Jobs and Employment

Applying for jobs

In order to work in Japan, you need to have one of the below visas:

• Spouse visa
• Permanent visa
• Work visa

You need a special authorization to work for the following visa:

• Student visa (only part-time jobs)
• Designated activities visa

If you don’t have one of these visas you have to apply for one. Check the Visa and Status of Residence section of the 101 for more information.

English job boards in Japan

International job boards you can use in Japan

Japanese services you can use for finding part-time jobs in Japan

Resumes

What a Japanese resume looks like

A Japanese resume starts with the following basic information:

1. Date (preferably the day you submit your resume)
2. Your name
3. Sex
4. Photo (the photo should be glued to the top right corner of the resume, see below)
5. Date of birth
6. Address
7. Phone number

Next you’ll need to add:

8. Education history (gakureki, 学歴)

Fill it out like this:

1. 2015年 9月 GaijinPot大学外国語学部入学
2. 2018年 6月 GaijinPot大学外国語学部 日英語学科 卒業

9. Work history (shokureki, 職歴)

Fill it out like this:

1. 2012年 9月 株式会社GaiKokujinPot マーケティング部 入社
2. 2015年 6月 株式会社GaiKokujinPot マーケティング部 退社
3. 2018年 9月 株式会社GaijinPot 営業部 入社
4. 以上

You don’t need to go into the detail of your education background or work experience. In Japan, all of this will be covered in the interview and on a separate document which functions as your work experience resume (shokumu rirekisho, 職務履歴書).

In fact, you just need to write your starting (nyugaku/nyusha, 入学・入社) and leaving (sotsugyou/taigaku/taisha, 卒業・退学・退社) date along with the position name you had or the department where you study.

Plus some more information:

10. License and certificates (menkyo/shikaku, 免許・資格)

Write any accomplishments that you have achieved over the years such as licenses or certificates (JLPT, TOEIC score, etc.). This even includes a driver’s license.

11. The reason why you’re applying for this job

12. Your average commute time for the job and the closest station

13. Number of dependents (excluding your spouse)

14. Marital status

15. Whether your spouse is dependent on you

16. Your ideal salary, department, working hours, etc.

17. Information about your legal guardian (if you have one)

Important note: When you write a Japanese resume you must stick with either the Gregorian calendar or the Japanese calendar all the way.

Japanese resume photo

Your resume photo should follow basic rules:

• A plain solid color background
• A clear photo of head and the top of your shoulders
• A professional appearance: a black, dark grey or navy business suits
• Solid eye contact and look directly into the camera

And avoid the following points:

• Showing visible tattoos
• Too many earrings and other jewelry
• Messy hair or hair covering the face
• No jacket (shirt only) or colorful patterns
• Heavy makeup

Jobs Kanji cheat sheet

 

 

 

Interviews

Navigating job interviews in Japan can differ from what you’re used to. This guide will help you understand the common types of interviews, what to expect, and how to prepare for them.

• What Types of Interviews Are Common in Japan?
• What To Expect
• What Should I Prepare Before Going to The Interview?
• How to Navigate a Japanese Interview
• Common Japanese Interview Questions
• Extra Tips
• FAQ

What Types of Interviews Are Common in Japan?

The three common types of job interviews in Japan are:

• Group Discussions
• Group Interviews
• Individual Interviews

Group Discussions

Applicants must discuss a theme in groups of four to six. Interviewers will evaluate the situation objectively to check how an individual performs in a group.

Group Interviews

A common interview style for fresh graduates is group interviews. These are used to reduce the number of candidates to a reasonable number. You will only have a short time to respond to questions and will be compared with others.

Individual Interviews

The interviewer spends more time understanding your characteristics. The interviewer checks your answers to questions and your demeanor, posture, facial expressions, and even how you speak. The interviewer will ask questions based on your resume.

What To Expect

When preparing for a job interview in Japan, understanding the unique aspects of Japanese business culture can help you navigate it successfully. Here’s what you can anticipate:

• Three Rounds of Interview
• Cultural Fit
• Attention To Details
• Japanese Language Background
• Introduce Yourself (Jikoshoukai)
• Promote Yourself (Jiko PR)

Three Rounds of Interview

It’s common for a company to have three interviews so staff members of various positions can check the applicant’s personality and way of thinking.

