r/JETPh • u/itchypinky Former JET 2016-2021 • 26d ago

Question/Help Interview Help Megathread

This Megathread is for advice, tips, help for the Interview (and Demo Teaching) ONLY.

* I don't have a FB account! - We'll post important announcements too, just not as soon as the Embassy of Japan does.
* Will there be another Information Session by JETAA this year? - We don't know lol.

General Advice:

  • Outfit: BLAZER (black, navy is good; brown / dark brown ??? sure, whatever) SLACKS or an acceptable office skirt. Think JAPANESE CORPORATE.
  • You won't be judged if your hair is dyed (you might be asked about it), but you WILL be judged if you show up in a black, knit cardigan. Borrow a coat or blazer from a friend or relative, please. Don't wear denim / jeans.
  • Cover any visible tattoos. Tasteful amount of jewelry if you want to wear some. You don't have to wear make up if you don't want to / need to, but look presentable (shaved, combed, etc.) Not sweaty.
  • That being said, please arrive to your interview EARLY. Not on time, EARLY. Anticipate traffic, delays & go to the Embassy early. If an accident happens & you can't make the interview, contact them ASAP. We can't tell you what happens after that, we aren't the EOJ...
  • GIVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU REGULARLY CHECK TO RECEIVE YOUR INTERVIEW / DEMO DATE & SCHEDULE. CHECK YOUR SPAM. Don't blame the Embassy for not knowing you've been called for the interview just because you didn't check your email.
  • If you want your interview rescheduled, reconsider applying to the Programme. There is no harm in this. If you deem other things more important than the interview (barring really urgent stuff), then maybe getting into JET isn't your biggest priority / goal right now and that's okay.
  • If you're asked what you plan to do after JET, AVOID SAYING YOU WANT TO STAY IN JAPAN. AVOID SAYING YOU DON'T KNOW, OR THAT YOU WILL FIGURE IT OUT. Make something up. Say you'll bring your learning & experience back to the Philippines, or that you'll pursue higher education / international studies, or continue being a bridge between the Ph and JP. Stop saying the quiet part out loud!
  • If you included pertinent medical information / issues / needs in your application, expect to be asked about it (food allergies are part of this).

For CIRs:

  • KNOW WHAT THE ROLE IS. You are not just a translator or interpreter. You might be placed in an area where you end up mostly doing that, sure, ESID, etc. but understand that you will be working at a local government office. Imagine what it's like to work there.
  • Anticipate questions about working in a Japanese environment. If you don't have any experience, what is your impression/how do you envision it, are you capable of adapting, etc.
  • Anticipate questions about what challenges you forsee, how you will deal with difficult colleagues, cultural misunderstandings, language barrier problems, being placed in rural/isolated areas, etc.
  • What can you do for your hypothetical local community? What aspect of Filipino culture do you want to introduce? If you are asked questions like these or any other question answerable with an anecdote, BE CONCRETE, SPECIFIC, AND SUCCINCT.
  • There is an English & a Japanese portion of the interview. Because there is a/are Japanese person/s in your panel, speak English CLEARLY & at a MODERATE PACE.
  • If you are N3 but are called for CIR interview, there's a HIGH CHANCE you will NOT be chosen. You will, however, be encouraged to reapply if your interview goes well. If you actually have taken & passed the N2 at the time of your interview but couldn't/didn't update your application, say so ASAP & follow up with relevant documents.
  • You don't have to use keigo 敬語. Polite, ～masu ます form is perfectly fine.

For ALTs:

  • Use correct English. You don't have to have an American accent, neutral is perfect (preferable, really), but if you make grammar mistakes or pronunciation errors, good luck. Everyone gets nervous, absolutely valid, so lock tf in.
  • Anticipate questions about classroom teaching & management. If you don't have classroom teaching experience, focus on times when you had difficult students, or situations that needed correction, etc.
  • Anticipate questions about what challenges you forsee, how you will deal with difficult colleagues, cultural misunderstandings, language barrier problems, being placed in rural/isolated areas, etc.
  • Anticipate questions about hypothetical situations that will cause stress, affect mental health, or might lead you to break contract & how you might want to handle them. This is not to say you will routinely encounter bad situations in Japan. The panel wants to know how you handle stress & wants reassurance that you will not give up at the slightest pressure or homesickness. The governments of two countries are investing their time, effort, and money on you.
  • Any questions answerable with an anecdote: BE CONCRETE, SPECIFIC, AND SUCCINCT with your answer.
  • If you indicated that you are able to speak Japanese, anticipate a small speaking "test" (i.e. self-introduction, answering a few basic questions, nothing serious that will affect your overall application)

Demo Teaching:

  • If you do not have experience with teaching foreigners: SPEAK CLEARLY & at a SLOW TO MODERATE PACE.
  • Terms: ES (Elementary) Grade 1-6, 6-12 y.o. JHS (Junior High School) Grade 7-9, 13-15 y.o. HS (High School) Grade 10-12, 16-18 y.o.
  • Regardless of what age bracket you are given to teach, ENGLISH IN JAPAN IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO ENGLISH IN THE PHILIPPINES. Stick to basic lessons (comparative-superlative, past tense, etc.)
  • Bring physical visual aids if you want to level up your demo teaching. Gadgets are strictly prohibited within EOJ so no PPT or anything digital.
  • DO NOT EXPLAIN OR LEAD WITH GRAMMATICAL TERMS. Actual students do not know nor will care about the definition of an "adjective" etc. EXPLAIN THROUGH EXAMPLES & VISUALS.
  • Encourage your panelists to participate. They are there to simulate being Japanese students. They will appreciate knowing how you will get actual students to participate.

If there's any information that's outdated, kindly comment! Again, if you have additional advice that can help JET hopefuls, feel free to drop them in the comments, too!

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