- Japan Tips
How to Prepare for an ALT Interview: 10 Tips to Help You Ace Your Interview
Are you gearing up for an interview to become an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan? Congratulations!
Embarking on this journey is both exciting and life-changing. ALT roles in Japan provide the perfect opportunity to build up your teaching experience whilst earning a living in one of the most fascinating cultures in the world, opening up your life to new experiences and life-long friendships.
If you want to make your ALT-dreams a reality, you’re going to need to prepare for your interview — trust us, we’ve seen a lot of ALT interviews! To help you navigate the process with confidence and ease, we’ve compiled our top 10 tips on how to prepare for an ALT interview effectively.
But first, here is our team’s insider advice for doing an Interac interview online.
Prepare a suitable environment
“The first thing is to secure a location that is suitable for your interview, with good lighting and a minimum of noise. Setting up a virtual background in Google Meet or Zoom in advance will hide the interior of your room.
No recruiter really wants to see what’s on your shelves or in your room! Make sure your virtual background is professional and represents you in a professional sense.”
Avoid any technical problems
Make sure that your microphone is working and your headset or speakers are as well. You want our recruiter to be able to clearly hear you and see you with good lighting.”
Give the interview your full attention
Have a copy of your resume handy
If there are any questions about your background, qualifications, or experience you’ll want to have the same things that you put in the application right there during the interview. Also having the documents handy may also be useful in case of any questions about visas.”
Following these tips will help you give a good impression to the recruiter.
1. Understand the Role
The first tip on our list might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of candidates that trip up at the first hurdle! First and foremost, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of what being an ALT entails. ALTs are expected to:
- Assist Japanese teachers in English classes
- Create engaging and educational activities
- Participate in school events and activities
- Foster a positive learning environment
- Be flexible on the job
- Be able to adapt calmly and efficiently
Researching the daily responsibilities and expectations will help you tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in teaching English in Japan.
2. Research the Company and Program
Before your interview, take the time to research the specific company or program you’re applying to. Whether it’s Interac, JET, or another ALT placement organization, understanding their mission, values, and specific procedures will show that you are well-prepared and truly interested in their program.
For example, if you’re interviewing with us here at Interac, it might be useful to know that:
As Japan’s largest private provider of ALTs, we strive to enrich people’s lives and world communities through the sharing of languages and cultures.
“Through providing “whole person” educational services that enrich the hearts, minds, and lives of people of all ages, we will achieve a more meaningful society. By promoting a deeper understanding of the world’s languages, cultures, and learning, we will contribute to more harmonious and closely knit relations among all people.”
‘ALT’ is a title coined by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to describe native-level speakers of English working in Japanese classrooms. That means, as an Interac ALT, you are not a member of the schools’ staff but an employee of Interac, and therefore, you are working within the guidance and support network of Interac.
3. Reflect on Your Motivation
Interviewers often ask about your reasons for wanting to become an ALT. This might be a daunting question if you’re trying to answer on the spot, so it’s helpful to reflect on your motivations and be prepared to discuss them.
Keep in mind that, whilst having a passion/interest in Japanese culture is fantastic, you should demonstrate the job is your number one priority. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to inspire introspection:
- Are you passionate about teaching?
- Do you have a love for Japanese culture?
- Are you looking for a rewarding international experience?
- Do you like to work with children?
- What motivates you to teach young learners, as opposed to adult learners?
- Why are you choosing to teach at public schools, and not eikaiwa?
Being able to speak confidently about how the ALT role relates to your long-term career aspirations or personal growth goals will help give your interviewer confidence in you as a candidate. So, whatever your reasons, make sure they are clear and sincere.
4. Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have formal teaching experience, think about any relevant experiences you can highlight. This could include:
- Tutoring or mentoring roles (even if that’s helping your sibling with homework, or helping them revise for exams)
- Volunteer work with children or educational programs
- Previous international or cross-cultural experiences
Remember, if you don’t have any teaching experience, that’s not necessarily a hindrance, but be prepared to frame the experiences you do have through the lens of how that experience would apply to the ALT role. Think: organization skills, team work skills, international communication experience, multitasking etc.