Cultural Fit and Personality

Japanese employers prioritize cultural fit and interpersonal skills alongside qualifications and experience. Expect questions to gauge your adaptability, teamwork abilities and communication style. Demonstrating respect for hierarchy, humility and a willingness to learn are highly valued traits in Japanese corporate culture.

Attention to Detail

Precision and attention to detail are paramount in Japanese business culture. Interviewers may scrutinize your application materials, such as resumes and cover letters, for accuracy and completeness. Be prepared to thoroughly explain your resume line by line.

Japanese Language Background

Your Japanese language proficiency may be evaluated based on your ability to communicate effectively during the interview and potentially in future job performance. If you’re a recent graduate, they might inquire about your study duration, school and methods. The extent of the interview will vary, and while minor mistakes may be overlooked, you wouldn’t want to take any chances.

Introduce Yourself (Jikoshoukai)

An “Introduction” (自己紹介 or jikoshoukai) should cover the basic information about yourself, such as your background, previous work experience and reasons for applying. In addition to getting to know you, the interviewer checks how well you can communicate about yourself in Japanese. A jikoshoukai is a commonly expected part of every job interview, so practicing your self-introduction in Japanese is crucial to your preparation. Aim to keep it within one to three minutes.

Promote Yourself (Jiko PR)

Unlike jikoshoukai which is for a basic introduction, “Self-Promotion” (自己PR or jiko PR) is about showcasing yourself as the perfect fit for the job. Here, you’ll emphasize past accomplishments supported by concrete results like sales figures or awards. After presenting your strengths and talents, explain how you can apply them to the new job.

Tip: Make sure you understand the difference between jikoshoukai and jiko PR, as they are often mistaken for each other. Having clear answers prepared for both will be the most beneficial.

What Should I Prepare Before Going to The Interview?

Before stepping into a job interview, especially in Japan, where cultural norms and expectations might differ, thorough preparation is key to success. Here are some points steps to consider:

• Brush Up on Your Japanese Keigo
• Learn Proper Gestures, Such as Bowing
• Pay Attention to Body Language
• Research the Company and Industry
• Prepare Questions to Ask

Brush Up on Your Japanese Keigo

Proper language and honorifics are essential in Japanese business culture, especially during interviews. Practice using keigo (honorific speech) to show respect, professionalism and an understanding of the culture. Also, study words and phrases related to the company and industry you are interviewing for. That said, if you are not confident using keigo, you shouldn’t rely on it. Instead, use -desu and -masu.

Learn Proper Gestures, Such as Bowing

Bowing is a significant part of Japanese etiquette and shows respect. Mastering proper bowing etiquette in a Japanese job interview demonstrates cultural respect and professionalism while showcasing your understanding of hierarchy and social dynamics.

Pay Attention to Body Language

Maintain good posture with your spine extended and shoulders relaxed. Make sure to maintain eye contact, but not too intense.  Keep your legs together and palms resting on your lap to convey attentiveness and respect when sitting. In Japan, posture shows good character, confidence and respect.

Research the Company and Industry

Gain insights into the company’s culture, values, recent achievements and industry trends. This will demonstrate your interest and preparedness during the interview.

Prepare Questions to Ask

Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and interest in learning more about the company.

Practice Interview Scenarios

Rehearse common interview questions in Japanese, focusing on articulating your skills, experiences, and motivations clearly and confidently.

What Should You Wear at a Japanese Interview?

When preparing for a job interview in Japan, your attire is crucial in making a favorable impression. Here’s a guide on what to wear and what to avoid:

For men

For women

Tip: Your suit should be black if you are a fresh graduate.

How to Navigate a Japanese Interview

A standard interview at a Japanese company involves cultural cues like bowing. As a foreigner, you are not expected to know every rule, but knowing them will make a good first impression.

• Getting To Your Interview
• The Interview Starts in The Lobby
• Beginning The Interview
• Ending The Interview

Getting To Your Interview

• Be Punctual: Arrive early for your interview. Aim to be there 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Notify About Delays: If your train is delayed, inform the company immediately and obtain a train delay certificate (Densha Chien Shoumeisho 電車遅延証明書) from the train station staff as proof.

The Interview Starts in The Lobby

• Silence Your Phone: Ensure your phone is silent to avoid disruptions.
• Start of the Interview: The moment you enter the reception area is considered the beginning of the interview, extending until you leave the building.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and wait quietly for further instructions.

