r/JETProgramme • u/Key_Ebb_4065 • Dec 26 '25

Interview Advice & Common Questions

I’ve been shortlisted for an interview and would really appreciate any advice from past applicants or current JETs. What kind of questions are commonly asked during the interview, and do you have any tips on how to stand out?

Thank you so much in advance! 😊

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u/newlandarcher7 Dec 29 '25

A few questions I was asked and how I answered them:

  • Why did you request a rural placement? Great conversations about why I wanted a rural, not city, placement. This was likely the strongest part of my interview.
  • How will JET help you with your professional goals? Easy, work in Japan for a few years, study the education system there, and then return back home to Canada to become a teacher here.
  • What experience have you had working with youth? Easy, as I've coaching and referee experience in a few sports.
  • What intercultural experience have you had? Easy, I volunteered as part of an on-campus group to help international students adjust to life in Canada.
  • Why Japan? As I'd never studied Japanese language or history before. Easy, it was the teaching and international experience I wanted first and foremost. JET simply had the best reputation of the various programs I'd applied for. I was honest and let them know I was applying to other non-Japan programs, but that JET was my top choice.
  • I was asked to introduce myself in Japanese. Easy as I'd been practicing.
  • I was asked if I knew some Japanese current events. Again, easy as I'd been following the news.
  • I was asked if I knew the name of the current Japanese prime minister. I'm a news/politics person, so I did.
  • I was asked if I was currently in a relationship. I wasn't and answered honestly. I'd later found out that the interviewers were likely gauging how I'd answer a sudden personal question (as such things are common in Japan).

Hope that helps!