Job hunting requires a lot of patience and persistence, including in countries with great opportunity such as Japan. However, there are definitely means that one could resort to in making it easier to get a job there. Here are some tips to consider while looking for a job in Japan.
Table of Contents
- “Looking for the best fit!”
- “How about the process?”
- “Remember these!” - Tips about culture and Japanese level
- Summary
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
“Looking for the best fit!”
Japan offers a variety of jobs - from industry to occupation type and so on. What kind of job are you looking for?
Part-time jobs
There are lots of part-time jobs being offered in Japan in all kinds of industries. Foreign students are allowed to have a part-time job, which can be a great fund source for their personal bills and everyday allowance. Convenience stores, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other shops are the main channels to offer jobs at a flexible working schedule, especially when you are a student.
Full-time jobs
There are certain types of visas that allow foreigners for full-time job placements. The people who are able to get full-time jobs and the accompanying work visa have almost always graduated from university in their home country. People with exceptional Japanese language proficiency have higher chances of finding a better career. You can be a university teacher, a full-time language teacher, a recruitment consultant, IT project manager, business analyst, and other high-paying jobs that could make you earn millions of yen annually.
Researching for a good company
As the home of some of the largest companies globally, Japan will need a large workforce to keep its economy growing. This only means that you have a good opportunity to look for companies that could be your ground to show and enhance your skills at the same time.
For example, 7/11, being one of the largest retail company in Japan, with over 21,000 outlets, could be a great option for your part-time job search. This convenience store is in demand of staff to operate each store, and you could be one of them. Other big companies include FamilyMart and Lawson.
※Seven Eleven, “Locations”
If you are searching for a full-time career, IT companies in the country are in need of computer experts, especially from other countries. Other industries like automotive and electronics are in need of engineers, and if you happen to be one, you could apply in this field. Also, Tokyo has lots of investment banks searching for foreign financial experts. And of course, if you are from a native-English speaking country, many people go the English-teaching route for the first couple of years to get adjusted before applying for something in their field of expertise - some say this is a smoother route.
Assess your compatibility
Searching for a job is not merely browsing the internet and scrolling through the salaries being offered. Yes, Japan is in need of foreign workers, but your skills should match the following job description in order to render good service to the company you are going to work for. Assessing yourself first is a must before picking up an opportunity, because if you don’t, then it is not an opportunity at all. Being immersed in an environment where you can completely apply your passion allows a healthy and positive life. To do so, it’s important to read about not only the company and job, but also living in Japan, not just traveling. After all, committing to life in Japan is very different than going to tourist attractions over a short period of time.
Writer's Pick
“How about the process?”
Getting yourself hired is not always easy. Here are some tips about how to do it and then the next steps to follow such as preparing the documents needed for your visa application.
Secure your networks
There are various ways you can find a job in Japan. Several agencies, as well as Japanese companies, open overseas job fairs for foreign applicants. They are specifically in need of fresh graduates who can assist them, hands-on, in their company. Check if any are being held in your country. And if you are one of those who just finished college or a student in Japan, you have a high chance to get a job through the help of the university career guidance network, or even guaranteed to attend job fairs meant for fresh graduates! Contact your university alumni or career support department to assist you in the matter. And of course, the internet is a great option to browse through job sites. There are a few specifically geared towards foreigners.
Closing an employment contract with your prospective employer
If you are applying from overseas, forwarding the needed documents for your working visa application to your employer first must be strictly followed for them to secure you the Certification for Eligibility. Also, signing your employment contract is essential because certain documents from the company are needed when you apply for a working visa.
Visa requirements
Foreigners must abide by the following requirements in order to secure a visa.
The following are the appropriate visa requirements needed:
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Regular work visa - this is eligible for instructors, technical laborers, artists, and other regular professions that intend to work for a certain degree of time. Issuance of the visa would take about 5 days at your nearest Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan, amounting to 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa, or 6,000 yen otherwise.
※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "Visa Processing Time" ※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "Visa Fees"
Documents needed to apply for a working visa:
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Certificate of Eligibility- this is usually handled by your employer, obtained through the Immigration Services of Japan, but you should wait for three months or more to be issued one as your employer has to send it to you once it’s been issued.
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A valid passport and passport-sized pictures
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Any document that proves your education
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Documents with your company details
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Visa Application Form
If you have a proper work visa, you are allowed to work for three months up to five years, depending on your type of work and company contract.
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Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa - unlike the regular work visa, this offers a longer duration and more stable job opportunity. However, you must qualify as a highly skilled professional.
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Japan Working Holiday Visa - this is issued to nationals who live in a country who have an agreement with Japan to allow citizens of both countries to work on holiday in the other country. This one is different from the above two as you can search for a job once you’re in Japan.
※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "Working visa" ※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "Work or Long-term stay"
“Remember these!” - Tips about culture and Japanese level
Working culture in Japan (punctuality and professionalism)
Once you are hired from the position you applied for, keep in mind to follow the working rules religiously. Arrive earlier than expected and maintain a sense of teamwork with your co-workers.
The Japanese are generally humble in nature. Being nice at all times is a part of their quality customer service, which you will be expected for the most part to imitate.
Japanese language proficiency test
Though fluency in Japanese is not necessary for some workplaces, having a scope of the language is an advantage and can even lead you to a higher, full-time, stable position.
Evaluating your language proficiency using the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is a must if you want to acquire better job opportunities in the industry. Practicing a lot is necessary for you to secure an N2 certificate, needed by most employers in the country hiring foreigners, to serve as an attestation that you are good at communicating.
N1 - the highest level to possibly obtain. It takes a lot of listening and reading skills to pass this level
N2 - as mentioned, required by most working stations
N3 - having a basic comprehension of topics in daily situations. This level is probably what is expected for certain part-time jobs.
Very few jobs where you will be expected to use Japanese will allow any level lower. But if you have an English speaking job, working your way up from an N5 so you can make a job change is advised.
※ Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, "N1-N5: Summary of Linguistic Competence Required for Each Level"
Making the most out of it through an effective recruitment
As the saying goes, ‘’the first impression lasts’’. Be sure to exercise a confident facade when you are preparing for a job interview for the first time. This has a great impact on your career outlook. Language skills, while of course important, are often overrated criteria in a workforce where many foreigners are looking for jobs, and there are other things that will also be taken into consideration. Enthusiasm, and having a clear intention in your goals in Japan can take part in the benchmark.
Compatibility is the most essential standard in the industry. You will be filling a strange position where you will always stand out as being a foreigner but will also be expected to conform to the Japanese workplace culture. That dissonance causes discomfort and irritation for some, so asking yourself if you can handle this, or whether the company you are applying to is more global in many aspects including work culture is something you shouldn’t forget to do.
Summary
Searching for job vacancies in Japan could manifest as a stressful moment in your life, with lots of supporting documents to secure, but the end result may be worth it. Letting your hands open the doors of a better life could light your path to success, and the only way you can do it is to allow yourself to take courage and take the first step. If you’ve wanted to work in Japan, the opportunity is knocking; Japan's door is open for foreigners like you!
