Top 7 Things Boards Look For in a Direct-Hire ALT
Written by John, a directly-hired ALT in Hokkaido and the person behind ALT Direct.
When it comes to BOEs choosing whether or not to hire directly, it boils down to what I call the two big T's: Time and Trouble. Below are the very 7 things that will save BOEs the most time and the most trouble — ranked by impact, biggest first.
New to all this — or not in Japan yet? Don't let the list put you off — think of it as the target to aim for, not a checklist you need today. Most ALTs get here in stages: start with JET or a dispatch company to get into the country and build some experience, then go direct once you're settled.
Already in Japan
Let's be honest — being in Japan already comes with obvious advantages. Boards would rather not take on the extra risk and time of pursuing someone they can't meet or interview in person — and if it doesn't work out, that's time and effort they can't get back.
From my experience
In my experience, and from other ALTs I know, I haven't heard of a case where a Board hired someone from abroad for a direct-hire role — the only exception is the JET Programme. There may be rare cases, but I wouldn't want to give false hope. The best path is to get into the country first — through JET, a dispatch company, or another route — and then you're in the strongest position to become a direct-hire ALT.
Commitment
Mid-contract cancellations and extended absences are among the biggest worries BOEs have — and easily the costliest in time and trouble.
From my experience
I hate to be the one to bring this up, but Boards care about it so much that I had to include it — and it has the potential to cause the most damage. A contract left midway affects everyone: students, teachers, staff, and the other ALTs who work alongside you at the same Board. Worse, it can make a Board hesitant about direct hire down the road. But when you can commit — and, better yet, follow through — it helps everyone out.
A Car & License
Having a car and being able to drive opens the door to far more direct-hire ALT jobs — it saves time and trouble for both the Board and you.
From my experience
In my experience, most rural positions require a car. Some Boards provide one, and if you're lucky you might not need one at all — but otherwise, you're on your own. A car isn't just about getting to school. It's the independence that allows you to run your personal daily life.
Self-Reliance
With direct hire, there's a certain level of expectation that you'll handle your daily personal matters on your own. That's not to say there's no help at all — but be prepared. Things like visa renewals, finding an apartment, taxes, pension, car insurance, and setting up a phone or bank account often land on you. When you can handle that side of life yourself, it takes a real load off a Board — and makes the whole thing easier for both of you.
From my experience
When I went direct, I had to sort the move out myself — a new apartment, the visa renewal, all of it. One big tip: be proactive, especially with paperwork. If you don't ask for the documents you need, you might not get them. How much you're on your own varies from place to place, but coming in ready to manage your own daily life makes everything smoother.
Some Japanese
You don't need to be fluent, but some Japanese smooths everything out. Enough to handle the staffroom, follow daily instructions, and manage your own life keeps day-to-day communication easy — which saves time and avoids mix-ups.
From my experience
Honestly, my own Japanese is basic and still a work in progress. What I've found is that a positive attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to learn carry you a long way — sometimes further than raw ability. Being helpful even without the words fills a lot of gaps. Make the effort, and people notice it more than the mistakes.
Knowing the Ropes
With direct hire, Boards tend to count on you already knowing the basic day-to-day tasks of an ALT.
From my experience
In my experience, direct hire didn't come with any official ALT training. I came in with whatever experience I already had, and you're pretty much expected to hit the ground running. That said, if you're new, don't be discouraged. Starting at a new Board is a reset for everyone, even for experienced ALTs, because every school wants something a little different. As long as you stay aware of that and you're willing to learn on the fly, most people do just fine.
Flexibility
Schedules shift, last-minute requests come up, and plans change. An ALT who rolls with it is easy to work with, and that keeps things running smoothly for everyone.
From my experience
There were times I had to accommodate schedule changes across different schools. Classes would get added, canceled, or switched, and now and then there were events outside the usual hours. In general, as long as you strike a reasonable balance, staying flexible while still respecting your own time, things tend to work out.
Every item above is something within your control — something you can build, learn, or decide. Boards aren't looking for a flawless teacher; they're looking for someone who makes hiring directly the easy choice.
One honest thing the list doesn't spell out: it's an active job. You're on your feet, moving between classes and sometimes between schools, bringing energy to a room full of kids all day. Come ready for that, and everything else gets easier.
Here's the good part: most of what's above is something you can show Boards right now — anonymously. Already in Japan, willing to relocate, have a car, ready to commit — that's exactly what the ALT Direct survey captures and shows Boards as real demand.
Save them time and trouble, and you're exactly who they're hoping to find.
Good luck out there!
New to all this? Start with the direct-hire FAQ.