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Post by Leilo on Dec 13, 2019 8:40:13 GMT 9
Hello to anyone who is applying for 2020! Please feel free to use this thread to ask for advice or to talk about your experiences, or your worries etc.
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Dec 13, 2019 8:51:49 GMT 9
Hey everyone. I posted in the qualifications thread earlier but it's nice to meet you all. I'm just graduating university this week and applying to JET for the first time.
I'm applying from the west coast of Canada so I'll be interviewing in Vancouver, assuming I'm lucky enough to get an interview. I've seen the intake numbers for previous years and saw how few Canadians make it in as CIRs so I'm a little nervous but I'm crossing my fingers.
I spent two weeks in Toyooka-shi, Hyogo, this May as part of a university field school program. While there I met three CIRs who really convinced me to go for it and apply. So if any of you three are here and remember me, hi! I was the really tall one with the beard.
As I said in the qualifications thread, I've spent a significant amount of time in Japan already and I think my spoken Japanese is quite good. I'm worried about my reading and writing skills, especially for the interview. Reading through other's experiences in past years it sounds like many people got hired despite feeling they didn't do superbly well on the Japanese portion of the interview which is reassuring. Not that it means much but I've passed N3 and took N2 at the beginning of this month, though I found it quite tough.
For those who have both done a CIR interview and taken JLPT, how would you say the interview reading compares to JLPT, both in terms of length and in difficulty of kanji and subject matter. I averaged around 65-70% on the reading section across four different N2 practice tests that I took so...I think I'm alright but I often struggle on kanji readings.
Anyway! Looking forward to getting to know you guys and I hope all of us 2020 prospects make it in!
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soyok
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 35 
CIR Experience: 3rd year
Gender (Pronouns): she/her/hers
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Post by soyok on Dec 13, 2019 10:41:33 GMT 9
As I said in the qualifications thread, I've spent a significant amount of time in Japan already and I think my spoken Japanese is quite good. I'm worried about my reading and writing skills, especially for the interview. Reading through other's experiences in past years it sounds like many people got hired despite feeling they didn't do superbly well on the Japanese portion of the interview which is reassuring. Not that it means much but I've passed N3 and took N2 at the beginning of this month, though I found it quite tough. For those who have both done a CIR interview and taken JLPT, how would you say the interview reading compares to JLPT, both in terms of length and in difficulty of kanji and subject matter. I averaged around 65-70% on the reading section across four different N2 practice tests that I took so...I think I'm alright but I often struggle on kanji readings. Anyway! Looking forward to getting to know you guys and I hope all of us 2020 prospects make it in! Nice to meet you! I don't know if the interview is exactly the same in all countries, but in my case they asked me to read aloud a news article (not a particularly difficult one), and they asked me a general questions about it, mostly "what do you think about this". I think you’d have to be able to read the % you mentioned you are already able to, so I don’t think you’ll have any problem passing it in terms of language level. I could not read several of the words in the text. As a result I could not answer one of the questions. I asked for clarification and got it, and I was able to answer the question perfectly. They understand they understand you can keep improving your Japanese after your placement. I think the interview does not only reflect your Japanese language ability but communication skills and the ability to ask for help too. Good luck! |
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Post by long johnson on Dec 13, 2019 12:43:04 GMT 9
Hey everyone. I posted in the qualifications thread earlier but it's nice to meet you all. I'm just graduating university this week and applying to JET for the first time. I'm applying from the west coast of Canada so I'll be interviewing in Vancouver, assuming I'm lucky enough to get an interview. I've seen the intake numbers for previous years and saw how few Canadians make it in as CIRs so I'm a little nervous but I'm crossing my fingers. I spent two weeks in Toyooka-shi, Hyogo, this May as part of a university field school program. While there I met three CIRs who really convinced me to go for it and apply. So if any of you three are here and remember me, hi! I was the really tall one with the beard. As I said in the qualifications thread, I've spent a significant amount of time in Japan already and I think my spoken Japanese is quite good. I'm worried about my reading and writing skills, especially for the interview. Reading through other's experiences in past years it sounds like many people got hired despite feeling they didn't do superbly well on the Japanese portion of the interview which is reassuring. Not that it means much but I've passed N3 and took N2 at the beginning of this month, though I found it quite tough. For those who have both done a CIR interview and taken JLPT, how would you say the interview reading compares to JLPT, both in terms of length and in difficulty of kanji and subject matter. I averaged around 65-70% on the reading section across four different N2 practice tests that I took so...I think I'm alright but I often struggle on kanji readings. Anyway! Looking forward to getting to know you guys and I hope all of us 2020 prospects make it in! !!! |
