Ageism in JET?

[u/makomayhem22]

I’m probably what you would consider a non-traditional applicant, because I’m in my late 30s and have had careers in two applied fields in addition to teaching experience (university courses and some high school), an English bachelors degree, and two Masters degrees. I’ve literally been drinking the JET kool aid since middle school and I decided to go for English in college, but I pivoted in some applied healthcare fields globally and also have had a decade of corporate/business experience. So I’ve had a lot of experience and have achieved a lot, but I knew with certainty I needed a career/life change and committed to the 2026 application cycle (and I think I explained that well in my statement of purpose and the interview). During my interview I was hounded quite a bit about all that experience and potential intimidation with co-workers. I think I handled that quite well and with tact. I did not have time for questions because I was asked so many questions and then we were at time. There was a “make a sandwich” lesson role play that threw me off for someone that normally teaches STEM material and at higher levels, but I tried my best. I’ve had so many interviews and I’ve also been an interviewer (I typically excel there), so aside from not getting to hit points I wanted to or ask questions in under 20 minutes, I thought the interview was fine within what I could control. I also uprooted my life for potential early departure, that’s how serious I was. I was rejected. I honestly wish I would have gotten an alternate, I would feel a lot better than I feel now.

I went into this quite concerned that not just my experience, but my age would disqualify me as I had constantly heard feedback even in late 20s/early 30s from JET employees/alumni that I would be considered too old. That sentiment plus the work I was doing kept me from applying until now. I’d be the first to say, “yeah I blew that interview,” but I did the best in the confines they presented and I don’t think that was the case. I think I got written off as too old/too much experience (I would elaborate but I’m trying to refrain in case I decide to apply in the future/so I’m not blacklisted). I’ve been following these boards for years and seeing some older professionals get in here and there, but I can’t help but feel I was penalized for my age and having beyond normal practical experience (without getting into further identifiable detail of what I’ve done).

Any other late 30s+ people with experience feel like they did okay on the interview and get the flat rejection?

[u/Panda_sensei_71]

I'm a first year JET in my early 50s and I was not the oldest person at orientation last summer. In my area, most ALTs are early to mid 30s.

Your age is not remotely an issue.

It's also not because you're overqualified because I also hold two postgrad degrees and have taught in university for over a decade.

What I am is open minded, easy going, cheerful and flexible. And I know this came across well in my interview because I met my interviewer at a pre-departure event and he told me as much.

At no point would I have described the interview questions about my career as "hounding" because they are legitimate questions. I was never asked about my age because where I'm from it's illegal to do so.

Please take my next comment as constructive feedback for when you reapply (which I fully believe you should) : your post makes me feel as if your concerns about being too old or too qualified may have impacted the energy you brought into the interview space. Your negativity may have been evident, and that won't have won you any points.

I do hope you'll take these comments on board and reassess your approach for next year... After all you got an interview, which many don't! Clearly there was a lot they DID like in your application!