plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 10:11:00 GMT 9
Long story short, I am an undergraduate student in Canada who is planning on applying for CIR in 2020.
As a candidate, my biggest advantage is my language ability. I am very confident in my Japanese as I passed N1 easily. I have no trouble in reading and writing, thanks to my Chinese background and the knowledge to Kanji; I’m also capable of speaking Japanese in almost-native fluency, after years of affiliation with my local Japanese hulemdos. In addition, I’m also native in Mandarin.
However, I don’t consider myself as a strong candidate for CIR, because I have rather weak work experience. Thankfully there is still time before the 2020 application, and I would love to expend my experience and skills through varies opportunities over the summer.
Therefore my question for my future CIR senpais is that what are some of the most relevant qualifications for CIRs in your opinions and on what level do you think they helped you to get the job ?
|
|
|
|
Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on May 15, 2019 10:30:48 GMT 9
I'm not sure how much work experience really plays into it to be honest, admittedly I'd worked 4 part-time jobs before applying to JET, but they were all retail apart from one job in a restaurant (a kaitenzushi place, which they found pretty interesting) so not really anything that'd help that much with JET.
I think experiences in exchange of cultures are more important. Although it was through my jobs, I would often chat to Japanese tourists in Japanese at one of the retail jobs I did because we got a lot, and in my application I focused on how at the kaitenzushi place I was constantly explaining Japanese food and culture to the customers and broadening their knowledge of Japan past the usual stereotypes. I also tutored Japanese high school exchange students twice while I was at uni.
Also if you have any like, school stuff or volunteering stuff that you did - mine was being on the Student Committee in high school and helping people to start clubs (I started two of my own) and arranging events, including a cake sale to raise money (£400) for Japan after the 2011 tsunami, and helping my dad coach a youth football team twice a week - I think things like that show that you have interest or motivation for things outside of Japanese stuff (which is important because how can you exchange culture if you're only interested in Japanese stuff?), and can work well in a team etc.
To be honest though, if your Japanese is that good as well as having both English and Mandarin I feel like you definitely should have a good chance, provided you do have other stuff to pad out your application a bit like I mentioned above. I didn't even have N2 when I applied, but I feel like maybe the other stuff helped boost my application a little to at least get on the waitlist ^^;;
|
|
|
|
Post by applecider on May 15, 2019 10:32:59 GMT 9
Welcome to the forums, and congrats on already having N1! That's an impressive accomplishment that even many CIRs don't have, so it sounds like you're prepared enough on that front.
I was waiting on N2 results (passed) when I did my interview, but I wouldn't worry so much about work experience. JET is my first full time job after graduating university and I never did internships before, yet here I am. Definitely do things with the time you have before applying like volunteering or something to show that you're really prepared for 国際交流 stuff if you're worried. But for concrete stuff, have good references with teachers/advisers/ whoever knows you well as a person, be real in your essay, and show that you can or are prepared to adapt to moving to a completely different country to work in a completely different environment. I think explicit qualifications are less important than just generally being a good person interested in the type of work CIRs do (although of course having the experience as evidence is important too), which is what I feel I got shortlisted on.
|
|
|
|
Post by wapiko on May 15, 2019 10:35:11 GMT 9
I don't think lack of work experience really matters with JET. A lot of people in the program become CIRs for their first real job out of college. Does work experience help? Sure. But it isn't necessary. Everyone has to start somewhere!
