Fingerprinting and FBI Background Check

So, progress has been made. Yesterday, I sent out my passport name change paperwork, expedited, which means that today is fingerprint day.

Fingerprinting, for the FBI background check, is really important. I am choosing to get it done at the local police station because I am hoping that having it done by a someone who takes prints as a government employee means that other government employees will accept them. Make sure the prints are clear and to the required standard because the FBI can reject your prints and JET will probably reject you because it won't be in a timely fashion. So, there are a couple things with this.

1) Print all the forms you need. Applicant form and print card, if needed.
2) Police stations will require you to bring your own print card. I don't know about private places.
3) Bring multiple cards, spend the extra money if needed, to make sure you have clear prints. You don't want a smeared print.
4) Bring money for print collection. My station charges $5.
5) FBI Check costs $18, I believe JET says somewhere to not use a service, so I am just sending mine directly.
6) Make sure you make a copy of your applicant form for your reply form.

It seems that some police stations have specific times or require appointments, mine just requires an officer to be in the station. So, make sure you know and allot your time appropriately.

When you mail your prints, make sure to specify not to bend the envelope during transit because damaged prints won't work right and will be rejected. I think that's everything... I hope that helps. Good luck everyone!

Alternate Paperwork

I have now received the list of things needed for paperwork as an alternate.

1) Reply form

2) Copy of FBI Background Check application

3) Photocopy of VALID passport

4) Proof of Graduation (if not already submitted with JET application)

5) FBI Identification Record sent directly to JET (to your consulate)

These are all fairly straightforward and easy. I am making a separate post related to the fingerprinting and background check, so that leaves only one concern. Do NOT be me. So, I didn't have the money to fix my passport if I didn't have to, which means my old passport is technically not "valid" because it has my maiden name. At this point, I sent it out (once I knew I was an alternate and might need it) to get the name changed and I sent it expedited, so hopefully I get it in time. However, I am really concerned that my passport won't be back in time. It does note that, if your passport was included in your application, then you don't need to send another copy, but I am not 100% sure that I did. I believe I sent a copy of my passport and a copy of my marriage license to show my name and legal-ness... So, yeah, now I'm freaking out about it...

Anyway, there is more stuff if I/you/anyone gets upgraded. Once upgraded you will need these.

1) Certificate of Health (I think this includes a TB test)

2) Copy of IRS Residency Certification (Form 8802)

3) Passport

4) Visa application

5) Passport picture

6) Everything you already needed as an alternate

I hope this is helpful and I hope I get my stuff all straightened out ><

The Day After and More Preparation

Okay, so I gave myself a day to be sad that I wasn't shortlisted and now I am ready to get my ass in gear.

As an alternate or a shortlister, there are forms to fill out, which I haven't gotten yet, and other things to get finished. Today, I got my passport sent out to be renewed with my new name. Tomorrow, I will be setting an appointment to get my fingerprints taken as soon as possible to get my FBI Background Check done.

I will update again as time continues and I get more information on what I am doing as time goes on. I know I'm just an alternate, so as time goes on this year, my blog will become less useful, but I'll try to keep good records on everything as I go.

And, I'm a bit torn... I'm hoping I get upgraded because it is a bit sad knowing that I have already decided that this is my last attempt, at least until some time in the future I might change my mind... I'm not sure if it's better to chase the life I want or if I want to chase my dream... But, I am glad to have been listed as an alternate.

Results and More Waiting

So... I'm an alternate. Which, I guess, means that I must have given some decent advice over this year. It's good to know that what I did didn't result in failure, so hopefully this blog is a good reference for everyone else.

Now, I guess I can start blogging about the rest of this as an alternate, not just an applicant. I guess I now wait for my paperwork to fill out and mail back. I need to renew my passport with my name change (the worst part is I have that all done and ready to go but I need to fax my marriage license to Sallie Mae for them to change my name, they are a bunch of assclowns) and do some other stuff for the official things.

I'm going to be honest that this sucks balls. I mean, realistically "Alternate" means accepted just no position available yet. However, it also sort of means putting life on hold some more. If I get upgraded in like September and I've gone back to school to finish my teaching license, then that kind of sucks... And it means I don't want to make any real plans because spending money on something that I may not end up doing and can't get the money back also sucks... So, the waiting is rubbish... And the not knowing you are rejected and not getting it at all until December also sucks... But, no matter how crappy it seems, it does mean that I was good enough this year, just not necessarily as good as other people, and I am happy enough with that.

Post-Interview Thoughts

Well, first off, I am honored that someone stopped by to tell me to update! My little blog certainly isn't that special, but I'm glad it is worthy of note to at least a few people.

