Hey guys, I was offered an interview for the first week of February, I’m super excited but also very anxious because obviously it’s a pretty big opportunity. As someone who hasn’t been given much luck with work during High School and Uni I wanted to ask for some advice or tips around the interviews. Not specifically what questions would be asked, but more on how to prepare for whatever happens. Thanks a lot!
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I’ve found this website has some good guidance on it. https://jetprogramguide.com/
Where are you from?
1. General interview advice applies. Be polite, professional, etc. Arrive early. Be nice to everyone you meet (assume you are being watched by your potential employer at all times, even on your way in). Dress professionally (business attire for JET). Have questions prepared to ask your interviewers.
2. Body language is important. Sit up straight. Smile. Use open body language. This helps immensely and is worth practicing. It may not feel super natural to sit this way, but it helps your interviewers feel like you’re engaged and trustworthy.
3. From talking to other JETs, most of their interviewers were nice and were not intentionally trying to be mean or trying to go, “Gotcha!” and fail you. They’re just people, too. Try to frame a job interview as a conversation and a way to get to know each other. They are trying to see if you are a good fit for the job. You are seeing if they are a good fit as an employer.
4. Be genuine! They’re not looking for pre-rehearsed answers you read off of the Internet. They want to know *your* answers. Know your application and SOP. Know your reasons for writing what you did. Know your reasons and motivations for wanting to do JET and go to Japan.
5. From talking to other JETs, it seems most interviews have at least one question designed to throw off applicants off their game or put them under stress. For example, they may ask a difficult political question or they may say you’re wrong about something. Don’t freak out! They are seeing how you react under pressure. Stay calm and answer as best you can. For these questions, they want to see how well you can remain professional and your actual answer matters less than *how* you answer it.
6. While you *can* tell the truth, try to avoid being overly negative, even if the question is framed that way. For example, if an interview asks, “Why did you leave your last job? Did you not like your employer?”, don’t answer by listing off all the things you disliked about your last job. Maybe mention one thing you disliked, but then spin it in a positive way (for example, explain how you worked through the problem or what you learned from it).
7. You do NOT have to answer questions immediately. You may feel pressured to answer their questions right away, but take a second to take a deep breath and think. You can buy more time by saying, “Hmm…” or repeating their question (for example, “My favourite place in Japan…huh, that’s a difficult question! There are so many awesome places.”).
8. Prepare to do a mock lesson. Not everyone is asked to do one, but it’s common enough that I would be mentally prepared for it. The interviewers will give you a topic to talk about and will tell you they will pretend to be students of a certain grade level. *They tell you the grade level for a reason*. Tailor your words and explanations to suit the grade level. Remember to speak slowly and clearly, using simple words, and don’t be afraid to use gestures to get your point across. Again, body language can convey so much – use it to your advantage! Also, don’t be afraid to have fun with this one! I did something ridiculous and burst out laughing, which got my interviewers laughing, too!
9. Similar to the above, you are allowed to take a minute to think about your mock lesson before beginning. The interviewers know you are being put on the spot and are nervous, so it’s fine!
I hope that was helpful. Good luck!