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Post by Leilo on Oct 4, 2018 12:55:56 GMT 9
I don't know if there are any CIR-to-be lurkers around yet, but it seems the application has opened up!
If any CIR hopefuls out there have application, statement of purpose, qualification questions etc. feel free to ask them here! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2018 15:55:29 GMT 9
I am a current-CIR lurker
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hemena
Straight outta Narita
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Post by hemena on Oct 11, 2018 6:13:45 GMT 9
Thanks for opening this thread!  I still have to focus on my bachelor thesis atm, so there's (thankfully) not that much time to stress myself too much about the whole application process. Planning to send in everything mid-December and then my internship Jan-March will probably distract me from the ohgodwhatif they don't even invite me to an interview kind of feeling. I will just make use of the time and polish up on my Japanese - and I'm currently waiting to hear back from my professors regarding the reference letters! One thing I'm kinda wondering about is if most people get the placement that they wanted? I can't say a lot about Germany yet, but the competition in English-speaking countries seems pretty tough...? So I can only imagine getting the placement you might have wished for is really hard. |
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 11, 2018 8:35:15 GMT 9
One thing I'm kinda wondering about is if most people get the placement that they wanted? I can't say a lot about Germany yet, but the competition in English-speaking countries seems pretty tough...? So I can only imagine getting the placement you might have wished for is really hard. I get the impression most don't, I asked to be in Nagoya/Aichi/Shizuoka and got placed nearly 5 hours away by shinkansen on the east of Kyushu, not even on the same island I wanted to be on ^^;; but then again I was a reserve candidate so I just got placed where someone decided they didn't like the placement they got (they'd wanted to be in Tokyo and got placed where I am, so they didn't get their choice either)
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Post by Sparkles on Oct 11, 2018 9:14:16 GMT 9
One thing I'm kinda wondering about is if most people get the placement that they wanted? I can't say a lot about Germany yet, but the competition in English-speaking countries seems pretty tough...? So I can only imagine getting the placement you might have wished for is really hard. Essentially, whether or not you get your placement comes down to
1. whether you have a very legitimate reason for needing a certain type of placement (i.e. someone with a certain medical condition who can only get treatment at a highly specialized urban hospital getting a placement nearby)
2. whether the person your Contracting Organization (employer) wants happens to match up with your profile
(for example, if a certain high school in a certain city here in Japan has an exchange trip with an American high school in Texas every year, they may request an ALT from that part of Texas; if there's only one ALT from that part of Texas on the shortlist, the odds are good that ALT will be sent there regardless of the ALT's original placement requests)
3. luck (as in, the person in your desired placement is leaving their position this JET year, but also just pure dumb luck)
So it's not really a "difficulty" issue so much as a "do the stars align" issue.
One thing that's important to remember is that many, many people who don't get one of their original placement requests end up LOVING where they are!! So it's good to keep an open mind :)
Anyway, I made an effortpost about placements a few months ago, so ご参考まで~ |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Oct 11, 2018 9:37:40 GMT 9
Please bear in mind that the placement for non-English countries CIRs work very differently! You have a set list of placements, whereas we can be placed pretty much everywhere. You can find last year's list for Germany here, in case you hadn't seen it already. I was also an upgrade, but I still got the placement I wanted, so I'm lucky. But then again, that placement is "Kansai", so it's not super hard I guess (my first choice was usamatropolis City, but I think they only take Chinese CIRs?). That being said, my placement usually tries to get someone from our sister State and I was just lucky the person they had chosen decided not to take it. (I was also an alternate for 4 years in a row, so I would have been happy with anywhere.) |
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Post by frooperyfroop on Oct 11, 2018 10:18:53 GMT 9
Please bear in mind that the placement for non-English countries CIRs work very differently! You have a set list of placements, whereas we can be placed pretty much everywhere. You can find last year's list for Germany here, in case you hadn't seen it already. I was also an upgrade, but I still got the placement I wanted, so I'm lucky. But then again, that placement is "Kansai", so it's not super hard I guess (my first choice was usamatropolis City, but I think they only take Chinese CIRs?). That being said, my placement usually tries to get someone from our sister State and I was just lucky the person they had chosen decided not to take it. (I was also an alternate for 4 years in a row, so I would have been happy with anywhere.) hue thank you Aya Raincoat, you have just answered the question Sparkles and I were wondering about in the Hajimemashite thread. XD |
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Post by Sparkles on Oct 11, 2018 10:22:31 GMT 9
Yeah, for the non-English countries it's easiest if you can find a list of previous placements, or you can look at the detailed JET Programme statistics for your country and see where current people are placed (but if your country has ALT placements as well, the ALT placements are also mixed in with those numbers so proceed with caution; in Germany's case, the two ALT positions are in Saitama and Miyazaki).