Second, I mentioned posting some interview advice after my interview outfit post; I apologize that I never succeeded at doing that. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, but interviews are interviews. If you got an interview, that means you fit the bill on paper and they just want to know that you in person fits the bill as well. This unfortunately means that all the advice in the world can't help you be a better you. Show up, be you, be comfortable, and just make sure you shine through.

Finally, let me give a brief rundown of me and my interview I guess. The most important part of which is that I will not share any information on the actual interview because there is a clause you sign that you will not share anything. So, I shall discuss basics and things that I have actually learned since (in my phone customer service sales job). For my interview, I loved my outfit, I got my hair done, I felt 100% confident. Until I got into Boston. My dad went with me to drive me to the train and just keep me company on the long journey in and out of Boston and we got dinner with my Nana as well, so I had that to look forward to. Honestly, I think this was something that helped me feel better about my interview. I wasn't stressed because I talked out my anxiety and had something to look forward to. So definitely, if you have a friend or family applying for JET or able to take the time to be your commute-budy, I'd take advantage.

As for the actual interview, and that telemarketing advice, I think I did well and I was pretty happy with my performance. I did not walk out thinking "I failed," but I also didn't walk out thinking "I nailed it!" The biggest flaw was in my answering strategy and I keep thinking about it when I hear certain things. Recently I heard something on the radio about the human need to fill silence; basically, after five seconds you feel anxious if nobody fills the conversation. So when there is silence, I am definitely the person to fill that in and that cna be tragic. And that leads to the next issue. Literally three days after my interview, we discussed, in my job training, that you don't want to overload the information. Pick one strategy and answer. They don't need every possibility or every item that excites you or every detail. Don't overload. I am guilty of overloading if I can't choose an answer. You've probably noticed that I do this in this blog. I just talk a lot about all the options and reasons and everything else like that. Basically, pick something and be confident.

So yeah, that sort of made it sound like I was really concerned about everything, but honestly, I'm at peace with it. I worked hard on my app and got some great advice from current/previous JETs. I didn't prepare a ton for my interview, I just chose to be confident that I was enough. Because I worked hard and got some great advice from current/previous JETs, I got some extra interview advice. So, the best advice I can give you is to prepare thoroughly for JET as a whole. It isn't just an app or just an interview. The people you ask for help and you show yourself to will help you along the way.

Now, I wait. We find out in April and I don't know if I'll update before then. I am trying to keep busy with work and fandom nonsense and soon it will be archery season again. But I shall try and update and express my stress and waiting and just kjhdsglakjhlkj about the length of time the JET application takes.

Also, if people ever have questions and I am not updating, just comment or message me or whatever and I'm happy to answer things and chat at any time ^_^

The Interview Outfit

Nothing is more stressful than choosing clothes, especially for women. I am going to do a brief post on my opinions and thoughts on what to wear and talk a little about what I have chosen.

As Barney Stinson would say, "Suit up!" Really, suit up. If you aren't suiting up, dress conservatively and respectably. For men, you want nice slacks, a good button-down, a tie, and a tailored jacket. I always think that you want to look like you have a bit of style. Maybe go for a colored shirt or a nicely patterned (not scary patterned) tie. But, don't get yourself all nervous and uncomfortable just because you feel you need a suit jacket and a tie and to be crazy formal. This interview is about showing who you are as a professional; if this means that you need to wear your leather jacket (that is well tailored and looks great on you) then do. Just don't look like a schmuck. Wear shine-able shoes, maybe pick something that makes a statement. My brother wears fantastic wing tips done all in black, so they are understated but still worth noting.

Women, I still suggest suiting up. It gets more difficult because society puts so much emphasis on our first impression, but this also means we get a little more fun without having to worry quite as much about stepping out of the box. I live in the US, so in JET, I will be representing the US. I think that this gives me the definite advantage that I should dress like a professional of my country. (No offense to other countries, I just don't know what people wear in your professional communities, so I don't want to pretend I do). Women get to wear color; in fact, a complete lack of color can end up showing that you don't care about your appearance. A nice white button-down shirt is fantastic, as long as it is nice. But, I would be an advocate for picking a pop of color for your shirt, something that makes you look good and feel confident. For skirts and pants, I would pick something that has a bit of modernity to it. I am going with a skirt that has a little pleated detail on the sides, but not so much to be really eye-catching or out there. I am also a huge fan of wide leg pants (as long as the proportions work on your body type). I think that a little bit of detail on the bottoms goes a long way. Lastly, I highly recommend some sort of jacket or cardigan. Layering generally conveys a sense of professionalism and I don't really know why. A great suit jacket goes a long way in enhancing your silhouette (or evening it out if you are like me and have a disproportionately small waist compared to my bust and stomach T_T). Also, a suit jacket is important because, while in JET, you will have to wear a suit at least once or twice, so it's good to show off that you are prepared and understand that Japan's schools have truly formal events. The other option for women is a cardigan, which can be a lot of fun. This can allow for a bit of pattern, or an embroidered detail or two, or something that really pops, as long as it looks professional.

