What is your purpose?

"The dreaded statement of purpose has been the subject of countless guides and forum posts." This is theorized to make or break an application. When I got to this part, I had no idea I'd end up spending most of the day deleting, rewriting, and questioning my purpose in life, and wondering if everything on the page was just not working.

First, it is important to understand what JET wants from this statement. At the time of my application, I was also in the middle of hiring and conducting interviews within my place of work. I was waist-high in CVs and cover letters. I was slowly getting the hang of telling apart those candidates with potential! those who I wanted to call in for a work trial.

From my research across the internet and deep pits of forums, I have concluded a few things that make a statement stand out. These are my conclusions, and while they can't guarantee a ticket to that magical interview, I felt supremely confident in my Statement of Purpose by the end of that long day.

Remember what JETS goal is! The mission is to enhance global connections and empower young minds with English language skills and cultural understanding. The role requires a huge move across seas to another country outside of your comfort bubble. One of the big things they are looking for is how you cope far from home and your comforts. Can you cope? or will you simply abandon the ship? The worst thing for everyone is for you to be unhappy and terminate the contract.

This is why they want to know about your interests, and what will help you settle into a new life. Do you like photography? Sports or food… things that will help you settle down fast will ensure you do not break the contract early. This experience is a two-way street. What will you gain from this opportunity?

For me, I have always been interested in Japanese Folklore and history. I have a huge interest in Japanese music and artists. If Hiroyuki Sawano wants to perform whilst I am out there… consider my life enriched. I want to visit Shrines and Castles, I have a bucket list as long as Tokyo Tower!

I also mentioned my interest in Japanese instruments and kimonos. Costumes and textiles are right up my alley of interest. So, it was clear in my statement that there were a lot of things I could do while I was over there and that I would find interest in doing them!

What can you bring to the classroom? Are you funny, and confident? fantastic at holding attention whilst spinning that story. What can you personally bring to the classroom that will enrich the study and interest of the class? Spend at least a paragraph explaining what teaching means to you.

For me, I was blessed with some amazing History teachers who to this very day are to blame for my love for the topic. I often binge-watch video after video on a topic/area of history. Many hours of hand-sewing were accompanied by discussions on a plethora of topics.

I wanted to give something back. Inspire others just as they had done for me. I achieved my degree in history because of passionate teachers!

Where do you see yourself in the future? The question asked at most interviews. Make sure to tell JET why would want to apply. Are you aiming for a career in Education? Looking to move into a field with Japanese language skills?

I wanted to learn the language, gain new skills, and push myself. A lot of my motivation was to develop as a person. I wanted to share my knowledge and meet new people. Throw me into a new environment and see how I adapt. Let me soak up the culture firsthand and start switching careers to something more suited to me.

It is important to mention any traveling you have done or any periods spent away from home. Anything that shows your interest in other cultures is a bonus. Have you participated in any big project that could be relevant?

The statement of purpose is precisely that! Why do you want to apply? What can you bring to the table? You only get one shot at this per year… make it count. Get people to read it? Save it and go back. The application does not have to be sent the same day you start it.

For me, the statement was a chance to get my feelings onto paper. The more I edited it and it started to shape up… the more I committed to the idea of applying.

The next entry will cover Interview preparation!