If you can network with current/former CIRs from your home country or language group (i.e. Spanish-speaking CIRs come from multiple countries), you can sometimes get a sense of what placements have what job duties and/or which placements will probably open this year (with the exception of Chinese CIRs, I think most but not all CIRs stay more than 1 year), then tailor your app/placement request accordingly. (The former/current Brazilian CIRs in my prefecture did this. I've also heard the Korean CIRs have a tight-knit group.) Of course, if your country only has one JET/placement, it's pretty easy to know where you'll go if selected (example: the single Argentinian CIR position is in Saitama).
Even within limited options, I still think on some level it just comes down to luck/factors you can't control.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Oct 11, 2018 10:31:32 GMT 9
FYI, and I know this doesn't apply to you hemena, but that place with the Lake and NOTHING ELSE will be replacing its two unicorn Brazilian CIRs and opening a new position next year (Spain? Or a Spanish speaking country?) in case there are lurkers. |
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Oct 11, 2018 11:20:59 GMT 9
Thanks for opening this thread! I still have to focus on my bachelor thesis atm, so there's (thankfully) not that much time to stress myself too much about the whole application process. Planning to send in everything mid-December and then my internship Jan-March will probably distract me from the ohgodwhatif they don't even invite me to an interview kind of feeling. I will just make use of the time and polish up on my Japanese - and I'm currently waiting to hear back from my professors regarding the reference letters! One thing I'm kinda wondering about is if most people get the placement that they wanted? I can't say a lot about Germany yet, but the competition in English-speaking countries seems pretty tough...? So I can only imagine getting the placement you might have wished for is really hard. I really didn't specify anything on the actual application, I just briefly mentioned in the interview itself that while I would be fine with anything, I would prefer to be closer to an urban district. I was shortlisted for a new position in Hyogo in a 'city' (really an amalgamation of towns) but at least I'm two hours away from Kobe/Kyoto/Osaka, so it's easy to get out if I need my city fix. |
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Post by Dee on Oct 11, 2018 13:33:47 GMT 9
One thing I'm kinda wondering about is if most people get the placement that they wanted? I can't say a lot about Germany yet, but the competition in English-speaking countries seems pretty tough...? So I can only imagine getting the placement you might have wished for is really hard. I'm one of the lucky ones, and got exactly what I wanted in a placement. I asked for Hokkaido, INAKA, and mentioned in my interview that I would love to do something tourism related. |
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hemena
Straight outta Narita
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Post by hemena on Oct 11, 2018 21:38:34 GMT 9
Thank you all for the insight! I don't really have any specific wish for my placement, but it was just something I was kinda wondering about. Actually I'm not even sure myself if I would prefer being placed near a place I've already been to or something completely new  ( I'm more leaning to the last option though? I don't know, but there is still a lot of time and stuff to do and think about before I even get there!) |
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nutella
Straight outta Narita
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Post by nutella on Oct 13, 2018 15:17:29 GMT 9
Hello! I am also another lurker. I would like to ask about a specific issue actually. I still don't have my N2 certificate but I'm taking the test on December. Does that hurt my chances? I tried looking through the application to see where I could probably comment that in but couldn't find anything. I'm just so stressed about it, haha... Also, what other tips do you guys have for standing out and increasing my chances among the other applicants?
