my interview experience:

i found this gem here. (david namisato)

last thursday i headed down to the Japanese Embassy in Washington for my interview.

overall, i feel that i did well. most questions i was asked i feel like my answer knocked the ball out of the park. there is one thing, however, that i'm not sure of what they thought; my "perfect English intonnation, rhythm, and projection skills." as i was so hyped up to providing good answers, i let down my monitor for my "umm's" and "like's" and my overall quick speech. we shall see what their opinion of everything was in the end. now to begin the waiting game.

walking in, i was greeted by some limited security. i had to present my ID and a "JET voucher" which was e-mailed to me and printed out (not very high tech). was scanned quickly by a metal detector wand and sent on my way -- "second door on the right, past the water fountain". in the waiting area there were more staff who collected my voucher permanently and tried to keep everyone in general order. there were refreshments and old photo books of previous JET's experiences laid out - the result, for me at least, was an even more solidified desire to get over there. i sat quietly and eyed my competition trying to measure, totally based off of first impression, if these people had what it takes. i was set at ease when not one, or two, but three people hurriedly came into the room and quixotically hoped to be allowed permission without bringing their all important JET vouchers.

now, is there any reason whatsoever that this piece of paper with a picture affixed can't be filled out while waiting to be called? no. but i think it is an exercise in following directions. written at the bottom of this printed out document was the stern warning: "You will not be allowed to enter the Embassy or interview if you do not have these items." so sitting there revved up about being interviewed by an important diplomat, scrutinizing my every detail, i felt a little more at ease: at least i was better off than those people.

the remainder of my competitors seemed to be a mix of anime otakus and quiet keep-to-themselves types. most were guys, of the 20 or so of us sitting there, only 3 of us were girls. and thanks to this advice, i think i was the best dressed in the room ^_^. shortly after my name was called and i was escorted back to let the games begin.

my panel (like all panels) consisted of 3 professionals, one at least of whom is Japanese. my interrogators were: one American - former JET of one year, now involved in administrative aspects of the program (i believe he is one of the application reviewers); a Japanese - principal at a Japanese high school; a Canadian - previous JET, not sure what she does now. i was assured before hand not to sweat it. "interviews are nothing more than [the company] trying to get to know more about you. treat it more like a conversation - just tell them a little about yourself..." unfortunately, it resembled a firing range of questions more than a "conversation". nonetheless, i feel that the experience went smoothly. they seemed to render me more as a nurse than a linguist which i found to be annoying, but thems the breaks i guess.

here are some of the questions i was asked:
1. why japan? why JET?
2. what is your view of the Japanese people?
3. what aspect of the English language do you expect to be the hardest for students to understand?
4. what 3 things would you pack in your suitcase to show students some culture of the US?
5. what do you plan to do in your free time in Japan?
6. what from nursing do i expect will help in my role as a teacher? (i believe the phrase "bag-of-tricks from nursing" was used) t_t
7. what is your favorite holiday? -- How would you teach that holiday to students who had limited English ability?
8. why do you want to leave nursing?
9. describe your previous teaching experience.
10. how do you think you will handle culture shock?

unfortunately, the entire interview was conducted in English, i really wanted to bust out some nihongo and wow the crowd. i shall save that bag-of-tricks for another day.