If you're truly worried about it, you can do things like volunteer or lead a club?
|
|
|
|
Post by Aya Raincoat on May 15, 2019 11:20:21 GMT 9
Pretty much what wapiko said! As a Canadian, though, I know the competition is super rough and so you want to have the best CV. I'm an "older JET", so I was working before coming here. I was doing editing and translation. One of my hulemdos who got in on her first try worked at an MP's office. Moreso than specific work experience, you probably need adaptability and sociability, as the others said. You also need to be good at selling yourself during the interview. If anything, find jobs so you can interview a lot and get experience! If you have any questions about the process regarding specifically Canadian things, don't hesitate to ask! (Granted it doesn't seem tha different, hahaha) |
|
|
|
Post by 🍅™️ on May 15, 2019 11:22:07 GMT 9
My language ability isn't that great but I think I was accepted because of my cultural exchange similar to 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒. With my college I was able to go to Japan three times (once studying abroad in Japan in an ALT/college student duel study abroad program, once interning in Tokyo at an NPO for 2 months, and during the time of the interviews I was accepted for a 3 week research trip in Hokkaido to study Ainu culture [and honestly I think that is what the interviewers were most interested in]) Maybe that's what helped me? I also had other volunteering/club activities not related to Japan or language but idk. In general, I had heard several times that (for JET in general) they want to see what your passionate in in regards to Japan, so if you have some strong hobby or interest related to the culture or language (like kendo club or maybe reading Japanese novels in Japanese?) definitely center on that in your application and interview. They also look for people who can contribute to cultural exchange so especially within your hobbies, if there is something you can do with them to contribute to 国際交流, definitely mention it and play on that. I think also showing up to the interview with confidence, whether fake or not, could be helpful? Like I was really nervous but somehow I came off as really outgoing and confident in my English portion of my interview, (and then became a stuttering mess during the Japanese portion). Idk how much of this was just a ramble and how much was potentially helpful, so ごめん |
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 11:26:12 GMT 9
Pretty much what wapiko said! As a Canadian, though, I know the competition is super rough and so you want to have the best CV. I'm an "older JET", so I was working before coming here. I was doing editing and translation. One of my hulemdos who got in on her first try worked at an MP's office. Moreso than specific work experience, you probably need adaptability and sociability, as the others said. You also need to be good at selling yourself during the interview. If anything, find jobs so you can interview a lot and get experience! If you have any questions about the process regarding specifically Canadian things, don't hesitate to ask! (Granted it doesn't seem tha different, hahaha) Is the competition in Canada really that bad ? I have two hulemdos applied for CIR this year and both of them got rejected. They both have N2 and probably better experience than me, which really concerns me. But I should definitely do more interviews and practice just as you said ! |
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 11:29:42 GMT 9
My language ability isn't that great but I think I was accepted because of my cultural exchange similar to 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒. With my college I was able to go to Japan three times (once studying abroad in Japan in an ALT/college student duel study abroad program, once interning in Tokyo at an NPO for 2 months, and during the time of the interviews I was accepted for a 3 week research trip in Hokkaido to study Ainu culture [and honestly I think that is what the interviewers were most interested in]) Maybe that's what helped me? I also had other volunteering/club activities not related to Japan or language but idk. In general, I had heard several times that (for JET in general) they want to see what your passionate in in regards to Japan, so if you have some strong hobby or interest related to the culture or language (like kendo club or maybe reading Japanese novels in Japanese?) definitely center on that in your application and interview. They also look for people who can contribute to cultural exchange so especially within your hobbies, if there is something you can do with them to contribute to 国際交流, definitely mention it and play on that. I think also showing up to the interview with confidence, whether fake or not, could be helpful? Like I was really nervous but somehow I came off as really outgoing and confident in my English portion of my interview, (and then became a stuttering mess during the Japanese portion). Idk how much of this was just a ramble and how much was potentially helpful, so ごめんGreat point on the emphasis of cultural exchange, I’ve actually read a few other articles that mentioned same thing. I’m thinking about getting a certificate of interpretation and translation during the summer to boost my resume. |
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 11:31:06 GMT 9
