JET interview – evaluation guidelines

I recently read a book on the early years of the JET programme which the Brit had lent me - “Importing Diversity: Inside Japan’s JET Programme” by David L. McConnell.

The book is rather interesting as it focuses on the programme as it was before, and highlighted a few issues that i will blog about soon.

I found this information most useful for potential JETs i think. In 1992, the author was privy to the interview process, and revealed that interviewers were given an evaluation form (and score sheet) with several key aspects for interviewers to consider.

According to him, “To be considered for recommendation, applicants must meet certain basic conditions. They must be outgoing, well-mannered and have a sunny disposition.”

While this information is rather dated, it might serve as a useful point of reference for JET-hopefuls when preparing for the interview, in order to present the right image or highlight certain strengths that they might have:

“Personality: consider flexibility, strength of personality, ability to adapt to foreign cultures, etc.

Ability: consider self-expression, creativity, general knowledge.

Motivation: consider desire to participate in JET programme, sense of purpose; interest in Japan

English ability: clear pronunciation, proper word use, etc

Japanese ability: Applicants for the CIR position must have a functional ability in Japanese, an ability not only to speak and understand well but ideally to read and write as well. For ALTs, evaluate conversation and reading ability.

Overall impression: Please recommend those applicants who seem sociable, stable and can adjust well to new situations.”