JET Two Character References
Japanese bureaucracy is a very in-depth affair – did I mention that already?
You will now need to get two character references. These can be either:
One professional and one educational, or if you can’t get a professional reference from a former employer, then two educational references is fine. To get these you can ask your lecturers at university.
Here is what they are asking for:
(This is simply a guide based on previous applications. Please ensure to double-check with the latest application.)
- Please ask each of your referees to include one original along with three photocopies (in total four copies) of his/her reference letter to be included in the signed and sealed envelope
- Be word-processed (or typed)
- Be addressed to the JET Programme
- Have the applicant's name in full and spelt correctly
- Be on headed paper (see Application FAQs for related queries)
- State the length of time for which the referee has known the applicant
- State the referee's title and their relationship to the applicant
- Attempt to address the suitability of the applicant to the JET Programme including the applicant's suitability to live abroad and to work as an Assistant Language Teacher
- Address the applicant's personality and interests (information regarding extra-curricular activities, if known, is particularly welcome)
- Discuss the applicant's academic ability in addition to other aspects of the applicant (academic references only)
- The referee must sign the reference itself. It must be placed in an envelope, which must then be closed and sealed. The referee must then sign over the seal of the envelope to show that the reference has not been seen or tampered with.
I personally asked two of my lecturers at university who I got on with very well. I asked them as I knew this was a fairly in-depth reference and the meticulous procedure of signing over the envelope and printing off multiple copies may put off the manager at the supermarket I worked at when I was 16.
My referees knew I had just written my dissertation on Japanese literature, so this was something that displayed my interest in Japan. I also made sure that before they began writing my reference, they were aware of all my extra-curricular activities that highlighted my ambassadorial qualities – remember, JET is looking for people to promote international relations.
Ask your referees to write your reference with this in mind.
If you want an online side hustle to earn money whilst waiting for your JET application results, you can try teach from home jobs like:
Or read more about side hustles from home by clicking the button below:
Rethinking Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century