Job Hunting Guide for

International Students

Student Exchange Department

Exchange and Follow-up Division
2-2-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8630 Japan
Independent Administrative Institution
Phone +81-3-5520-6033 Fax +81-3-5520-6034
Japan Student Services Organization
 Contents

How to Conduct Job Hunting Activities

To Job-hunting Students Status of the Employment of International Students
What Japanese Companies Expect

Preparing for Job Hunting Activities

Self-analysis and Evaluation
At last, you are about to go out into the world on your own with the memory of meeting
Examining Industries
various people and having many experiences.
Examining Jobs
The products and services around you that you give little thought to in your daily life have
been provided by "working people." Applications
Applications
From now on, you are going to be a "working person," and your personal strength will be Internships
transformed into the strength that establishes society. Your work will not be limited to Japan, Open Seminars
but will influence the entire world. Application Forms
Company Briefing Sessions
Visiting Alumni
Thorough preparation is required for you to find a job that motivates you and a workplace that
Job Hunting Manners ❶ "Favorable Job Hunting Styles"
enriches your life. It takes courage to jump into a new world. You may also be a bit worried.
From Screening Tests and Job
Offers to Joining a Company
Many former international students say that job hunting was a good opportunity to re-
Written Tests
examine themselves and develop various skills. It's important for you to stick with it even Interviews
when you meet difficulties along the way. Job Offers to Joining a Company
Job Hunting Manners ❷ "Manners to Make A Good Impression"
Now take courage! We sincerely hope that this booklet will show you the way to your dream.
JASSO is always here to support you. Changing Your Status of Residence
Application for Change of Status of Residence
Preparing Required Documents
Job Hunting Activities after Graduating

Job Hunting Reports

How to Conduct
Job Hunting Activities
The keys are when you start and information gathering!
Begin job hunting activities early and acquire enough information to allow you to act efficiently.
This is the key to successfully finding employment in Japan.
First, let's look at what you need to do and when you need to do it.

Schedule to succeed in job hunting

July August September October November December January February March April May June

Self-analysis
and evaluation Examine industries / Examine jobs

Participate in internships and open seminars

Request information Fill out (The peak starts around December. Application forms can be
and start applications application forms Write a resume
acquired beginning around October, depending on the company.)

Company briefing Visit

sessions alumni

Written tests and aptitude tests

Interviews and group discussions

Provisional job offers are issued. (Official job offers are usually issued beginning
in October.) Some companies may issue official job offers at this time.
Register yourself on pre-employment ● October 1: Register yourself on
information websites. employment information websites.

■ Books and
Information sources ■ University career center ■ Newspapers informational magazines ■ Internet ■ Public Offices See page 65.

・Corporate recruitment ・Japanese social trends ・Industry trends ・Corporate recruitment ・Job-opening information cards
and content to be information (economics and politics) ・Screening test preparation information not available at university
・List of graduates ・World affairs ・Information from recruiting ・Requesting information and ・Internship information
gathered companies
・Individual counseling on ・Job hunting trends starting applications ・Information for foreign nationals
finding employment for the current academic year ・Kaisha Shikiho (Japanese ・Applying for seminars ・Individual counseling on finding
Company Handbook) and
・Job hunting reports from ・Opinions from various people ・Word-of-mouth information employment
Gyokai Chizu (Map of the
former international students
Business World)
Status of the Employment of What Japanese Companies Expect
International Students Before starting your job hunting activities, it is important to know what Japanese
companies expect of international students. Let's examine the companies thoroughly.
In the last decade, the number of international students has nearly doubled, reaching 123,829
as of May 1, 2008 (according to Independent Administrative Institution Japan Student Services Why Japanese companies hire Because we want to secure excellent human resources
regardless of their nationalities
Organization). international students Because we want them to contribute to our business
At the same time, in 2008, 11,789 foreign nationals (international students, etc.) with a resident visa When asked the reason for hiring globalization
status of "College Student" or "Pre-college Student" applied for a change of status of residence for international students, companies that had Because we need to use foreign language(s) for our work
Because we want to bring in skills and ideas
the purpose of employment in Japanese companies. Of these, 11,040 were approved. (See the figure hired international students in the past unique to foreign nationals
below.) This number is showing an increasing trend every year, but it is still difficult for international frequently responded, "We want to secure Because we cannot gather high-level human resources in
students to find employment in Japan. excellent human resources regardless of Japan
their nationalities." This was followed by, Because we can lower personnel costs by
■ Changes in the number of applications from international students intending to work "We want them to contribute to our business employing foreign nationals
globalization" and "We need to use foreign Other
language(s) for our work." The reasons for No specific reason
hiring international students correspond to
diversity strategies and globalization.