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Post by Dee on Dec 13, 2019 13:45:53 GMT 9
For those who have both done a CIR interview and taken JLPT, how would you say the interview reading compares to JLPT, both in terms of length and in difficulty of kanji and subject matter. I averaged around 65-70% on the reading section across four different N2 practice tests that I took so...I think I'm alright but I often struggle on kanji readings. Anyway! Looking forward to getting to know you guys and I hope all of us 2020 prospects make it in! Hi Mobo573, I hope you make it to the interview stage! i interviewed in the US, so it may be a bit different (paging Aya Raincoat for a Canadian perspective) but I was given an article to read out loud. I did come across a few kanji that I couldn't pronounce, and just asked my interviewers who would read the word to me. I was then asked a couple of comprehension questions about the reading, which I felt I was able to answer just fine. I also got asked a few regular interview questions about what kinds of 国際交流 would I want to do in Japan, in Japanese. I did struggle to answer one of the questions (because I misheard one), but otherwise I feel like if you have a JLPT 2 understanding, you should do just fine. Prepare a self introduction and don't forget what you wrote in your essay. I got several questions about things I wrote in my essay. Good luck! |
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Dec 13, 2019 13:59:29 GMT 9
Thanks Dee and Soyok  |
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Dec 13, 2019 14:21:08 GMT 9
Ah yes, I am indeed an expert on the Canadian interview (I was famously (?) put on the wait list 4 times before getting in ^^;;....) FYI, there's no non-disclosure agreement to sign for Canadians about the interview.
Based on what I found through this page and other forums, the US and Canada get the same reading article. They are mostly easy, but don't underestimate the power of just one kanji you're not sure how to read. I'd say they're probably easier than N2, but my memories of that test are a bit blurry. On the bright side, since you just took the test a few weeks ago, vocabulary and stuff might still be fresh on your mind.
Some of the interview panels may let you read the whole text in your head before reading it out loud. Some will provide kanji readings. Doesn't hurt to ask!
Then, like mentioned above, you will be asked increasingly complicated questions about it. Usually, one comprehension question, then one that requires more thought, and finally they'll ask your opinion on something or some other question that lets you speak longer.
For some reason, I also had to do the ALT Japanese test once, but it article part is the hardest anyway.
My four articles were about: Mount Fuji becoming a world heritage site, taking care of your shoes so they last longer, newspapers and how they're kind of disappearing, and otoshi-dama during o-bon.
You may be asked to do a mock lesson. especially if you check that ALT box (but even if you don't!).
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Dec 13, 2019 14:39:52 GMT 9
I checked the ALT box as a Hail Mary so...let's hope I don't get asked to do a mock lesson! Haha.
I appreciate the info on the interviews. You're quite right about how a single unknown kanji can really mess you up though. The studying never ends.
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Dec 13, 2019 15:12:23 GMT 9
Haha, well I've had to do a mock lesson 2/4 times, so fingers crossed!
I remember reading the text about O-Bon-dama and snagging at 名刺, and reading it as MEISI (correctly), but kind of getting caught on the second kanji, telling myself that it couldn't be pronounced -SHI for some reason...
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Dec 13, 2019 15:24:35 GMT 9
This is a little off topic but: I just want to say that I'm kind of amazed this place exists. Like...an honest to god FORUM with active users in the year of our kamisama 2019. I appreciate you guys all being here to answer questions and give advice. It feels like 2006 up in here and I LOVE it. I'm also so glad this isn't a Facebook group or a discord chat. The amount of archived information in this Prospective JETs section alone is super useful and I've just been purusing all the various boards all day. (Instead of studying for my last ever university final. Someone save me). I kinda wanted to say this in the はじめましてスレ but I feel like I need to keep myself holed up in here until I actually succeed at becoming a CIR.