I don't think lack of work experience really matters with JET. A lot of people in the program become CIRs for their first real job out of college. Does work experience help? Sure. But it isn't necessary. Everyone has to start somewhere! If you're truly worried about it, you can do things like volunteer or lead a club? Thank you for the wise words! Will definitely do more volunteers’ |
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 11:32:33 GMT 9
Welcome to the forums, and congrats on already having N1! That's an impressive accomplishment that even many CIRs don't have, so it sounds like you're prepared enough on that front. I was waiting on N2 results (passed) when I did my interview, but I wouldn't worry so much about work experience. JET is my first full time job after graduating university and I never did internships before, yet here I am. Definitely do things with the time you have before applying like volunteering or something to show that you're really prepared for 国際交流 stuff if you're worried. But for concrete stuff, have good references with teachers/advisers/ whoever knows you well as a person, be real in your essay, and show that you can or are prepared to adapt to moving to a completely different country to work in a completely different environment. I think explicit qualifications are less important than just generally being a good person interested in the type of work CIRs do (although of course having the experience as evidence is important too), which is what I feel I got shortlisted on. Thank you for the advice ! What sort of 国際交流experience did you do? Just curious haha |
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 15, 2019 11:33:30 GMT 9
I'm not sure how much work experience really plays into it to be honest, admittedly I'd worked 4 part-time jobs before applying to JET, but they were all retail apart from one job in a restaurant (a kaitenzushi place, which they found pretty interesting) so not really anything that'd help that much with JET. I think experiences in exchange of cultures are more important. Although it was through my jobs, I would often chat to Japanese tourists in Japanese at one of the retail jobs I did because we got a lot, and in my application I focused on how at the kaitenzushi place I was constantly explaining Japanese food and culture to the customers and broadening their knowledge of Japan past the usual stereotypes. I also tutored Japanese high school exchange students twice while I was at uni. Also if you have any like, school stuff or volunteering stuff that you did - mine was being on the Student Committee in high school and helping people to start clubs (I started two of my own) and arranging events, including a cake sale to raise money (£400) for Japan after the 2011 tsunami, and helping my dad coach a youth football team twice a week - I think things like that show that you have interest or motivation for things outside of Japanese stuff (which is important because how can you exchange culture if you're only interested in Japanese stuff?), and can work well in a team etc. To be honest though, if your Japanese is that good as well as having both English and Mandarin I feel like you definitely should have a good chance, provided you do have other stuff to pad out your application a bit like I mentioned above. I didn't even have N2 when I applied, but I feel like maybe the other stuff helped boost my application a little to at least get on the waitlist ^^;; Thank you for the advice! There are still a few month until the application, I will see what I can do ! |
|
|
|
Post by Aya Raincoat on May 15, 2019 11:48:39 GMT 9
Pretty much what wapiko said! As a Canadian, though, I know the competition is super rough and so you want to have the best CV. I'm an "older JET", so I was working before coming here. I was doing editing and translation. One of my hulemdos who got in on her first try worked at an MP's office. Moreso than specific work experience, you probably need adaptability and sociability, as the others said. You also need to be good at selling yourself during the interview. If anything, find jobs so you can interview a lot and get experience! If you have any questions about the process regarding specifically Canadian things, don't hesitate to ask! (Granted it doesn't seem tha different, hahaha) Is the competition in Canada really that bad ? I have two hulemdos applied for CIR this year and both of them got rejected. They both have N2 and probably better experience than me, which really concerns me. But I should definitely do more interviews and practice just as you said ! In the past years, fewer than 10 CIRs were picked out of all of Canada. Of course, I don't know how many apply, and it changes from year to year; fortunately for you (there were more than 10 both last year and the previous year). There's a total of 34 Canadian CIRs right now, and we're the ENglish-speaking country with the second-largest number! Of those, two are 5th years. Maybe I'm just salty from being on the waiting list so often, though, hahaha (I applied 4 times and was on the wait list each time! I got my N2 and N1 as I was applying. To be fair, I'm also not super good at interviews ^^;; ) The fact that you speak Chinese will definitely be in your favour. |
|
|
|
Post by dr. pussy popper on May 15, 2019 11:51:53 GMT 9
my language ability aint that lit either, its something im kind of insecure about haha. im taking the JLPT for the first time this summer!