Future roles expected of We regard them as being at the same level as

general Japanese employees
Number of applications international students Specialized human resources in charge of
Nearly 50% of all companies other than transactions with overseas parties
Specialized human resources that
Number of visas approved those that hired foreign nationals to utilize
utilize advanced skills and technologies
their characteristics and companies that
Number of visas denied Management personnel at overseas offices
had a higher ratio of conducting business Management personnel in charge of
overseas, regarded their foreign employees managing the entire company/company group
as being at the same level as other Japanese Other
employees. No response
Heisei9 Heisei10 Heisei11 Heisei12 Heisei13 Heisei14 Heisei15 Heisei16 Heisei17 Heisei18 Heisei19 Heisei20

From The Employment of International Students by Japanese Companies in 2008: Level of Japanese language skills
Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice required of international students
Industries and job content at places of employment 68.8% of all respondent companies A level sufficient to write reports,
indicated, "A level sufficient to write business letters and other documents
The following tables show types of employment for international students, etc. Let's take a reports, business letters, and other A level sufficient to conduct business operations
documents." 26.2% responded, "A level A level sufficient to carry out easy daily conversation
moment and think what type of job field you want to be in and which field suits you. Japanese is almost never necessary
sufficient to conduct business operations."
No response
■ Composition ratio by industry ■ Composition ratio by job content In short, the majority of companies (95%)
Commerce/trading Translation/interpretation
require Japanese language skills to be
Computer Sales/marketing beyond the level of daily conversation. From Survey of Work Done by International Students at Japanese Companies, June 2009:
Education Information processing The Japanese Institute for Labour Policy and Training

Non- Finance and insurance Overseas work The image of international

manufacturing Transportation Education students Companies which have employed international students (A) Image gap
Travel Technology development Companies which have never employed international students (B) (A) (B) (A) – (B)
Civil engineering/construction Design On one hand, companies have a positive Loyal
Hotels and inns Trade work image of international student employees, Cooperative
Restaurants Management/administrative work A wide international perspective
viewing them as being motivated to work
Health care Research studies Highly motivated to work
and having skills and a wide international
Other Accounting work High level of skills
International finance
perspective. On the other hand, they Clear career awareness
Machinery
Electronics Patterning
view them as lacking in cooperativeness, Assertive
Food Public relations/advertising loyalty, and Japanese language proficiency. Lack in Japanese language skills
Manufacturing Transportation equipment (automobiles, etc.) Other Retention is also a problem. Low retention
Textiles/clothing Unfamiliar with Japanese-style employment practices
Chemicals From The Employment of International High level of demands for labor conditions
Metals/iron and steel Students by Japanese Companies in 2008:
Other Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice From Survey of Hiring of International Students at Japanese Companies, March 2008:
The Japanese Institute for Labour Policy and Training
 Self-analysis and Evaluation

Self-analysis and Evaluation

Job hunting starts with self-analysis and evaluation
Self-analysis and evaluation involve once again asking yourself questions regarding your strong and
weak points, preferences, expertise, skills, interests, future hopes and dreams, values, and outlook on
life, then organizing your thoughts.
In other words, self-analysis and evaluation will let you know your unknown real character by gazing
back over your past, reflecting on your current self, and visualizing your ideal future self.

Examining Industries
Preparing for ■ Objectives of self-analysis and evaluation

❶ To choose a suitable job for you

Job Hunting Activities ❷ To skillfully make yourself appealing in application forms, resumes, and interviews

Examining Jobs
■ When to analyze and evaluate yourself
First, you need to analyze and evaluate yourself in order to conduct job hunting activities in an
Self-analysis and Evaluation efficient manner. You also need to review and rethink your analysis and evaluation while conducting
job hunting activities.
Job hunting starts with self-analysis and evaluation
■ How to analyze and evaluate yourself

Examining Industries As shown in the figure below, let’s start with reflecting on yourself from various angles.
Which industry has the job that I want?
Reflect on yourself as an

Examining Jobs
Get to know yourself individual, as part of a family,
in the past, present, at school, at club activities, at
and future. a part-time job, and in the local
Learning the reality of jobs and required skills community.

Think about your strong points

Analyze yourself from
and what you are good at, your
your own perspective
weak points and what you are not
and from that of
good at, and your preferences,
others.
interests, and values.

