What does alternate status mean?
All short-list and alternate status JETs are ranked by interview scores. Alternate status means that, should a short-list applicant withdraw from the JET Program, the top ranking alternate will be asked to upgrade to short-list status. Upgrades take place on a rolling basis until the day of departure and even beyond. Although conditions change from year to year, in past years a majority of alternate JET applicants have eventually been upgraded. However, lower ranked alternates may have to wait until late July or even August before they are upgraded (if they are upgraded at all).
Employers may select you as an alternate for some interviews (in other words, you are on a waiting list). In this case, a notice will appear on your Callisto desktop under Alerts. As an alternate, you can try to sign up for an interview during the online alternate sign-up period, but only if there are still interview slots available. If openings are available, there will be a sign-up link under Alerts. Remember, dates posted open at 12:01am and close at 11:59pm. If you are an alternate and cannot schedule an interview online, don’t give up! Call the Recruiting Office directly at 642-0464 after the sign-up deadline and we will check for cancellations. You can also call the Receptionist on the interview day at (510) 642-6379 to check for same day cancellations. Identify yourself as an alternate and have the company name and job title ready.