but i had other qualities that made up for it. i graduated uni in DC and my background is IA so my resume was littered with various ATENDO-esque jobs and conferences ive helped out for. at the time of my application i was interning for DC's japan-america society which the embassy was obviously close with, and thus the panel was interested in talking to me about the projects i was working on and my longterm goals. i also have a background in theater so i was able to make the panel laugh/ im good at improv&event planning.
i was shortlisted which surprised me, but it was based a lot on confidence and attitude. i dont want to do translation in the longrun since i definitely see a future for myself in diplomacy, but having this experience is fun too. i currently work at a performing arts center and my theater background helps me out a lot since i already know the field-specific jargon and am good at schmoozing with other companies.
i think this process is a balance of a lot of different things. some people have strengths in some areas, some people have strengths in others. i think the most important thing is to project confidence in your own abilities and the ability to think fast. whatever youre insecure about will likely get smoothed out once youre on the job, so just show the panel that, despite any misgivings, you are committed to combating whatevers thrown at you.
|
|
kitsukou
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 12
|
Post by kitsukou on May 20, 2019 12:06:56 GMT 9
Greetings, prospective CIR!
I’m one of the CIRs who arrived from West coast Canada last year (one of the record years in terms of qualifications from our consulate!) among many hulemdos I had already been acquainted with through various opportunities outlined below. Of course, since I am not actually from gyomu Gyomu / the consulate, you should only treat the following list of “qualifications” as anecdotal evidence:
1. The Annual Provincial/National Japanese Speech Contest
2. The KAKEHASHI Project Exchange Program
3. Teaching Assistant/Program Assistant at the Japanese Department of your University
4. Working Holiday work experience in Japan
5. Work/Volunteer Experience in a Japanese Environment
In terms of just getting the CIR job, even just getting ~2 of the above + N1 should suffice, provided you don’t completely bomb the interview. And since you would find that a lot of these are quite accessible if you become closely acquainted with a Japanese lecturer/professor at your university, I would suggest getting in touch with such a person as soon as possible. If that is not an option since your university doesn’t have a strong Japanese department etc., I would suggest looking for working holiday/local work or volunteer opportunities that involve translation (or perhaps even interpretation, but since most places would require a level of credentials for non-natives, this is unlikely). I am certain that the interviewers too are well-aware too that N1 qualification does not remotely prepare you sufficiently for some of the more office-oriented placements, so aside from those kira-kira exchange programs organized by Japan, I would say that actual experience translating would differentiate your resume as a potential CIR the most.
|
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 20, 2019 12:11:22 GMT 9
Greetings, prospective CIR! I’m one of the CIRs who arrived from West coast Canada last year (one of the record years in terms of qualifications from our consulate!) among many hulemdos I had already been acquainted with through various opportunities outlined below. Of course, since I am not actually from gyomu Gyomu / the consulate, you should only treat the following list of “qualifications” as anecdotal evidence: 1. The Annual Provincial/National Japanese Speech Contest 2. The KAKEHASHI Project Exchange Program 3. Teaching Assistant/Program Assistant at the Japanese Department of your University 4. Working Holiday work experience in Japan 5. Work/Volunteer Experience in a Japanese Environment In terms of just getting the CIR job, even just getting ~2 of the above + N1 should suffice, provided you don’t completely bomb the interview. And since you would find that a lot of these are quite accessible if you become closely acquainted with a Japanese lecturer/professor at your university, I would suggest getting in touch with such a person as soon as possible. If that is not an option since your university doesn’t have a strong Japanese department etc., I would suggest looking for working holiday/local work or volunteer opportunities that involve translation (or perhaps even interpretation, but since most places would require a level of credentials for non-natives, this is unlikely). I am certain that the interviewers too are well-aware too that N1 qualification does not remotely prepare you sufficiently for some of the more office-oriented placements, so aside from those kira-kira exchange programs organized by Japan, I would say that actual experience translating would differentiate your resume as a potential CIR the most. Thank you so much for the comprehensive response! I actually won the BC Speech contest in 2018 and was invited to the Kakehashi Program at the beginner of 2019! I’m glad that I can at least cross those off my list. I will definitely try to get in TA program in my University and try to get in the fields of translating ASAP ! |
|
kitsukou
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 12
|
Post by kitsukou on May 20, 2019 13:26:25 GMT 9
plumrockWait, do I know you... :thinking:
|
|
plumrock
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 15
|
Post by plumrock on May 20, 2019 13:27:47 GMT 9