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Post by dr. pussy popper on Dec 14, 2019 20:16:34 GMT 9
Hey everyone. I posted in the qualifications thread earlier but it's nice to meet you all. I'm just graduating university this week and applying to JET for the first time. I'm applying from the west coast of Canada so I'll be interviewing in Vancouver, assuming I'm lucky enough to get an interview. I've seen the intake numbers for previous years and saw how few Canadians make it in as CIRs so I'm a little nervous but I'm crossing my fingers. I spent two weeks in Toyooka-shi, Hyogo, this May as part of a university field school program. While there I met three CIRs who really convinced me to go for it and apply. So if any of you three are here and remember me, hi! I was the really tall one with the beard. As I said in the qualifications thread, I've spent a significant amount of time in Japan already and I think my spoken Japanese is quite good. I'm worried about my reading and writing skills, especially for the interview. Reading through other's experiences in past years it sounds like many people got hired despite feeling they didn't do superbly well on the Japanese portion of the interview which is reassuring. Not that it means much but I've passed N3 and took N2 at the beginning of this month, though I found it quite tough. For those who have both done a CIR interview and taken JLPT, how would you say the interview reading compares to JLPT, both in terms of length and in difficulty of kanji and subject matter. I averaged around 65-70% on the reading section across four different N2 practice tests that I took so...I think I'm alright but I often struggle on kanji readings. Anyway! Looking forward to getting to know you guys and I hope all of us 2020 prospects make it in! You’ve definitely met me, I’m a CIR in Toyooka and showed your group around when you were here. Feel free to pm me about anythjng! |
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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 Dec 17, 2019 18:47:40 GMT 9
Hi everyone! Thanks for contributing to such an amazing resource <3 I have already learnt SO much. Sooo... I just received my invitation to interview yesterday. もう緊張している!!! D: Anyone else received theirs? Oh, and I'm in the UK |
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Dec 17, 2019 22:33:14 GMT 9
Hi everyone! Thanks for contributing to such an amazing resource <3 I have already learnt SO much. Sooo... I just received my invitation to interview yesterday. もう緊張している!!! D: Anyone else received theirs? Oh, and I'm in the UK Hey, glad you're finding the forum helpful!~ ^^
And congrats on the interview invite!
I'm a UK person too (kinda the only active one here TwT) so if you'll be interviewing in London (is there anywhere else to interview in the UK, come to think of it? ^^;;; ) feel free to ask me about anything you're unsure of!
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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 Dec 18, 2019 17:20:48 GMT 9
Hi everyone! Thanks for contributing to such an amazing resource <3 I have already learnt SO much. Sooo... I just received my invitation to interview yesterday. もう緊張している!!! D: Anyone else received theirs? Oh, and I'm in the UK Hey, glad you're finding the forum helpful!~ ^^
And congrats on the interview invite!
I'm a UK person too (kinda the only active one here TwT) so if you'll be interviewing in London (is there anywhere else to interview in the UK, come to think of it? ^^;;; ) feel free to ask me about anything you're unsure of!
Thank you!! Oh, no way, I'm kinda surprised. Thank goodness you're here though! (^^) Yes, I'm interviewing in London at the beginning of Feb - which seems equal parts far away and not far enough, haha. I don't have any burning questions, but I was wondering, what percentage of the interview was in Japanese for you? I know it varies from person to person/country to country. |
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Dec 18, 2019 22:47:46 GMT 9
Hey, glad you're finding the forum helpful!~ ^^
And congrats on the interview invite!
I'm a UK person too (kinda the only active one here TwT) so if you'll be interviewing in London (is there anywhere else to interview in the UK, come to think of it? ^^;;; ) feel free to ask me about anything you're unsure of!
