Selection and Interview FAQs

1. When will I hear if I have been successful or not?

By the end of February you will hear from us regarding whether or not your application has been successful in reaching the interview stage. If you are unsuccessful this time round you are welcome to apply again next year.

Interviewed applicants will find out in April whether they are successful ('final short-list'), unsuccessful or given alternate (reserve) status.

2. I am moving between January and February so can the JET Office send me an e-mail instead of a letter about my interview?

It is standard practice for the UK JET Programme to send out letters outlining details for the interview. In exceptional situations we can contact applicants through e-mail. In such situations please contact the JET Office explaining your reasons.

3. What are the JET interviews like?

The interview is usually conducted by a Japanese national (usually an Embassy official) and a former JET Programme participant.All interviewers have been briefed and are given strict guidelines. Consequently, they strive to be as fair as possible in their evaluation of candidates, so that no JET candidate is disadvantaged.Interviews last for approximately 15-20 minutes, but you will be asked to take written tests prior to your interview. Before your interview, you will also have the opportunity to have your questions answered by former JET Programme participants and to watch a short video of JETs in action!

4. Can I have my interview at another site? What about a telephone interview?

All JET Programme interviews for UK participants are conducted in person within the UK. Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) interviews are at the Embassy of Japan in London or at the Consulate of Japan in Edinburgh. Co-ordinator for International Relations (CIR) interviews are only conducted at the Embassy of Japan in London.

Interviews cannot be conducted at embassies abroad for UK applicants, through telephone interview, or at any other location than those specified.

5. How many people from the UK participate each year?

The number of UK participants varies from year to year depending on the number of contracting organisations seeking JETs and the number of JETs renewing their contracts for a second or third year. 129 new people from the UK were selected to participate in the 2009 JET Programme.

6. I have been selected as an 'alternate candidate'. What does this mean?

To be short-listed as an 'alternate candidate' means that you have been offered a place on the reserve list.

7. What are my chances of getting a place on the programme as an 'alternate candidate'?

Candidates who have been placed on the alternate list may be informed that a position has become available for them at any time until September. Unfortunately the JET Office does not have the authority or the ability to indicate how likely your chances are of being promoted during this time.

It is your responsibility to keep the JET Office informed of any changing circumstances, and to update your details in order that we can contact you easily should a place on the Programme become available for you. Also due to the nature of last minute placements becoming available we ask all reserve candidates to be present in the UK up until September.

8. How will 'alternate candidates' be informed if they have a place?

Alternates who are to be promoted are usually informed by telephone; this is why it is so important that you keep updating your information with the JET Office. Often the places are last minute and if you can not be contacted then your place will be offered to someone else.