1) Too many applicants and not enough spaces
Out of thousands of applications and interviews, only 2,091 made it in 2019. Chances are slim but definitely better than your chances of ever winning the lottery!
Some applicants apply multiple times and never make it. Usually, they don’t make some effort in the application, statement of purpose, or interview portion. On Reddit, you’ll find posts every application period about people who couldn’t get an interview. Don’t be bothered by other people’s problems. It will distract you from your goal of getting into JET.
2019 JET Statistics:
JET makes all its stats publicly available. You can check these and possibly find older ones. Remember the program seems to expand every year, so the total accepted has gradually increased. Take these stats with a grain of salt as well. They haven’t been updated in a few years.
Acceptance rates might not seem positive, but at this rate, you could become a JET and be in Japan before any tourists are allowed in! My JET application experience was better the second time, despite the hardships as a private ALT, I used that leveling up to improve my application.
First, there are no statistics on the number of interviewees, but let’s assume 10,000 people applied worldwide. (Half of the applicants are Americans)
2) Only 1 in 5 become a JET – slim chances
Out of 10,000 applicants, at least 4,000 – 5,000 will get interviews.
Out of the 5,000, around 2,000 will make the short-list and probably 500 on the alternate list.
The JET Program application is a competitive process. Several thousand applications are received each year, about half of all applications will be invited to interview, and then only the top candidates are selected for participation.
Scoring an interview requires meeting some point requirements that aren’t revealed, so make sure you fill out your application well. Be detail-oriented on everything! Leaving out information or falsifying your application will get you nowhere.
If you lose this time, there is always next year or alternatives like ALTIA or Interac. These aren’t necessarily bad options since you could use the time to improve your skills up and later reapply to JET while in Japan or back home. I worked my ass off as an Interac ALT!
Applying every year and hoping for the best won’t make you a JET. You need to put effort into leveling up yourself and your resume.
With a well-filled application and excellent Statement of Purpose, the chances of getting an interview are 50/50. I believe it’s a definite 50/50 chance.
The hardest part is passing the interview. That process is another beast itself and something you shouldn’t worry about till you get an invite. A number of applicants start preparing for it too soon and never get an interview. Focus on the application first. Pour all your time and effort into that. If you get an interview, you’ll know a few weeks before it happens in February.
3) Your Application was Bad
Your application, references, and SOP are terrible. There was no effort on your end. You filled in everything, but you showed no personality and no initiative. Think about your application from the viewpoint of the reviewer or HR person looking over your application. If it’s boring with nothing noteworthy skills or aspirations, they’ll forget about you.
Be memorable throughout your application. Elaborate about your school clubs, job duties, academic awards, exchange experiences, etc. Go out of your way on the application section. It’s not just about stating you were in the Japanese club, took Japanese classes, and had straight As. It’s about the details that make those events or skills stand out. Add some examples to every detail
“Japanese club office – assisted in icebreaker games with members. Planned activities for the annual club matsuri. Hosted Japanese students around the school campus.”
What if I didn’t get an Interview?
Don’t worry, there is always next year or private teaching! In the meantime, improve your SoP and skills. You can always apply again. There is no age limit.
The best thing you can do is self-improvement. Learn a new skill, beef up your writing, take some courses, or whatever it takes to ensure you do better the time!
Don’t beat yourself up!
Landing an interview and becoming a JET is a year-long process.
Don’t put all your marbles in one bag, “overused cliche.”
Be proud of your accomplishments and your efforts in just applying, it’s not easy. If you want to be interviewed, learn from your mistakes and keep truckin’. Just remember, there is always next year :)
2024 Incoming JETs
Let’s be honest, you freaking did it! Congratulations!
Celebrate, start turning in that paperwork, start the FBI check if you’re American, and get ready to depart in summer!
As long as Covid decreases, get ready for a wild ride!
Damn, I’m jealous. Can I reapply, too? I’m not 100% if I can or not, but it would be very cool to be a JET again. Although teaching is not a career goal, at least not K-12, it sure was fun with its ups and downs and pathway to Japan.
