and I passed N2!!!!! I’m kind of in shock right now because the real test was so much harder than all the practice tests I did. I had expected to fail. My mark wasn’t stellar but a pass is a pass. This has me feeling much more confident for my interview in February. YUSSSSSSS I didn't realize that test results are out until reading this comment, but I don't remember what my passcode is/ even remember if I filled one out...fml.
Also, congrats on N2!!!
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Jan 22, 2020 17:27:16 GMT 9
I didn't realize that test results are out until reading this comment, but I don't remember what my passcode is/ even remember if I filled one out...fml.
Also, congrats on N2!!! My password was on my sign up form that I had to email as part of my application. The university where I took it emailed me back a copy with my applicant and my passcode on it. Also, thank you for the event info, Aya!
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Post by wapiko on Jan 23, 2020 15:38:19 GMT 9
They were later required by June 2nd, with the JEt accident insurance form and a copy of my degree May 23: Info session and going out to a bar with JET alumni May/June: Cooking lesson (JUNE 10), TESOL training (May 24-25) (and Japanese classes, but they're beginNer level) July: Mandatory 2-day orientation, Farewell party (also mandatory) Are those events all in your embassy city? I’m a long boat ride away from Vancouver, my nearest embassy, so it would be a real pain to have to book full days off work to travel and attend. Are you required to get a second police check and health certificate if you’ve already submitted them? I can’t recall anymore but I think I had to submit those as a requirement for choosing early departure eligibility. Also, I know it’s not technically required for CIR but I just got my JLPT results back and I passed N2!!!!! I’m kind of in shock right now because the real test was so much harder than all the practice tests I did. I had expected to fail. My mark wasn’t stellar but a pass is a pass. This has me feeling much more confident for my interview in February. YUSSSSSSS LMAO these were my exact thoughts when I miraculously passed. Good luck for your interview!!
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 24, 2020 8:45:42 GMT 9
With regards to the interview, I am not sure how to answer the question "What are your plans for after Jet?" While I do intend to stay in Japan after JET, when I did a mock interview with my ALT hulemdo he said to shy away from mentioning any long term plans in Japan as JET wants to encourage people to go back to their home country and promote the program. While I can kind of imagine this for ALTs, I feel like it doesn't really match up with the expectations of CIRs (but then again, I am not a CIR). Can anybody else attest to my hulemdo's warning?
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Post by michiru on Jan 24, 2020 8:56:18 GMT 9
With regards to the interview, I am not sure how to answer the question "What are your plans for after Jet?" While I do intend to stay in Japan after JET, when I did a mock interview with my ALT hulemdo he said to shy away from mentioning any long term plans in Japan as JET wants to encourage people to go back to their home country and promote the program. While I can kind of imagine this for ALTs, I feel like it doesn't really match up with the expectations of CIRs (but then again, I am not a CIR). Can anybody else attest to my hulemdo's warning? That's a tough one, because while the idea that you come here, gain some experience/knowledge about Japan, then take that back to your home country is the E for "Exchange" in JET, a not insignificant amount of especially CIR's and even ALT's stay in Japan afterwards, and the interviewers/program have to know this. In my interview, I sidestepped the question all-together, focusing on what industry I ideally wanted to go into (translation/some kind of international project coordination). I never said WHERE I wanted to work (Japan, hue), instead talking about how the experience I could gain as a CIR could help me get the type of job I wanted. So maybe that's one approach you could take to avoid the issue.
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Post by thelatter on Jan 24, 2020 9:13:03 GMT 9
With regards to the interview, I am not sure how to answer the question "What are your plans for after Jet?" While I do intend to stay in Japan after JET, when I did a mock interview with my ALT hulemdo he said to shy away from mentioning any long term plans in Japan as JET wants to encourage people to go back to their home country and promote the program. While I can kind of imagine this for ALTs, I feel like it doesn't really match up with the expectations of CIRs (but then again, I am not a CIR). Can anybody else attest to my hulemdo's warning? You could just lie about your intentions. Say WHEN you come back, you'll teach about the misconceptions about Japan, good and bad, and apply whatever skills you've learned working in a Japanese environment back home in whatever field you decide to work in. That's what I did.
