Hey everyone
So I'm gonna be having an interview at a 専門学校 tomorrow. I currently live in Fukuoka on a Working Holiday Visa. But I want to study economics in Japan next year and have an interview with a school scheduled tomorrow. It's gonna be online (that was a relief), but I am still very unsure about it.
I've never been in an interview situation in Japanese. I've done my own research, but I would appreciate any advice/experiences I could get!
Also one specific thing I'm wondering about: I saw claims online that questions such as "What would our school get from accepting you?" may be asked. I was very perplexed to read that, since it makes no sense in my eyes. As the student I don't actually do anything for the school. So what would you answer?
Has anyone ever been asked that question or was the source I found just not correct?
Also, is it the norm to ask questions at the end of the interview? I know ofc that in job interviews you are basically expected to ask some question at the end. But I've never had an interview for a school. I've done days worth of research about this school; I honestly don't think there's anything I need to ask. Actually, wouldn't it appear like I didn't do my research if I asked them sth I could've just read up on in their flyers?
Thank you for any input!
Update: The interview went well. It was a lot less open than I anticipated. The dude just went through his rather short list of questions, which included things I didn't expect at all, like "What do your parents think of your plans?". I guess in Japan that is still an important thing. One more that caught me off guard is 自己PR . I had heard of that but didn't think they'd ask that in a school interview. It seemed like sth for a job interview only. So my answer was improvised and pretty luke-warm. But I still got a good feeling about it in general.
by TraditionalVoice83
8 comments
https://shingakunet.com/journal/exam/20210511000022/
Internet is full of sample questions and advice on how to answer best. But they will most likely want to assess your language skills, verify your previous education and inquire if you suitable or not for the school, just study the school website, be yourself and rehearsal the faq and answers.
Check online for online interview manners (which are slightly different to in person, like you obviously don’t need to knock three times etc.)
As someone who went through that, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t asked that particular question. But maybe I’d say something like “as someone who has a little bit of knowledge of [this vocation] from overseas, maybe I could share my own insight if it becomes necessary” or “I’m a reliable person that likes to help people I see in trouble. During these x years here, I am sure I will see students that will benefit from me offering a helping hand.”
Just think about what transferable skills you’ve picked up in your life that you could see would make a positive impact in your class. Most local students would be fresh out of high school, so around 18. You’ll most likely be one of the oldest, so you’ll probably feel like an お兄さんorお姉さん in class, especially since you probably have a better understanding of how the outside world works. So helping them if you see that they need it would benefit you and the class.
I did training at my Japanese school for this kind of thing.
1. Do not use vocabulary that is difficult to understand, be clear and do not talk too much. (If you can do a 15 seconds self-introduction)
2. When they ask you about your weaknesses, say something positive like: I work a lot alone but I try to do my best to work as a team.
3. No serious face, a small smile and a friendly voice.
4. Remember the basic keigos。
When i had my interview i was asked questions like why did i came to japan, why this school ,why this mayor, my hobbys and general questions to get to know me. Also questions what you are good at and bad. These type of questions.
It was not difficult and adjusted for foreigners.
I hope you have a suite for tomorrow. Thats and general interview manners are very important. More important then your answers.
Gl
専門学校 are for profit, i don’t think they care what you say as long as you have money lol.
If i remember correctly, i was mostly asked stuff like “why did you come to Japan” and “why do you want to study (what i applied to) at this school” etc. I had 専門学校 interview prep at my language school, and compared to that the actual interview was way more relaxed. Best advice is to just stay calm and answer their questions in as much depth as possible, without repeating yourself or fumbling your words. Good luck!
Yeah, my interview was really relaxed. I think it was just to gauge Japanese level and personality.
I’m glad the interview went well.
The interview for 専門学校 are mostly to check if your Japanese level are enough to be able to catch up with the lesson. If you were able to have a Japanese conversation that make sense to them, what you actually said doesn’t matter.
Have fun in Japan. Also a corperate job interview would be much much much more serious than this! A 自己PR are nothing compare to that haha