I feel like I have gone on forever, so I am going to shut up now, by summarizing for another few hundred words. This advice all comes from my experience interviewing, opinions of my family and friends, and some reading up on stuff on ITIL and Official. People have gotten in with all sorts of outfits, so really pick something you are comfortable in. The only big thing is (note that I already said this a million times) "professional." If you couldn't wear it while working for JET on a day-to-day basis, then you 100% cannot interview in it. You could wear a suit every day if you wanted (though from what I've seen, you probably won't need to in most places), but you probably won't be wearing your ripped jeans and team t-shirts. So, be professional, express yourself in a reasonable fashion, and be comfortable.

Now, I promised to state what I am planning to wear, so I will. I tried finding links for pics on Macy's website, but apparently my outfit doesn't exist online. I bought a black suit, that has a well-tailored suit jacket and a skirt to the knees that has a little pleating detail at the hem on the sides. For my top, I bought a patterned shirt that has a pleated collar and a fairly bright blue base-color. I can't say exactly what I am doing for shoes (I am torn at the moment) or accessories (I don't know that I will wear any) at the moment because I just don't know. But, I will try to compile some more thoughts on hair, shoes, accessories for a later post. Also, I apologize because I haven't really talked much about actual interview strategies because I am not really the person that stresses over the contents of the interview, but I'll try to get to that too.

Statement of Purpose

So, the SoP is a big point of argument amongst the masses. Some of us are very dry and professional. Some of us are more casual and conversational. People get in with all sorts of SoPs, but I thought I might share mine. This was my final draft of my SoP (please nobody steal it, that would be bad) for this year. I am not going to post my SoP from last year since I didn't get an interview, but if someone really wants to see it, feel free to message me and I am happy to share if you want to compare my two statements.

Again DO NOT STEAL THIS it is not good enough to steal, so just don't. Plagiarism isn't cool.

In a Kyoto crepe shop during March 2008, I had my nose buried in my first manga in Japanese. A man’s voice called out, “Are you reading that?” I paused and turned around to see a Japanese man smiling at me. I smiled back and managed an awkward “Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.” We chatted in English as I told him that I only knew hiragana, but was trying to learn Japanese. The man’s smile grew as I explained; he was as excited to understand my interest in his culture, as I was to learn about his culture. Years later, I am surprised to remember this exchange more vividly than most of the other experiences I had in Japan.

I discovered Japan as a child through Pokémon and other children’s anime and manga. As I grew older, my interests expanded as I learned more of the history of traditional Japanese clothes, food, and music. My knowledge of Japanese culture is mostly self-taught, but I have been chasing better understanding for years, which is a large part of why I wish to travel to and live in Japan. I have joined the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group that studies and recreates medieval society from around the world, where I have had the chance to increase my own knowledge and the knowledge of those I meet, in classes I have attended and classes I have taught.

I decided to be a teacher when I was in preschool and began my interest in the JET Program while I was still in elementary school. I began by teaching my peers to tie shoes, tutored other students when I was older, and edited papers and songs for friends. The classes that I enjoyed the most had a constant exchange of ideas through workshops or roundtable discussions. My interest in working on the JET Program helped me take a special interest in my course focused on adolescent literacy, as we focused in on how to teach English to non-speakers and low-level speakers. Once I began working, I learned quickly and started training other new employees on the cash register, in customer service, folding, and displays. The employees I trained frequently received positive customer comments and lasted longer in the job than other new employees.

To complete my Education program, I was required to take four courses and an internship. For my internship, I created a Writing Center at Triton Regional High School. The experience was unforgettable. I found my strengths as a teacher: I worked hard to know the students and address them in ways that suited them best, and I was happy to take all the time required to answer every question and complete every assignment.  In my position, I worked one school day a week, when students could get help one-on-one. I also made sure to be available via email. I spent hours reading papers, writing comments, editing grammar, and learning the best ways I could teach the students to be better writers. It was the most fulfilling job I had ever performed, reaffirming that teaching is the profession I wish to pursue. By the end of the semester, I had helped students improve their writing abilities and their re-writing abilities. And, I had learned to be a better teacher with the help of those experiences and those students.

With each education course I took, my passion for teaching expanded. I found new ways to interest students, new ways to incorporate my interests in my teaching, and new ways to understand students. A part of this was getting my TESOL certification, where I learned new techniques that I look forward to using in teaching English as a second language. My experiences will help me to work alongside the Japanese English teachers. Through JET, I can share my culture, help teach others English, and learn about another culture and education style. Participating in JET will allow me to build memories and better understanding for others, as well as myself, like I found in that Kyoto crepe shop. The more I expand my own experiences and knowledge, the better I will be as a teacher on the JET Program.