Interviews are nerve-wrecking for everybody but more so for an international student not as familiar with the Japanese language. To help you out, we’ve prepared this article covering the As to Zs of part time job interviews in Japan - frequently asked interview questions, what to prepare for the day itself, the flow of the interviews, and manners/greetings to mind.
First Published: 2022-06-17
Updated: 2024-04-24
Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Interview Questions to International Students
- Finish Preparations the Day Before Interview
- The Big Day, Flow of Part Time Job Interview
- Find Part Time Jobs in Japan with WeXpats
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Frequently Asked Interview Questions to International Students
Most interviews for part time jobs start with self-introduction. Other simple questions include: your reason for applying, what work conditions you are looking for, and your strengths and weaknesses. For international students, “What made you want to study in Japan?”and “What do you like about Japan?” are also commonly asked.
To prepare for the interview (so you don’t panic or freeze up), let’s go through the main parts of the interview including questions that may come up. We also recommend doing a practice session or simulation before your interview.
Self Introduction (自己紹介 Jiko Shoukai)
Very important as it allows the interviewer to get an understanding of you. You will be usually asked about the following, so think carefully before answering.
- Full Name
- Country of Origin
- Reason for Studying Abroad
- Reason for Choosing Japan to Study Abroad
- Strengths and/or Weaknesses
- Japanese Level and Understanding
By answering these questions, the interviewer can evaluate your personality, enthusiasm for the job, and your Japanese capabilities. That said, if you cannot understand or missed what the interviewer had said, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat by politely saying,
“もう一度お願いします。”
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
- One more time please.
Being polite and honest goes a long way when presenting your best self to the interviewer.
Reason for Application (志望動機 Shiboudoki)
This part of the interview is where you can most yourself to the interviewer. Try to keep your answer short but concise, basically summarize your thoughts and deliver it in a way the interviewer can best understand your reasons and motivation for applying.You will usually be asked the following.
- Reason for Applying for the Part Time Job
- How Would You Like to Work
- What You Think About the Business/Product/Service
- What You Think About the Company/Shop
Note:
“特にありません。”
Toku ni arimasen.
which means “nothing in particular” is not a good answer when being asked about your aspirations. It may give the interviewer a bad impression that you have low motivation to work or don’t care where you work, which also means you don’t really care about the job or their business.
You don’t need to think too hard about how to answer these questions. Simple but well-meaning answers like “I like the food in this shop”, “I’m really interested in this company’s products”, or any similar answer are good enough as long as it shows sincerity.
More importantly, avoid linking your reason for application with work conditions as the interviewer may think that “this person might quit when there’s a part time job with better conditions available…”
Examples of Good Reasons for Application
The following are common shiboudoki that international students give when applying for part time jobs. Have a look and feel free to use as reference.
ー To Improve My Japanese ー
私は将来日本で働きたいと考えています。
Watashi wa shourai nihon de hatarakitai to kangaete imasu.
- I’m thinking of working in Japan in the future.
現在日本語学校で勉強中ですが、実際に日本人と話す機会がほとんどありません。
Genzai nihongo gakkou de benkyou chuu desuga, jissai ni nihonjin to hanasu kikai ga hotondo arimasen.
- I’m currently studying in a Japanese language school but there’s not many chances to actually speak with a Japanese person.
アルバイトを通じて日本のマナーや基本的な言葉づかいを学び、日本人の方と話す機会を増やしたいと思い応募しました。
Arubaito wo tsuujite nihon no manaa ya kihonteki na kotobazukai wo manabi, nihonjin no kata to hanasu kikai wo fuyashitai to omoi oboushimashita.
- I applied because I wanted to learn Japanese etiquette and basic words/sentences, and also increase opportunities to talk with Japanese people.
正しい日本語を覚えて仕事でも活躍できるように頑張りたいです。
Tadashii nihongo wo oboete shigoto demo katsuyaku dekiru youni ganbaritai desu.
- I will do my best to learn proper Japanese as well as work hard at this job.
TIP: If you have previous part time working experience in your home country, you can add this before the last sentence above:
母国で一度◯◯のアルバイトを経験しているので、すぐに仕事を覚えられると思います。
Bokoku de ichido ◯◯ no arubaito wo keiken-shiteiru no de, suguni shigoto wo oboerareru to omoimasu.
- I have experience working part time as a ◯◯ in my home country, so I believe I can pick up the job fast.
ー To Gain Experience for My Future ー
日本で観光に関わる仕事に就くため、日本の大学で日本語と観光学を学んでいます。
Nihon de kankou ni kakawaru shigoto ni tsuku tame, nihon no daigaku de nihongo to kankougaku wo manandeimasu.
- I am studying Japanese and tourism in a Japanese university to get a tourism related job in Japan.