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 24, 2020 9:20:07 GMT 9
With regards to the interview, I am not sure how to answer the question "What are your plans for after Jet?" While I do intend to stay in Japan after JET, when I did a mock interview with my ALT hulemdo he said to shy away from mentioning any long term plans in Japan as JET wants to encourage people to go back to their home country and promote the program. While I can kind of imagine this for ALTs, I feel like it doesn't really match up with the expectations of CIRs (but then again, I am not a CIR). Can anybody else attest to my hulemdo's warning? That's a tough one, because while the idea that you come here, gain some experience/knowledge about Japan, then take that back to your home country is the E for "Exchange" in JET, a not insignificant amount of especially CIR's and even ALT's stay in Japan afterwards, and the interviewers/program have to know this. In my interview, I sidestepped the question all-together, focusing on what industry I ideally wanted to go into (translation/some kind of international project coordination). I never said WHERE I wanted to work (Japan, hue), instead talking about how the experience I could gain as a CIR could help me get the type of job I wanted. So maybe that's one approach you could take to avoid the issue. Yeah, that is pretty much exactly what I planned on saying. Thanks for confirming this!
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Post by Leita on Jan 24, 2020 9:49:40 GMT 9
I also don't think I specifically said where I would want to work, but I said I wanted to work with international relations or exchange, and said somthing about how I would use my experiences on JET to pursue that. Then again, it is also possible that they literally ask you "where do you want to work after JET?", or if you plan to go home or stay in Japan (right?).
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Post by rezkei on Jan 24, 2020 10:45:42 GMT 9
With regards to the interview, I am not sure how to answer the question "What are your plans for after Jet?" While I do intend to stay in Japan after JET, when I did a mock interview with my ALT hulemdo he said to shy away from mentioning any long term plans in Japan as JET wants to encourage people to go back to their home country and promote the program. While I can kind of imagine this for ALTs, I feel like it doesn't really match up with the expectations of CIRs (but then again, I am not a CIR). Can anybody else attest to my hulemdo's warning? I was really up-front about the fact I wanted to stay and work in Japan after JET, and I don't think it reflected negatively on me. In fact, my answer to that question hit 3 of the biggest red flags people say to avoid: I said I wanted to stay in Japan (They want you to go back to your home country and facilitate exchange!) to translate video games (Don't talk about weeb shit!) or feminist texts (Don't even think about mentioning feminism or politics!). Honestly, I found most of the advice about answers you must/must not give to be completely bogus. I understand you want to put your best foot forward, but it still has to be your foot, ya know? So I'd say be honest. Coming off as a capable human being is more important than rattling off the "right" answers.
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Post by K M on Jan 24, 2020 14:52:33 GMT 9
Speaking of red flag topics, I was seriously ill for the better part of 10 years and only just recovered and did comprehensive health checks (beyond the JET ones) to make sure I was okay to go (which I am) but because of this there is a massive gap in my CV. My hulemdo said not to write about it in my SOP but I wrote a short one line but have the interview on Wednesday. Do you think they’re going to grill me on my heath and inexperience in all fields of work? I don’t know if I should prepare my life story to be transparent.
