Getting References › Leaver's Guide


Getting References


 


 

Within a few months you will find yourself at home and, more than likely, looking for a new job. You will need at least one reference letter explaining what you did and how you did it here in Japan. It would be wisest to ask your supervisor or one of your English teachers (that you work with regularly) to write a letter for you. Hiring procedures and customs are different in Japan from many of our home countries. You will have to explain the purpose of a reference letter, and how they are normally written. Althoughit may seem rather unusual and a little awkward, you may want to assist them in drafting your letter. It is not very Japanese to blow your own trumpet or brag on about your own merits and accomplishments, so your supervisor may find it difficult to write the kind of letter you may be expecting.

Things to Consider While Drafting Your Letter

  • Brief description of your town/community and schools
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  • School-related duties
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  • Office duties
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  • Exam writing
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  • Extra-curricular activities
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  • Demonstration classes
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  • Elementary school visits
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  • Speech contests
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  • Study groups
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  • Articles for school/local newspapers
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  • Other projects
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  • Participation in seminars, conferences
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  • Proofreading/ translation experience
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  • Progress in learning Japanese
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  • Participation in school/town festivals
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  • Adult conversation classes
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  • AJET/PA Roles
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    In addition to reference letters, you will need to update your CV (resume). How can you even attempt to sum up your whole JET experience in just a few lines? Besides all the wonderful things that you would like to be included in your reference letter, don't forget that you have probably developed some important and impressive skills while you've been here:Adaptability, Flexibility, Working as a Team, Durability, Patience, Cultural Awareness, Diplomacy and tact, Persistence, Independence, language (Japanese) proficiency. The fact that you have thrived, or simply survived, overseas says a lot about you, so be sure to mention it in your CV (resume.)