Job Discussion Forums

Simplex · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 9

My first post!

In the never-ending quest to find a job in Japan, I was firstly accepted (or rejected...) as an Alternate ALT with the JET program. I danced and sang upon my first read of the letter, but a further analysis of the carefully placed "Alternate Candidate" words took away my enthusiam. I know the possible positions are: Accepted, *short listed*, alternate candidate, and rejected. Only a rare few have reported to receive 'short listed'...so I cant verify that it exists. Ive only talked to those who were rejected, accepted or are waiting like myself.

I haven't seen many posts on this subject, but from what I gather, it is impossible to determine my spot on the 'waiting list' or what my chances are.

Does anyone have any feedback on this? Has anyone here been eventually accepted with JET while on the waiting list? How about those who waited but were not been granted a position?

I was recently rejected by GEOS and AEON, and I have my discouraging NOVA interview soon, along with some smaller schools lined up for phone interviews or other weird things.

Should I have hope while on the waiting list?? Its killing me!

junk'n · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Posts: 12

A lot of the alternate action happens around late July or into August when people get cold feet or arrive and decide they can't handle things. This doesn't mean that alternates get crap placements as I know alternates who love their schools. You might have to be ready to go on short notice though.

Good luck!!!

Simplex · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 9

UPDATE:

I just received a letter asking me to "attend the 2006 JET Programme Preparation Seminar".

I am highly encouraged to attend this seminar. It is considered a work conference for the JET programme, I can meet fellow participants departing from Vancouver...bla bla.

So am I accepted or not? I have to go to this even though Im on the waiting list? Maybe this will weed out the others who are on the waiting list, and bump my spot to a better position?

Ahhh just tell me!

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Have hope mon frere,

I personally know 3 people who were alternates that got called up to go.

A couple were called up to go before July and one in August.

There`s a fairly good chance you`ll go.

Simplex · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 9

This isn't training, its just an orientation for what life in Japan is like and all that stuff. I've already had similar info sessions with AEON and GEOS and just by reading online. I wouldn't have applied if I were not well prepared and informed.

And of course I intend to go! Im just cheesed that I applied in September, and have received letter after letter with no confirmation of a position. Just teases. I'd almost rather have been rejected...(until I find out I get a position, then I'll be glad Wink

Hopefully some people won't show, and it'll give me a better spot on the waiting list. Or they'll just dish out some positions there. Then I wont have to have sketchy phone interviews with small schools and stuff.

senza_vavoom · Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 25 Location: Toronto

To be honest with you, " DON'T FRET! "

I interviewed in Toronto and as far as I know, people are getting upgraded like crazy here. In the Japanese language class, there are a few new people who recently got upgraded just this week. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I was actually surprised that there were a lot of people being upgraded. If you go to bigdaikon.com ( for mostly JETs ), there is a thread there called " Official Commiseration Thread " where alternates went to gripe about things..but eventually, most of them got short listed already.

So, have hope - like the other person said on here, it can be as late as August. For the meantime, work your day job and save as much as you can ( think of being upgraded late as having the means to save more ).

hmmmmm... · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 9

Hey, Simplex-

I've been browsing these boards for a month now because I'm in the same situation as you. If you research the Internet, bigdaikon.com, ithinkimlost.com, and this site, you'll find a good amount of information that indicates many or most alternates are upgraded. Of course, this also means that some aren't upgraded, and there are plenty of those cases documented, too. It just depends on a number of factors. For instance, the consulate I interviewed at said only half of last year's alternates made it to Japan, but in 2004, every alternate made it.

No one can predict the chances, even if you know where you're ranked. Alternates are ranked according to interview score--they won't give your spot away if you don't attend the orientation, and as far as I know, you wouldn't move up any. In fact, even if you're at the top of the list, CLAIR still has to approve the upgrade, and they have the final say (it doesn't happen often, but it can happen).

So I would caution you against thinking you will definitely be upgraded. If it doesn't cost you any extra to go to the orientation, go for it. And if you really don't know what to do or think, give the coordinator at your consulate a call. They sometimes provide really useful info--mine implied that I don't have that great of a chance to go, so my motivation to find other options is much stronger and more real now.

Just make sure to have back-up plans, and try not to worry about it. All my back-up plans start after August, just in case...

hmmmmm... · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 9

I forgot to add: in the past years, the majority of upgrades happened in late April and early May, according to my consulate. Not to be negative, but as September gets closer, the number of upgrades keeps getting smaller. But I guess if you want to be optimistic, that could be different this year, too...

Simplex · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 9

Good to hear! But CODE RED, I need help:

I got offered a job in S.Korea on a subtropical island with paid airfare AND 1 year accomodation, and great pay and work.

I have to decide in 7 days, and I'd leave in mid-late June. I'd HATE to be upgraded with JET then bail on this S.Korean company...but the pressure is on. Do I hold out for JET (and other smaller schools who are reviewing my application), or go to S.Korea?

Do I 'settle' with S.Korea, where I have less interest but good job, or hold 'hope' for JET and other Japanese places?

Please! Advice! Exclamation

thirstie · Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 18 Location: Kagawa Ken, Japan

whereever you go, don't forget to take your mum. who's gonna wash your clothes and decide what you should do on the weekend.

if she won't tell you flip a coin. the outcome will make you happy or sad and then you'll know what to choose.

personally i wouldn't go back to korea for all the won in seoul, but I had a really bad experience. I find Japan to be a much friendlier and more relaxed place to live.