日本語もだいぶ上達してきたので、観光客の多いこちらのお店で接客の経験を積みたいと思いアルバイトへ応募しました。
Nihongo mo daibu jyoutatsu shitekita no de, kankoukyaku no ooi kochira no omise de sekkyaku no keiken wo tsumitai to omoi, arubaito e oubou shimashita.
- My Japanese has improved a lot, so I wanted to gain experience serving customers and applied for a part time job at this shop which receives many tourist customers.
私は日本語以外に英語と中国語が話せます。
Watashi wa nihongo igai ni eigo to chuugokugo ga hanasemasu.
- I can speak English and Chinese in addition to Japanese.
アルバイトでも役立てられると思いますので、ぜひ働かせてください。
Arubaito de mo yakudaterareru to omoimasu no de, zehi hatarakasete kudasai.
- I think it (languages) will come in useful even for part time jobs, so please allow me to work.
ー To Earn Money ー
日本語学校へ通っているのですが学費を親に負担してもらっています。
Nihongo gakkou he kayotteiru no desuga gakuhi wo oya ni futan shitemoratte imasu.
- I am attending a Japanese language school, but my parents pay the tuition fees.
できる限り自分で学費を用意したいと思いアルバイトを探していました。
Dekiru kagiri jibun de gakuhi wo youi shitai to omoi, arubaito wo sagashite imashita.
- As much as possible I want to pay for my own school fees and so I looked for a part time job.
ここは自宅から徒歩5分で雰囲気も良いので、学校帰りによく立ち寄っています。
Koko wa jitaku kara touhou go-fun de fuinki mo ii no de, gakkou gaeri ni yoku tachiyotte imasu.
- This place is a 5 minutes walk from my home and has a nice atmosphere so I often drop by on the way home from school.
アルバイトをするならここが良いと考えていたので、募集を見てすぐに応募しました。
Arubaito wo suru nara koko ga ii to kangaete ita no de, boshuu wo mite sugu ni oubou shimashita.
- If it’s to work part time, here would be a good place, is what I thought so I applied immediately after seeing the recruitment post.
長く働きたいと思っていますので、よろしくお願いします。
Nagaku hatarakitai to omotte imasu no de, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
- I am thinking of working for a long time, so I look forward to working with you.
Specific Working Conditions (勤務条件 Kinmu Jyouken)
To prevent a mismatch of working conditions and expectations, questions about specific working conditions will always be asked during the interview. As an international student, your maximum working hours is 28 hours / week, so think about what working conditions you are willing to subject yourself to based on that. Some common questions include:
- When can you start working?
- How many hours a day, and how many days a week can you work?
- How will you commute to work, and how long does it take?
- How long are you planning to work this part time job?
When deciding on the working conditions with your interviewer, pay attention to work study balance and restriction on working hours. There are interviewers who do not know about international students' working hours limit so make sure to let them know.
Also, take note that you can work up to 8 hours / day to a maximum of 40 hours / week during your school’s stipulated long term vacations, e.g. winter and summer vacation.
Length of Stay in Japan (在留期間 Zairyuu Kikan)
If you plan to work long term at a part time job, the interviewer may ask how long you can stay in Japan. Your period of stay is written on your Resident Card (在留カード Zairyuu Kaado) so just show that to the interviewer (also to show as proof).
IMPORTANT: Overworking (not following the work hours limit) may get you deported regardless of your remaining period of stay. Your employer will also be penalized for illegal employment. Something to keep in mind if you want to, or your boss wants you to, work more than allowed.
Writer's Pick
Finish Preparations the Day Before Interview
Complete preparations for your interview the day before. This gives you ample time to get ready and prevents last minute stress and panicking.
What to Wear
First impressions are key to a successful interview. Not dressing well gives off a sloppy and uncaring impression. Generally for interviews in Japan it is better to wear a suit, but for part time jobs, casual clothing may be acceptable depending on the place.
For Part Time Jobs at Offices, Hotels, and Similar Places
For part time jobs at more professional settings, it may be more appropriate to wear a suit. Pick a black or navy coloured suit that’ll give off a clean impression. Iron your suit the day before the interview.
For Part Time Jobs at Konbini, Restaurants, and Similar Places
For part time jobs at more casual settings like izakayas, family restaurants and the like places, wearing a suit will be overdressing so casual clothing is more appropriate. Still, you should look clean and sharp with no flashy designs and colours, no skimpy clothing, no mini-skirts and no wacky hairstyles. For a better idea of acceptable casual attire:
Tops:
Collared shirt, blouse, knitwear, etc.
- Solid colours or simple subtle patterns.
Bottoms:
Plain trousers, knee-length/long skirt, jeans.
- Skirts should cover the knees, and no torn jeans.
Shoes:
Simple sneakers, leather shoes, low heeled pumps.
- No open-toed shoes or slippers.
