Job Discussion Forums

ChotoHen · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 41

It's about that time: JET applications have been in for about a month and a half. Any Americans with the JET program remember when you heard back as to whether or not you were eligible for the second stage (interviews)? Im sure it changes from year to year, but can you remember the exact date? Im asking because I will be on vacation and I need to make sure I will be around in time. Thanks.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

It varies, but two friends of mine heard back at the end of February, but that was almost two years ago now. Second round: interviews are at the end of April, I believe.

ChotoHen · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 41

Thanks. End of February is it? For some reason I was thinking I would hear back at the end of January. Well, Ive waited this long, whats another month?

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Li-ka · Joined: 21 Mar 2004 Posts: 52

Last year I found out at the end of January that I had made it to the interview stage... like the last few days of January. Then, I got a letter in the mail and I had about two days to confirm the date of my interview which was in the middle of Feb and the interview was scheduled a week and a half from the day I got the letter. The big downside is that you CANNOT reschedule your interview, cause they have sooo many applicants to get through, and all that blah.

Anyway, be prepared for them to rattle your cage. I thought I was prepared for it, but I guess I prepped for the wrong question. Make sure you know exactly why you want to come to Japan and why you want to live in the places you chose for your preferences. Be prepared to explain how your major fits in with teaching english and how the classes you took in university do too.

Good luck to you!

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Some of the questions they ask are REALLY pointless, and unless you had specifically studied a single topic you won't be able to answer it. My theory is that they aren't looking for an answer, they're looking for the way you handle a question you don't know the answer to. So, don't panic!

One question a friend of mine got asked (since she's second generation Japanese-American) was, "Why did Japanese immigrate to America?" She responded with the reason her parents did. The guy responded with, "Not your parents, why did most Japanese immigrate?" And even I don't know the reason, as they didn't conduct many surveys back in the early 1900's, and I am sure the answer wasn't, "To pick sugar cane in Hawaii." Just remain composed and go with the flow.

space · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 44 Location: japan

Man, and I've never even got back that postcard yet. However, fedex did say they delivered the package... hopefully my roommates merely lost some mail when I was out of town.

omarr380 · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 16

May I ask the original poster if they were applying for the ALT position or the CIR position? Does anyone know if there is a difference between the two in terms of what they are looking for in a candidate, the interview, etc.?

I was going to apply to the JET program for this year and filled out everything, but despite ordering my transcripts express mail I recieved them OVER ONE MONTH after I ordered them! Mad

I missed the deadline. Let that be a lesson to you people, never put off until tomorrow something that can be screwed up by your university's Registrar Office and your country's postal service today.

goman72 · Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:34 am Post subject: JET Interviews

Just got a letter in the post today (January 20th) confirming that I have an interview in February (yeahhhhh!!) Very Happy

. I live in Australia so I assume it would be the same for Americans, Canadians, etc, etc (as everyone has to start in Jul/Aug)... So it's any time soon, like, a week or so.

Laura C · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 211 Location: Saitama

uncane · Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Posts: 11

just found out today by email that i made it to the interview stage! Smile

(miami, usa)

ChotoHen · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 41

Way to go! On to step two...

droptheworld · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 21

anyone on the westcoast of USA receive a letter?

thanks!
Still Waiting...

ChotoHen · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 41

I got the generic rejection letter. Pretty bummed. No reason as to why, either. Hey, I only spent countless hours prepping my application/essay/letters of rec./etc....why should I expect a reason though. Rolling Eyes

goman72 · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:11 am Post subject: JET Call Back

Don't worry ChotoHen, first time I applied in 1995 I was straight out of Uni. I spent countless hours preparing the application too and thought that was the end of life as I knew it back then. I lived in England and had to make alternative plans (I ended up coming to Australia in 1997 and stayed here ever since).

If you really want to go to Japan on the JET, I'd recommend doing something like a CELTA course (run by Cambridge University). This qualification is VERY highly thought of in Japan and is probably one of the reasons I have got an interview. This also shows them that you're interested in teaching... Another plus is to sign up for some Japanese lessons (evening course or something at a local college) - that way you have something on paper saying you did the course....

...Of course, none of this will guarantee an interview but it helps, treat it as a medium term project if you are serious about it and find ways to better prepare yourself.

Anything else i can help, please don't hesitate to ask.

CG