Thank you!! Oh, no way, I'm kinda surprised. Thank goodness you're here though! (^^) Yes, I'm interviewing in London at the beginning of Feb - which seems equal parts far away and not far enough, haha. I don't have any burning questions, but I was wondering, what percentage of the interview was in Japanese for you? I know it varies from person to person/country to country. ^^
Ikr? When I joined there were a couple of former CIRs from the UK still on here, but yeah they're not really active anymore ^^;;
Oh nice, good luck! I get what you mean though XD
Hmm, to be totally honest I don't remember the interview in a lot of detail 'cause I was so nervous it feels like I've like blocked a lot of it out haha, but hmm, maybe 30-40%? It felt like it was moreso in English, with most of the Japanese bit being the reading comprehension thing and maybe one or two non-related (to the comprehension topic) Japanese questions. I did feel like I kinda struggled to get across what I wanted to say in the Japanese parts though so they may have thought 'ah this isn't really going anywhere' and asked more in English 'cause of that XD
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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 Dec 19, 2019 18:15:20 GMT 9
Thank you!! Oh, no way, I'm kinda surprised. Thank goodness you're here though! (^^) Yes, I'm interviewing in London at the beginning of Feb - which seems equal parts far away and not far enough, haha. I don't have any burning questions, but I was wondering, what percentage of the interview was in Japanese for you? I know it varies from person to person/country to country. ^^
Ikr? When I joined there were a couple of former CIRs from the UK still on here, but yeah they're not really active anymore ^^;;
Oh nice, good luck! I get what you mean though XD
Hmm, to be totally honest I don't remember the interview in a lot of detail 'cause I was so nervous it feels like I've like blocked a lot of it out haha, but hmm, maybe 30-40%? It felt like it was moreso in English, with most of the Japanese bit being the reading comprehension thing and maybe one or two non-related (to the comprehension topic) Japanese questions. I did feel like I kinda struggled to get across what I wanted to say in the Japanese parts though so they may have thought 'ah this isn't really going anywhere' and asked more in English 'cause of that XD
Awkward moment when I realise that I have literally combed through your blog before, especially for all the application related stuff (^^;;. I owe my complete SOP structure to you. Thank you SO much for your blog! o( _ _ )o I should have put 2 and 2 together, hahah. Also, your response is incredibly reassuring XD I have N2 but I'm not incredibly confident with my Japanese speaking at the moment - defo a little rusty. Thank you for the answer - I'll try to calm down now. Especially since I can only do my best, haha. |
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mobo573
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 19
CIR Experience: Prospective CIR
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Post by mobo573 on Dec 19, 2019 21:09:12 GMT 9
I’m so jealous of how early the rest of the world seems to get their interview applications.
I’m applying for English teaching jobs just in case I don’t get CIR but the lead in time for JET is so long. I’d hate to say yes to another job, then get selected as a CIR and have to turn down the job I already said yes to.
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Dec 19, 2019 22:46:32 GMT 9
^^
Ikr? When I joined there were a couple of former CIRs from the UK still on here, but yeah they're not really active anymore ^^;;
Oh nice, good luck! I get what you mean though XD
Hmm, to be totally honest I don't remember the interview in a lot of detail 'cause I was so nervous it feels like I've like blocked a lot of it out haha, but hmm, maybe 30-40%? It felt like it was moreso in English, with most of the Japanese bit being the reading comprehension thing and maybe one or two non-related (to the comprehension topic) Japanese questions. I did feel like I kinda struggled to get across what I wanted to say in the Japanese parts though so they may have thought 'ah this isn't really going anywhere' and asked more in English 'cause of that XD
Awkward moment when I realise that I have literally combed through your blog before, especially for all the application related stuff (^^;;. I owe my complete SOP structure to you. Thank you SO much for your blog! o( _ _ )o I should have put 2 and 2 together, hahah. Also, your response is incredibly reassuring XD I have N2 but I'm not incredibly confident with my Japanese speaking at the moment - defo a little rusty. Thank you for the answer - I'll try to calm down now. Especially since I can only do my best, haha. Omg really?! I'm so happy to hear it was so helpful to you! I had a hard time finding info about CIR stuff when I was looking (until my mum found this forum and told me to check it out XD) so I really started my blog to help other prospective CIRs have more info TTwTT
Ah I'm glad! I didn't actually have N2 when I applied since I'd taken it the summer of that year (and then failed it TwT) and I managed to get in with very little confidence in my speaking so I have faith you'll do okay!
If you do want to practise speaking though, I found an app a while ago called HelloTalk which is kinda like Facebook or Twitter except you post statuses in the language you're trying to practice and people can correct it for you! You can also upload voice clips and get pointers on pronunciation! I think there's another app called italki where you can find natives to practice speaking with, so maybe either of those might help you get back into the swing of things and build your confidence up a little ^^
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bananaisme
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 4
CIR Experience: Incoming CIR
Gender (Pronouns): meh. whatever
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Post by bananaisme on Dec 29, 2019 1:29:00 GMT 9
Hello, popping in here too! I'm a UK CIR applicant for 2020 and I have gotten an interview (yay!), however my situation is a little... different. See, while I was born in the UK and still have my UK citizenship, I have spent most of my life in Australia. The more I think about what questions I'll be asked, the more nervous I get. Do you think they'll be asking me more questions about UK to check if I can properly represent the country? I really wouldn't be surprised if they did, and it's not like I know nothing about the UK, but I definitely am not confident in terms of politics especially with Brexit going on. I do read BBC often to try to keep up but if I get asked to explain politics it'll be super hard to do. Is there anything you could suggest I research? I'm researching the similarities and differences between Japanese and British politics etc but was wondering if there was anything else I should research. Sorry for the long post and good luck to everyone  |
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Dec 30, 2019 6:44:02 GMT 9
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skwis
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 13
CIR Experience: 2nd year
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Post by skwis on Jan 4, 2020 12:29:04 GMT 9
Hi, Australian here.