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Post by Dee on Jan 24, 2020 15:03:29 GMT 9
Speaking of red flag topics, I was seriously ill for the better part of 10 years and only just recovered and did comprehensive health checks (beyond the JET ones) to make sure I was okay to go (which I am) but because of this there is a massive gap in my CV. My hulemdo said not to write about it in my SOP but I wrote a short one line but have the interview on Wednesday. Do you think they’re going to grill me on my heath and inexperience in all fields of work? I don’t know if I should prepare my life story to be transparent. If it comes up, I recommend that you just be honest. You suffered from a serious illness, but you are fully recovered.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 24, 2020 15:09:25 GMT 9
Speaking of red flag topics, I was seriously ill for the better part of 10 years and only just recovered and did comprehensive health checks (beyond the JET ones) to make sure I was okay to go (which I am) but because of this there is a massive gap in my CV. My hulemdo said not to write about it in my SOP but I wrote a short one line but have the interview on Wednesday. Do you think they’re going to grill me on my heath and inexperience in all fields of work? I don’t know if I should prepare my life story to be transparent. I think a lot of JETs come right out of school and are inexperienced, though. Just see the bright side and say that you're a blank slate or something. As for health, they may ask what you'll do if you get sick in Japan, I guess? They never mentioned anything like that to me, though.
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Post by herakleitos on Jan 25, 2020 13:36:38 GMT 9
Hello everybody else who is in the process of preparing for the interview. I'm not panicking so much as much as I'm wondering if I'm doing enough to prepare for it... I've hardly done anything like doing mock interviews and the like, but I've been going over some of the questions and trying to really think to myself how I'd answer them I guess. Looking through my SOP as well in order to best prepare for some of the question they might ask in reference to it: for example I mentioned two Japanese books I'd read (one by Miura Jun and the other by Asou Keiko).
I also guess I need to get my photo taken for the Interview Voucher sheet thingie. Have my FBI form and Health sheet ready... Also in light of the JLPT results coming later I suppose it's too late for them to be used as 参考?
In addition I'm trying to think of genuine questions to have ready for the end of my interview, but I'm worried if they sound too formulaic. I guess I'll try to put my mind to it while exercising one of these upcoming days or so. I feel like trying to develop more a 'readiness' in spite of questions in specific is the more proactive move, but I don't want to let any lack of preparation trip me up.I guess I'm just worried about whether I'm doing enough and what that might entail...
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Post by Dee on Jan 27, 2020 14:03:09 GMT 9
Hello everybody else who is in the process of preparing for the interview. I'm not panicking so much as much as I'm wondering if I'm doing enough to prepare for it... I've hardly done anything like doing mock interviews and the like, but I've been going over some of the questions and trying to really think to myself how I'd answer them I guess. Looking through my SOP as well in order to best prepare for some of the question they might ask in reference to it: for example I mentioned two Japanese books I'd read (one by Miura Jun and the other by Asou Keiko). I also guess I need to get my photo taken for the Interview Voucher sheet thingie. Have my FBI form and Health sheet ready... Also in light of the JLPT results coming later I suppose it's too late for them to be used as 参考? In addition I'm trying to think of genuine questions to have ready for the end of my interview, but I'm worried if they sound too formulaic. I guess I'll try to put my mind to it while exercising one of these upcoming days or so. I feel like trying to develop more a 'readiness' in spite of questions in specific is the more proactive move, but I don't want to let any lack of preparation trip me up.I guess I'm just worried about whether I'm doing enough and what that might entail... Sounds to me like you're doing quite a bit. Reviewing potential interview questions and coming up with answers, reviewing your SOP, reading materials in Japanese, etc. Doing a mock interview could be helpful, but it's not necessary. I didn't do any mock interviews, personally, but I am also an older JET so I had been in the workforce for sometime. I really only recommend mock interviews if you've never done a work interview before. It's good to have a question or two in mind, but it's also not 100% necessary. Sometimes your question will get answered during the course of the interview too. I did ask one question at the very end, but it was because I actually had an ex-CIR as one of my interviewers. So I asked about what kind of work they did and what they liked best and least about it.