If you lightly think, "I can change jobs if the company I join does not suit
me," you will end up wasting a lot of time, energy, and money. In fact,
nearly 30% of university graduates in Japan resign from their first jobs
within three years after joining a company.
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
■ Self-analysis and evaluation sheet and points to be checked ■ Getting to know yourself as an international student

Why are you studying in Japan now? Why do you want to work in Japan in the future? Let’s take a
Present (past/future) me in the eyes of myself (others) moment to reflect on yourself, including your relationship with your home country.
Strong points Weak points
and what I and what I What I like
What I Interpersonal
Interests
Values □ When did you become interested in Japan?
am good at am not good don’t like relationships (priorities)
at
□ Why did you decide to study in Japan?
As an □ Why did you decide that you wanted to work in Japan?
individual
□ Why did you decide that you didn't want to work in your home country?
As part of

Examining Industries
a family □ Which Japanese climate and customs can’t you accept?
At school □ What did you feel was good about studying in Japan?
At club
activities
At a part-time job ■ Checking basic competencies of members of society
(company)
In the local The basic competencies of employees refer to 3 competencies and 12 competency elements that
community are required at workplaces and in local communities. While analyzing and evaluating yourself, you
As shown above, create a sheet for analyzing and evaluating yourself and fill out each cell using
should reflect on yourself using the following indicators as a reference to find out whether you have

Examining Jobs
your own words. In addition, let’s create sheets with different timelines and perspectives, such as these competencies and what you need to acquire them.
"past me," "future me," and "me in the eyes of others" based on responses from various people. Competency to move forward (action) Competency to think things through (thinking)
~Competency to move forward and remain
~Competency to think things through critically~
persistent even when encountering failure~
What are my strong/weak points? Why What do I like about the city that I live
do I think so? in? What do I dislike about it? Independence Competency to tackle matters
Issue discovery
Competency to analyze the current
willingly state to discover goals and issues
What do I contribute to my family? Am I a sociable type? Am I shy?
Competency to approach and Competency to clarify and prepare
What do I burden my family with? Approach Planning a process for resolving issues
What is my role in my family? involve others
Which subjects am I good at? What are Competency to set goals Competency to create new
Who do I always hang out with at Executive Creating
my areas of expertise? Which subjects and act steadily value

am I not good at? school? Who don’t I get along with?

In what area am I better than others in What type of role do I usually play in the club?
the club? In what areas am I unable to Competency to work in a team (teamwork)
How are interpersonal relationships at my
compete with others in the club? ~Competency to cooperate with a variety of people for a common goal~
part-time job?
Which skills can I utilize at my part-
Do I interact with people in my local community? Competency to communicate one’s opinions in an
time job? What am I not good at? Communication
understandable manner
What are the good aspects of my What am I interested in? What is Competency to listen carefully to the
Listening
reputation in the community? What are important in my life?
opinions of others

the bad aspects? Flexibility

Competency to understand
What do I value in my relationship differences in opinions and positions
What do I like? What do I dislike? with my family? Situational Competency to understand one’s relationship
assessment with the surrounding people and things
What do I like about my family? What Which field or type of study am I interested Competency to adhere to social rules
Discipline
do I dislike about them? in? What is important to me? and keep promises to others
Competency to respond to the
What type of friend and teacher do Stress control
Which club activities am I interested in? source of one’s stress
I like/dislike? What is important to me?
Excerpt from the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Which activities do I like/dislike in the
What am I interested in at my part-time job?
club?
What is important to me? In addition to the self-analysis and evaluation techniques listed above, let’s
Which work do I like at my part-time utilize aptitude tests on employment information websites and books on self-
Why did I choose to live in the city that I live
job? Which work do I dislike? analysis and evaluation.
in now? What are the important elements?
Examining Industries

Self-analysis and Evaluation

Consumers

Which industry has the job that I want?

The first step in job hunting is to know what types of jobs are available in Japan.
To do this, you need to study what industries make up the Japanese business community. Distribution and
retailing
Let's find out which industry offers the field of work you're looking for. Department Specialty
stores stores Mail order

Examining Industries
※Reference: Nikkei Gyokai Chizu (Nikkei Map of the Business World),
Kaisha Shikiho Gyokai Chizu (Kaisha Shikiho Map of the Business
World), etc.
Mass media

TV Magazines

Manufacturers Selling goods to

general consumers

Raw materials

Examining Jobs
Products Adding value to
information
Information and
communications
Manufacturing
products

Components Materials Creating

information paths Services

Transportation Warehouses

Lend money required for

business operations

Repay with
interest Trading companies Selling intangible goods
Finance Specialized General