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 13, 2018 16:51:23 GMT 9
Hello! I am also another lurker. I would like to ask about a specific issue actually. I still don't have my N2 certificate but I'm taking the test on December. Does that hurt my chances? I tried looking through the application to see where I could probably comment that in but couldn't find anything. I'm just so stressed about it, haha... Also, what other tips do you guys have for standing out and increasing my chances among the other applicants? I missed out on passing N2 by 5 marks when I applied to JET so I didn't have it when I applied and still don't have it (but I did have N3). I think if the rest of your application is good enough for them to want to interview you, you can show off how good your Japanese is there and they'll get a good idea of how good your Japanese is, whether you have N2 or not. So I wouldn't worry too much~ |
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Post by wapiko on Oct 14, 2018 9:01:40 GMT 9
I know CIRs who haven’t taken it so I don’t think it’ll hurt. You can always let them know you intend to take it.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Oct 14, 2018 20:35:31 GMT 9
At the embassy where I applied (Canada), they would do pre-interviews over the phone in Japanese to check your level, so that may or may not happen.
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 14, 2018 21:38:08 GMT 9
Ah yeah come to think of it, I think you can choose to phone the embassy in London if you're an English applicant for them to tell you or check your level if you want to for reassurance purposes, it's not compulsory but seemed like it might be helpful. I didn't try it though so I don't really know anything other than that
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Oct 15, 2018 9:15:24 GMT 9
Hello! I am also another lurker. I would like to ask about a specific issue actually. I still don't have my N2 certificate but I'm taking the test on December. Does that hurt my chances? I tried looking through the application to see where I could probably comment that in but couldn't find anything. I'm just so stressed about it, haha... Also, what other tips do you guys have for standing out and increasing my chances among the other applicants? Never took the JLPT; don't have any certification. The test always fell squarely on finals week for me in university, exactly on the day of a really important exam, so I was never able to take it. I'll be taking the N2 in July
I wouldn't worry about it. Just impress them with your Japanese during the interview. Besides, language ability is honestly, like, the least of your worries for the application process. I know plenty of people with beautiful keigo who've passed N1 but they did not get past the interview because they don't have the core element -- ability to act as a cultural ambassador between Japan and your home country. To do that, you need tenacity, good knowledge of politics/economics/society, level-headedness, ability to quickly communicate concepts, creativity, and honestly a good sense of humor. Seriously... do not stress about your Japanese. If you will, you'll just choke when it comes to the interview itself. And it really doesn't matter otherwise.
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Post by Ham on Oct 15, 2018 11:04:45 GMT 9
Also never took the JLPT, and I only ever finished one summer intensive language course and one term of Japanese in university. I wouldn't worry about qualifications: you'll have opportunities to show your proficiency during the interview.
In terms of general advice to anyone planning to apply for the CIR position (or any job in general), both for the statement of purpose and the interview, I have two main points to make:
1.) Think about JET's goals and how yours can align with theirs. Remember that JET (ostensibly) isn't looking for a docile paper-pusher but a cultural ambassador. How will you make use of this opportunity to further yourself personally and professionally? How will you serve JET's mission in return? Show you have a plan for the future (even if you just made it up).
2.) Find your own voice. It's awfully tempting to read statements from previously passing candidates and to try and dissect them for that golden nugget that got them through, but the fact is the way the statement is written doesn't really matter. Some people write statements that sound like reports. Some people write stories. Both are equally valid, what's more important is the content.