Emphasizing your adaptability, communication skills, and enthusiasm for working with students will be key.
5. Prepare for Common Interview Questions
While each interview can vary, there are some common questions you can expect across the board:
- Why do you want to become an ALT?
- What do you think an ALT’s responsibilities are?
- What do you know about Japanese culture and education?
- What’s your favorite part of Japanese culture and why?
- How would you handle a classroom situation where students are not engaged?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you overcame a challenge?
- What ideas do you have for the classroom?
- How long are you willing to commute?
Practise your responses to these questions — you can practise in a mirror, if you’d like — focusing on specific examples that showcase your talents, skills, and experiences.
Many ALT interviews include a brief Japanese Q&A section, however, if you don’t speak any Japanese, our advice is to do your best! Learn some basic words and phrases in the run-up to the interview, and be honest about your language skills — no one is expecting you to be fluent.
6. Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Living and working in Japan involves navigating a different cultural landscape. Showing that you are culturally aware and respectful can set you apart, and we have heaps of free articles exploring life in Japan and cultural customs to get you acquainted.
Mention any previous experiences with Japanese culture or any steps you’ve taken to learn more about it — this really helps to illustrate your commitment and passion for integrating into Japanese culture for the duration of your stay. Demonstrating your willingness to adapt and be respectful of cultural differences is crucial to any ALT interview.
7. Showcase Your Teaching Potential
Now for the more nerve-wracking part: you might be asked to perform a mock lesson or describe how you would teach a particular topic. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Prepare a simple, engaging lesson plan that highlights your creativity and ability to make learning fun. Remember to use visual aids, simple language, and interactive activities to demonstrate your teaching potential. At Interac, we give our applicants guidance on how to do this, and provide them some sample topics to choose from.
“The first thing I notice about candidates is the presence of energy. Even if it is a well rehearsed and well planned out lesson, if there’s no energy (smiling, speaking in a monotone voice), then it’s hard to imagine their actual lessons being fun.”
— Interac Recruiter.
Keep in mind that the ALT mock lesson is not the time to showcase your Japanese skills unless you are expressly requested to do so. Many schools prefer a strict English-only policy during English lessons. So, in your mock lesson, focus on using English exclusively for the teaching portion of your lesson.
8. Dress Appropriately
First impressions matter, and your attire can set the tone for the interview. Our advice is to opt for professional, conservative clothing. For those who identify as men, a suit and tie are recommended. For those who identify as women, suit trousers and a blouse/shirt or a modest dress with a blazer is appropriate.
Dressing professionally shows respect and seriousness about the position, and conservative attire is something you’ll be expected to adhere to if you get the chance to become an ALT in a Japanese school. Keep in mind that this attitude extends beyond your interview, and includes things like your demonstration lesson/resume photo — anything the company will see.
9. Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Keep in mind that, whilst it’s appropriate to ask for clarification on topics discussed during the interview, asking for too much clarification can seem like you either weren’t listening, or haven’t prepared enough.
While it’s not a major issue to inquire about visa sponsorships, benefits, or relocation options, this information should ideally be researched on their website or addressed in earlier communications. Coming to the interview well-informed and asking insightful questions will help you stand out, and give the interviewer confidence that you’re right for the role.
Prepare a few thoughtful questions in advance, such as:
- What are the expectations for ALTs outside of the classroom?
- How is success measured for ALTs in your program?
- Can you describe the support system available for new ALTs?
Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest and helps you gather valuable information.
10. Follow Up
After the interview, it’s best practice to send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for the opportunity. This courteous gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in the position.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an ALT interview involves understanding the role, showcasing relevant experiences, and demonstrating cultural awareness and teaching potential. By following our top 10 tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make a lasting impression and move one step closer to an exciting career as an ALT in Japan.
If you’re interested in becoming an ALT in Japan, consider applying with us here at Interac. We provide an excellent opportunity to explore Japan, while learning a living enriching the lives of young people through language and education — and we’d love for you to join the community.
Good luck!
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.