What is the Motivation Graph?
As I mentioned in the previous lecture, I recommend the following two methods for self-analysis.
- Motivation Graph
- Logic Tree</>
If you want to know about the 1st method, please check our previous one, “The two most effective self-analysis methods - Part 1 -”!
We’ll cover the second method this time!
Actually, by using this method, you can do self-analysis and also prepare for interviews at the same time.
Why didn't you tell me this right away, sensei? (´;ω;｀)
There is no reason not to do it! Tell me now! (><)
Because I believe that you can understand this method better now as you’ve been listening to my lectures the whole time without giving up!
Before moving into the main topic...
It’ll take time, but it’s very important, so keep it up till the end of the video!
“What does it mean to succeed in job hunting?”
Let’s see...
I guess if you get a job offer from a company you want to work for, you can say you have succeeded in job hunting...
“What does it mean to get a job offer?”
Nailing the interview...
I guess?
“What does it mean to nail an interview?”
Nailing an interview means…...
Perhaps your evaluation score is higher than other candidates in the interview, or it meets the hiring standards of the company?
“How do companies evaluate interviewees?”
By hearing their selling points during the interview, I think.
You’re getting close to the answer.
“How do you think a company evaluates an applicant's selling points?”
“A Sense of Satisfaction”
Interviewers talk to dozens of applicants a day and listen to their selling points.
Some of them are talking about the same thing as their strengths.
Well, do you think the interviewers will believe the selling points the applicants said and evaluate them?
It is natural to think that the strengths applicants mention in interviews is exaggerated in general.
The bottom line is...
You should tell your stories and strengths that will satisfy interviewers". That’s how you get high evaluations in interviews.
Honestly, no one knows if a company will hire you for sure. In fact, even if your evaluation score meets the company's criteria, you might get rejected if there are other applicants better than you.
There is, however, nothing you can do about this, so you do not have to worry about it at all.
What you have to worry about is how to get the interviewer to believe in your strengths and abilities.
Then, in order to make my story convincing, what should I do?
How to make a Logic Tree?
The method is simple. Prepare a pen and paper.
Actually, this method is taking the exact opposite approach from the previous method, the Motivation Graph.
First, write one word in the middle of the paper.
It can be anything as long as it is related to your strengths, values, ideas, or something you want to convey to the company.
Try not to spend too much time and write down what comes to your mind. One word or sentence is good.
I will show you an example with the word “Reliable”.
Next, draw an arrow from what you have written. The direction does not matter.
Write a question mark next to the arrow.
Ask questions in detail according to the word or phrase, such as "Why?" "Since when?" "What did I do?" "Why did I start?" "What else?" and dig deeper.
This time I will write, "What’s the basis?"
Then write the answer to that question at the end of the arrow. Please be sure to finish in one sentence or one word.
Then based on what you’ve just written, draw a new arrow and question, then an answer to it. Please repeat this step many times.
Try to write more than 2 arrows and questions for each item. 
Fill the sheet with arrows, questions, and answers. Then the first sheet is completed. Now make another sheet like this, which means you come up with a different word or phrase regarding your strength or value, then start by writing it down in a center as you did before.
Keep writing and you will most likely get around 10 sheets.
If you try to complete the sheets one by one, the progress will be slow, so I recommend that you do it in parallel.
Here's the simple summary for this method
・Use paper larger than notebooks
・The answer must be one word or one sentence
・Ask multiple questions against each item
・Fill a sheet with 1 topic, then make about 10 of these
If you can do this properly, it will surely help you in your future job hunting!
But 10 sheets are a lot...
3 Benefits of the Logic Tree
1. You can link your past and present
The strengths and values you have now come from your past experience. By writing them down, you will be able to consistently convey your background to the company. Therefore, even if the interviewer asks you various questions, you will not be afraid to answer them.
2. Able to cover 80% of the interview questions
Also, as some people may have noticed, many of the questions are similar to "what the interviewer wants to ask". Therefore, if you fill the sheet with one topic, you can think that 80% of the questions from the interviewer regarding it can be covered. This is the second benefit.
3. Reinforce logical thinking
Actually, there is a reason why you need to write only the conclusion on each sheet. Answering from the conclusion is standard in an interview whatever the questions maybe, but there are only a few students who can do this. Therefore, by using this logic tree, you can prepare for the interview as "Answering from the conclusion and speak effectively"
In Conclusion
Logic Tree is one of the most effective methods for success in a job interview in Japan. And by using this method, you can do self-analysis and also expect the questions that interviewers ask in the interview. Please try to use this method and we hope you can pass the interviews in Japan!!
Check out the previous articles for information on Job Hunting in Japan:
3 Characteristics of Japanese Companies that you should know [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 1]
7 Things That You Should Do in the Job-Hunting Process [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 2]
4 Ways to Search for Japanese Companies [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 3]
“I wish I knew this sooner!” Internship in Japan Basics [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 4]
How to Find Excellent Companies in Japan [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 5]
What is Self Analysis (自己分析)!?? [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 6]
The Two Most Effective Self-Analysis Methods - Part 1 - [Job Hunting in Japan Series - Part 7]