- Why do you want to go on the JET Program?
- What makes someone a good ALT? …
- How will you represent your home country while in Japan? …
- How would you handle stressful situations at school? …
- Is there anything that could bring you down while living in Japan?
Congratulations! You made it past the first round! Honestly, completing the application and essay is by far the hardest part. However, the interview can be pretty nerve-racking. Here are 5 tips to ace that interview as well as some questions that my friends and I were asked.
JET Program Interview: WHAT DID THEY ASK???
Interviews for Top Jobs at JET Program
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Interview
The process took 8 months. I interviewed at JET Program
Interview
Front desk will check your applicant info and you’ll be seated in a waiting room with other applicants until called. Interview lasts about 15-30m. Interview results come around April – May
- Give an example of how you would introduce one aspect of your culture in the classroom?
Assistant Language Teacher Interview
I interviewed at JET Program
Interview
There were three interviewers. They asked different kids of questions about my intention and why I wanted to go on the jet program. It wasn’t so difficult, but in the end i decided to take a different job somewhere else.
- Why do you want to be a jet teacher.
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
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Focus on your ability to teach and handle complicated situations. Japanese is important, but not everything.Shared on November 18, 2019
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Wear appropriate attire and be truthful with your answers to the interviewers’ questions.Shared on August 7, 2019 – Assistant Language Teacher – Tsushima, Japan
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Focus on your individual upbringing and how you can teach children about your own unique culture. Show a lot of enthusiasm and be outgoing.Shared on March 14, 2019 – Assistant Language Teacher – 茨城県 日立市
What candidates say about the interview process at Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
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They ask you questions about your experience so far, as well as what your goals for teaching in Japan are. They’ll also ask you some questions in Japanese, but your performance is just for bonus point…Shared on August 14, 2022 – Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) – Boston, MA
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My advice is to look up the Tofugu articles over the JET application process, they are extensive and extremely helpful!Shared on September 18, 2019 – Assistant Language Teacher – 石川県 金沢市
How candidates received their first interview at Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program
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I applied to the program and I was given an invitation to have an interview.Shared on March 27, 2018 – Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) – Ueda, Japan
With the UK applicants starting to receive their interviews (Congrats to all who got an interview.) I thought it would be a good idea to re-post this massive list of questions originally compiled by u/velvetfield A massive thank-you to them for doing this! Its buried in the 2018 Interview mega-thread so I doubt many current applicants will have seen it.,
This PDF has been a tremendous help already, and it gives an idea of what type of questions youll be asked; allowing you to prepare slightly. Obviously this is not an exhaustive list of questions and there will likely be questions asked that arent on the list. I should also stress that you should not rehearse scripted answers to these questions as the interviewers will very quickly pick up on that. More so, make sure you have contextual knowledge surrounding the question so that you can answer them naturally. So for example, prepare some short lesson plans that can be adapted in an interview, look up some of the history and politics of Japan. (God help anyone who gets a question about the Atomic bombings.) and make sure youre up to date with Japanese affairs.
Getting Rid of Nervousness and Building Confidence
We all get nervous. The best way to kill nervousness and build confidence is by practice. You probably were nervous when you started a new job. But after a few days, you got used to the job and nervousness was replaced with confidence. An interview is exactly the same.
We also get nervous because of the unknown. We have no idea what kind of questions we will be asked, and that is scary. We worry if we can answer the question correctly, and without hesitating too long.
This can also be cured by practicing. Get help from friends, family, or college professors and have them ask you lots of questions. Make sure they throw in some really hard questions too. Also, if it possible, try to get 4 or 5 people together and have them sit across from you while they ask you questions. The JET interview is usually conducted by a panel with 2 to 5 or more people.
Another good way to practice is by recording yourself. That way you easily see what you need to improve on.
One thing that is noteworthy is that the more you talk about yourself the further you open the door to them asking you questions about what you just said. So if youre not the type that is happy, spontaneous and open you may find yourself getting into deeper water. Also dont bother hanging yourself by saying things like “I like sushi and manga”. If you are asked what you like about Japan. More info. for Aspiring JETs.
One thing to keep in mind is that because the JET Programme is quite competitive (and they know this) you cant come across with wishy-washy answers. Like all other ALT programs out there and quite frankly all other companies that might interview you, they want to be assured that your going to be an asset to them. Its your job to sell yourself as competent, easy going fun and enthusiastic about joining their team to make your contribution.
There are a few thing in general to keep in mind. They will scrutinize your application, resume and credentials and will ask fairly pointed questions about that so its a good thing to try to envision what type of questions they will come up with based on the information you gave them and have meaningful response prepared.
The Jet Programme interview can be a bit nerve racking as it is one of the most sought after ALT programs because of better salary and working conditions. Generally the interview lasts about 20 minutes and there will be a panel of three interviewers. Two former Jets and a Japanese. Generally when you are called in for your interview you will have to wait outside of the actual room where the interview is conducted.Â
Its also a good idea to have a few questions of your own to ask the interviewers. Try to come up with something creative and not something that is so commonly asked. That way, they know you care enough or are serious enough about the job to ask a meaningful question.
FAQ
How do I prepare for the JET Program?
Why do you want to go on the JET Program?
What does JET Program stand for?
How many jet applicants get an interview?
