Kristen Elrod and Rebecca SimpsonGifu Skills Development Conference

January 20, 2017

JET HAS PREPARED YOU

MORE THAN YOU KNOW.

Globalization is a reality.

International experience is sought after and valued.

• 65% of employers seek candidates with international experience

• 72% value second language skills

• 90% look for transferable skills enhanced by international experience

Studies on Experience Abroad

and Employability

5th largest global economy

3rd largest automobile

producer

Largest electronics industry

2nd largest U.S. debt holder

Japan is important militarily, politically, and economically.

"JET is super easy to sell... It's... suited for multiple roles. You can

say you engaged with the local community or you can say you

worked in a strict business environment. Never downplay what

you've done!!! JET is a stressful thing with tight entry requirements...

so don't get to thinking that it was "just" JET... go on the JET website,

see how they sell it "officially", and use that official language to sell

yourself."

50% of U.S. students with international experience obtained post-graduate degrees

90% attended first or second choice (IES ABROAD)

Your application will stand out - less than 17% of undergraduates have studied or worked abroad. (Outboud Mobility 2013)

Shows diverse perspective and ability to interact effectively with diverse student body

Ask yourself these questions:

What are you good at?

What do you enjoy?

What jobs are out there?

Australia UK USA

What story does your current trajectory tell?

You can study anything anywhere in English!

http://www.mastersportal.eu/

usnews.com

topuniversities.com (QS rankings)

Japan’s Global 30 Initiative-Aims to have 300,000 foreign students by 2020

http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/

Applications for scholarships and grants are often due BEFORE applications so plan accordingly!

Fulbright Program (Can study in U.S. or for U.S. citizens to study abroad)

Boren Fellowship (For U.S. citizens only)

Funding in Japan

MEXT Scholarship

Detailed Guide

JASSO scholarship

Scholarships for JETs

Make a budget and save!

Most graduate schools require the following:

• General Application

• Transcripts

• CV/Resume

• Recommendations (1-3)

• Research Plan (Future Aspirations)

• Personal Statement (Past and Present Accomplishments)

• Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.)

“Japan hosts many… exams in Tokyo, so rurally-placed JETs can use their time

here to prepare for the next step with very few distractions. As long as there

isn’t an interview at the school you can do it all with one trip to Tokyo.”

"JET has really helped with my public speaking and presentation skills, so

doing interviews wasn't too hard...I find I'm less shy to speak up in class more

and participate in discussion, which helps me understand the material more.

Since Translation is a language-based discipline it really helped to show that I

had lived in-country and had proficiency in the language and familiarity with

the culture, and since I'd picked up odd translation jobs... I could add these to

my resume/CV to show experience. I also applied to MIIS, and JET alumni can

have their application fees waived and be given a scholarship for their

experience."

Danielle Taschereau-Mamers

Gero ALT 2010-2012

PhD candidate in media studies

University of Western Ontario

“Going back to school definitely eases the transition back into life at ”home“ and

ensures you‘ll be busy right off the bat with new stuff rather than living at home and

struggling to find work.

Being an ALT definitely helps with being a teaching assistant and, if you’re planning to

do research that involves interviewing or focus groups, you could pitch the

communication experience developed on jet as an asset. There are also a ton of

presentations in grad school -- in courses, but also conference presentations and

teaching in later stages -- so you might mention that in a personal statement, if your

school requires something like that.

The transition is difficult... Learning to sit still and focus on reading complex texts and

planning long papers...After 2 years of planning activities for the five-minute attention

spans of kids. It took about a month to get back in "shape" for reading."

Derek Gumb

Shirakawago ALT 2013-2015

Event Planner

Governor of New York

97% of study abroad alumni secure jobs after graduation (compared to 49% general population)

Average salaries $7,000/year more; starting salaries 15% more (IES Abroad)

Employers feel experience abroad makes you79% more likely to take initiative

81% more adaptable (AIM Overseas)

• Resume/CV: Tells the story of who you are

• Resume Generators

• Google “buzz words” and action words

• transferable skills

• Marketing Skills Gained on JET

• Cover Letter: Connects the dots between your skills and the job requirements

• References

• Choose wisely

• Do not include on resume

• Contact them first

• Tell them what to say about you

• Practice interviewing and talking about yourself

Pro tip: Cater your resume, cover letter, and

references to the job you are applying.

DON’T BE GENERIC!

What is your superpower or spirit animal?

What would you do in the event of a zombie apocalypse?

What is something that you know is true, but no one agrees with you

on?

What are three adjectives someone who knows you well would use to

describe you?

A hammer and a nail costs $1.10, and the hammer is 1 dollar more than

the nail. How much does the nail cost?

