ALT Teacher as a non-native speaker with 2 years of teaching + 15 years of studying in English language experience (i have PhD as well)

Hello people, i would like to apologize in advance if these questions are a reiteration of previously answered questions within the sub. I have completed PhD in chemistry from india, my entire education has been in english, have few publications in international journals. However, i would like to ask, what are my chances to get an ALT teaching license in japan, which could act as a segue (foot in the door) for seeking permanent job there.

a) TEFL/TESL/JLPT is there any particular hierarchy between them?
b) any other misc. certificate i can add which can make my application stand out?
c) What after? considering it is a contract based job, but like i said, i would like ALT to be a pathway to seek 'permanence', if there's any advice/pathway's i should follow, it will be appreciated.

i would be sincerely grateful if you could walk me through.

Edit: Writing on behalf of a friend.

by knight_furrie