plumrockWait, do I know you... :thinking: Did you do BC speech contest last year too ?? |
|
kitsukou
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 12
|
Post by kitsukou on May 20, 2019 13:49:53 GMT 9
plumrock Wait, do I know you... :thinking: Did you do BC speech contest last year too ?? No, but I helped some of the senseis at UBC with listening to their students' speeches and giving feedback as a sempai |
|
bobo343
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 16
|
Post by bobo343 on May 20, 2019 19:07:13 GMT 9
As someone accepted on this year's batch, I have an undergrad and a pending master's (graduate as of July) both having been completed full time in Japan. I think in my case this played the biggest part, because besides my degrees my work experience is purely limited to part time stuff (restaurants, eikaiwa). Going off this, I think they value someone with knowledge of, or a passion for Japanese life/culture/history etc. and generally showing qualities adaptable to the country. The language aspect is a bare minimum, you can be phenomenal at the language and it might give you a slight edge on some contenders but people get in with comparably low (N3, barely N2 if at all) Japanese skills while others with N1 and beyond get rejected. My best advice is don't rest on the laurels of language skills or get too hung up on what work experience they want (considering many applicants are fresh graduates), show them why you'd be a good candidate for working the job they want you to do in Japan.
|
|
beepbeep
Straight outta Narita
TYBG
Posts: 18 
CIR Experience: 1st year
Location: Aomori
|
Post by beepbeep on May 20, 2019 20:26:06 GMT 9
Some insight from someone else who was shortlisted this year (do we count yet? haha). I haven't sat the JLPT and my (formal) studies were not related to language or culture. I was involved in some cultural exchange programs and did spend some time abroad though. I have both casual work experience and work experience specifically related to my degree. It's definitely great that you want to expand your skill-set and gain more experience (and no doubt, I think that everything would help, at least up until to the point that you become considered overqualified I guess), but don't forget to look at it from perspectives beyond getting accepted into the programme as a CIR. Keeping an open mind and being adventurous in what you choose to pursue won't hurt. They look at a whole range of aspects. Everyone who applies is coming from a different background, so they're not going to automatically reject you because you haven't done one thing or another. If you want to tailor things specifically, maybe trying to get work experience in one (or more) of the roles a CIR may undertake would be a good way to approach it. As it's a cultural exchange programme, getting involved in cultural exchange (a focus on Japan might help) in your local area would probably help you as well. Personally, I think that my broad background played a big part (there's certainly quite an overlap between what a CIR may do and my background). Beyond formal stuff, working on hobbies, personal goals, and personal projects certainly won't hurt either. Be confident in your abilities and make sure that you have an idea of where you'd like to be in the future. Best of luck to you!  |
|
|
|
Post by tomurai on May 21, 2019 13:27:23 GMT 9
My background is I've been studying Japanese since high school and received my N2 last year and also taught English as an ALT in Japan for a year for a different company. I tried to use a lot of examples based on that one year experience. I showed a lot of interest in Japanese culture relating to tea and Zen Buddhism. Apart from that I've also worked as a Government employee for about 6 years so I have a bit of professional experience up my belt and maybe that was looked upon favourably. I think it was partly my enthusiasm that pulled me through the interview like when they asked if I had any translation / interpretation experience, I said nope but I'd definitely try my best! But probably better to have some of that experience under your belt even if it's just volunteer work. I think try to come across as someone who is very open-minded, flexible and easy to get along with would be the main selling points. Definitely thought I bombed the interview so I was genuinely shocked when I received my acceptance email |
|
|
|
Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on May 22, 2019 9:30:45 GMT 9
As someone accepted on this year's batch, I have an undergrad and a pending master's (graduate as of July) both having been completed full time in Japan. I think in my case this played the biggest part, because besides my degrees my work experience is purely limited to part time stuff (restaurants, eikaiwa). Going off this, I think they value someone with knowledge of, or a passion for Japanese life/culture/history etc. and generally showing qualities adaptable to the country. The language aspect is a bare minimum, you can be phenomenal at the language and it might give you a slight edge on some contenders but people get in with comparably low (N3, barely N2 if at all) Japanese skills while others with N1 and beyond get rejected. My best advice is don't rest on the laurels of language skills or get too hung up on what work experience they want (considering many applicants are fresh graduates), show them why you'd be a good candidate for working the job they want you to do in Japan. Does this mean you applied while in Japan? If so, how did sending off your application/getting all the evidence they needed and sitting the interview work for you? You're also from the UK right?
