How can I participate in Boston Career Forum ONLINE 2021?
To apply to companies or participate in the Online Seminars, event registration to Boston Career Forum ONLINE 2021 is required. We recommend that you register first, as registrants will receive the latest information about the event and information from companies about the application process.
Next, please create your CFN resume and check participating companies’ job postings. We recommend checking the participating companies list early on so that you will have time to learn about as many companies as possible.
Please apply actively to companies that you are interested in. Since there will not be actual interviews held at the event venue this year, there is a possibility that the selection process will proceed as soon as the application is submitted. After applying, the company will contact you about the next step.
When and how will interviews be conducted?
The date of the interview and how the interview will be conducted will vary by company. Most companies will conduct interviews using web conferencing tools (ex. Skype, Zoom, Google meet, Webex, etc.). The company will contact applicants directly regarding the date of the interview and the method.
I heard that I can have online interviews through CFN. How does it work?
Companies currently participating in the Boston Career Forum ONLINE can conduct online interviews through CFN. An invitation email to schedule an interview will be sent to your My CFN inbox from the company. You can reserve your interview date and time directly from the invitation email. On the day of the interview, you can access the interview page from the My CFN menu “Application History/Manage Reservations” and clicking "Start Interview.”
Click here for how to use the online interview
Click here for tips and manners for online interviews
Are all participating companies on the “Participating Companies List”?
The company list will be updated as new companies sign up. We recommend that you check the participating companies list frequently, apply early, and continue job hunting.
Is there an opportunity to participate in company information sessions?
Whether the company will have information sessions or not, the style, the schedule, etc. will vary by company. First, check the company profile and job posting from “Participating Companies List”. Some companies will have online and on-demand seminars. Details will be posted later.
Who can participate?
Possesses a minimum of beginner level in both Japanese and English and one of the following:
- Recent graduates or students currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or higher degree program (Master, MBA, Ph.D., etc.) outside of Japan or have study abroad experience outside of Japan
- Professionals with study abroad or work experience outside of Japan
Those who still have a while until graduation are also welcome to participate to find internships or conduct company research.
My study abroad has been canceled/postponed. Can I still participate?
The event qualification is as above (Q. Who can participate?), but those whose study abroad have been canceled/postponed due to COVID-19 can also participate.
What kind of positions are available?
There are various types of positions such as internships, full-time positions, and contract positions. You can apply from anywhere in the world. We recommend actively applying to companies. For more information, please see the job postings for each company.
What is the next step after registering to the Boston Career Forum Online?
We recommend participating in the CFN Seminars first to help you understand how the event works and ways to prepare for it. There will also be Virtual Booth Days in September and October where most of the companies will be holding seminars. This is also an opportunity to communicate with companies at their online booths and even participate in CFN career seminars as well as keynote lectures. After participating in all and have some understanding of the companies, apply to companies of interest before the application deadline.
What is Virtual Booth Days?
A special online live event held twice on September 18th & 19th and October 30th & 31st for you to meet and interact with the participating companies by visiting their virtual booth. The Virtual Booth Days is not just companies, but CFN career seminars and even keynote lectures from special guests will also be held. You will also have a chance to connect and directly ask companies questions even outside of their seminar time via chat and video.
How should I prepare for the Boston Career Forum ONLINE?
Applications for companies begin August 1st, thus we recommend you prepare for your applications before then. Things you can do to prepare include conducting research on companies, conducting personal analysis, and updating your CFN resume. Companies are unable to view your CFN resume until you submit your application, therefore, we suggest you fill in all the sections on CFN resume first, then refine them based on the company you are applying for afterwards.
By learning more about a greater number of companies, the more companies you will know and want to apply to which will expand your possibilities. Hence, please attend as many events and seminars during Boston Career Forum ONLINE to interact with companies to get a better understanding, and apply to all companies of your interest.
For those who are not yet graduating, applying to companies now may be too early. For these individuals, it is also important for you to participate for the purpose of gaining knowledge on various companies, while getting used to the event in order to feel comfortable for next year. There is a common characteristic between past Career Forum participants who received job offers, which is to participate in multiple Career Forums. Especially for Boston Career Forum ONLINE 2021, you do not need to invest in travelling to the site, thus allowing anyone to participate. We also recommend that you prepare a resume that you can submit even if you do not graduate this year.
Will I get the chance to directly communicate with companies?
Yes. During the Virtual Booth Days held in September and October, you can visit companies’ “Booth”, where you can participate in seminars, speak with company representatives, join discussion sessions, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with the company, hence we suggest you visit as many “Booths” as possible. Additionally, a more in-depth conversation is possible if you do prior research on each company and have specific questions for them.
I only recently started job hunting, are there opportunities to connect with other job seekers?
Yes. Job hunting does not need to happen alone. Finding an “ally”, researching industries and companies together, editing each other’s resumes and entry sheets, and practicing interviews together are highly recommended. A great opportunity for you to find your “ally” will be the networking event for CFN members in August and September. If you have not yet registered for the Boston Career Forum ONLINE, we recommend you do so now. To those who are registered for the Boston Career Forum ONLINE, we will send you an email to notify you once registration for networking events are open.