Obtaining profits by
processing money Trading goods to
sell to corporations
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
Manufacturers Trading companies
The key is the capacity to create a variety of products in a timely manner! Trading professionals connecting people with corporations and
corporations with corporations

Main industries Main jobs and job types Main industries Main jobs and job types

Examining Industries
■ Food ■ General affairs, human resources, and labor･･･P20 ■ General trading companies ■ General affairs, human resources,
and labor･･･P20
■ Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20 ■ Specialized trading companies (agriculture,
forestry, and fisheries) ■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20
■ Construction ■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20
■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20 ■ Specialized trading companies (food) ■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20
■ Housing and interior design
■ Advertising and public relations･･･P20 ■ Specialized trading companies (housing) ■ Trade clerk and overseas clerk･･･P20
■ Textiles, pulp, and paper
■ Research studies and marketing･･･P21 ■ Specialized trading companies (textiles and ■ Research studies and marketing･･･P20
■ Chemicals and petroleum apparel)
■ Planning and product development･･･P21 ■ Planning and product development･･･P21
■ Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics ■ Specialized trading companies (pulp and
■ Corporate planning･･･P21 paper) ■ Planning and product development･･･P21

Examining Jobs
■ Iron, steel, and mining ■ Sales･･･P21
■ Specialized trading companies (chemicals, ■ Corporate planning･･･P21
■ Metals and nonferrous metals ■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21 pharmaceuticals, and petroleum)
■ Sales･･･P21
■ Rubber, glass, cement, pottery, and ceramics ■ Basic research･･･P22 ■ Specialized trading companies (rubber, glass,
and cement) ■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21
■ Machinery and plant engineering ■ Applied research and technology development･･･P22
■ Specialized trading companies (iron, steel, and ■ MR･･･P23
■ Electronic and electrical equipment ■ Production and manufacturing technologies･･･P22 metals)
■ Quality, production management, ■ Pharmacist･･･P23
■ Automobiles and transportation equipment 　 and maintenance･･･P22 ■ Specialized trading companies (machinery)
■ Medical technician and nurse･･･P23
■ Precision and medical equipment ■ Architectural and civil engineering design, ■ Specialized trading companies (electronic and
　 surveying, and cost management･･･P22 electrical equipment, communication equipment, ■ Nutritionist･･･P23
■ Printing and office equipment and game products)
■ Construction management･･･P22 ■ Welfare worker, care worker,
■ Other manufacturers ■ Machinery and electronic equipment design･･･P22 ■ Specialized trading companies (precision and and home helper･･･P23
medical equipment)
■ MR･･･P23 ■ Nursery school teacher･･･P23　etc.
■ Specialized trading companies (printing, office
■ Pharmacist･･･P23 supplies, and office equipment)
■ Medical technician and nurse･･･P23 ■ Specialized trading companies (sports and
■ Nutritionist･･･P23 everyday items)

■ Welfare worker, care worker, and ■ Specialized trading companies (education)

　 home helper･･･P23
■ Mail order and Internet sales
■ Nursery school teacher･･･P23 etc.

　　Manufacturers support the Japanese economy and Japan as producers of various goods. There are 　　From buying and selling products at stores to purchasing oil, natural gas, or other energy resources,
all sorts of manufacturer. They can be divided into many industries according to what they produce. For trading companies serve as channels between corporations and consumers, as well as between
example, there are automobile manufacturers who produce cars, electronics manufacturers who produce corporations.
TV sets, PCs, mobile phones, and other devices, and food manufacturers who produce instant noodles, 　　There are two prominent types of trading company: general trading companies that handle diverse
snacks, beverages, etc. In addition to producing daily goods that are familiar to us, manufacturers also products ranging from ramen to airplanes, and specialized trading companies that only handle specific
produce materials, such as lumber and iron, which are used to produce semi-conductors, electronic products, such as food, textiles, and fuel. The former feature comprehensiveness and the latter
components, houses and automobiles. expertise. Each employs business know-how acquired through doing business globally. They also have
　　Society has prospered and is now filled with goods of every type. Consumers desire products an abundance of internationally minded human resources because of their partnerships with overseas
that are more convenient, have higher quality, and provide greater novelty. Development capacity companies. In addition to acting as business intermediaries, trading companies have broken into market
is more important to individual manufacturers today as adding higher value has become the key to development, business management, and other areas in recent years.
competitiveness.
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
Finance Services
Whether in surplus or shortage, Providing intangible goods to create a prosperous life
the "lubricant of the economy" supporting Japan

