Applying to JET - vlog #101 - The Interview - Part One

[Spazzosity]

is it rare not to get accepted? cause i always wanted to teach english in japan but just the thought that you wouldnt be able to get accepted fears me. i feel like being on the jet program is probably the best. Incase things dont go all well for me applying for jet, do you know any other programs i could apply too for a backup plan perhaps? thanks

[myargonauts]

@Spazzosity getting into JET isn't easy - the acceptance rate in America is now about 1 in 6, so you have slightly less than a 20% chance of getting in. There are alternatives. check out my video on "JET isn't the only option" for lots of link to other sites and companies.

[SarojiniSongs]

Hi, I am from Trinidad in the Caribbean. I have my interview on the 18th if this month. I have noticed most interview advice is geared only toward questions being asked BY the interviewer (which given,should be the main focus) however, my plight is really what questions should I as the nterviwEE ask them...

Any pointers? I'll truly appreciate any suggestions.

[myargonauts]

@SarojiniSongs While JET is a job, most applicants have done their research by the time they make it to the interview stage. But if you have a genuine question, especially since you'll have an Ex-JET as an interviewer, then go ahead. But the others on the panel probably were never JETs. So I never asked if they had questions for us, altho one person did ask a question at the end. You might try something general like "Where were you a JET and how did you like it there?"

[sonomama82]

HAS ANYONE BEEN TOLD THEY ARE BEING INTERVIEWED FOR USA 2011 YET?

[myargonauts]

@sonomama82 NO - I don't think they US interviews have been announced yet this year, but should be very soon.

[apartmentlifeatx]

I just want to thank you so much for this. You are doing a great service for all of us applying. I have my interview tomorrow, and watching your videos has helped me calm down a bit :-)

[myargonauts]

cool - good luck tomorrow!

[Carly1223]

Ok I'll try ... I'm trying not to over think everything.

I've been following these videos since they came out sooooo helpful.

Thanks!! your the best!!

[Carly1223]

Hey Jason. I'm from Barbados and I have my interview Feb. 11th. Do you have any new advice based on responses from last year's group? I'm really nervous. I really want this I've waited 2 years for this chance.

[myargonauts]

Be yourself, try to relax, do you best!

Be prepared - know your SoP inside and out and have a good answer to the most basic questions - why Japan? Why JET? Why now?

Good luck!

[patmeeker]

Jason, thank you so much for your videos.

I have a quick question, and I'm sorry if you've already mentioned this. I may have missed it somewhere.

Do you know when and how I will be notified if they want to interview me or not?

I thought I would have heard something by now, but there hasn't been any word since they sent a confirmation card which only said they received my app, nothing about interviews.

Will they let me know, even if I didn't get an interview?

Thanks! Keep vlogging man!

[myargonauts]

If you're in America, you should get notice in mid to late January and the interviews happen in February.

[tchalmers]

@patmeeker

I dont know if this helps but im a UK JET and i got my itnerview letter today! good luck!

[patmeeker]

@tchalmers

Thanks! I'll start checking the mailbox more compulsively ... of thats possible. haha

[patmeeker]

@tchalmers

Hey tchalmers, did your letter say you got an interview, or no? If so, congrats!

[tchalmers]

@patmeeker

Yeh it did n thanks! trying to get the inside scoop now like so many people probably are!

[biglmac]

I'm from Canada, and they just let me know a few days ago. So... should be soon. (I made it to the interview, woo!)

[vford43]

Good video and advice.

[kentamano]

hey Jason, all of these videos have been very helpful, so thanks for posting! I wanted to ask if you happen to remember whether the interviews took place during the weekend or on a weekday. I'm just trying to figure out whether I'll have to use some vacation time from work to go to the interview if I get one in February.

Thanks!

[myargonauts]

I think they are generally scheduled during the week, since they take place at a govt building (The Japanese Embassy) and employees are part of the process - as well as volunteers like former ALTs.

[chimaera01]

Hey Jason, I was wondering how long before the interview process starts they send out notification letters. Do you have an idea of this? Thanks.

[myargonauts]

In California, the interviews are in February and I think the notice is sent out if you get an interview in mid to late January.

[chimaera01]

So around 2 weeks before then. Thanks.

[rc1inc]

I feel sorry for anyone who needs to work with you. You have NON ability to be pithy! I wasted two minutes to hear anything of value.

[myargonauts]

Yes - it's true - I'm not very pithy or concise, which is why this topic takes three videos to cover. I'm sorry you didn't stick with the vlog as I do feel it has worthwhile information.

If you're trying to become a JET, I will make one recommendation - study grammar and basic sentence structure as your above comment is lacking in both.

[junkyardmonkie]

@rc1inc yet you wasted even more time to tell others you didn't like the video, so you could waste their time.

YouTube is not compulsory.

[Windchild31]

Greetings from Canada!

I have my interview tomorrow, have a bit of the jitters.. thanks for this video, it's like a pacifier for me =P

[monkeystu52]

hey, how did you get on? (i know it's some time ago now!)

[hojoojoh]

yea how did it go???

[nwdrrn]

Hello I just had my interview in UK-London. Woo! All that time and preparation for a quick 15min interview. Some people didnt make it as we had snow which affected Londons travel system!

I felt positive coming out and think it went ok. No mock lesson for me and only two interviewers. There was also a brief grammar test (which isn't my strength). Well see what the fates decides now thoughfingers crossed and thanks for the vid!

[nwdrrn]

Hey thank you very much for the video, helps ease my worries! I have heard that there can be a written test before the interview. Do you know if this true? Also did they ask you about the history of your country/ or test your grammar skills? Thanks for your time!

[ichiban109]

hey so do they have the interview in japan or somewere else?