What to Bring
There’s quite a few things you need to bring so have a decent sized bag ready. Avoid stuffing things in your pockets as it will ruin your look with bulky pockets and lack of a clean cut figure. Recommended items you should pack in your bag are:
- Personal Identification (Resident Card, Student Card)
- Resume / CV
- Stationery
- Wallet
- Mobile Phone
- Portable Charger
- Memo Pad
- Pocket Tissue
- Handkerchief
Depending on the season, other items like deodorant, heat pack for your pockets, folding umbrella, etc. should also be brought. For women, it’s a good idea to bring your makeup pouch, sanitary goods, and spare stockings just in case. What bag you bring and the shoes you wear will also be evaluated as part of your outfit, so choose a calm colour with a simple design.
NOTE: Complete Employment Procedure on the Day Itself
There are cases where you can immediately know the results of the interview and get hired on the spot. In that case, though not always the case, it may be good to bring your My Number Card, bank book, and hanko (depending on the place) to complete the procedure.
Think About Your Answers
Interview practice or just preparing answers to questions you expect to be asked in advance will make you more prepared and less nervous for the interview. This is quite a piece of cake as most (if not all) the questions are standard.
More importantly though is that the interview will all be in Japanese, so having your answers (in Japanese) prepared in advance is crucial for a smooth interview.
Check Your Schedule
Once your part time job interview is scheduled, check your schedule for these important things:
- The earliest date you can start
- The days you can work
- The hours you can work
Write the info down in a memo pad or key in your phone to bring it in the interview so you can quickly respond when asked about specific working conditions.
TIP: Hourly wages are higher at certain times - late night shift, early morning shift, weekend shift, etc. Calculate and plan your part time job schedule to work and earn more efficiently.
The Big Day, Flow of Part Time Job Interview
Do not be late!
Arrive for the interview at the appropriate time and keep your manners in check.
15 Minutes Before is the Best Time to Arrive
The best time to be at the interview location is 15 minutes early. When you arrive, give your appearance a quick check (hair OK, clothes OK) before entering the shop, office, etc. Greet the staff at the reception or store and politely and clearly say,
「アルバイトの採用面接に参りました。◯◯と申します。 担当の◯◯様と◯時の約束です。お取り次ぎをお願いいたします。」
Arubaito no saiyou mensetsu ni mairimashita. ◯◯ to moushimasu. Tantou no ◯◯-sama to ◯-ji no yakusoku desu. O-toritsugi wo onegai itashimasu.
- I’m here for a part time job interview. My name is ◯◯. I am to meet the person-in-charge ◯◯-sama at ◯ o’clock. I’d appreciate if you could let them know.
It’s fine if you cannot remember the name of the person in charge, just mention your name, the promised time, and that you are there for a part time job interview. Also, if the above is too difficult to remember, you can use this shorter simpler version,
「アルバイトの面接に参りました。◯◯と申します。 ◯時の約束です。よろしくお願いいたします。」
Arubaito no mensetsu ni mairimashita. ◯◯ to moushimasu. ◯-ji no yakusoku desu. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
- I’m here for a part time job interview. My name is ◯◯. The promised time is at ◯ o’clock. Please take care of me.
Manners when Entering・Leaving Interview Room
This differs from place to place, as there are some places that will require you to wait outside or in a separate room until your turn to interview.
Manners when Entering
1. When your turn comes, knock thrice on the door.
2. Wait for the interviewer to call out "Douzo" for you to enter. Enter the room and clearly say
「失礼します。」
Shitsureshimasu.
- Excuse me/Pardon me.
3. Bow once facing the interviewer and close the door gently.
4. Approach the chair prepared for you. Before sitting down, greet and introduce yourself, and bow.
「◯◯です。本日はよろしくお願いします。」
◯◯ desu. Honjitsu wa yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
- I’m ◯◯. Thank you for your time today.
5. When prompted to sit down, say 「失礼します。」again before taking a seat.
6. Sit upright with your legs together, and palms down on top of your lap. The interview will commence.
Manners when Leaving
1. When the interview is over, say your goodbyes with,
「本日はありがとうございました」
Honjitsu wa arigatou gozaimashita.
- Thank you for today.
2. Stand up and adjust the chair back to its original position.
3. Bow respectfully at the interviewer and head to the door.
4. Say「失礼します。」again before leaving the room, shutting the door gently behind you. You may also bow once more after passing the door threshold before closing the door.
5. Mind your manners until you leave the building making sure to greet staff (your future colleagues perhaps) you meet on your way out.
Use Polite Speech with -masu / -desu
It is important to listen intently to what the interviewer is saying but equally important is what wording you use when speaking. As an international student, you are not expected to know perfect Japanese or Keigo (敬語 honorific speech) but you should at the very least end your sentences politely using -desu / -masu.
Avoid using slang words like bucchake (ぶっちゃけ) and maji (まじ) that come across as brazen or even rude. To add on, you should use wakarimashita (分かりました) and hai (はい) instead of ryoukaishimashita (了解しました) or naruhodo (なるほど).
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