- Life & Culture
How to Write a Cover Letter for an ALT Position in Japan
You’re filling out an online job application and that dreaded section, cover letter, pops up. Writing a cover letter that strikes the right tone, includes everything you want to say, but does not make you sound conceited can be tough.
But we encourage you not to be intimidated. A cover letter is a great way to expand on the information given in your resume, stand out from other applicants, and explain to recruiters why you’d be the ideal candidate for the role. We understand this can be a daunting task, but we’ve consulted our team of experienced recruiters at Interac to compile expert advice on how to approach your cover letter.
For tips on writing a cover letter for a role as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), or tips to apply for other jobs in Japan, just keep on reading!
How do I write a cover letter for a job as an ALT in Japan?
If your goal is to become an Assistant Language Teacher and to teach English in Japan, a well-written and persuasive cover letter will be one of the first steps along your journey.
At Interac, our recruitment team receive many applications and are adept at spotting candidates who have what it takes.
Here are our top five cover letter tips to help you strike the right balance and get you closer to that interview.
1. Avoid pre-written cover letters!
While there’s nothing wrong with seeking out examples or checking out ideas for your cover letter online, we strongly discourage applicants from using copy-and-paste cover letter templates from the internet.
Not only are these impersonal and unlikely to showcase your unique qualities, but recruiters sometimes receive multiple applications with the same cover letter, which doesn’t reflect well on the candidate.
If you’re serious about your career as an ALT, it’s worth taking the time to write a cover letter that’s personal to you, and demonstrates to the recruiter that you are passionate, driven, and somebody who can communicate well.
2. Tailor your cover letter to each job listing
We get it, you’re applying to many jobs and most of those jobs are in the same industry. It can be tempting to reuse the cover letter from the last application. But, employers are looking for applicants who show enthusiasm about their company. A recycled generic cover letter will not express your excitement and interest in the position.
Some quick points to follow when composing your cover letter draft are:
- Pick out your strongest sentences and phrases and work them into your new cover letter
- Avoid phrases like “I’m excited to apply for a role at your organization.”
- Make sure you name the company and the role you are after, then follow it up with as much specific detail as possible.
3. Carefully research the company you’re applying for.
Do your research and learn about the company philosophy, culture, and mindset. Try to mirror what you’ve gleaned from the company website or social media in your writing as a way of expressing your mindset and how it aligns with their corporate culture.
This is also great preparation for if your application is successful, and you progress to the interview stage. Being able to express a good foundation of knowledge about the company and its value is a great way to stand out, and show that you’re invested in a potential career within their team.
4. Catch the recruiter’s attention.
Hiring managers receive and review applicant profiles and cover letters from many sources. What can you do to stand out and catch their eye?
Your opening statement should convey something about yourself that will make the hiring manager want to read more.
For instance, “My name is Lynda Reed, from Cape Town, South Africa,” doesn’t do much to draw the reader in, does it?
To start, your name is on your resume, and the recruiter wants to know more about who you are and what makes you unique as an applicant.
Lynda could try something catchier, such as:
“Though I’ve had a happy and rewarding experience working with GGC, seeing the job description for Collaborate Inc. stopped me in my tracks. Ever since I was a child, growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, I was taught to value an egalitarian approach to education and feel strongly that Collaborate Inc.’s philosophy of “complete student education” closely aligns with those values.”
With this revised opening, Lynda has shared her current employment situation, some personal details about where she grew up, and has demonstrated an interest and understanding in the organization she is applying to.
5. Build up the bare bones of your cover letter with specifics.
Now that you have captured the hiring manager’s attention, it’s your chance to sell yourself.
Avoid rehashing your resume: “I was in charge of managing current client accounts and re-engaging former clients.”
Instead, extract those brief points in your resume and flesh them out with detail and context. Show how your experience makes you perfect for this new role, and make sure that you link your experience to the ALT position for which you’re applying.
For example: “By maintaining frequent contact and encouraging clients to engage with our processes, I increased the percentage of returning clients by 40% over a six-month period. I believe that my personable approach and ability to communicate effectively could transfer well into a classroom setting, and ensuring that students remain engaged with their English language course.”
6. Finish strong with a positive statement.
Don’t close your letter with: “I look forward to speaking with you”.
Seize this chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position: “Interac’s focus on delivering exceptional language lessons and fostering understanding between people of different cultures has left an impression on me. I would love to work for an organization that values diversity and the sharing of different cultures through language exchange.”
Thank you for your time,
Min-Joon Lee”
What should I include in my cover letter while applying for a position abroad?
Applying for a position in a foreign country such as Japan is often a little different to applying within your home country. Whilst also sharing why you would be a good fit for the job role and the company culture, it can also be helpful to share the things that interest you about working in a foreign country.
Recruiters are not only looking to hire people who will fit into their workplace. They also need to have confidence in your ability to adapt to a new culture and way of living.
Unfortunately, culture shock and homesickness can be common problems that face foreign workers in Japan. Therefore, if you can display your resilience and adaptability alongside your skills and qualifications in your cover letter, these additional qualities can make you a more attractive candidate to recruiters.
Some things that overseas recruiters like to see in applicants’ cover letters include:
- An honest description of your language skills. Never exaggerate your current language skills, but if you are currently studying the main language of the country you’d like to work in, this is welcome news to recruiters — even if it isn’t required for the position.
- Any previous experience of living or working abroad. If you have some relevant experience of living or working abroad, your cover letter is a great time to mention it. This can increase recruiters’ confidence that you will be able to adapt well to living away from home.
- The reasons that you’re interested in working abroad, and specifically in your chosen country. Sharing the reason you’re interested in working in a foreign country, such as Japan, gives recruiters more insight as to how suitable you may be for the role. Sharing your admiration for the culture, or the country’s status as an industry leader in certain fields, is often seen as a good reason. Or perhaps you’re a born explorer, who wishes to broaden their horizons by immersing themselves in another culture, and sharing your own knowledge of the English language. The more personal your reasons are, the better. However, make sure you’re not operating from a very narrow, or stereotypical view of what your chosen country is like. For instance, a recruiter may not be very impressed if you write that the main reason you want to teach in Japan is that you really love anime!
How long should my cover letter be?
It’s always best to carefully read the application requirements for the job role, which should say whether a cover letter is required, how long it should be, and in some cases, even some guidance on what you should include.
If recruiters can see that an applicant has clearly not read the application requirements or job descriptions closely, they are less likely to proceed with an interview.
Most recruiters request a cover letter which is no longer than two sides of A4 paper, and no longer than around 2000–2500 words. However, you should always check the job description and application process for more details.
While these are just some tips to assist you in composing the perfect cover letter for your dream job, remember you’ll never get hired for a job you don’t apply for, so get writing!
Apply to become an ALT in Japan with Interac
If you’re interested in becoming an ALT in Japan, you can begin your application process with Interac today. With a wide support network and variety of available teaching positions, your dream of living and teaching abroad may be closer than you think!
Visit our site to find out how to apply, read our guide to working in Japan to find out what to expert, or visit the Interac blog for more helpful articles about living and working in Japan as a foreigner.
About the Author
Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac, Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.