Main industries Main jobs and job types Main industries Main jobs and job types

Examining Industries
■ Banks ■ General affairs, human resources, ■ Real estate ■ General affairs, human resources,
　 and labor･･･P20 　 and labor･･･P20
■ Securities and investment trust management ■ Transportation, distribution,
■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20 ■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20
■ Credit, loans, and leasing 　 and warehousing ■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20
■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20
■ Life insurance ■ Electricity, gas, and energy ■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20
■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20 ■ Advertising and public relations･･･P20
■ Accident insurance ■ Food services
■ Planning and product development･･･P21 ■ Planning and product development･･･P21
■ Credit unions ■ Hotels, travel, and sightseeing
■ Corporate planning･･･P21 ■ Corporate planning･･･P21
■ Labor credit associations ■ Medical, welfare, and care services ■ Sales･･･P21
■ Sales･･･P21

Examining Jobs
■ Credit associations ■ Leisure services ■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21
■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21 ■ MR･･･P23
■ Finance and venture capital ■ Consulting and research
■ Financial advisor･･･P24 ■ Pharmacist･･･P23
■ Business finance ■ Human resources and outsourcing
■ Exchange dealer and trader･･･P25 ■ Medical technician and nurse･･･P23
■ Consumer finance ■ Education ■ Nutritionist･･･P23
■ Loan and financial planner･･･P25
■ Mutual aid associations ■ Building management and maintenance ■ Welfare worker, care worker,
■ Security analyst･･･P26 　 and home helper･･･P23
■ Commodity exchange ■ Security
■ Nursery school teacher･･･P23
■ Actuary･･･P26　etc.
■ Ceremonial functions ■ Lecturer and instructor･･･P23
■ Beauty, cosmetics, and hair dressing ■ Business consultant･･･P23
■ IT consultant･･･P24
■ Agricultural cooperatives
■ Specialized consultant･･･P24
　(including JA financial institutions)
■ Financial advisor･･･P24
■ Nonprofit, special, and independent, ■ Translator･･･P24
　 administrative institutions ■ Interpreter･･･P24
■ Sales staff and attendant･･･P25
■ Other services
■ Buyer･･･P25
■ Esthetician･･･P25　etc.

　　Money is required as an intermediary for the functioning of an economic society which is built on the 　　"Services" is a financial term that refers to intangible goods, such as utility and satisfaction, which
cycle of production and consumption. The term "finance" refers to this flow of money, and it advances do not leave any commodities remaining after their sale or purchase. Businesses that handle such
money from those with a surplus to those experiencing a shortage in order to adjust temporary deficiency goods are called service industries.
and excess. 　　There are many service industries in the world. For example, we use transportation and traffic
　　Japanese financial institutions include public sector financial institutions whose objectives are services, such as trains and airplanes, and leisure services, such as amusement parks and movie
economic development and stability of national life. They also include private sector financial institutions theaters. If we want to eat delicious food, we use food services, such as restaurants and cafes, to
that engage in indirect financing of loan corporations with funds (accumulated in the form of deposits) and relax. In addition, we use medical services when we are injured or sick. Service industries seek the
direct financing of intermediate trading of stock certificates and bonds. In addition, there are credit and loan convenience and satisfaction of consumers to make their lives richer.
companies, as well as lease companies for lending store equipment.
　　The finance industry has undergone a series of restructurings and has continued to show high activity
in the past ten years or so. Such activity includes the emergence of comprehensive financial groups with
various industries under their umbrella.
 Information and

Self-analysis and Evaluation

Distribution and retailing communications
Technological progress has dramatically evolved society, making information
The architect of a consumer society connecting producers and consumers
and communications a hot stock with many possibilities for new business

Main industries Main jobs and job types Main industries Main jobs and job types

Examining Industries
■ Department stores ■ General affairs, human resources, ■ Software and information processing ■ General affairs, human resources,
　and labor･･･P20 　and labor･･･P20
■ Supermarkets ■ Communications
■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20 ■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20
■ Convenience stores ■ Internet technologies
■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20 ■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20
■ Distribution and chain stores ■ Communications business services
■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20 ■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20
■ Home centers ■ Data communications
■ Advertising and public relations･･･P20 ■ Planning and product development･･･P21
■ Consumer cooperatives ■ Game software
■ Planning and product development･･･P21 ■ Corporate planning･･･P21
■ Drug stores
■ Corporate planning･･･P21 ■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21

