A cover letter or Statement of Purpose is one of the easiest parts of an ALT application to get wrong.
The sad part is that writing a cover letter should be a straightforward exercise. Your goal here is to make it easier for the recruiter to understand your motivations and qualifications.
This is not a creative writing prompt or a personal manifesto. It’s a professional screening document. Short, clear, and specific beats clever and pretentious every time.
What a Strong ALT Cover Letter Actually Does
A good cover letter answers four questions clearly and directly:
- Why do you want to teach English?
- Why do you want to live in Japan?
- Why this organization/program?
- What experiences make you a good fit?
If a sentence doesn’t support one of those points, cut it.
Focus on being clear, grounded, and professional, not to impress the reader with your creativity.
Clear, Realistic Motivation
Recruiters want to see that you:
- Want to teach, not just live abroad
- Have realistic expectations about Japan
- Understand what the ALT role actually involves
You don’t need a dramatic origin story. Simple, adult reasons are more convincing.
Specific Experience (Not General Enthusiasm)
Vague enthusiasm is easy to write and even easier to ignore.
What works better is evidence, such as:
- Experience working with children
- Teaching, tutoring, or training experience
- Time spent living or traveling abroad
- Cross-cultural work or volunteering
Show what you’ve done, not just what you like.
Professional Tone
Your letter should read like a workplace document:
- Direct and respectful
- No poetry or flowery language
- No emotional oversharing
You’re not trying to impress someone with your creative writing, you’re trying to show that you’ll function well in a professional environment.
Evidence Over Clichés
Many applicants use the same phrases. Instead of repeating them, add detail.
For example:
- Instead of “I want to learn Japanese language,” explain how you’re already studying
- Instead of “I love Japanese culture,” mention specific activities, experience, or friendships with Japanese people
- Instead of “I’ve been interested in Japan since childhood,” focus on what aspects of the culture you’ve studied
Specifics are far more convincing than declarations.
Boring Is Better than Risky
Recruiters read hundreds of applications. They are not looking for surprises. They are looking for candidates who seem competent, stable, and realistic.
If you have to choose between being interesting and being safe but boring, be safe. What sets you apart in a good way are your experience and motivations, not your wordsmithing.
Statements of Purpose vs. Cover Letters
The JET Program uses a Statement of Purpose rather than a standard cover letter, and the emphasis is slightly different.
JET places additional weight on:
- Cultural exchange
- Community involvement
- Representing your home country thoughtfully
- Ongoing involvement with Japan and the JET Program as an alumnus
Of those items, candidates most frequently neglect point number four. This is a major mistake.
JET isn’t just about teaching English in Japan. The Japanese government is just as invested in what JET alumni will do after returning to their home countries. A candidate who intends to work with Japanese companies abroad or be involved with overseas Japanese cultural events will be an ongoing asset even after JET.
A Simple Final Check Before You Submit
Before sending your letter, ask yourself:
- Is my motivation for teaching clear?
- Is my motivation for living in Japan realistic?
- Have I included concrete examples?
- Is this tailored to the organization or program?
- Is my tone professional?
If the answer is “yes” to all of the above, you’re in good shape.
What to Read Next
To continue building a strong application:
What Recruiters Are Looking For in ALT Candidates
How to Stand Out as an ALT Candidate
Interview Prep Basics
Application Timeline
For a step-by-step breakdown with examples and deeper explanations, these topics are covered in detail in So You Want to Be an ALT.
ALT Roadmap 