Real Interview Questions

You don’t have to work in education

• 60% of JET alumni work outside of education (After JET Guide)

Sell your global outlook

Many jobs require N2 or higher

• However, even an N4 certificate will set you apart

Know the rules

• Japanese job-hunting can be very different

Finding Work in Japan

Online Resources

Job search sites Many options

Benefits• Can apply anytime

• Japanese is not always required

• Do not have to be currently living in Japan

Resources

• daijob.com – English-language job hunting site

• workinjapan.com – English-language job hunting site

• careerforum.net – Japan job-hunting site

• us-japan.org – National Association of Japan-America Society

Job Placement Agencies

Hello Work• Provide support and guidance

• Do the searching for you

• Register with them to access their job listing database

English: http://tokyo-foreigner.jsite.mhlw.go.jp/english.html

Japanese: http://www.hellowork.go.jp

English Support LocationsHello Work Gifu:

1-9-1 Gotsubo, Gifu City TEL: 058-206-5063

English Hours of Operation: 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. (Mondays (except holidays))

Hello Work Tajimi:

5-39-1 Otowa-cho, Tajimi City TEL: 0572-22-3384

English Hours of Operation: 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. (Monday – Friday)

Japanese Resume/CV (Rirekusho)

Differences with western

resume (CV) Rigid format

Must provide photo

Less emphasis on past jobs

More emphasis on education

Includes:

Personal Info

School and Work info

Accomplishments

Reason for applying

Skills

Hopes and Desires

Interview Etiquette

1. Knock three times, wait for answer and enter

2. Open door, bow and say, “shitsureiitashimasu”

4. Sit appropriately

5. Bow when you leave the room

3. Walk to your seat, introduce

yourself and wait for permission to sit

BowingWhen you enter: 30°When you leave: 45° Men and women sitting style

For more interview tips,

check out this blog.

From Laura Mackley (Gifu CIR, 2014-2016)

Rikunabi http://www.rikunabi.com/

• Japanese job-hunting site mostly aimed at new graduates

Next Rikunabi http://next.rikunabi.com/

• specifically for career changes, as opposed to first-time careers

Nikkei Career https://career.nikkei.co.jp/

• another career-change job-hunting site

NAP Foreign Exchange Student Career Support http://www.nap-net.jp/

• aimed at students rather than JET participants, but still has a lot of useful info

• Global perspective is a 21st century skill all students need.

• Immigration trends also create a market for educators with experience teaching

diverse learners whose first language is not English.

• Teach English

• Japan: JIEC, AEON & ECC, ALTEA, Westgate, etc.

• Korea: EPIK

• Around the world: WorldTeach and Education First

• International Education Companies

• International Education Service (IES)

• Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE)

• Institute of International Education (IIE)

Career Field Workshops (Education, Translation, IT, etc.)

1 on 1 Career Consultations

Panel Discussions: “Life After JET”, “Finding Employment in Japan”

General Session: “How to Market the Skills you Learned on the JET

Programme”

Information Exchange & Networking Event

"Two Skills... that are relevant in my position now are definitely communications skills... being able to communicate or adapt messages. During JET you're dealing with people from all ages… you… have to adapt how you are communicating...that's a skill I use on a daily basis for my current job. Another thing is being adaptable or flexible [this] ultimately leads to being confident, which is definitely a skill many companies are looking for.

The JET networking community is a great way to find work...go look outside. Most people these days go by phone or email...go face to face and see what happens...it shows that you've got a little bit of grit to you. Confidence can go a long way."

Joelan Johnston

Kakamigahara ALT 2013-2015

Recruiter at Legal Intel

"My international experience helped me get into my current position... I

was able to demonstrate empathy for students that are new to the

country/culture/language, having lived that experience during my first

months in Japan. Additionally, adaptability was an important quality for

applying to the field, as there are new things arising all the time, whether

it is from new concerns that the students have to new immigration

policies, or instructions from higher administration. As a JET ALT, I was

able to read many situations despite language and cultural barriers, and

act accordingly."

Begin by May

“Packing up and leaving came up

way sooner than I expected.... I

was scrambling during the last

month to ship things, sell things

and throw things away.”

Brandon Yanari

Gifu ALT 2013 - 2015

“Moving isn’t easy. Leaving

unwanted stuff in your

apartment is a pain for your

successor. Just because your

pred did it, doesn’t mean you

should.”

William Bailey

Gifu ALT 2013 - 2016

Past JET Testimonials

May

Start deciding what you will bring back with you, sell, give away or

throw away

Begin compiling school resources for successor

Contact your internet service provider (ISP) about cancellation

procedures If you have NTT and an ISP, you may have to cancel them separately

Start making arrangements for shipping items homeShipping via Japan Post:

www.post.japanpost.jp/English/index.html

Postal Services Information in English TEL: 0570-046-111Hours of Operation: 8:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. (Mondays to Fridays)

9:00a.m. – 10:00p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)

Speak with your contracting organization about handing over your apartment

Organize bills and other finances

• If you plan to work in Japan after JET, check if you need a Change of Status of Residence.

