Today was the final interview, which basically involved me speaking with the head of recruiting. From what I have read so far, this interview is usually quite intimidating. To be honest I didn't find it like that at all; it certainly wasn't as laid back and 'chatty' as the other, but nothing to be worried about. Wish I had known that beforehand! Twenty minutes ahead of schedule I was sitting in front of the laptop nervous as ever, checking my webcam constantly...
Unfortunately as soon as contact was made I began having a few problems with my webcam. Eventually I got it to work, but then because of our horrible internet connection it kept disconnecting. In the end we just went off audio.
As can be expected when there are two different interviews and interviewers, a few general questions overlapped...and then there were completely new ones. I think I was mainly nervous because I had impressed the first interviewer so much, and was worried that the one who made the decisions wouldn't have the same impression. I found out later I was wrong :)
I was asked my opinion of four different priorities within a school. Basically I got them in the right order, except the most important, which I put as last. If I had had a few minutes to think about it, rather than on the spot, I probably would have rethought my answer.
I also had to speak in Japanese, which I had been dreading. And although I wasn't told at the time, the Japanese lady I had to speak to was the company president. I think they didn't tell me this to keep me at ease...but I already knew. I had done a lot of research beforehand. It ended up okay, I didn't understand a few questions, mainly because of my nerves. I found I understood all the words she was saying, but couldn't string it into any kind of sense. Nevertheless, she told me my pronunciation and grammar were great. It was nice to hear, and the recruiter also said that my Japanese was good. Phew!
With all that behind me, I was told that they would love to have me as an ALT, starting in September. I have to wait about a month before beginning the visa process. This is because once I am issued a visa, I have three months to get into the country; this way the dates will line up a bit better. He also said that I would be perfect for Elementary School. Fingers crossed!
Obviously they have no idea where to place me yet, which is understandable. It seems like a hard task to accomplish! I'm really really hoping for Nagoya despite the lower pay, or at least Aichi or Gifu. Then again, I said rural was fine. Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility! I guess now I play the waiting game!
...and in a way, I don't think it will feel real until I sign a contract :)
Unfortunately as soon as contact was made I began having a few problems with my webcam. Eventually I got it to work, but then because of our horrible internet connection it kept disconnecting. In the end we just went off audio.
As can be expected when there are two different interviews and interviewers, a few general questions overlapped...and then there were completely new ones. I think I was mainly nervous because I had impressed the first interviewer so much, and was worried that the one who made the decisions wouldn't have the same impression. I found out later I was wrong :)
I was asked my opinion of four different priorities within a school. Basically I got them in the right order, except the most important, which I put as last. If I had had a few minutes to think about it, rather than on the spot, I probably would have rethought my answer.
I also had to speak in Japanese, which I had been dreading. And although I wasn't told at the time, the Japanese lady I had to speak to was the company president. I think they didn't tell me this to keep me at ease...but I already knew. I had done a lot of research beforehand. It ended up okay, I didn't understand a few questions, mainly because of my nerves. I found I understood all the words she was saying, but couldn't string it into any kind of sense. Nevertheless, she told me my pronunciation and grammar were great. It was nice to hear, and the recruiter also said that my Japanese was good. Phew!
With all that behind me, I was told that they would love to have me as an ALT, starting in September. I have to wait about a month before beginning the visa process. This is because once I am issued a visa, I have three months to get into the country; this way the dates will line up a bit better. He also said that I would be perfect for Elementary School. Fingers crossed!
Obviously they have no idea where to place me yet, which is understandable. It seems like a hard task to accomplish! I'm really really hoping for Nagoya
...and in a way, I don't think it will feel real until I sign a contract :)
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