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      NOVA (Japan)

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      English Teacher Interview

      Jan 27, 2018
      Anonymous interview candidate
      No offer
      Negative experience
      Difficult interview

      Application

      I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at NOVA (Japan) in Nov 2017

      Interview

      Interview process was the same as everyone else here has described. I've applied to and been offered several other positions so I have some more perspective on Nova's process. First off, they expect to be able to determine if you're a good fit through a single cover letter and 30 minute interview. That means that you have basically one chance to prove that you're worthy, but on the flip side, they are willing to hire someone based on very little information. With other companies, if I didn't have to travel to meet face to face for many hours, after several other conversations, then I had multiple skype interviews and chances to show off my writing skills and lesson plans. Before I describe the skype interview, I want to say that I've been offered 4 other jobs, based on what these other companies have seen in me through a several month process, and so I think I am probably qualified enough to work for Nova. I was not offered a job solely because of this very bizarre interview. The recruiter I spoke to was very awkward, not talkative or excited to be speaking with me whatsoever. He would go off on tangents about the weather or time zones and trail off and look into the distance. I was trying to seem engaged and ask questions, which seemed only to fuel his off topic mutterings. He spoke 70% of the time, and really only asked me about why Japan and why Nova. And then, the role play. Like I've said already, I've been through this process many times now. I've done the role plays. They are always difficult and they are always awkward. But this one was different. He IMITATED a Japanese person. He said "I've been around Japanese people for many years so I'm pretty good at this by now." And he did the accent, nodding and saying "hai," saying "ohhh" in that yellow-face way. I've had other interviewers ask me to treat them like a beginner, and even call them by a Japanese first name. The accent is not necessary! Trust me! I was so caught off guard and disturbed that I really bombed the role play. Didn't get an offer, fine by me. I get the role play thing, but I do not want to work for a company whose Western employees display such disrespect toward Japanese people. Straight up offensive and racist. Glad to not be working there.

      Interview questions [1]

      Question 1

      Why Nova?
      Answer question
      2

      Other English Teacher interview reviews for NOVA (Japan)

      English Teacher Interview

      Mar 12, 2025
      Anonymous interview candidate
      Tokyo
      Declined offer
      Negative experience
      Average interview

      Application

      I interviewed at NOVA (Japan) (Tokyo)

      Interview

      It seemed that the company has many unfavourable conditions in the contact which is not good for teachers. I feel that new teachers can be blindsided by this as they do not know what is acceptable in Japan.

      Interview questions [1]

      Question 1

      What EFL experience do you have?
      Answer question

      English Teacher Interview

      Oct 29, 2025
      Anonymous interview candidate
      Tokyo
      Declined offer
      Positive experience
      Easy interview

      Application

      I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at NOVA (Japan) (Tokyo) in Mar 2025

      Interview

      Solid Zoom Interviewing process, no real complaints. Very open when asked questions, however, be sure that you are prepared to ask the "right" questions. I felt like there was some pertinent information that was only shared after I stumbled on it by asking a relevant question. For example, that there are two types of contracts you can sign up for when applying. The first is an individual contractor, then the second is as an employee. There are pros and cons for each, but to keep it brief: Contractor: make your own schedule, offer your own classes, paid by class, find own housing, but can work more to earn over what an employee would make. Only have to work minimum hours to maintain visa, but can work much more. Employee: hours assigned, housing assigned, but less freedom with days off, and any sort of chance to live with a pet... (remember that bringing a pet to Japan is a process that will take over 6 months, so this should be the first thing you do if you plan on having any chance of bringing a pet with you.) Finally, remember that these two contracts mean that filing taxes will be very different in the US.

      English Teacher Interview

      Apr 4, 2025
      Anonymous interview candidate
      Tokyo
      No offer
      Positive experience
      Easy interview

      Application

      I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at NOVA (Japan) (Tokyo) in Feb 2025

      Interview

      Good interview, straightforward and honest questions, asked me where I wanted to be and where I wanted to teach. He was a nice interviewer. Nothing more to be said about it. Didn’t get an offer sadly

      Interview questions [1]

      Question 1

      Where do you want to be stationed
      Answer question