ALT Roadmap

Dress and Etiquette for ALT Applicants

If you’re applying to be an ALT, your appearance and behavior matter more than you probably expect.

Japanese public schools are conservative environments, and parents are sensitive to anything that feels inappropriate. Dress and etiquette are one of the fastest ways recruiters assess whether you understand that reality.

The unspoken questions behind every interaction are simple:

  • Can this person function in a Japanese school environment?
  • Will they cause problems with students, teachers, or parents?
  • Do I want them representing my organization?

The Bare Minimum

The core rule is straightforward:

Dress like an ALT, not like yourself.

Every ALT organization will have its own dress code and expectations. Your best bet is to follow that dress code as carefully as possible. Bending the rules or trying to get away on a technicality does not win you any points.

Things are slightly more complicated for JET, as each BOE and school will set its own dress code. This means that JET is generally more lenient with dress during the application process. However, individual JET interviewers may be more or less strict, so a more conservative image may still get you points.

The safest bet is:

  • Full suit and tie (men) or pant suit/business formal skirt (women)
  • Clean, neat grooming
  • Natural hair colors only
  • Tattoos fully covered
  • All piercings removed (men) or one set of ear piercings only (women)

If a recruiter can easily imagine you walking into a classroom tomorrow without complaints from parents or staff, you’re doing it right.

Interview Appearance

Below, we will discuss individual items related to appearance for interviews, demo lessons, and so on. Some ALT organizations will be more strict, some will be less. If you follow the below guidelines, you will have an advantage over candidates who don’t.

Clothing

Men should wear:

  • A dark-colored suit (black, navy, or dark grey)
  • A tie (ideally not white or black)
  • A white shirt
  • Dress shoes

Solid white and solid black ties have cultural associations in Japan, so it’s best to avoid them. Don’t stress out about this too much (they’re not going to expect candidates to know those cultural associations).

You may be able to get away with other suit and shirt colors, but dark-colored suit and white shirt are the safest options.

Women should wear:

  • A dark colored pant suit and white shirt OR
  • A professional skirt and white shirt with a jacket OR
  • A professional dress with a jacket
  • Flat dress shoes

You can probably get away with a non-white shirt or high heels.

Tattoos

Tattoos are not automatically disqualifying. However, most ALT organizations will have concerns if your tattoos cannot be covered.

In Japan, tattoos are strongly associated with criminal groups. Schools do not want parents complaining, and there are no meaningful protections against discrimination based on appearance.

The rule is simple:

  • If your tattoos can be fully covered at all times, you’re usually fine
  • If they cannot, you’re likely disqualified

If you have tattoos that cannot be covered (face, hands, etc.), your best bet will be JET as dispatch companies almost certainly cannot place you.

Piercings

Women can usually wear one conservative pair of earrings. Men should not have visible piercings. All other piercings should be removed.

Gauges

Gauges are effectively disqualifying in most cases. Even when removed, they remain visible and draw attention. Very few ALT organizations will take the risk. As with piercings, you will have a better chance applying through JET, but it will still be a long shot.

Hair

Expectations for hair are just as conservative as for dress. This means:

  • Unnatural colors (blue, green, purple, etc.) are not acceptable
  • Conservative cuts only (no long hair on men or mohawks on anyone)
  • Hair should be clean and well-groomed

Natural-looking dye colors is usually fine, but roots must be maintained to make sure it looks natural.

Etiquette Expectations

How you behave matters just as much as how you look.

ALT organizations look for:

  • Politeness and professionalism
  • Calm communication
  • Willingness to follow instructions exactly
  • Punctuality and reliability
  • Avoidance of controversial topics

These behaviors signal that you can function in a Japanese workplace without constant supervision or conflict.

While it’s impossible to cover all the ins and outs of professional etiquette in one article here’s a few simple tips that you can implement easily:

  • Say “please” and “thank you”
  • Avoid mentioning religion, sex, politics, or money
  • Don’t use profanity
  • Don’t interrupt the interviewer when they’re speaking

If the interviewer mentions religion, sex, politics, or money, you will naturally need to respond. But it’s best to respond in a neutral, informational way instead of sharing a hot take or going on a rant.

The Prescreen Matters

While Prescreens are not as formal as Interviews, they are still evaluations. You need to:

  • Dress professionally if the interviewer can see you (including video calls)
  • Eliminate distractions
  • Stay focused and engaged
  • Treat it like a real interview—because it is

Many candidates get rejected at this stage simply for being too informal.

Demo Lessons: Professional and Engaging

Demo lessons test two things at once:

  • Can you act like a teacher?
  • Can you engage students?

Dress professionally, but bring energy and warmth. You don’t need to be as formal as you would be in an interview.

Speak clearly, give simple instructions, and imagine you’re working with young children. If you’re overly stiff and boring, you won’t make a great impression.

Interviews: Err on the Side of Conservative

If the Demo Lesson shows how you’ll look in front of the kids, the Interview shows how you interact with fellow adults (for example, your co-teachers and the students’ parents).

  • Conservative business attire is safest
  • Stay calm under pressure
  • Answer clearly and respectfully
  • How you handle discomfort matters more than having perfect answers

Recruiters are watching how you think and respond, not just what you say.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

Whether it’s dress or etiquette, your best bet is business professional.

If you’re not sure what that means, ask yourself this question:

“Would this offend the world’s most conservative grandma?”

Think about what would make an elderly woman at a retirement facility comment that you’re “such a nice young man/woman.” That’s more or less the vibe you want to go for in a Japanese professional context.

What to Read Next

If you’re still early in the process, these will help you avoid common mistakes:

Professional Communication Mistakes: Learn how emails, tone, and follow-ups can quietly make or break your application.

Interview Basics and Demo Lessons: What recruiters are actually evaluating when they watch you teach or answer questions.

Application Timeline: A realistic look at what happens after you apply, from first contact to arrival in Japan.

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process (including cover letters, interviews, dress expectations, and how to position yourself as a strong candidate) those topics are covered in detail in So You Want to Be an ALT.