Examining Jobs
■ Specialty stores (general)
■ Sales･･･P21 ■ Programmer･･･P27
■ Specialty stores
　(cameras and office automation) ■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21 ■ System engineer･･･P27
■ Specialty stores ■ Pharmacist･･･P23 ■ Network engineer･･･P27
　(glasses and precious metals)
■ Sales staff and attendant･･･P25 ■ Customer engineer･･･P27
■ Specialty stores (food)
■ Store manager･･･P25 ■ System maintenance and operation･･･P27
■ Specialty stores (electrical equipment)
■ Supervisor･･･P25 ■ System consultant･･･P27
■ Specialty stores (fashion and clothing)
■ Buyer･･･P25　etc. ■ Sales engineer･･･P27
■ Specialty stores (automobiles)
■ Customer support･･･P27
■ Specialty stores (books and music)
■ Game creator･･･P26　etc.
■ Specialty stores (interior design)

■ Specialty stores (other retail)

■ Mail order

　　The flow of products from production to consumption is called "distribution," and businesses that 　　The appearance and rapid progress of communications tools, such as mobile phones and the
sell products to consumers are called "retailers." Internet, have made our lives significantly more convenient. We can now order what we want from
　　The key to retailing is quickly understanding the constantly changing needs of consumers and online shops and use search engines to acquire a variety of information about things we want to know.
accurately responding to them. Retailers include specialty stores, such as electronics retail stores, You could say that this has all been made possible by innovative information technology (IT).
where special product knowledge and an extensive range of products are offered to provide a wide 　　Telecommunications carriers are largely divided into two categories: primary telecommunications
variety of selections. Retailers also include convenience stores, which have become the new retailing carriers with their own communication lines, and secondary telecommunications carriers which provide
style, and mail order businesses which are growing rapidly through Internet sales. On the other hand, services using lines leased from primary telecommunications carriers.
supermarkets and department stores, which have supported consumption in Japan since the period 　　In addition to simply designing software, the software industry has recently begun consulting
of rapid economic growth, are constantly facing the demand to develop new business categories and services for their customers. Information and communications industries offer significant possibilities for
markets while they seek sales styles and methods meeting the needs of the times. new business opportunities and are expected to grow further.
 Examining Jobs

Self-analysis and Evaluation

Mass media Learning the reality of jobs and required skills
Communicating information to audiences as the flag-bearer of the
information society as it faces the need for change The many and various jobs that exist in the world have been categorized into nine occupation groups.
This chapter describes the individual groups and their job content.
Main industries Main jobs and job types
［List of occupation groups］
■ Newspapers

Examining Industries
■ General affairs, human resources,
■ Publishing
　and labor･･･P20
■ Finance, accounting, and treasury･･･P20
Clerical and administration
■ Broadcasting General affairs, human resources, and labor Finance, accounting, and treasury
■ Legal affairs, screening, and patents･･･P20 Legal affairs, screening, and patents　 Distribution and inventory control
■ Advertising Trade clerk and overseas clerk　Clerk, secretary, and receptionist
■ Clerk, secretary, and receptionist･･･P20
■ News service agencies
■ Planning and product development ･･･P21
Planning
■ Corporate planning･･･P21 Advertising and public relations Research studies and marketing Planning and product development
Corporate planning
■ Sales･･･P21

Examining Jobs
■ Sales promotion and merchandising･･･P21

■ Announcer･･･P24
Sales
Sales (mainly new customer development) Sales (mainly existing customers) S a l e s p r o m o t i o n a n d
■ Editing and production･･･P26 merchandising
■ Reporter and writer･･･P26
■ Designer･･･P26 Technologies and research
Basic research　　Applied research and technology development　　Production and manufacturing
■ Game creator･･･P26　etc.
technologies　　Quality, production management, and maintenance　　Architectural and civil engineering
design, surveying, and cost management　　Construction management　　Machinery and electronic
equipment design

Specialized
MR　　Pharmacist　　Medical technician and nurse　　Nutritionist　　Welfare worker, care worker, and
home helper　　Nursery school teacher　　Lecturer and instructor　　Business consultant　　
IT consultant　　Specialized consultant　　Financial advisor　　Translator　　Interpreter　　Announcer

