It was professional, simple, and what I expected. I took the time to research what sorts of questions I might be asked and prepared for them accordingly. They also asked about things from my SOP which might be consider a little difficult to think of quickly but if you wrote your SOP with passion and knew what you were trying to say, it is not difficult.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at JET Program in Jan 2018
Interview
Interview process was really long, but it didnt matter to me as I was still studying my final semester in school. The overall and final 2nd stage interview went on much worser than expected. Do wear a blazer (overdressing is better than none). Before starting the interview, the Japanese embassy representative would run through a series of points to note about the programme (ie being unable to select your own placement etc).
Interview questions [4]
Question 1
What do you think are the challenges of being a teacher?
I applied online. I interviewed at JET Program (Washington, DC) in Mar 2021
Interview
Interview with a JET regional leader, former JET, and Japanese ambassador. Asked questions about teaching experience, why JET, and in the middle there was a short intermission to test Japanese language skills.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
. Asked questions about teaching experience, why JET, and in the middle there was a short intermission to test Japanese language skills.
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at JET Program (Sydney) in Jan 2020
Interview
Very quick 20-30 minutes interview with a panel of 3 interviewers. Generally one senior consulate staff, one junior consulate staff and one ex-JET participant. They'll take turns asking you questions, most of which you can find online but expect 1 or 2 more difficult ones that might test how you'd respond under pressure. Ends with a short section testing your knowledge of Japanese, but don't worry these are just bonus marks and Japanese language skills are not necessary
