I applied through other source. The process took 8 months. I interviewed at JET Program (Calgary, AB) in Feb 2011
Interview
The application process starts in October the year before hiring, so this can't be a split decision. The application includes a 1 page essay in which you are to argue why you think you're a good fit for the program.
If you are selected for an interview, these will be held in February. The main purpose of the interview seems to be to determine how flexible you are, since even the people hiring don't know exactly where you will end up in Japan, or what level of school you will teach at. If you have claimed some level of Japanese proficiency on the application, expect to be tested on it a little.
If you pass the interview, you'll hear of it sometime in April.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
"Please use gestures to teach a class of elementary school students 3 Canadian sports. Please do not use any words."
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?
