Hello!
I have read many articles telling NOT to sound robotic in writing the Statement of Purpose.
My question is, how do you exactly define a “robotic applicant in the SOP”?
As much as possible I want to veer away from such kind of impression in my final SOP.
Thank you in advance for your inputs.
2 comments
That definition probably varies from person to person, but, just off the top, mine would include: (1) rephrasing the prompts in a very obvious, checklist-like way (near-verbatim), (2) providing cookie-cutter answers to the prompts, and (3) not inserting yourself into the text.
2-3 are the most important, and they tie into each other. For starters, anyone can talk broadly about culture. They can say they like working with kids, love Japanese culture, and have a passion for Japan. And yes, it’s encouraged to include these talking points—but, why? Number 3 answers this. Everyone wants to go to Japan, but everyone has taken a different path to get here. Tell that story. Talk about the first experience that got you interested, how your schooling influenced your perspective, or how your hobbies relate to JET and have shaped your current self. Talk not about just your job duties, but also how those experiences translate to JET-relevant skills. And so on.
Remember that, as with any other job, marketing yourself and framing your experience is important. Even if relating your experience to JET isn’t as clear-cut as “I took a Japanese course in college.” As you might tailor a CV to match a company’s needs, do the same with your SOP.
Number 1 is the least important. But, while it is important to write a compelling piece, it’s more important to get the information down and answer the prompts. If writing ain’t your forte, don’t try to force it. That’s ok. But, if you can, open with an interesting hook. Start with a compelling story, but keep it short and save space for the meatier prompts.
This is kinda off the top, but I hope it helps. I may revisit to edit this later, idk
I became interested in Japan when I watched INSERT JAPANESE MEDIA HERE. From that point on, I was determined to try and learn the way of these inscrutable mystical Orientals. I vowed to study every day and I joined my school Japanese club. I then went on to do my COMMUNICATIONS/ASIAN STUDIES degree, where I had the opportunity to spend a semester in KYOTO/TOKYO. This confirmed my desire to live and work in Japan. If I get on JET, I plan to completely revitalise all my classes and learn THE SHINOBUE/SHAMISEN/KENDO/KYUUDO. I will also commit to keeping the wa, but I will refuse to read the air. When I get back, I am sure I will love teaching so much that I will continue spreading my love of Japan by becoming a Japanese teacher.
The End.
I would put a tiny little /s, because I have read way too many SOPs like that.