I got an interview invite for the end of the month. Any other aussies around?
Also is anyone familiar with how the Australian interviews go?
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Post by Sparkles on Jan 6, 2020 10:46:13 GMT 9
zaza welcome and please do post as much as you like! I hope you get through to the interview! Based on the articles you linked, I think you're at about the right length/difficulty. After you read an article silently then aloud, I'd also recommend quickly summarizing the article out loud, stating your opinion of the issue presented in the article, and then branching off from that to tie it to some other/related societal issue and your opinion on that. (Usually candidates are asked a few questions about the article, which often cover reading comprehension and being able to tie the content to something else, like your own opinion.) Mock interviews also helped me prepare, so good on you for doing those. If you can, ask someone who knows about JET to do one for you, or provide a list of JET-related questions (i.e., why Japan/JET/the CIR position? how will you act as a grassroots ambassador of your home country/culture in your placement? etc.) you want your mock interviewers to ask in addition to the standard questions you'd get for any job (i.e., strengths/weaknesses, what challenges you think you'll face, what you hope to accomplish in the position). I also got some personalized questions based on what I wrote in my SOP, my placement requests (basically why I wanted to be placed there and how I would react if I didn't get them), and other parts of my application (like my involvement with sister-state stuff and my time studying abroad), so I would also suggest going over your application again thoroughly and talking out loud (to yourself or to a f.riend) about parts of it. skwis Congrats on the interview invite! I didn't interview in Australia so I'm afraid I'm unhelpful there, but best of luck! :)
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Post by kmc on Jan 7, 2020 16:26:35 GMT 9
Hi, Australian here. I got an interview invite for the end of the month. Any other aussies around? Also is anyone familiar with how the Australian interviews go? Fellow Australian here too waiting for the end of month interviews. I have a hulemdo who was accepted (but turned down the offer) maybe 5 years ago and says they are similar to what people are describing - - Half generic interview followed by reading and conversation. |
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bindoolfpudding
So jozu at chopsticks
Posts: 187
CIR Experience: Former CIR
Location: Oita
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Post by bindoolfpudding on Jan 8, 2020 8:05:53 GMT 9
Former Strayan CIR chiming in to say it is pretty much as Sparkles sensei described it back home as well :)
Know your application and the goals of the programme. If you can, try to read a few short Japanese articles a day starting now and practice reading them out loud to get comfortable tackling unfamiliar vocab.
Good luck!
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Post by Aya Raincoat on Jan 8, 2020 8:47:40 GMT 9
zaza Based on what you wrote, I'm thinking maybe not, but if you're a student in the 上級2 class at OJLS and the teacher hasn't changed/changed her methods, what you do for homework and the follow-up during class is very similar to what you need to do in the Japanese part of the interview. As for ways to prepare, I think everyone should think of their weaknesses: have trouble listening to Japanese out of the blue? Listen to podcasts, news, YouTube videos, etc. Not sure you can read the articles without fumbling? Read text out loud without checking the kanji first (I've had interviewers let me read it in my head first, and others who said no. (from Ottawa)) Not confident in your kanji? Read anything! (I read Fruits Basket and Gin no Saji, haha.)
