I know I have the experience, I have the skills and training exactly for the job. Plus, I love kids. But I cant help but wonder what other factor am I missing that I actually need to be aware of or a certain technicalities/situation that might put my application at risk of not getting accepted. Pls enlighten an applicant here. Thank you!
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How do you define ‘hard’? Let’s use the 25% acceptance rate that’s thrown around here. At first glance, 25% is indeed low and would be considered ‘hard’ or ‘competitive’. But when you compare it to a job with a single opening, 25% is great. Focus on a great SoP that describes what you can bring to the program and being genki/adaptable in the interview should give you an equal chance just as any other normal applicant imo
I’ve seen people describe the process as a crapshoot. Judging by some of the local ALTs in my area, sometimes I question the screening process too but that’s a rant for another time.
There’s great threads on this sub about competitiveness, read some. Here’s one to get you started:
https://old.reddit.com/r/JETProgramme/comments/vt4k3s/is_the_application_process_truly_as_competitive/
JET hopeful here! I’ve done a ton of research but have yet to experience it, so please take everything with a grain of salt.
From my understanding reading every scrap of information, watching videos from long-term JETS, two important factors in getting into the program actually seem to be NOT wanting to live in Japan permanently and understanding that JET is just a few years, NOT a career.
The true mission of JET, surprisingly, not better English education, but good publicity for Japan. They want foreigners who are interested in Japan to have a good experience, then go back to their home countries and tell everyone how cool it was. That’s why the heaviest selection pressure seems to be on finding people who will enjoy the job (whether planning activities and being a human tape recorder), have the ability to deal with and enjoy living alone in a new country, and are adaptable enough to take culture shocks in stride. Then, go home!
So having qualifications can be great, but there’s a reason it’s not totally necessary. I’d emphasize on your SOP and interview how this program would help you towards a career in education back home, if that’s your plan.
Hope that helps
It is not hard to get on JET. Everyone likes to say it is to make themselves feel better about not getting on.
Might seem harsh but if they don’t think you’re the right fit for the job then you more than likely aren’t. JET want to make sure that the people they hire aren’t going to abandon ship and leave after a few months of relative isolation in a foreign country.
The best thing you can do in your application / interview is highlight any international experience you have and how it prepared you for JET. The teaching part is all just ticking boxes, making sure you are the right sort of person with the right experience is what gets you accepted or not
It honestly depends.
Is JET competitive? Yes. Do some consulates have way more applicants? Yes.
No one really knows their process for selection, it’s just a collective best guess. International experience, volunteering in your community and projecting a good attitude/adaptability all are good traits.
Not getting accepted doesn’t mean you’re necessarily a bad fit; it means there were more applicants than open positions and that’s just how jobs go. A lot of people here get in on their first attempt and project that it’s easy and if you don’t get in it’s a flaw in your character. That’s not true, it’s just a popular job with limited spots.
If you don’t get accepted, and still have your sights on JET, apply again (but don’t put your life on hold).
No its just random
Absolutely not. Look at jobs on LinkedIn and you’ll find plenty where there are 350 applicants for 1 position. For JET the odds are closer to 1 in 3.