To ALT or CIR
That is the Question
What is the difference between an ALT and a CIR?
ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. This is the job that most JETs do. Responsibilities differ from region to region and from school to school, but you can generally expect to have language teaching responsibilities in a number of junior and high schools on a rotating basis. Not all ALTs teach English, but the vast majority do. Other responsibilities may involve one-day trips to elementary schools, teaching at local community centers and working with English clubs at your schools. Japanese language ability is not required.
CIR stands for Coordinator of International Relations. These individuals often work in the local government offices organizing exchange activities between the Japanese and international community, often involving sister city relationships. This job requires conversational fluency in Japanese.
There is one more job opportunity, which is the SEA (Sports Exchange Assistant). There are very few of these on the program, but any interested parties should contact the JET Program.
What if I want to learn Japanese?
If you currently have very little or no Japanese ability, CIR is not a very wise option for you now. One thing you can do, is become an ALT and then apply for a change of job title after your first or second year on JET. Your odds of getting in the program are much higher as an ALT. The CIR positions are fewer in number and there is comparitively more competition to get available positions. You are better off making a good impression on your employers in your first year and making a lateral move, rather than rolling the dice from the get-go.
As for individuals whose priority is learning Japanese and already consider themselves somewhat fluent should not shy away from applying directly as a CIR. If you have no interest in teaching, you are better off avoiding becoming an ALT altogether and go straight to CIR. Just bear in mind that being a CIR is not the only way to learn the language. I was an ALT for three years and I was able to achieve fluency in the Japanese Proficiency Exam (a very respected benchmark for Japanese language ability).
Those in flux should apply to become an ALT. You can always become a CIR upon renewing your contract and I strongly recommend the experience of working with Japanese children, even if for only one year. They are absolutely wonderful and offer a much brighter working environment than government offices do. However, the fast track to a Japan-related job is and always will be CIR. The choice is yours.