Also, I knew I was very rusty in speaking Japanese because I hadn't spoken it in years, so I found some Japanese language exchange partners on the (now defunct) japan-guide forums, and I'm confident in saying that without the 2-3 months of practice I did with them, I'd have failed the interview. YMMV
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Oct 15, 2018 11:11:42 GMT 9
But I would like to suggest the stories are very eye-catching and memorable! My motto in all writing is always 'show, don't tell'. I feel like we all learned this in primary school, but we've forgotten after years of monotonous reports that made us super jaded towards emotional writing.
Instead of saying 'I am patient and hardworking' I think it's best to describe a story of a time you, say, were a language partner to someone. Discuss how you met the person, how you both struggled to learn each other's languages, how you met up with one another for hours, how you finally had your partner reach a moment of clarity. In one short story you have explained what kind of person you are, because teaching someone a language is something which requires a lot of patience and hard work. (Just for the sake of an example. I'm sure you have unique life experiences of your own).
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Post by Ham on Oct 15, 2018 12:00:47 GMT 9
Maybe, but (and, full disclosure, I am more of a story-style statement writer myself) I've found some of the report-style statements to be very impressive.
It's really just a question of what you're focusing on when you're presenting yourself. With the stories, you're saying 'look at the way I handled myself in these one or two situations, and trust that I can handle myself in a variety of other ones' whereas a report says 'look at all these situations I've succeeded in - so trust I have some way of handling myself' different approaches, same destination.
I really do think that what's most important is that you're talking with your own voice, not trying to imitate anyone else. In the end, you're being judged on your merit as a candidate, not a storyteller.
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 15, 2018 13:02:54 GMT 9
I legit gave an anecdote in mine about when me and year-abroad-crush (obviously I didn't specify that part) ordered Dominos to our dorms at 10/11 at night, went out to get drinks at the conbini and got back to find the deliveryman had been ringing the bell or whatever to get in and had woken up the caretaker, who then lectured us while we bowed profusely.
I can't remember what point I used that to illustrate but it seemed to go down well and made my SOP sound more unique I guess XD
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Oct 15, 2018 13:39:18 GMT 9
I legit gave an anecdote in mine about when me and year-abroad-crush (obviously I didn't specify that part) ordered Dominos to our dorms at 10/11 at night, went out to get drinks at the conbini and got back to find the deliveryman had been ringing the bell or whatever to get in and had woken up the caretaker, who then lectured us while we bowed profusely. I can't remember what point I used that to illustrate but it seemed to go down well and made my SOP sound more unique I guess XD omg thats hilarious in retrospect but im so sorry that happened to you ;u;
i wrote about the second night after i arrived in tokyo i was standing on a platform and felt a sudden tugging on my sleeve. i wanted to ignore it (lots of spoopy CHIKAN stories), but i eventually glanced over and saw it was a little boy, maybe 8 years old. i guess even though im spoopy gaijin i was the only one not texting or talking on the phone. he asked me if the train was going to shibuya and looked really scared so i told him i was going there too and we transferred and got there together, and he ended up finding his mom after that.
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 15, 2018 13:43:30 GMT 9
I legit gave an anecdote in mine about when me and year-abroad-crush (obviously I didn't specify that part) ordered Dominos to our dorms at 10/11 at night, went out to get drinks at the conbini and got back to find the deliveryman had been ringing the bell or whatever to get in and had woken up the caretaker, who then lectured us while we bowed profusely. I can't remember what point I used that to illustrate but it seemed to go down well and made my SOP sound more unique I guess XD omg thats hilarious in retrospect but im so sorry that happened to you ;u;
i wrote about the second night after i arrived in tokyo i was standing on a platform and felt a sudden tugging on my sleeve. i wanted to ignore it (lots of spoopy CHIKAN stories), but i eventually glanced over and saw it was a little boy, maybe 8 years old. i guess even though im spoopy gaijin i was the only one not texting or talking on the phone. he asked me if the train was going to shibuya and looked really scared so i told him i was going there too and we transferred and got there together, and he ended up finding his mom after that.