Beginning The Interview

1. Knock Lightly: Tap the door three times.
2. Await Response: Wait for a reply, typically “どうぞ” (douzo).
3. Announce Entry: Say “失礼します” (shitsureishimasu) to indicate your presence.
4. Open the Door: Gently push the door open.
5. Bow: Perform a respectful bow upon entering.
6. Close the Door: Close the door behind you.
7. Position Yourself: Stand next to the chair opposite the interviewer.
8. Introduce Yourself in Japanese: State “[Last name, first name]と申します” (to moushimasu) followed by “本日はよろしくお願いします” (honjitsu wa yoroshiku onegaishimasu).
9. Await Seating Invitation: It’s important to wait for the interviewer to gesture for you to sit, usually accompanied by ‘お座りください’ (osuwari kudasai). This demonstrates your patience and respect for the interviewer’s lead.
10. Sit Down: Take your seat, ensuring your bag and belongings are neatly arranged to one side.

Ending The Interview

1. Acknowledging Gratitude: After confirming the interview’s conclusion, express gratitude while still seated by saying “本日はお忙しい中、お時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございました” (honjitsu wa ohisogashii naka, ojikan wo itadaki, makotoni arigatougozaimashita).
2. Seated Bow: Perform a bow while remaining seated.
3. Standing Up: Rise from your seat and stand on the side of the chair.
4. Final Farewell: Say “失礼します” (shitsureishimasu) as a polite farewell, and bow once more to show respect.
5. Exiting the Room: Before leaving, face the interviewer and politely say “失礼します” (shitsureishimasu) one last time. Leave the room quietly, closing the door behind you.

Common Japanese Interview Questions

Here are a few of the most commonly asked interview questions in Japan and how to answer them:

• Please Tell Us Why You Want to Work Here.
• How Long Do You Plan On Staying in Japan?
• What is Your Reason For Changing Jobs?
• Please Tell Us About a Time You Struggled at Work.
• What is Your Desired Yearly Income?

Please tell us why you want to work here.

Japanese:「なぜうちで働こうと思ったのですか。」(naze uchi de hatarakou to omottanodesuka)

Why: Consider this a test of your understanding of the company and position. The employee wants to see how well you have researched the company and how you will fit into the job role.

Tip: Explain how your experiences and skillset are relevant to the job and what interests you about the specific role or company.

How Long Do You Plan On Staying in Japan?

Japanese:「いつまで日本に住むつもりですか?」(Itsumade nihon ni sumutsumori desuka?)

Why: The employee wants to see if you plan to stay in the company for a long time since they are essentially investing in teaching you all the required new skills. In Japan, it was common for people to commit their entire life to one company. While this is no longer the case (mostly), the interviewer still wants a relative idea of how long you’ll stay.

Tip: You should be honest in answering this but provide assurance you will stay at the company and not leave immediately. A strong reason to stay in Japan long-term will be appealing.

What is Your Reason For Changing Jobs?

Japanese: 転職される理由は何ですか。(tenshoku sareru riyuu wa nandesuka)

Why: Japanese companies are cautious of candidates who change jobs frequently. They are looking for credible answers as to why you want to leave your current job or why you have changed jobs in the past.

Tip: Speak honestly while avoiding anything negative about your past or current employers. Focus on the positives instead, such as that you want to gain new skills and challenge yourself or that you want more opportunities to speak Japanese.

Please Tell Us About a Time You Struggled at Work.

Japanese: 失敗した経験について教えてください。(shippai shita keiken ni tsuite oshiete kudasai)

Why: This is a behavioral question about how well you face and overcome issues in a work environment.

Tip: Explain the background of the specific situation briefly, the goal you were working toward, the actions you took to address the problem, and the outcomes of your actions.

What is Your Desired Yearly Income?

Japanese: 希望の年収はどのくらいでしょうか (kibou no nenshuu wa dono kurai deshou ka)

Why: The employee wants to understand your perception of your value as an employee and whether your self-worth fits in with what they have budgeted for the position. This gives both parties a starting point for negotiating a salary.

Tip: To answer this question it’s best to give an answer within the range on the job listing. You can share your previous annual salary and justify your desired yearly income by emphasizing the new qualifications or licenses you’ve gained.

See the full list of basic Japanese job interview questions here.

