JET Programme Interview Questions & Tips

First off - congratulations! If you’ve been invited to a JET Programme interview, you’ve already made it past one of the most competitive stages of the application process. That means your personal statement, qualifications, and overall profile made a strong impression. Now, it’s time to bring your personality and passion to life in conversation.

The JET interview isn’t designed to trip you up. It’s meant to assess how well you’ll adapt to living and teaching in Japan, how you interact with others, and how clearly you understand what the program is all about. They’re looking for people who are open-minded, culturally curious, and ready to represent their home country abroad.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What to expect during the interview
• Common questions you’ll likely be asked
• How to prepare with confidence
• Tips to stand out (without memorizing a script)

Whether you're a licensed teacher, a traveler ready for a new adventure, or someone just starting their journey abroad, this guide will help you approach the JET interview with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

What to Expect in the JET Interview

The JET Programme interview may feel intimidating at first, but it’s not meant to be a high-pressure interrogation. Think of it more as a professional conversation designed to assess whether you're a good match for the role of Assistant Language Teacher — and for life in Japan.

🧑‍💼 Interview Format

The interview is usually conducted by a panel of 2–3 people, which may include:

• Japanese embassy staff
• Former JET participants
• Japanese government representatives or educators

Depending on your country and location, interviews may be:

• In-person at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate
• Or conducted virtually via Zoom or a similar platform

Most interviews last around 15 to 30 minutes.

🗣️ What They’re Assessing

Interviewers aren’t just checking your knowledge — they’re evaluating:

• How well you communicate and carry yourself
• Your understanding of the JET Programme and ALT role
• How you might adapt to life in Japan and a foreign school system
• Your attitude, professionalism, and flexibility

💬 Language Use

• The interview will be conducted in English for ALT applicants
• You may be asked if you speak any Japanese, but fluency is NOT required
• CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) applicants will have some questions in Japanese

Tip: If you do speak Japanese, feel free to say a few words — but only if you're comfortable.

Common JET Interview Questions

While every interview is a little different, most JET applicants get asked a mix of questions about their motivation, teaching ability, cultural awareness, and personality. You don’t need to memorize answers — but knowing what might come up will help you feel more prepared and confident.

Here are some common questions, grouped by theme, along with tips for how to approach them:

🎯 Motivation & Background

• Why do you want to join the JET Programme?
• Why Japan, specifically?
• Why not another program or country?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?

💡 Tip: Keep your answers sincere and specific. Show your personal connection to JET’s goals — not just a general interest in travel or anime.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Classroom Scenarios

• Have you ever taught or worked with children or teens?
• How would you explain a basic English concept (e.g., past tense or articles)?
• What would you do if your students didn’t respond or understand?
• How would you keep students engaged in a large class?
• How would you deal with a disruptive student or an unexpected situation?

💡 Tip: Focus on patience, creativity, and collaboration with your Japanese Teacher of English (JTE).

🌏 Cultural Exchange & Adaptability

• How would you represent your home country in Japan?
• How would you get involved in your local community?
• Tell us about a time you adapted to a new environment or overcame a cultural barrier.
• What challenges do you expect to face in Japan — and how will you handle them?

💡 Tip: Show you’re open-minded, flexible, and eager to immerse yourself in Japanese life — not just stay in an expat bubble.

🗣️ Japanese Language & Culture (Optional)

• Do you speak Japanese? If so, how much?
• Are there any aspects of Japanese culture you’re particularly interested in?
• What do you know about Japanese school life?

💡 Tip: You’re not expected to be fluent — just show interest and a willingness to learn.

🌀 Curveballs & Situational Prompts

• Can you sing a children’s song? (Yes, really.)
• Teach us something in 60 seconds.
• How would you explain Halloween or Thanksgiving to a group of 10-year-olds?

💡 Tip: These questions test how you think on your feet — and whether you can be playful, spontaneous, and engaging with students.

These questions aren’t designed to trick you — they’re just trying to get a sense of how you’d do in a real classroom and community setting in Japan. Stay calm, be yourself, and answer with authenticity and purpose.

How to Prepare for the Interview

You don’t need to rehearse every answer or memorize a script — but a bit of thoughtful preparation goes a long way. The JET interview is about showing who you are, how you think, and how you’ll adapt to life in Japan.

