Japanese Job Interview Tips: Key Etiquette and Questions for Foreigners
Table of Contents
1. Tips for Japanese Job Interviews
2. What should you be mindful of during Japanese job interviews?
3. Japanese Interview Etiquette You Should Remember
4. Common Types of Interviews in Japan
5. Questions Frequently Asked in Japanese Interviews
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Tips for Japanese Job Interviews: Important Etiquette and Key Questions to Remember
Japanese job interviews have unique rules and etiquette, causing many foreigners seeking employment in Japan to feel anxious. If you attend an interview without understanding these cultural differences, you may feel confused and struggle to succeed. This article introduces important etiquette and common questions to know before attending a Japanese job interview. Read on to prepare yourself confidently for interviews in Japan.
What should you be mindful of during Japanese job interviews?
Pay attention to the unique culture!
Japanese interviews are quite different from those in foreign countries. If you approach them with a foreign mindset, you might make significant mistakes. For example, in Japan, teamwork is crucial, so being able to communicate well with others is highly valued. Additionally, interviews in Japan tend to be longer. On the other hand, in foreign countries, skills and experience are emphasized, and interviews are generally shorter.
It’s important to understand these differences in priorities between Japanese and foreign interviews. Some foreigners may find Japanese interviews “troublesome,” but understanding Japan’s unique interview culture is essential for working here. Think of it as an important step in adapting to the company’s culture, and approach it with a positive attitude.
Japanese Interview Etiquette You Should Remember
Next, we will introduce the etiquette you should remember for Japanese interviews. These are particularly important manners, so be sure to keep them in mind.
・Dress appropriately
In Japanese interviews, appearance is very important.
Generally, you should wear a suit, and choose black or dark brown for your shoes and bag. Make sure your hairstyle is neat, and aim to give a clean and tidy impression.
・Pay attention to your facial expressions and speaking style
When speaking, don’t forget to smile. It’s important to speak with a lively voice, make eye contact with the interviewer, and speak politely. Don’t start talking while the interviewer is asking a question or explaining something.
・Maintain proper posture and be polite
When sitting down, keep your back straight, place your hands on your lap, and maintain a polite posture.
・Handle business cards with care
・Never be late
In Japan, it is very important to be punctual. Arrive at the interview location 30 minutes early and complete the check-in process 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
・Don’t let your guard down outside the interview room
Your behavior outside the interview, not just during it, may also be evaluated. If you pass by someone from the company in the hallway, give them a slight bow. In the waiting room, avoid using your smartphone and wait quietly.
・Use proper Japanese
When speaking, use polite language, and make sure to answer questions in correct Japanese. Japanese language proficiency is a key factor that companies value.
Common Types of Interviews in Japan
In-person interviews in Japan can be broadly divided into individual interviews and group interviews.
・Individual Interview Points
In Japanese interviews, your manners are checked not only when entering or leaving the room but also throughout the process. Practice knocking on the door, greeting at the right time, and sitting down after obtaining permission in advance to get accustomed to the etiquette.
・Group Interview Points
The basics are the same as individual interviews, but be careful not to speak while other candidates are talking. If there is a group discussion, it is important to participate actively.
・Online Interview Points
Recently, more companies have been conducting interviews online. During an online interview, make sure that your internet connection is stable, and pay attention to your background, camera quality, and microphone.
Questions Frequently Asked in Japanese Interviews
Japanese interviews tend to be long, and many questions may be asked. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions in Japanese interviews.
・”Please introduce yourself briefly.”
Mention your name, age, country of origin, education, work experience, reasons for applying, and your strengths, summarizing it in about one minute.
・”Why do you want to work in Japan?”
This question is to gauge your motivation for working in Japan. Simply stating that you like Japan is not an appropriate answer, so be cautious. Clearly explain your interest in Japan’s technology and culture, as well as how you want to leverage your experiences in Japan for your personal growth.
・”What did you study in university? And why?”
Think about how it relates to the job you are applying for. Explain the reason you chose your field of study and the themes of your research in detail.
・”Please tell us about your previous jobs (work experience).”
Describe your job responsibilities and positions held, including specific achievements and numerical results. If you have multiple work experiences, be prepared to explain each job in detail.
・”Please tell us about a successful experience in your previous jobs.”
Provide a specific example, explaining how you tackled the challenge and the results you achieved, including any numerical data.
・”Please tell us about a failure you experienced in your previous jobs.”
This question assesses your attitude towards failure. Explain the cause of the failure and the specific actions you took to address it.
・”What is your reason for changing jobs?”
If you have changed jobs before, you may be asked about your reasons for doing so. Prepare for this question in advance. Negative reasons can leave a bad impression, so try to explain your reasons positively, such as career advancement, new challenges, or improving your expertise.
・”Why did you apply for this job?”
Express your enthusiasm for the job by mentioning how you resonate with the company’s values and how your skills can contribute to their initiatives.
・”What do you want to do after joining the company?”
Discuss how you plan to leverage your previous experiences to contribute to the company’s goals and projects.
・”What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Keep your answers focused by highlighting specific strengths and weaknesses. Avoid mentioning too many, as it can dilute your message. When discussing weaknesses, ensure that you present them in a way that shows self-awareness and a plan for improvement, rather than implying you have no weaknesses.
・”Do you have any career plans for the future?”
Break down your career goals into short-term, mid-term, and long-term objectives. Provide specific details and explain how they align with the company’s direction and vision.
・”How long do you plan to stay in Japan?”
In Japan, there’s a cultural expectation of long-term commitment to one place of employment. If your stay is too short, the company may hesitate to hire you, so be mindful of this when answering.
・”Do you have any questions?”
Prepare a few questions in advance about the company. If you respond with “no questions,” it may give the impression that you lack interest in the company.
Summary
Japanese job interviews have unique cultural aspects compared to those in other countries, so it’s important to review the rules and etiquette in advance.
When applying for a job at a Japanese company, you should not only understand Japan’s unique culture but also focus on improving your Japanese language skills, preparing well-structured documents, and paying attention to various other details to make a positive impression.
At Enuncia, we offer employment support services tailored for foreigners who wish to work in Japan.
If you feel anxious about Japanese job interviews, we encourage you to try our support services.