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Post by thelatter on Jan 27, 2020 14:10:49 GMT 9
Hello everybody else who is in the process of preparing for the interview. I'm not panicking so much as much as I'm wondering if I'm doing enough to prepare for it... I've hardly done anything like doing mock interviews and the like, but I've been going over some of the questions and trying to really think to myself how I'd answer them I guess. Looking through my SOP as well in order to best prepare for some of the question they might ask in reference to it: for example I mentioned two Japanese books I'd read (one by Miura Jun and the other by Asou Keiko). I also guess I need to get my photo taken for the Interview Voucher sheet thingie. Have my FBI form and Health sheet ready... Also in light of the JLPT results coming later I suppose it's too late for them to be used as 参考? In addition I'm trying to think of genuine questions to have ready for the end of my interview, but I'm worried if they sound too formulaic. I guess I'll try to put my mind to it while exercising one of these upcoming days or so. I feel like trying to develop more a 'readiness' in spite of questions in specific is the more proactive move, but I don't want to let any lack of preparation trip me up.I guess I'm just worried about whether I'm doing enough and what that might entail... Don't over prepare. I don't remember doing much prep for the interview other than going over what I wrote in my SOP. I didn't do any mock interviews either. No matter how much prep you do, there's no way of knowing absolutely what they're going to ask you. I think being able to expand on what you've written in your SOP is a good idea though. Also, I wouldn't worry about sounding too formulaic with the questions. The only questions you don't want to ask are the ones that have already been answered. I think planning out your questions is fine. It shows you're actually interested in the program.
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Post by beniyuri on Jan 27, 2020 14:23:12 GMT 9
I was ok this morning but the nerves are getting me...
As for 自己紹介- can it be very basic? I am like wait what should I say since I am not a new graduate. I am overthinking I guess..I just want to make sure and be confident about it...
- Greetings - Name - Hometown - School/,major - current work - hobbies - End?
Will these suffice? Sorry, I just want a peace of mind. Thank you as always for being supportive to us.
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Post by kiseki on Jan 27, 2020 14:30:53 GMT 9
I was ok this morning but the nerves are getting me... As for 自己紹介- can it be very basic? I am like wait what should I say since I am not a new graduate. I am overthinking I guess..I just want to make sure and be confident about it... - Greetings - Name - Hometown - School/,major - current work - hobbies - End? Will these suffice? Sorry, I just want a peace of mind. Thank you as always for being supportive to us. Yes! It can be as simple as that. I didn’t do much for my 自己紹介 aside from what you have listed.
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Zola
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 11
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
Location: Okayama
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by Zola on Jan 28, 2020 0:19:05 GMT 9
Glad to see others have now got their interview dates!! Mine is coming up and I am equally apprehensive, haha.
Thanks for all the useful info in this thread so far but I was also wondering if you guys (current or ex-CIRs) could outline the format of the interview as you experienced it. Obviously there'll probably be some variation from country to country but I was just curious. Do you walk straight in and get given the text? Or warm up questions first?
I'm trying to visualise, haha.
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Post by beniyuri on Jan 28, 2020 7:19:31 GMT 9
Just finished my interview and I was not even asked to do 自己紹介. Thank you for the support. I blew up the Japanese part
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 28, 2020 8:52:37 GMT 9
Glad to see others have now got their interview dates!! Mine is coming up and I am equally apprehensive, haha. Thanks for all the useful info in this thread so far but I was also wondering if you guys (current or ex-CIRs) could outline the format of the interview as you experienced it. Obviously there'll probably be some variation from country to country but I was just curious. Do you walk straight in and get given the text? Or warm up questions first? I'm trying to visualise, haha. Hahahaha
In my case (country: Canada), all my interviews flowed pretty much the same way: - Get to interview location and "check in" - Sit and wait; usually there will be other people, like 1-3 - Someone comes to get you and brings you to your room
- Enter room and sit, interviewers introduce themselves - English questions (just regular interview stuff or questions based on your application)
- If they make you do a mock lesson, it'll be in the English section - Japanese interview questions - Read text and answer a few questions (One time, they did make me do the ALT test as well, for some unknown reason) - You get to ask questions here, but not too many
- Bye
Interview location was always the same university (but different buildings through the years); if you're not familiar with your interview location and it's big like that, it's worth going in advance to see where to go (and where there's like bathrooms and stuff for last-minute prep, for example)
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