Here’s how to get ready:

🧾 1. Review Your Application

• Read through your personal statement, resume, and any forms you submitted.
• Interviewers may ask you to elaborate on something you wrote — make sure you’re ready to talk about it confidently.
• Be consistent with your story: why JET, why Japan, and why teaching?

🎤 2. Practice Answering Questions Out Loud

• Don’t memorize word-for-word answers — instead, practice speaking naturally about your experience, goals, and motivation.
• Ask a friend to run through common questions with you (especially curveball ones).
• Record yourself speaking and listen back to catch filler words or awkward phrasing.

✍️ 3. Reflect on Relevant Experiences

Think about moments in your life that demonstrate:

• Adaptability
• Communication skills
• Cross-cultural curiosity
• Leadership or collaboration
• Experience working with youth (formal or informal)

Jot down a few examples you can draw from — stories help make your answers memorable.

🇯🇵 4. Brush Up on Japanese Culture & Etiquette

You don’t need to be an expert, but it helps to know the basics:

• How schools are structured in Japan
• What an ALT does day to day
• Cultural norms (bowing, formal greetings, humility, teamwork)
• Anything Japan-specific you referenced in your application

💬 5. Prepare Questions of Your Own

At the end of the interview, they may ask if you have any questions. It’s a great opportunity to show your interest. You might ask:

• What qualities past successful JETs had in this role
• How ALTs typically get involved in the community
• What supports are available during placement

The more you understand the JET Programme — and your own motivations — the more naturally your answers will flow. Show up prepared, but not over-rehearsed. Stay curious, calm, and confident.

What to Wear & How to Show Up

Whether your JET interview is in-person or virtual, first impressions matter. You don’t need to dress like a CEO, but you should present yourself as someone who’s ready to represent their home country in a professional setting — because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing in Japan.

👔 Dress Code: Keep It Professional

• Wear business professional attire — just like you would for a teaching job interview
• For men: button-up shirt and tie, slacks, blazer or suit (optional but encouraged)
• For women: blouse with slacks or a modest skirt/dress, or a professional pantsuit
• Keep it neat, clean, and conservative — avoid flashy colors or accessories

✅ Even for Zoom interviews, dress fully — top and bottom. It helps set the right mindset.

🧘‍♀️ Body Language & Presence

• Sit up straight, make eye contact (or look into the camera on Zoom)
• Smile when appropriate — warmth and approachability matter
• Speak clearly and at a natural pace
• Don’t be afraid to pause and think before answering

🌟 Pro tip: Practice your introduction (“Tell us about yourself”) until it feels smooth and confident — it sets the tone for the whole interview.

🕰️ Be On Time (Or Early)

• For in-person interviews: arrive early and allow time for check-in or finding the room
• For online interviews: test your camera, mic, lighting, and internet well in advance
• Join the Zoom room 5–10 minutes early, and eliminate background distractions

Remember, the interviewers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for someone who’s reliable, respectful, and ready to engage with a new culture. Show up like the professional cultural ambassador you hope to be.

Final Tips & Encouragement

The JET Programme interview isn’t about being the most experienced or having all the “right” answers — it’s about showing you’re someone who’s open, curious, and ready to grow through this experience.

Here are a few final reminders to help you walk into the interview with confidence:

✅ Be Yourself — Just Your Best Self

You don’t need to put on an act. Focus on being genuine, friendly, and thoughtful. The interviewers want to get a sense of who you are, not just what you’ve done.

✨ Speak With Purpose

Take your time when answering. It’s totally okay to pause, breathe, and collect your thoughts. Clear communication matters more than saying something clever or fast.

🌏 Lean Into Cultural Curiosity

Show that you’re not just applying for the adventure — but because you want to engage with Japanese culture, connect with your students, and represent your country with care.

💬 Don’t Worry If It Wasn’t Perfect

Plenty of successful JETs left their interviews thinking they’d blown it. If you stayed calm, showed your personality, and answered sincerely — you probably did better than you think.

🚀 You’ve Got This

You already stood out enough to get the interview — now it’s time to take that next step. Be prepared, be professional, and most of all, be the kind of person students and communities in Japan would love to meet.

Good luck — and がんばって (ganbatte)!