Extra Tips

In addition to the etiquette above, here are a few more pointers to help you navigate your interview smoothly and impressively in a Japanese corporate setting.

Avoid Speaking While Bowing: Refrain from speaking while bowing; always complete your sentence before bowing to maintain smooth communication and show respect.

Keep the Table Clear: Do not place anything on the table, including your arms, to maintain a tidy and respectful environment during the interview.

FAQs

How fluent must I be in Japanese to pass a job interview?

Japanese companies may prefer candidates who have passed the higher levels of the JLPT, but it depends on how well you communicate during your interview.

What documents do I need to bring to the job interview?

Bring a copy of your resume 履歴書 (rirekisho), alien registration card 在留カード (zairyuu ka-do) and pen and paper.

How should I handle salary negotiations?

Salary negotiations in Japan are typically more reserved than in Western countries. It is often best to wait for the employer to discuss the topic. if the topic comes up, don’t be presumptuous. Be polite and express your flexibility and understanding of the company’s standard practices.

Is it normal to go through three interviews in Japan?

It is the standard. You’ll often meet heads from different departments. Usually, they’ll see your resume for the first time, so you should prepare to answer the same questions and be detailed.

How should I handle questions about my weaknesses or failures?

In Japan, answering such questions with humility and honesty is important while emphasizing what you have learned from these experiences and how you have improved. Demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to self-improvement is valued.

What role does group dynamics play in the interview process?

In some Japanese companies, group interviews are common. These are designed to observe how well candidates interact with others, demonstrate teamwork, and communicate effectively in a group setting. It’s important to be collaborative and respectful and to show your ability to work well with others.

Related articles

• Japanese Interview Guide
• Basic Japanese Job Interview Questions
• Winging It: 5 Keys to Navigating Your First Job Interview in Japanese
• Japanese Job Interview Etiquette
• Interviewing Tips: Getting a Job in Japan

Contracts

A proper labor contract should have the following points written down:

1. The period of the labor contract
2. Renewal process in case of a fixed-term employment contract
3. Working place and duties
4. Overtime work
5. Working hours or shift hours and change, including breaks, days off and leave
6. Salary
7. Reasons for dismissal, retirement or non-renewal

You may ask for clarification or translation if you cannot understand some parts of your contract.

Paid holiday

Granted leave days by weekly working time

Working hours

Make sure to ask about your working hours and if this includes meetings, briefings and ceremonies. Any time your job requires you to be on location should be paid — it is illegal to schedule you to do something without pay, even if it is just being in the office. Ask for an example schedule before committing to anything.

Be sure to check the legal minimum hourly wage set by region by the Ministry of Health, Education and Welfare of Japan.

Workers rights

Under Japanese law you are entitled to:

1. A workplace free of discrimination against foreign nationals, gender or age.
2. Clear written indication of working conditions, such as a contract that specifies your wages and working hours.
3. Freedom from forced labor, through blackmail or coercion.
4. Be able to give notice of departure without paying a penalty fee.
5. Protection from being fired:
   • For being sick, unless you are absent from your job for thirty (30) days due to the illness
   • For being married, pregnant or requesting maternity leave
   • For organizing a labor union
   • For whistle blowing.
6. Thirty (30) days notice of dismissal.
7. Payment of wages (the pay must be at least the hourly minimum wage for your prefecture).
8. Working hours totalling no more than 44 hours a week, with at least four days off per month.
9. Extra pay for overtime, holiday work and work after midnight.
10. Annual paid leave of 10 working days (consecutive or spread) after being employed for six months.
11. Return of outstanding wages and other property after leaving a company.
12. Compliance with all health and safety regulations, including the right to the employment insurance (except for employee already covered by any overseas employment insurance), health insurance and employee pension insurance system enrollment.

Illegal contract practice

1. An employer cannot make a contract which specifies in advance a sum payable to the employer for either:
   • Breach of contract (resignation, dismissal or contract expiration)
   • Company material property damages.
2. An employer cannot offset your salary payment against advances of credit as a work condition.
3. An employer cannot hire an employee for less than the legal minimum hourly wage set by region by the Ministry of Health, Education and Welfare of Japan.

What are Black Companies?

