Irish JET Applicants 2012

[MassiveDaikon]

Hi there, I just said I'd start this topic so us Irish applicants can get together again and chat! I applied last year but didn't get the interview. Anyone out there in the same situation? Or any sucess stories from people who were initially rejected? Anyone have any statistics on last years recruitement etc?

[druidland]

Hi there!
I'm a current Irish JET in Gunma! The stats for last year were a total 206 applicants in the first stage, 70-80 to interview (this was due to cutbacks), then 42 were selected but only 39-40 went in the end due to a number of things.
I don't know the figures on the numbers of Alternates that were upgraded, but the impression that i got was that about 5 people including myself were upgrades.
Keep the faith man! I applied first the year before last all at the last minute and didn't get the interview: but the following year i set myself a goal and here i am! (with a bit of luck too)
Remember what they're looking for undying love of Japan that will make you stay there at least the length of a year contract and what YOU can give to Japan. Then again they don't want people are want to spend the rest of their lives out there. Its all about GOALS, what you want to go and do, how you want to do that.
If your thinking of applying again, its possible you might get it, its also possible you might not. ALWAYS give yourself a backup plan and seriously life as a private ALT isn't that different from JET ALT, there are racks of jobs out here especially after the earthquake that can be yours for the taking if you keep a good head on your shoulders.
Above all else believe in yourself, trust me its not easy but with your feet on the ground before something big as moving to Japan, believe in yourself

Hope that helps man!

[uzakedihi]

I'm a first time applicant, and I really hope I get it right the first time. I'm sick of having no job
Let's hope you get it on your second go!
@ druid: I actually requested Gunma on my application, how are you finding it?

[Temujin64]

What's the craic lads? I was the one to start this thread's predecessor last year.

Anyway, might as well introduce myself. My name is Paul Colclough and I'm an ALT in Kōbe city. Like Druidland, whom I know well enough, (how's Gunma treating you?) I was an Alternate last year, for all of six days, before I was upgraded.

If you have any questions about the interview, or anything else,let me know and I'll get right on them when I can.

Best of luck.

[Deveire]

So... any of this year's applicants get a letter yet? I'm not at home so I can't check the mail obsessively every day like I would love to do. Haha. Hearing about all the other countries starting to get their interview dates is causing me anxiety.

[uzakedihi]

I haven't got mine, nor have I heard from anyone that has. I get the feeling they're sending letters to the bigger countries now, since they've more applications to get through, and we'll get them a bit later.

[Teishou]

You'll probably find out before us in the States do.

[uzakedihi]

The US haven't heard yet? I thought you had. Maybe it's just the Commonwealth countries then.
EDIT: Ok I just got an email from the JET Desk saying that the letters have been sent out! Anxiety? What anxiety?

[farpoint]

Hey Guys,

I got some good news today, my interview acceptance letter came today in the post. It is on the 8th of Feb in Dublin. See ye all there and best of luck to all the other applicants!!

[Deveire]

Congratulations, farpoint!

I've just texted my brother at home and no letter for me yet. "By Thursday" the email says - he'd better keep his eyes peeled for me! Haha.

EDIT: The neighbour had my mail! Again! Oh, Ireland... Haha. I have an interview! 8th of Feb, too. See you there then, farpoint!

[farpoint]

Congrads Dev!! Yeah see you there and best of luck with the interview. LOL Irish post, so efficient!!

[uzakedihi]

I got my rejection letter today. Have to say I'm not all that surprised. The more I thought about my application, and my SOP, the weaker it all seemed.
I've got interviews with both Gaba and ECC next month, so hopefully one of them will give me a break.

[bigwig]

Hey everyone,

i got my interview for the 8th! Just wondering what kind of age group applicants tend to be? I am 22 doing final year in college, the impression i get though is that most people who apply tend to be a bit older?

[Temujin64]

@J-D:

I wouldn't worry very much if I were you, I was in the exact same position as you are and I made it in. In fact, I think the majority of us were under 25.

[rozzer]

Hi, Have an interview for the 8th as well! Shocked, really wasn't expecting it. Delighted, really felt all my weaknesses were on paper, so hopeful of my chances now.

Absolutely terrified now though! Really hope they're friendly in it. Has anyone heard anything about Dublin Interviews before?