I wanna say that I think that this community is rockin' and definitely helped me during my time while on JET. I also was not aware of it before I was accepted, but anyway
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I am going through interview on Monday and was declined an interview last year. One of the BIG things I changed from last year to this year was my approach. Last year I read so much about what I thought they wanted to hear and I wrote my essay as such. I honestly think they saw right through that and regected to interview me because I seemed fake. This year I didn't pay attention to what people wrote and just wrote what I wanted and I got an interview. So you know what? Yea I will read stuff on this forum about the interview, but I am not letting it get to me. I'll interview with me being honest and true to myself. I think interviewers know the difference between a person that is true to themselves and a person that studied online for their answers. I 100% think that is why I was declined an interview because everything else remained the same.
On one hand, I totally understand how you feel about whether deserving people get ousted by people who 'play the game' and just 'copy' other peoples' examples. But, on the other (as a future applicant), I think knowing what you'll be facing at an interview, and perhaps getting these Q+A's posted, helped for preparation purposes. And I understand that answering using a 'formula,' won't be the best example of what you've got to offer to the program, but I can understand using this site if you're an extremely nervous interviewee, but great teacher:) Thanks for posting this discussion topic, though:) I can understand where you're coming from. Perhaps the JET program knows about this site, and perhaps they'll be changing their questions soon..??
I can't remember if I knew about this community during my interview phase or not. I do remember being extremely nervous and grasping for whatever information I could get, since it was the first time I had to wear a suit and be in a formal interview situation. That being the case, I can see why people use this community as a way to encourage each other and share information. However, it's not really going to make you a good candidate if you just say what you think people want to hear. One thing I can't stand is people being extremely hypocritical for the sake of getting a job. As long as you are honest and genuine it should show through and go a long way towards your goals. Sometimes trying to make yourself sound good works in reverse, so just stick to what you know.
I'ma jump in this mess just because I like arguing with you. You don't mind, right?
I kinda get your "I didn't get the answers so nobody else should, either" feeling, that's pretty normal. At the same time, as a lot of people have said, it's acceptable and considered responsible to do your research before going to a job interview. Anticipating the kind of questions one will be asked in an interview is part of the process for any job. With the age of the internet it's possible now to sample a wide range of past interviewees as a part of that process, as opposed to 15 years ago when it was up to the individual to either think up possible questions or else talk to past applicants in person. I'm fairly certain people have always helped one another out, it's just that when we do so over the 'net it's documented
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The JET Program and interview staff are quite aware of these kinds of blogs, forums, and other sites like Big Daikon, etc..
If an applicant writes something negative or disqualifying about themselves and there is enough identifying information, you can bet that it will end up in your application file.
When I was a applicant many years ago, the interviewers brought up some points that I had mentioned in my "private" (or so I thought) blog, so be careful.
It should also be noted that interviewers (raises hand) read this community, too, so it helps us to see the hints and advice and either incorporate or work around them to get a better feel of the candidates.
However, don't feel too paranoid. We (at least in our city) aren't looking for 'negative' or 'disqualifying' things. Hell, I don't even know what that means or if it is pertinent. If something is that bad that it was noticed and brought up (considering we get the applications a week or so ahead of time and don't just go trolling through the internet looking to dig up dirt on people...hell, we are WAY too busy with our outside business to devote that much effort...I don't know how it would be noticed).
We once had a guy who read something disturbing on Big Daikon once, though, and the interview turned into a counseling session/talk down. So, usually it's the other way around.
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Thanks for posting this discussion topic, though:) I can understand where you're coming from. Perhaps the JET program knows about this site, and perhaps they'll be changing their questions soon..??
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I kinda get your "I didn't get the answers so nobody else should, either" feeling, that's pretty normal. At the same time, as a lot of people have said, it's acceptable and considered responsible to do your research before going to a job interview. Anticipating the kind of questions one will be asked in an interview is part of the process for any job. With the age of the internet it's possible now to sample a wide range of past interviewees as a part of that process, as opposed to 15 years ago when it was up to the individual to either think up possible questions or else talk to past applicants in person. I'm fairly certain people have always helped one another out, it's just that when we do so over the 'net it's documented ( ... )
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If an applicant writes something negative or disqualifying about themselves and there is enough identifying information, you can bet that it will end up in your application file.
When I was a applicant many years ago, the interviewers brought up some points that I had mentioned in my "private" (or so I thought) blog, so be careful.
Reply
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However, don't feel too paranoid. We (at least in our city) aren't looking for 'negative' or 'disqualifying' things. Hell, I don't even know what that means or if it is pertinent. If something is that bad that it was noticed and brought up (considering we get the applications a week or so ahead of time and don't just go trolling through the internet looking to dig up dirt on people...hell, we are WAY too busy with our outside business to devote that much effort...I don't know how it would be noticed).
We once had a guy who read something disturbing on Big Daikon once, though, and the interview turned into a counseling session/talk down. So, usually it's the other way around.
Reply
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