My hulemdo's a private-hire ALT here atm and was considering applying for JET, but was worried she'd have to fly all the way back to England for the interview etc. so I just thought I'd ask you ^^;;
|
|
bobo343
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 16
|
Post by bobo343 on May 22, 2019 11:11:42 GMT 9
As someone accepted on this year's batch, I have an undergrad and a pending master's (graduate as of July) both having been completed full time in Japan. I think in my case this played the biggest part, because besides my degrees my work experience is purely limited to part time stuff (restaurants, eikaiwa). Going off this, I think they value someone with knowledge of, or a passion for Japanese life/culture/history etc. and generally showing qualities adaptable to the country. The language aspect is a bare minimum, you can be phenomenal at the language and it might give you a slight edge on some contenders but people get in with comparably low (N3, barely N2 if at all) Japanese skills while others with N1 and beyond get rejected. My best advice is don't rest on the laurels of language skills or get too hung up on what work experience they want (considering many applicants are fresh graduates), show them why you'd be a good candidate for working the job they want you to do in Japan. Does this mean you applied while in Japan? If so, how did sending off your application/getting all the evidence they needed and sitting the interview work for you? You're also from the UK right?
My hulemdo's a private-hire ALT here atm and was considering applying for JET, but was worried she'd have to fly all the way back to England for the interview etc. so I just thought I'd ask you ^^;;
Yep, that's right! Sending all the application documents off worked the same as the UK just with the use of international mail instead, EMS is a life saver in this sense as it's 2,200 yen for a documents package and it gets to the destination in 3 working days or so. As I graduated my undergrad in Japan too, getting the documents together was easy as I could get them all from the institutions here but if your hulemdo is a UK graduate it might be a bit more of a pain collating the documents from the UK. Bad news is you have to fly back to the UK for the interview, no exceptions. Luckily I had a trip home planned for that time of year anyway, and my Uni was on term break, so I just adjusted the flight dates to cover the possible interview window. As far as I can remember, besides the interview there was nothing that made the process any more difficult than it might have been in the UK. |
|
|
|
Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on May 22, 2019 11:40:47 GMT 9
Does this mean you applied while in Japan? If so, how did sending off your application/getting all the evidence they needed and sitting the interview work for you? You're also from the UK right?
My hulemdo's a private-hire ALT here atm and was considering applying for JET, but was worried she'd have to fly all the way back to England for the interview etc. so I just thought I'd ask you ^^;;
Yep, that's right! Sending all the application documents off worked the same as the UK just with the use of international mail instead, EMS is a life saver in this sense as it's 2,200 yen for a documents package and it gets to the destination in 3 working days or so. As I graduated my undergrad in Japan too, getting the documents together was easy as I could get them all from the institutions here but if your hulemdo is a UK graduate it might be a bit more of a pain collating the documents from the UK. Bad news is you have to fly back to the UK for the interview, no exceptions. Luckily I had a trip home planned for that time of year anyway, and my Uni was on term break, so I just adjusted the flight dates to cover the possible interview window. As far as I can remember, besides the interview there was nothing that made the process any more difficult than it might have been in the UK. Ah okay, I thought it might be like that for the sending off of documents, but yeah for her it might be a little awkward to gather her documents. What about the health check and stuff, how did you sort that out?
