The Jet Programme: The Interview

These series of posts related to the JET Programme were written as a series of opinions for a friend who is applying to join the JET Programme. They are drawn from personal experiences and anecdotes from other current JETs. They are in no way the absolute word in what to do and expect.

For more reading, see:
"The Prologue"
"The Interview"
"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing".

Considering the scale that the JET Programme is run (international recruitment, job placements across all Japan and participation from numerous government departments), it is a surprise that the process for getting into the JET Programme is relatively straight forward: filling out an application form and sitting for one interview.

Though having said that, the real thing is not as straightforward as it sounds on paper. The application form requires official documents from various sources and in completing the form is a lesson into precisely following detailed instructions. I myself was lucky to have my application sorted out in time and in the format requested, given that I only began organising everything 3 working days before it was due. But I got past that part and the rest, as they say, is history.

Depending on the place, the interviews for the new batch of JET candidates have either been held or about to be held. Since there are so many interviews across so many places, it is fair to assume that each interview will be consistent. However, there are some common factors we can reach which can be applied for most if not all interviews.

For me, there are 2 ways to see the interview for the JET Programme. The first is that the interview for the JET Programme is just that: an interview. It is the same as the interview you had for whatever reason: job or school. You are there to sell yourself and the strong points you possess and that you feel would be beneficial for the position you are applying for. The end result for a successful interview is a job in a foreign country. As such, the interview may be held with greater importance. But at the end of the day it is just a job interview and should be treated and approached like any other job interview. This applies to things such as clothes, research and manner. Different people have different approaches to interviews so pick the one that you feel confident and comfortable with and take that with you into the interview room.

The second way to see the interview is that it is an international competition. There are thousands of other candidates from many countries who are hoping to get the same position that you are aiming for. Whilst this does not change anything about the first way to see the interview, I do feel that for those who have been accepted into the JET Programme (i.e., me) that you should feel you have won in some sort of international competition. But we will deal with that later when the time comes.

The interview itself is pretty straight forward. From the anecdotal evidence gathered, it seems that there are no clear set of questions that are asked during the interview. Below are some of the questions that I was asked, or, have been told by others that they were asked:

- What experiences do you have with Japan and Japanese culture?
- Why do you want to go to Japan?
- What are some difference between Japanese and [insert nationality]?
- What is your motivation for applying with JET?
- What are something that you admire about Japan or Japanese culture?
- What things will you do in Japan to help yourself settle in?
- Name [X amount] famous or significant Japanese people and why are they significant?
- How would you explain/teach [insert concept] to a student who does not understand English?
- What would you do if you feel that you were under utilised within the classroom by your JTE?
- In what ways do you intend to interact with your community?
- In what ways do you intend to teach about [insert nationality] culture?

The last 2 points are fairly important. Whilst ALTs are hired by the JET Programme to teach English in Japanese schools, a major point for ALTs is to teach about foreign culture and exchange culture. This can be involve anything from sport, music, food, art, movies, ways of doing things, or anything else, inside and outside of school. Two-way cultural exchange is an important part of being an ALT so be prepared to think beyond your role as an English teacher.

The interview itself lasts around 30 minutes. There are 2 or 3 interviewers. Generally, they consist of people who are involved with the JET Programme (either from the consulate or from Japan). Despite having to speak to more than one person, the interviews are fairly relaxed.

A lot of the candidates do not possess any previous teaching experiences. As such, there is no need to feel unqualified in becoming a JET. The same applies for knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. People with differing levels of Japanese abilities, from fluent speakers down to those who don't know a word, get accepted into JET. This ensures an open playing field and emphasises the programme's point of two-way cultural communication.

I find these interviews to be less like a traditional job interview. There are not looking for the best English teacher nor the best Japanese speaker. Whilst the result is a job offer, I feel that they are screening more for a suitable candidate that can fulfill the role of liasing within and outside of school and can get the most out of living in Japan.