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Post by Leilo on Jan 8, 2020 9:15:06 GMT 9
Another pointer which has been mentioned on the forums multiple times is that, when you read the article you might put so much focus into reading it outloud properly and pronouncing everything right that you don't allow yourself to process the content of the article as you read it. I had read that on the forums before my interview, but when I actually had my interview and read the article out loud, the same thing happened to me. They didn't let me read the article to myself first, and when I read it out loud I put so much focus on saying it correctly and saying that I didn't process the content of the article. *I was lucky that I had basically already read the same article before from practicing reading news etc. leading up to the interview. But if it was a new topic to me I think I would have struggled answering their questions because of the above. |
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Post by 𝑜𝓇𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓂𝑒 on Jan 8, 2020 13:24:58 GMT 9
Hello, popping in here too! I'm a UK CIR applicant for 2020 and I have gotten an interview (yay!), however my situation is a little... different. See, while I was born in the UK and still have my UK citizenship, I have spent most of my life in Australia. The more I think about what questions I'll be asked, the more nervous I get. Do you think they'll be asking me more questions about UK to check if I can properly represent the country? I really wouldn't be surprised if they did, and it's not like I know nothing about the UK, but I definitely am not confident in terms of politics especially with Brexit going on. I do read BBC often to try to keep up but if I get asked to explain politics it'll be super hard to do. Is there anything you could suggest I research? I'm researching the similarities and differences between Japanese and British politics etc but was wondering if there was anything else I should research. Sorry for the long post and good luck to everyone Hey, I'm a UK CIR!~
I don't actually remember being asked any politics/current affairs-based stuff in the interview, so it might not come up at all, but obviously I'm not in the same situation as you so idk if they'd try to test you on UK stuff or not, though I think what you've been doing so far sounds like a really good idea just to cover your bases just in case. I would think if they did ask about any politics, Brexit would be the main thing, but even then I feel like it'd prolly just be more of a 'what are your thoughts on~~~' kind of question rather than having to explain the whole situation =3
It's not really the same, but since I've got here I've been asked to represent countries (e.g. Wales even though I'm from England and don't know much about Wales) and cities that I'm not actually from, so you might be able to find opportunities to represent Australia rather than UK or even both once you get over here ^^
Good luck in your interview!~
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Post by Frankie on Jan 9, 2020 1:54:34 GMT 9
Aspiring 2020 CIR from Singapore here. I will be having my interview next Wednesday and I am all stressed about it especially on the Japanese interview portion. Having passed only N4 in Jul 2019, I am still shortlisted for an interview makes it a miracle.
I am fearful that I cannot articulate my thoughts well in Japanese...
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 9, 2020 2:32:14 GMT 9
zaza welcome and please do post as much as you like! I hope you get through to the interview! Based on the articles you linked, I think you're at about the right length/difficulty. After you read an article silently then aloud, I'd also recommend quickly summarizing the article out loud, stating your opinion of the issue presented in the article, and then branching off from that to tie it to some other/related societal issue and your opinion on that. (Usually candidates are asked a few questions about the article, which often cover reading comprehension and being able to tie the content to something else, like your own opinion.) Mock interviews also helped me prepare, so good on you for doing those. If you can, ask someone who knows about JET to do one for you, or provide a list of JET-related questions (i.e., why Japan/JET/the CIR position? how will you act as a grassroots ambassador of your home country/culture in your placement? etc.) you want your mock interviewers to ask in addition to the standard questions you'd get for any job (i.e., strengths/weaknesses, what challenges you think you'll face, what you hope to accomplish in the position). I also got some personalized questions based on what I wrote in my SOP, my placement requests (basically why I wanted to be placed there and how I would react if I didn't get them), and other parts of my application (like my involvement with sister-state stuff and my time studying abroad), so I would also suggest going over your application again thoroughly and talking out loud (to yourself or to a f.riend) about parts of it. skwis Congrats on the interview invite! I didn't interview in Australia so I'm afraid I'm unhelpful there, but best of luck! Thank you for confirming my speculation Trying to read over 3-4 articles a day, hopefully that will be sufficient. |
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zaza
Straight outta Narita
Posts: 25
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Post by zaza on Jan 9, 2020 2:38:46 GMT 9
zaza Based on what you wrote, I'm thinking maybe not, but if you're a student in the 上級2 class at OJLS and the teacher hasn't changed/changed her methods, what you do for homework and the follow-up during class is very similar to what you need to do in the Japanese part of the interview. As for ways to prepare, I think everyone should think of their weaknesses: have trouble listening to Japanese out of the blue? Listen to podcasts, news, YouTube videos, etc. Not sure you can read the articles without fumbling? Read text out loud without checking the kanji first (I've had interviewers let me read it in my head first, and others who said no. (from Ottawa)) Not confident in your kanji? Read anything! (I read Fruits Basket and Gin no Saji, haha.) Thank you for the tips! I am not at OJLS (Just a graduating Carleton student), so not quite sure about their course work. Passed N2 in December 2018, and then sadly failed N1 by 5% this past summer. Feeling a bit hopeful about passing N1 this past December though, but I don't think I will have my results by the time of my possible interview date anyways. Were there many other people applying from Ottawa during the times you interviewed? |
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