Things to look out for in the early days of a new job if you think you’ve been hired by a black company (burakku kigyou, ブラック企業):

• Not getting a visa straight away

Yes, it can take time to process a visa, but your company should send off the paper work as soon as possible. It is important to note your visa will be linked to your place of employment but that does not mean your boss can revoke it. Only the immigration bureau can revoke your visa —and only if you break the law. If you are fired, it is still not revoked, you are allowed three months to find a new job before that happens. Threatening to take visas away from foreign workers upon being fired is not within a company’s power.

• Being paid under the table

This is done to avoid taxes but can cause problems for you later on when you have to pay your residency tax. If the numbers of your bank account and your pay stubs don’t add up you could be accused of tax evasion.

• Creating a new bank account in your name for you

Following on from the previous point, some bosses have managed to convince workers to create a new bank account in their name that the company then controls. This is definitely not legal and a terrible abuse of workers. No bank accounts, apartment leases or property of any kind property should be registered in your name by another party. This is done to shift the tax burden from them to you. You could end up paying tax for earnings you never see, or worse have your name be used to accumulate debts you didn’t know about. It is much better to handle your own finances, no matter what anyone at your work might say.

• Experiencing work harassment (pawahara, パワーハラ)

One of the most common abuses that people have to deal with at work is harassment, including physical abuse, mental abuse, segregation, invasion of privacy and too much or too little demand. Power harassment is using your superior position to force employers to work beyond their contracts — or do anything not spelled out in your job description (or worse). This is basically bullying. Your boss controls your employment, but they don’t control your life. An employer should not be making you do anything other than contracted work.

• Experiencing sexual harassment (sekuhara, セクハラ)

The hardest thing to complain about, but the most serious. Sexual predators are the same, no matter the country or language. You should not have to deal with any behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. There are not many resources to help with these situations here, but there is a counseling service available from the Ministry of Justice. Often, the best course of action is to report the perpetrator and leave these jobs, never looking back.

Labor unions

You have the right to organize, use and contact a labor union for matters of improving or protecting your work conditions.

Labor unions you can join or contact in Japan:

Consultation services

If you have any concerns about labor contract or conditions, paid holiday, working hours, dismissal, compensation or general labor union law, you can contact the following institutions:

Work culture

Business card exchange

The exchange of business cards, called meishi koukan (名刺交換), is a formal self introduction with the aim of remembering the other person’s name and role to aid future correspondence. Especially in Japan, it demands more care and attention to the process than is usually found in western countries.

The most important points to remember:

• The highest ranking people exchange cards first
• Give and receive cards using both hands
• Ensure the card is turned towards the receiver
• Keep received cards on display for the duration of the meeting in receiving order
• Treat the cards you receive with respect (no writing, no folding)

For perfectionists, here are the full steps for exchanging business card in Japan like a pro:

• Prepare the number of cards you will need to exchange
• Place your business cards on top of your business card holder
• Make sure your cards are facing towards the receiver so that they can read the text
• If you have a bilingual card, ensure the correct language of the receiver is facing up
• Use your right hand to offer your card, holding it by the top corner
• Ensure no names or logos are covered up when you offer your card
• Hold the business card holder in your left hand

What to say when you exchange

When you give you card you should introduce yourself as you offer your card with a phrase like the one below. Be sure to mention your company and your name.

When receiving the other person’s card, it’s common practice to confirm their name and say thank you for the card, as below:

In a meeting

Arrange cards on top of the card holder or on the table in the seating order.

The standard practice is to keep the card on display for the duration of the meeting (or until a suitable time comes up), usually by placing it on top of the card holder on the table.

In the case of receiving several cards, you should arrange them left to right in the order of seating, as seen from your own point of view. The purpose of this is to learn the names of the people you are speaking to and to show respect. After all, the business card is the face of the other person!

After-hours drinking parties

In Japan, drinking after work is considered part of the job for Japanese salaryman. These parties can be a blast and are often good team-building affairs. It is advised to go especially if you’re a new employee.

However, in most cases, your coworkers will be totally fine with you not drinking, by politely declining each time, and you have nothing to worry about.

How to read a Japanese payslip

You should receive a paper or an electronic wage slip from your monthly salary payment by your company. Your net salary will consist on your Earnings – Deductions. Wage slips may differ from one company to another but here is a kanji cheat sheet to decode your salary in Japan.

Average salaries in Japan

Average yearly salary in Japan by industry (2016 data from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication)

Average monthly salary in Japan by industry, average age, year of service, male/female (2016 data from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication)

References