Sales and services

Sales staff and attendant　　Store manager　　Supervisor　　Buyer　　Esthetician

　　The term "mass media" collectively refers to newspaper companies, news service agencies, Finance
publishers, broadcasters, advertising agencies, record companies, production companies, and Exchange dealer and trader Loan and financial planner Security analyst Actuary
freelance journalists.
　　They communicate a large amount of information to a multitude of people. This characteristic of
the industry has resulted in significant impact on opinion-making. Newspapers have attained a high
penetration rate through delivery service, and are representative of media, playing a role as an opinion
Creative
leader in Japan. TV stations can be divided into two main categories: NHK (Japan Broadcasting Editing and production Reporter and writer Designer Game creator
Corporation) and commercial TV.
　　In recent years, the entire industry has been faced with a wave of digitization owing to the
development of digital books that can be read by downloading them onto a digital terminal, and the IT
appearance of Internet broadcasting, banner advertising, and in-game advertising. Accordingly, their Programmer　　System engineer　　Network engineer　　Customer engineer
business model is on the verge of dramatic change. System maintenance and operation　　System consultant　　Sales engineer　　Customer support
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
Research studies These occupations involve the study of market trends. Individuals in

Clerical and administrative

these occupations use the results of their studies to develop sales
and marketing strategies for products and services and to develop new products. In
addition to products, they analyze advertisements, sales strategies, and
These occupations require contact with all employees, including executives. They support important distribution channels, etc., in a comprehensive manner.
decision-making for companies, such as developing corporate frameworks and recruitment, in order to
enhance business efficiency and improve the workplace environment. Planning and These occupations involve understanding the needs of customers in order
to create products that sell well. Individuals in these occupations repeatedly
product development create prototypes and conduct monitor surveys to develop distribution
General affairs, These occupations support various departments inside companies.
channels and sales strategies. Collaboration with research divisions and
General affairs personnel organize workplace environment, operate in-
human resources, and house events, and communicate various messages, etc. Human resources production divisions is indispensable, because those are the organizations
labor personnel support new employee recruitment, education, and other that actually commercialize products based on targets set for pricing, etc.

Examining Industries
manpower-related operations. Labor personnel manage employee working
conditions and arrange for items related to benefits and social insurance.

Corporate planning Corporate planning personnel utilize their expertise in corporate planning
Finance, accounting, These occupations involve work related to money used in corporate activities. to support presidents, executives, and other members of top management.
Finance and accounting personnel manage money that their company receives
and treasury and spends each day and create documents to be submitted to in-house
They have many opportunities to associate with management and are
entrusted to make important decisions affecting the future of their company.
departments, shareholders, and related government offices. Treasury personnel
conduct budget and account settlement operations, and in some cases, are
responsible for implementing duties in accordance with corporate strategies.
What you You need to have the ability to collect, organize, and analyze information and grasp
should do trends. You also need to be able to get things done in order to actualize ideas. You

Examining Jobs
Legal affairs, Legal affairs personnel are in charge of legal clerical work in overall
while in should use activities inside and outside school to develop communication skills
corporate activities. They also contact and consult with corporate lawyers.
screening, Screening personnel check the legality of various contracts arising during school
and the ability to propose ideas. It is also important to develop thinking skills while
planning events, writing reports, or pursuing graduation work.
and patents the execution of business. Patent personnel apply for and register new
products and technologies, and file lawsuits when patents are violated.

Distribution and Individuals in these occupations use information systems to

Sales
comprehensively control processes ranging from placing orders and
inventory control procuring materials to inventory control and product delivery.

Trade clerk and Individuals in these occupations are in charge of customs procedures,
Individuals in these occupations target companies and individuals to propose and sell company products and
making declarations, arranging for couriers and warehouses, and making and
overseas clerk collecting payments in order to support the smooth import and export of goods services. They listen and respond to customers' demands in order to acquire the trust of the customer, which
leads to sales. They also formulate and lead systems to produce profits.
Clerk, secretary, Clerks are in charge of a broad range of work, including handling phone
calls and entering data, as well as buying goods and performing general
and receptionist affairs work relating to benefits. Secretaries are required to perform Sales (mainly Individual sales representatives visit homes to introduce and sell
work ranging from managing the schedule for their supervisor to taking company products, while corporate sales representatives visit
care of their supervisor's daily affairs. Receptionists are in charge of new customer companies to obtain contracts. New customer development involves
attending to visitors and directing them to the relevant locations. development) visiting companies/individuals inside an assigned area.

What you These occupations provide support to ensure the smooth execution of corporate
business operations, and involve coordination of the movement of people, goods, Sales These sales representatives target regular customers and client
should do companies. It is fundamental for both individual and corporate sales
while in
money, and information. You should become a director of your seminar class (mainly existing representatives to establish trust with their customers. In addition, they
or group to gain experience being responsible for operating an organization or
school group, and to develop skills for preventing/solving problems and managing others.
customers) are required to proactively gather information, etc., and make cutting-
edge proposals, based on a relationship of trust.

