Job Discussion Forums

[kdynamic]

[canuck]

It's really a no brainer. If you can get hired on as a JET, do that.

[ghostrider]

JET first, but get prepared to apply for others, and not just AEON.

Despite the long wait, I gave JET two tries. I was an alternate both times. None of the eikaiwas can beat the benefits JET offers (higher wages and paid flights). There are downsides as well of course. It seems as if everyone's experience with management is different, good to awful. You're working with a larger group of kids, and only kids. You're more likely to get placed in a small town or in the middle of nowhere than in a city.

Anyway, take the application process very seriously. It's definitely not a sure thing. All kinds of people get in, many who appear to be well qualified do not. Make sure your application and SoP are perfect. Get the best recommendations you can. Emphasize international and intercultural experiences. Show that you're interesting in learning about Japan, but don't try to portray yourself as an expert already. Convince them you can handle living in a foreign country all on your own, even if you never have, and make sure you've traveled somewhere outside your home country. I hadn't, believe it or not, so that was a major issue.

[TRod]

I also question JET's selection process of its employees not that I am implying that some I know or on this board do not deserve the job, but I can't figure out if I am over or underqualified for the position. This past year I applied and didn't even get an interview. I graduated with a BA in International Relations and East Asian studies, took 5 years of Japanese, have been to Japan twice, had great recommendations, and love Japanese culture. I am also enrolled in a Master degree program in Linguistics/pedagogy and have some teaching experience, but didn't make it to the interview. I wonder why...?

Does anyone have any other ideas?

[ghostrider]

TRod: did you place more emphasis on your Japanese experience than overall international/intercultural? It often sounds like overqualified people don't make it far in the process, but without being able to compare applications and SoPs, it's impossible to say if it's because they're "overqualified" or something else.

Just because the program has been around for 20 years, does not mean the hiring process has been perfected or was ever solid to begin with. Too many people on the forums trust the hiring process over the person, and then look for any little mistake in their posts or attitude as proof the process is right. We aren't given a standardized test. We're evaluated on an essay and a 15 minute interview. One person may read your essay and think it's perfect, another may think it's mediocre and rate it lower. Same for your interview. "ESID" applies from the moment you send your application in. It can be frustrating to read people bragging about how they half-assed the whole thing, have little to no relevant experience, and made it in, but that's just how it is and is with many other jobs.

[TRod]

Well, I believe I placed emphasis on both aspects. I see your point though and I agree with it. Most jobs, especially these types of Japan jobs are going to be based on the luck of the draw. And I guess I'll get used to it whether I like it or not. It's too bad. However, I do think that connections will help you--for example, a colleague of mine is from a sister city of Sapporo, and she was always able to go to Japan with ease through some exchange program or another. She has the contacts necessary and of course she was hired by JET. ~_~

[PAULH]