I applied online. I interviewed at JET Program (Nashville, TN) in Feb 2015
Interview
Interviewed by three individuals, one Japanese woman and two American men. Not quite good cop/ bad cop scenario, but one was stern the entire time while another was more open. Spit fire questioning for about 25 minutes. If you come prepared (Google how to prepare for JET interview) then you should be able to anticipate most questions. I prepared about 40 questions ahead of time and only had one question that took me off guard.
My general advice: you cannot prepare too much. Come in knowing some Japanese even if you put zero on your application. Dress professionally and conservatively. It is definitely expected of you. If in doubt, just smile. Even if you are nervous.
I still have a month until I hear back, but I think I will receive an offer.
Interview questions [5]
Question 1
I was so extremely nervous that I know I don't remember some of the questions, but here are some of the ones I do remember:
Tell us about your interest in Japan/JET.
Smooth. Interviewers were kind. Asked questions about why I wanted to join, asked me some questions in Japanese, asked about ways I could contribute as an ALT, and that was that.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What methods do you plan to use to get students interested in English outside of the classroom?
Panels consist of three to four members, stay calm and remember what you wrote in your SOP, you will do fine! Just be professional and polite. Don't worry about the Japanese portion, it does not effect your acceptance.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you teach a lesson about animals to elementary schoolers?
Quite straightforward- questions came by no surprise. Just have to know yourself well and show enthusiasm for both Japan and Teaching. It lasted around 20 minutes and was conducted by both an alumnus, as well as someone from CLAIR.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you engage students' interest in English?