U.S. Interview Notification

[miami_coordinator]

Sorry if your heart started pounding really fast, the list isn't up quite yet! I did want to cover a couple of points and address a few frequently asked questions.

1. When Will The Initial Results be Posted? Soon, almost certainly this week or next week. The process was delayed by a couple of different factors, not least of all the number of applications received. We're nearing the end, though!
2. Where Will the Results be Posted? For the U.S., we make our announcements in two ways. The first is to post a PDF with the application numbers of all the applications that were passed to the interview stage. That list will go up on the JET Program USA webpage here: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/. The JET Program coordinators at the various consulates and the embassy will also contact the applicants who are passed to the interview stage to let them know and set up an interview time.
3. What if I Never Received My Application Confirmation Card? What if I Don't Have My Application Number? Since the coordinators will contact the interviewees personally, you don't have to have the application number or the confirmation card.
4. When Will Interviews Take Place? They will be in February, but the specific dates vary among the interview locations. Some will be in mid February and some will be in late February. Some locations may have already announced what their interview dates are whereas others may be holding off in case of last minute changes. I know that makes it hard to plan around, but please try to keep your schedule open.
5. Where Will the Interviews Be? Generally they will be in the consulates or hotels or other meeting rooms in the city you selected. If you've forgotten, you can ask your coordinator when contacted to set up the interview time and place.
6. Will I Have a Choice For Interview Dates/Times? Possibly. This depends upon your interview location. Some coordinators may allow applicants to give date and time preferences, whereas others will assign dates and times without asking about your availability. Even if you are asked, your preferences may not be able to be accommodated. This isn't because we're mean, only because we have limited time to fit everyone in (which, for some locations, can be a lot of people).
7. If I Can't Make My Interview Time Because of Another Commitment, Can I Reschedule? Probably not. There may be a chance to switch to another date if someone else has canceled or if you've found someone willing to switch with you, but in general we don't make changes. It's up to your coordinator, though.
8. Do Interviews Absolutely Have to be in Person? Yup. No skype, phone, email, video chat or any other type of interview allowed.
9. Can I Bring Props? This depends upon your interview setting. You may be told you are allowed to bring something with you or you may be told not to.
10. What Will the Interview Consist of? Each interview location is different, and each panel will want to see different things. There is definitely some consistency within the interview locations and throughout the U.S., but there is room for each interview to be personalized and individualized as well. If you stated that you have Japanese capabilities, it is reasonable to expect that there may be some portion of the interview conducted in Japanese (and for CIR candidates there will be a test). Interviews take approximately 15-30 minutes depending upon interview location (CIR interviews tend to be about 5-10 minutes longer than ALT interviews because of the language test).
11. Don't You Know How Agonizing This Waiting Is??? Yes, we do. Most of us were in the JET Program and remember the fingernail biting and the obsessive email checking. Or at least I do. I promise the prolonged waiting is not some evil way to make you all suffer. There is a point to it all and it is necessary. Behind the scenes, we've been really busy.


Do you have more questions? Feel free to PM me as well if you have something private you want to ask.

[jqclarkson]

Thanks for the update!

Are you able to tell us the total number of applications received?

[miami_coordinator]

Sorry, we don't release that information. It was a fair few, but not our highest number ever, if that helps.

[jqclarkson]

OK I just remember reading on the JET twitter from 2010 that they had 5300+ applicants so I didn't think
that info was confidential.

From Twitter:
JETProgram JET Program
Sorry for the absence. We are busily processing ALL of your applications! We received a record number this year: 5300+ total!
9 Dec 09

Thanks for all the other great info though, we all really appreciate it !

[clooy]

Thank you Miami Coordinator! I'm sure everyone is a bit more excited now that you gave us an update! I know I am

[miami_coordinator]

Sometimes they'll release information like that, but generally we don't. Basically I leave that up to the discretion of the D.C. coordinators.

[mourishin]

thanks for the update! i'll spread the word.

[MiraPira]

Thank you so much!

[kurisuu]

Yesss, at least we have some confirmation now, really helps with the anticipation. :] Thanks for the heads up.

[GusVIII]

OK I just remember reading on the JET twitter from 2010 that they had 5300+ applicants so I didn't think
that info was confidential.

From Twitter:
JETProgram JET Program
Sorry for the absence. We are busily processing ALL of your applications! We received a record number this year: 5300+ total!
9 Dec 09

Thanks for all the other great info though, we all really appreciate it !

Was that 5300+ worldwide or in the U.S. alone?

[jqclarkson]

Not sure. I just took that from the JET twitter page. It was written for the 2010 JET applicants

[AndrewGL]

Not sure. I just took that from the JET twitter page. It was written for the 2010 JET applicants

Considering it is a US managed account, I'd say it was US only... Quite a few people heh

[Blind_Intensity]

Once again, you have saved my life and my sanity, miami_coordinator!
You seriously rock my colorful toe socks. 8D

[oneokbunny]

Well if that is the amount of people who applied last year and the list for those that got an interviews last year was around 2,000 that's about 50% of applicants got interviews O_O. Thanks for the update! Something tells me it's a "Will be out this week for sure but if something comes up then next week" situation ^^

I can't wait!!

[Kapparin]

Thanks so much for the update, Miami!