Hm, well since the interviews aren't til like February it shouldn't be too bad, but she goes home more than I do so it might make money a bit tight for her so idk.
Thanks for the info though! ^^
|
|
bobo343
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 16
|
Post by bobo343 on May 22, 2019 14:05:53 GMT 9
Yep, that's right! Sending all the application documents off worked the same as the UK just with the use of international mail instead, EMS is a life saver in this sense as it's 2,200 yen for a documents package and it gets to the destination in 3 working days or so. As I graduated my undergrad in Japan too, getting the documents together was easy as I could get them all from the institutions here but if your hulemdo is a UK graduate it might be a bit more of a pain collating the documents from the UK. Bad news is you have to fly back to the UK for the interview, no exceptions. Luckily I had a trip home planned for that time of year anyway, and my Uni was on term break, so I just adjusted the flight dates to cover the possible interview window. As far as I can remember, besides the interview there was nothing that made the process any more difficult than it might have been in the UK. Ah okay, I thought it might be like that for the sending off of documents, but yeah for her it might be a little awkward to gather her documents. What about the health check and stuff, how did you sort that out?
Hm, well since the interviews aren't til like February it shouldn't be too bad, but she goes home more than I do so it might make money a bit tight for her so idk.
Thanks for the info though! ^^
For the health check I just visited a local hospital and had it done, the style of the health checks are Japanese in origin anyway (Japanese education institutions/companies and the like do a yearly health check for students/employees that cover all the points on the JET health check form) so if you just request a 健康診断 and run through what the health check form requests, they should do it with no issues (assuming its a big enough health institution with all the equipment necessary). The one I went to didn't even need an appointment, just turn up on the day in the morning and all the tests are done with your paperwork being filled in and handed back to you on the day. It costs about 10,000 yen wherever you go, a generally standardised fee. The only other thing was the ICPC, but you apply online anyway. They can ship your certificate to you internationally but this can take a while. To save time and money I just had the ICPC shipped to family in the UK who then forwarded it onto the embassy for me, much faster overall. |
|
mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
|
Post by mobo573 on Dec 12, 2019 12:14:33 GMT 9
Also applying for 2020 from Canada and incredibly nervous about my odds. I know that very few Canadians make it into CIR positions every year. I wonder if I outlined a brief list of my qualifications if you'd all be willing to provide any feedback or what you think my odds might be? Thanks in advance!
Qualifications:
Working Holiday in Tokyo
One semester study abroad in Osaka
Short term exchange in Hyogo prefecture (Worked with local city government and met a couple CIRs! I think I may recognize one of you in this thread)
Three years living abroad as a teenager. (Added this to my resume to show adaptability to living in foreign countries)
Japanese Ability (Passed N3 in 2017, I just took N2 this month though I'm not sure if I passed or not.)
Undergrad in Political Science, Japanese minor
Tutored Japanese high school exchange students in Canada for one full school year
Volunteered at my university for a symposium on Japanese language education
I'd like to think I have a decently strong resume but I'm worried that I won't be considered if I didn't pass N2. Of course, there's the simple problem of how few Canadians get chosen to be CIRs. My future goals include a career in diplomacy or government, hopefully staying in Japan so I think CIR would be a fantastic position.