• Contact your nearest immigration bureau:• Gifu Prefecture Immigration Bureau:

500-88122-7-2, Mieji-cho, Gifu City, Gifu TEL: 058-214-6168

Hours: 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., and 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. (Monday to Friday)

• Toyama Prefecture Immigration Bureau:

939-82521st floor, Toyama Airport Bldg., 30 Akigashima, Toyama City, Toyama TEL: 076-495-1580Hours: 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., and 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Clean your apartment early

Pack away things gradually

Start writing thank you letters/speeches

Have your mail forwarded, if needed Japan Post will forward your mail for one year to a friend’s address (in Japan) if you complete a Change

of Address Notification Card free of charge at any post office

Pension refund preparations Designate a tax representative

Obtain and submit required paperwork

A week before you leave, arrange a date for utilities to be shut off and your meter to be checked Electric, gas and water services can usually be discontinued on the day of you leave and you can pay

your last bill and any outstanding bills that same day.

discussed on later slide

Cancel your mobile phone in store Bring the following items:

Your ID (alien registration card and passport)

Your personal seal (inkan)

Your mobile phone

Close your bank account (kouza kaiyaku) in person Bring the following items:

Your account book

Your bank card

Your personal seal (inkan)

Insurance• Return your health insurance card to your CO on your last day

• Your coverage ends the last day of your term of appointment

• Your JET accident insurance covers you the day you arrive in your home country, or until August

31st, whichever comes first

2. Get the “Claim Form for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (for National Pension and

Employees’ Pension Insurance)” (Dattai ichijikin seikyu-sho (Kokumin Nenkin/Kousei Nenkin

Hoken)) from the Japan Pension Service Office nearest you …

For locations, visit http://www.nenkin.go.jp/section/soudan/gifu/index.html

Or, download the form

3．Get the “Declaration Naming a Person to Administer the Taxpayer’s Tax Affairs (For use by

aliens)” (Nozeikanrin no todokedesho (gaikokujin-yo)) form from your local tax office …

For tax office locations, visit https://www.nta.go.jp/nagoya/guide/zeimusho/gifu.htm

Or, download the form here.

here.

After you leave, you have 36 months to claim your pension refund You will receive 80% of it in a lump-sum withdrawal payment, deposited into an overseas bank account

The remaining 20% is taxed by the government, but you are eligible to get that back too

Steps to take before you leave Japan:

1. At your local municipal office, fill out and submit an “Address Change Report” (tenshutsu todoke)

4. Ask someone to be your tax representative, then submit the form in #3 to your local tax office

For more detailed information, consult the After JET Guide located here:

http://jetprogramme.org/wp-content/themes/biz-vektor/pdf/publications/2011_after_jet_guide.pdf

Steps to take after you leave Japan 1. Mail the “Claim Form for the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments” (#1 on previous slide) to:

Social Insurance Operation Center

Takaido-nishi 3-5-24, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-8505(〒168-8505東京都杉並区高井戸西 3丁目 5番 24号社会保険業務センター)

• Include in the packet:

Pension book

Copy of Passport (showing DOB, country, signature, visa and date of departure from Japan)

A certified bank stamp OR all pertinent bank information for your HOME COUNTRY BANK

Receive Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment into overseas account

Receive “Notice of Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment” (Dattai ichijikin shikyu kettei tsuchisho)

Mail above notice to tax representative in Japan

Tax representative files for tax refund (the 20% the government kept) on your lump-sum withdrawal

• Your representative must file the kakutei shinkokusho on your behalf at same tax office as before

Tax representative receives refund in their bank account and transfers it to you

Professional and social network

• Over 25,000 members

• 52 chapters in over 17 countries

Activities include:

• Offering support and information in the form of career fairs and

resource guides

• Organizing Japan related events

• Assisting local embassies or consulates with JET program interviews

and orientation

For worldwide chapter locations, visit their website: www.jetalumni.org

“I volunteered for the alumni association and in that capacity I

was a treasurer so I was allocating budgets, coordinating events,

and these are all those additional transferable skills you can add

to your resume. I definitely recommend getting involved with the

alumni association because they... have career forums and

there... are recruiters who look for that Japanese insight that you

are all gaining."

"Success rarely travels in a straight line…Returning to your home

country after years on JET can be hard… and that’s OK. It’s not supposed

to be easy. You’re different person now than when you left.Try and set

goals, and keep working towards them. It may take a few months, or even

a few years, but it’s important to keep moving forward with purpose.

Things will progress, and get better! Don't get discouraged! The transition

and job hunt is difficult for most JETs when they come back, so you’re not

alone (hint: meet up with your local JETAA)!ファイト!"