Hi,
I know there are a number of threads asking about the AEON interviews, but the ones I’ve seen are at least 2+ years old, so I thought I’d ask.
I’m a MEXT student who’s graduating this March and I still don’t have a job (yikes). I applied to AEON and was told at the initial interview that I had passed to the second round. My questions are:
1. What are they looking for in the general (group) interviews?
2. I was told the teaching demonstration would be done using AEON’s materials. Is there any way to prepare for that beforehand?
3. I’m fluent in the language and my major is 英語学, but I’m a non-native English speaker. How big of a detriment is that?
4. The application form asks if I have a “valid work visa”. I have a 留学 visa and I’d require sponsorship. Does that count?
5. Any other information would be appreciated.
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Thanks!
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Edit: I just got out of the interviews. The recruiter said that unless my references are bad, I’m hired. Thanks everyone; your tips on being polite, energetic and to not stop smiling really helped. I also benefitted a lot from the advice on the actual demo lesson. Here’s some tips I learned during the interview itself: 1) When doing the demo lesson, stand up! (Duh! The interview was online, so I was always sitting); 2) Others have said it themselves, but use short, simple English and let the “student” speak; 3) There was a role play exercise for lobby talk, which was surprisingly difficult. If the “student” has a low level of English, try to give them multiple choice questions, instead of asking things like “Why are you studying English?”.
That’s about it. Again, thanks to all the people who helped me out, I really think it made a big difference.
4 comments
1. Smiles, genkiness, energy. Not boring/weird/awkward
2. Others can give you a better answer here
3. Do you mean fluent in English or Japanese? Fluency in Japanese won’t do anything for you – if you have a thick accent you could be in trouble.
4. Student visa does not count. AEON can sponsor you if you get the job
5. Remember, being genki is the most important thing
Lessons are based on 80% student talking time. If you do a demo lesson, don’t lecture about a grammar point. Find a pair work activity you can easily setup and have your “students” do it.
The foreign teacher is their selling point to Japanese students. Remember that. They aren’t looking for a MA in TESOL and Japanese fluency.
Flexibility, positive personality and relaxed demeanor…that’s what they want.
And they want someone who won’t leave after 6 months. If you hint about future plans that don’t involve them or seem unsure about moving to the middle of nowhere in Japan, they likely won’t offer you a position. Too much trouble finding a replacement.
Sort of unrelated to your specific questions, and something you may already be aware of, but graduates of Japanese uni degree programs are eligible for special job hunting visas under the Designated Activities visa category umbrella, which I believe can buy you a year or so of time.
While you cant work full time on this you can get a 28 hr/week work permit similarly to the Student visa.
Also, if you have N1, there is another Designated Activities visa for N1 holding graduates of JPN unis that does allow full time work.
Re: the demo
Do not use ANY Japanese in the demo lesson.
Don’t point with a finger, use your whole open hand. Use something like “Nice try! Let’s use ….” to correct gently. Praise using a variety of expressions.
Have some levels of praise, eg that’s it! Good! Wow, great work!
Smile! Smile some more! Eye contact! Don’t show your back to the student.
And smile.