Haha ikr, it is hilarious looking back on it XD Awh that's really sweet TwT |
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Post by wapiko on Oct 15, 2018 15:24:08 GMT 9
I wrote about how I used to do random train stops around Nagoya. I’d get off at a completely random place and just explore. Found a cool shrine and a huge Mitsukoshi during some of these and it was almost completely different scenery everywhere. It was great.
Apparently my now-boss really enjoyed that part and thought it was super cool. So yeah, figure out how to write about culture immersion and that jazz....?
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Post by Ham on Oct 15, 2018 16:04:34 GMT 9
That being said, don't feel like just because the job is in Japan, everything you write about has to be about Japan.
In my case, I talked about a time when I was working sales and a customer came in absolutely furious, but I stopped to listen to him, explained what the problem was, and helped him find the solution. By the time I walked him back to the front, we were chatting and he was all smiles. It has nothing to do with Japan or even being abroad, but it showed that I could be open-minded and adaptable even in difficult circumstances.
If you decide to add an anecdote, I feel it's a good idea to know what point you're trying to underline with it so that you can frame the experience most appropriately.
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Post by beniyuri on Oct 16, 2018 4:40:34 GMT 9
Hello, I don't know any CIRs. I am really glad I found this forum!
I want to have realistic expectations - may I ask what are the possible things they might ask CIR (English) to do aside from translating, interpreting and teaching English? Are there any surprises for some? I am just curious. Also anyone from SF Consulate knows or have idea how many CIRs were accepted last time? To be honest I want to be in the Kyushu area but I have to be realistic - I have 0 idea how many CIRs they have or are from SF consulate. I need to think of which other locations to request for the 2nd and 3rd choice.
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Oct 16, 2018 8:03:32 GMT 9
Hey beniyuri , welcome to the forums~ I sometimes get asked to attend various visits from abroad (mostly rugby-related people atm) even if I'm not interpreting, which has kind of so far been a good way of seeing more of my town. I also got asked by my supervisor and kachou to create and run a Facebook page to promote my town, and I made an instagram as well for the same purpose. Kachou also asked me to come up with a pamphlet in English to encourage foreigners to try onsen. Other than translating and interpreting, that's the different stuff I've done so far. I don't wanna jinx myself, but I haven't had to make any school visits yet, and the only English teaching I'm doing is going along to the local eikaiwa thing which is actually run by the ALTs here, and tutoring one of my coworkers. I'm actually based in Kyushu and my position was new this year, so they might create more maybe but in my prefecture we had maybe 3 CIRs that started this year (one Australian, me from Britain, and maybe one from America?) that were English speakers (I heard about a German one too but idk if they started this year or not) and Oita City currently has....4 I think? (British, Australian, Chinese and Korean) Then I'm in Beppu and I think there's another in Nakatsu or somewhere? I don't know about other prefectures in Kyushu though ^^;; |
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Post by wapiko on Oct 16, 2018 8:10:20 GMT 9
Somewhere on the JET website there’s a statistic sheet that shows the breakdown by prefecture. When I saw there is like one CIR in all of Aichi it really explained why I got put somewhere else instead of where I wanted hue.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Oct 16, 2018 8:57:02 GMT 9
Welcome! I hope this place'll be helpful to you!
Hmmm, frankly, unless your town has a sister relationship with a city you want to go to, placements are really not guaranteed (and are even more random if you end up being upgraded from the wait list.) Since we all know what happened with San Francisco and Osaka (or have the ability to google it), this avenue isn't open to you anymore. It's also not guaranteed that a person from one consulate will be replaced by someone from the same place.
As for tasks, I don't teach English at all. My school visits are to teach about my country or things like that (I had to do a lesson on racism once.) Apart from that and translation (and rarely interpretation), I do tourism stuff. For example, I was once in a photoshoot for a brochure, haha.
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