BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test

FAQ

interview details

Interview Participants:
Test Year & Name	Nationality	Occupation
'01 Mr. NAVIN DESAI	India	Business person
'01 Mr. WEI QIN	China	Student (no business experience)
'00 Ms YUE KE	China	Student (with business experience)
'99 Ms SANGJIN PARK	ROK	Business person
'99 Ms CHRISTINE KANEMARU-LANGE	Germany	Business person

(1) What made you decide to take the BJT?

Desai:: I had been studying Japanese on my own and had passed the second and then the first levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test when I had to remain in Japan for my job. I felt this test would be helpful to me in my business.
Qin:: I took the test because I will start looking for work in April and I thought this certificate would help me.
Ke:: A friend suggested that I take it. I thought it might help me in job-hunting.
Park:: I learned about this test through an advertisement in a magazine. Since I had experience working for a Japanese company, I was curious about my level of ability.
Kanemaru:: I heard about this test from an acquaintance. I remember wondering what I could do if I had this kind of certification. I think the BJT is valuable because it is more practical than the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

(2) What materials did you use to prepare for the JLRT? And to what do you attribute your success on the JLRT (e.g., study materials or past experience)?

Desai:: Newspapers. I read economics and business articles in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Daily conversation, e-mail and fax communications at the office were useful.
Qin:: I did not do anything special to prepare for the test, but I have been reading the Nihon Keizai Shimbun for four years.
Ke:: What helped me the most was the BJT Guide. I read it and practiced thoroughly. Studying at school, writing documents at the office and learning about the nuances of the language also helped.
Park:: Nothing special. The usual things I do at the office helped. And, since I don't use kanji very much in Korea, I study them when I am reading the newspaper. I usually read the Sankei Shimbun and Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Kanemaru:: Nothing in particular. Since I wanted to test my current level, I did not study. If I had studied, the result would not have reflected my actual ability. Working for a Japanese company for four years and living fully submerged in the culture was the biggest help.

(3) What materials did you use to prepare for the JOCT? And to what do you attribute your success on the JOCT (e.g., study materials or past experience)?

Desai:: Newspapers. I read economics and business articles in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. My experience with the daily give and take of conversation at the office came in handy for role-playing in the JOCT.
Qin:: I did not prepare for it. Since I do not have any business experience, I naturally do not engage in business communication. However, when I am talking with my Japanese friends I try to be humorous and make an effort to communicate smoothly.
Ke:: The BJT Guide was very useful. I also have some previous work experience and could understand business-related matters, which helped me with the telephone role-playing.
Park:: I did not do anything special. I think it's important to pay careful attention to honorifics. I become self-conscious when I try to use honorifics so I use them as often as I can in conversations with customers or on the telephone.
Kanemaru:: Nothing in particular. Since I wanted to test my current level, I did not study. If I had studied, the result would not have reflected my actual ability. Working for a Japanese company for four years and living fully submerged in the culture was the biggest help.

(4) What do think are the benefits of receiving an A on this test?

Desai:: The BJT is well recognized and people understand what this score means.
Qin:: At the moment, I am not sure.
Ke:: None, at this time.
Park:: I have gained confidence. Also, by placing this on my resume it will help me in my career. I have not found a good job yet, but when I tell people that I have received an A on this test, I am able to by-pass the normal interview process.
Kanemaru:: I have increased my confidence by receiving such a good score. Since I am not in the market for a new job, I don't know what difference it might make.

(5) How do you think you can utilize your A grade?

Desai:: I can raise awareness of India among members of the BJT Club and awareness of computers in my work.
Qin:: I think it will help me in business meetings with clients.
Ke:: I can add this to my resume when I begin looking for work.
Park:: Since I work for a trading company, while pursuing certification I also established a contact with JETRO and made friends there.

(6) What are your general impressions of the BJT?

Desai:: The reading comprehension questions of the JLRT were difficult and took a long time. The other parts were not so bad.
Qin:: I felt tired afterwards because I had been nervous. I also felt uneasy about being recorded on the video all along. I felt self-conscious wearing jeans while the JOCT testers wore suits, so I think wearing a suit to the test would have helped me relax.
Ke:: Compared to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, there were a lot of business terms, even some that I don't usually pay attention to. I am glad this has made me very aware of what I do not understand.
Park:: Since this test was right at my level, I was able to use what I know to get this score. Thereafter, JETRO has asked for my assistance [to provide articles for their newsletter], so it pleases me that others recognize my ability.
Kanemaru:: It was difficult to remember which company I was supposed to represent during the JOCT role play. I had to stop and think about who I was supposed to be, interrupting the natural flow of conversation. Overall, the test did feature situations frequently encountered in business.

(7) Please offer advice to those who will be taking the test.

Desai:: Since there are no materials for preparing for the test, I am sure some people will feel worried. But if they are familiar with normal business conversation, they should not feel too concerned.
Qin:: If you're a student and you refer to your teacher in a conversation, you have to decide whether 'Sensei wa orimasu' or 'Sensei wa irrashaimasu' is appropriate. I learned how complicated honorifics can be through this test. It's not quite as simple as the 'insider vs. outsider' explanation presented in some Japanese language textbooks.
Ke:: It's important to thoroughly study the practice tests given in the BJT Guide and to not be nervous. I got nervous on the listening portion of the written test and occasionally failed to hear everything, so I felt uncertain.
Park:: Keep in mind the way in which words are used in every day life, not only on the test. I also think it is important to study the Japanese way of thinking, as well as the culture and history. The BJT is not difficult, as long as you take an active interest in society overall. Anyone can pass it.
Kanemaru:: Living in Japan is the best way. You need to hear Japanese being spoken and become accustomed to Japanese people and the language. I think people living overseas can do this through the Internet.

Prepared by:
BJT Office
International Communication Dept.
JETRO