[myargonauts]

You would interview at the Japanese consulate in the city nearest your hometown. I lived in San Diego, so I went to Los Angeles for my interview.

[bajanranger]

ends the 23rd

[bajanranger]

The interviews for the US are feb 17,18,19,20 and 23 and end

[myargonauts]

thanks for the info!

[GrapplerJMo]

in arizona, they have them scheduled for the 14th

[ToniShinobi]

I haven't received anything about the interview yet, but I did hear from my Japanese professor about previous students who didn't get accepted also didn't get any notification that they weren't. Maybe they missed the mail, but I was wondering if you know, do they send you a letter if you were not chosen for the interview?

[myargonauts]

Toni - I don't know if they send a "thanks but no thanks" letter. I can ask and reply again.

[Maiku87]

Is this JET program just for US and UK? Wath actually you do when you enter this program?

[TheBowlerHatGuy]

Great timing!!! My interview's tomorrow!!!

[myargonauts]

You guys are awesome!

#10 - Most Discussed (Today) - Japan

#1 - Most Discussed (Today) - People & Blogs - Japan

#20 - Top Rated (Today) - Japan

#1 - Top Rated (Today) - People & Blogs - Japan

#20 - Top Rated (This Week) - People & Blogs - Japan

I hope to have part two up later tonight!

-J

[Graehaus]

These are awesome even for a non-JET, keep up the great work Jason.

[stefmax]

Enjoying the videos!

[xxbanditzxx]

What kind of college degree do you need to apply? Just wondering :p

[myargonauts]

a BA or BS degree from a 4-year university or the equivalent

[WhiteMatrix2006]

Good video. I have always wondered who the people were that gave the interviews. It's interesting how one of the people doing the interview isn't a person who helps run the program. I would think they would like to speak to the person they're about to send to Japan and pay. Interesting.

-Billy-

[lleverfreell]

I feel so anxious about the interview, yet it's just about the only thing I constantly think about these days. :) Thank you for the video!

[luckyganesha]

Thank you for your video. I'm currently waiting (and hoping!) to be interviewed by JET, so I'm very excited to see a video addressing the interview process.

I do have a few silly questions, though. Perhaps you address this in your next two videos, but how would you politely acknowledge the interviewers? Should I shake their hands and formally greet them all as I'm coming into the room? Or would you suggest something simpler? Would it be acceptable to greet the Japanese interviewer in Japanese?

[myargonauts]

I shook the hands of each of my interviewers and said "nice to meet you" - but this is something I do very naturally when I meet new people.

I wouldn't speak in Japanese unless asked to do so.

I spoke to one UK JET recently and she said they did ask her about her Japanese ability and asked her to introduce herself in Japanese, so that would be the time to let your nihongo fly. :)

[luckyganesha]

Thank you!

[alraune195]

Thanks for the awesome video. It definitely helps relieve some of the anxiety knowing a little more about the process. You mentioned that one of the interviewers would be someone who speaks mostly Japanese. Do you know if they ask their questions in Japanese or English or both?

[Cronaldo02]

Remember jet wants mainly english teachers thus meaning, ONLY speaking english. so the questions will only be in english.

[pointlesslyrandom666]

Great video, both informative and helpful, looking forward to the rest!

[basch2020]

Does any one know whether the CIR interviews are conducted in English or Japanese?

[TkyoSam]

One of my next vids is gonna be on "Role models for living in Japan" and you are definitely gonna get a feature in that movie buddy ;)

stay black

-sam

[bjeramos]

man just watching this vid makes me so anxious to wonder if my six-digit number will actually appear on the embassy's website. at least you're keeping me infotained! :-)

[PannaIka]

Jason sensei! Looking forward to part two. :)

[rodgerswan]

awesome video. I emailed the JET people earlier to hear how they would contact the applicants for the interview (permanent/temp. address or email), and they said that near the end of january they will contact the applicants via email and or the temp address. So shouldn't be much longer now!

[SchoolhouseTechno]

I need to clarify a little.

Be honest, but make sure you have a point. They probably aren't looking for people they don't learn much about in the interview. You know, basically when they ask those feeler questions make sure you give them something to feel.

If that makes sense at all...

[SchoolhouseTechno]

The interview was one of the most interesting things to me. I think probably just because I love anecdotes about just about anything.

The tough thing about interviews is that there usually isn't really a right answer, it's not really a program that has a cookie cutter mold.

So I know that when I interview (for jobs I'm still in college) it's more important to think about what you want to say with your answer.

[bighungrysteve]

Hi Jason, great videos - i've watched most of your JET programme vlogs and they've without exception been very helpful. I was wondering when we might expect to see the next video in this series? I ask because as a UK applicant, I have my interview on Friday and am looking for reassurance from wherever I can find it that I won't need counselling afterwards. Once again, thanks.

[myargonauts]

later today... :)

[ensortion]

lol counselling?

Good luck! :D You can do it ^_^

[omnistegan]

Though it won't be a while until I get to apply for JET but I really appreciate the videos none-the-less. Not only does it motivate me to work on my Japanese but you've given me a lot of great advice with regards to Japan.

[MessagesFromEarth]

Its funny what you said about the stories about people in jeans and t-shirts going in for their interview. I interviewed in Chicago and while I was waiting a guy was called to his interview who was wearing cordoroy pants, a denim-ish red shirt, and had a backpack slung over his shoulder. It was weird.

Anyway, I'll throw down a video response probably tomorrow since its super late here. Good advice too! I'm looking forward to parts 2 and 3

[Cocomaia]

this is extremely helpful. although I'm not yet in a position to apply for the JET programme, it's still nice to have advice to refer back to :)

[watsursnbaby]

First! haha. I'm still waiting to hear if I get an interview, but thanks for the vid!