Thanks for any feedback or advice you have!
|
|
|
|
Post by Aya Raincoat on Dec 12, 2019 15:21:18 GMT 9
mobo573 I don't know where you're applying out of, but for Ottawa, they did a quick check of our Japanese abilities over the phone before the interviews (before they were even announced, if I remember correctly?) They might suggest something based on that. Also, after I took N1, they asked me about it during the interview proper. I don't want to evaluate you because so much rides on the total number of applicants and their skills, as well as how well you do at the interview itself, that it's impossible to tell what will tip the scales in your favour.
|
|
mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
|
Post by mobo573 on Dec 12, 2019 18:15:48 GMT 9
mobo573 I don't know where you're applying out of, but for Ottawa, they did a quick check of our Japanese abilities over the phone before the interviews (before they were even announced, if I remember correctly?) They might suggest something based on that. Also, after I took N1, they asked me about it during the interview proper. I don't want to evaluate you because so much rides on the total number of applicants and their skills, as well as how well you do at the interview itself, that it's impossible to tell what will tip the scales in your favour. I'd be totally fine with this. I think my spoken Japanese is pretty great. Only problem with N2 has been the grammar section. I know reading and writing will be necessary for the job but. Thanks for letting me know about your situation anyway. I'll be in Vancouver, assuming I get an interview |
|
|
|
Post by Aya Raincoat on Dec 13, 2019 0:42:56 GMT 9
mobo573 I don't know where you're applying out of, but for Ottawa, they did a quick check of our Japanese abilities over the phone before the interviews (before they were even announced, if I remember correctly?) They might suggest something based on that. Also, after I took N1, they asked me about it during the interview proper. I don't want to evaluate you because so much rides on the total number of applicants and their skills, as well as how well you do at the interview itself, that it's impossible to tell what will tip the scales in your favour. I'd be totally fine with this. I think my spoken Japanese is pretty great. Only problem with N2 has been the grammar section. I know reading and writing will be necessary for the job but. Thanks for letting me know about your situation anyway. I'll be in Vancouver, assuming I get an interview I think they're pretty aware that the JLPT is just a paper that means you performed well on that specific test and may not reflect your general abilities (but people are still impressed by N1, haha.) Writing and reading irl vs for the JLPT is two different beasts. If you feel like reading might be difficult for you, though, you will want to practice reading news articles out loud before the interview because that's part of it. Traditionally, I think Vancouver sends the most CIRs, but that might also just be because there's more applicants, haha
|
|
|
|
Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Dec 13, 2019 0:47:13 GMT 9
Also applying for 2020 from Canada and incredibly nervous about my odds. I know that very few Canadians make it into CIR positions every year. I wonder if I outlined a brief list of my qualifications if you'd all be willing to provide any feedback or what you think my odds might be? Thanks in advance! Qualifications: Working Holiday in Tokyo One semester study abroad in Osaka Short term exchange in Hyogo prefecture (Worked with local city government and met a couple CIRs! I think I may recognize one of you in this thread) Three years living abroad as a teenager. (Added this to my resume to show adaptability to living in foreign countries) Japanese Ability (Passed N3 in 2017, I just took N2 this month though I'm not sure if I passed or not.) Undergrad in Political Science, Japanese minor Tutored Japanese high school exchange students in Canada for one full school year Volunteered at my university for a symposium on Japanese language education I'd like to think I have a decently strong resume but I'm worried that I won't be considered if I didn't pass N2. Of course, there's the simple problem of how few Canadians get chosen to be CIRs. My future goals include a career in diplomacy or government, hopefully staying in Japan so I think CIR would be a fantastic position. Thanks for any feedback or advice you have! Hi!~
I'm not Canadian, but I just wanted to weigh in on the part I've bolded. Admittedly I only got through as an alternate/reserve, but I didn't have N2 when I applied (like you I had N3, and I'd taken the N2 test but was awaiting results) and still got not only considered but added to the list ^^ I didn't get my N2 until this Summer (the end of my first year here) either.
The Japanese portion of the interview is where they'll truly evaluate your level of Japanese and see if it seems good enough to be working as a CIR, so if your spoken Japanese is pretty good or even just fine (mine was...not great when I applied and I made it!) I think you stand a reasonably good chance!
Best of luck!
|
|