Planning
Sales promotion Sales promotion personnel assist in setting goals for each division,
office, or sales representative, developing tools and providing data.
and merchandising Merchandising personnel communicate product characteristics and other
information to sales channels to provide ways to effectively sell products.
These occupations are required at all types of company. Individuals in these occupations plan and develop new
products and devise sales strategies. The results of the work conducted by individuals in sales occupations directly
What you affect the sales of their company. Building trust is important in maintaining
Advertising To promote the sale of products and services and to enhance corporate should do a good relationship with newly developed and existing clients. As a way
image, advertising and public relations personnel communicate financial while in to train yourself to carefully listen to what others say, you should develop
and public relations results, corporate activities, and other company information to the world. communication skills and the ability to accurately understand the other party's
school
The work is conducted with cooperation with advertising agencies. demands. It is also useful to build a wide network of personal connections.
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
Technologies and research Specialized
These occupations involve researching new technologies and creating products in These occupations only exist in specific industries. They require advanced skills and specialized knowledge
collaboration with sales and production divisions, within set schedules. of individual fields. In many cases, one of the criteria for you to get a job is having specific qualifications
or certification.

Basic Basic research personnel develop new areas with the expectation
of creating an advantage in the future. In many cases, they conduct MR MR is an abbreviation for "medical representative." They represent
research joint research with universities and public institutions. In the medical pharmaceutical companies and communicate the efficacy and
supply field, joint research with overseas groups is also prominent. It is characteristics of the pharmaceuticals manufactured by their company

Examining Industries
necessary to have foresight to see in which industry area the research to doctors and other medical staff.
theme that one is involved in will become useful.
Pharmacist Pharmacists dispense medications in accordance with prescriptions issued
by doctors. Their job also has an aspect of the service industry because
Applied research and Applied research personnel use the results of basic research to conduct
they give instructions and advice to patients and customers on how to take
research that will lead to specific technologies/products. Technology
technology development personnel aim to establish technologies to effectively
medicine, such as informing them about possible side effects and allergies.
development produce and provide company products and services.
They also order pharmaceuticals and control their inventory.

Production and Production and manufacturing technologies personnel are in charge of Medical technician There are several types of medical technician, including "medical
technologists" who examine specimens, "clinical radiologists" who diagnose
work ranging from planning and designing production lines, selecting and nurse

Examining Jobs
manufacturing individual equipment, and determining specifications, to installing and and treat patients using radiation, and "clinical engineers" who operate
technologies maintaining equipment. Within a team, they jointly conduct operations and maintain artificial organs. Nurses are in charge of health and hygiene
with a division of roles, such as electricity, machinery, and controls. management and treating the diseases of the elderly and other patients.
Today, as production of multiple models has become mainstream, the
role of manufacturing technology engineers is becoming more significant.
Nutritionist Nutritionists are in charge of improving and providing counseling regarding
the diet of their patients or customers. Their duties include instructing cooking
staff, managing hygiene at food service facilities, calculating calories, and
Quality,production Quality personnel plan inspections and check the actual sites to prevent
problems in the manufacturing process. Production management personnel creating menus. In addition, nationally certified senior nutritionists, a higher
management,and control production in accordance with business plans and instructions from sales ranking of nutritionist, conduct nutritional counseling at special care facilities
maintenance representatives. Maintenance personnel inspect and maintain production lines. under license from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Welfare worker, Welfare workers provide consultation and care related to welfare, to those
Architectural and Architectural and civil engineering design can be largely divided
care worker, who have disabilities or difficulties in performing normal daily activities.
into three categories: "housing" for individual homes and apartment
civil engineering buildings, "other architecture" for office buildings and large stores, and and home helper
Care workers assist the elderly and physically-challenged in developing
independence, and give advice on how to provide care. Home helpers visit
design, "civil" for parks, roads, and tunnels. Surveying involves determining the the homes of the elderly and physically-challenged to provide services.
surveying, topography of sites. Cost management personnel calculate and manage
and cost management budgets related to construction work.
Nursery school Nursery school teachers substitute for parents in providing instructions
on general daily living in accordance with the age of the children at
Construction Construction management personnel execute control over construction teacher nursery schools, preschools, etc. In recent years, the scope of their
and civil engineering work, and act as field foremen. Their job content
management varies depending on the content of construction work and the scale of
work has been expanding into day-care centers inside department
stores, leisure facilities, and companies.
the project. They arrange for workers, control quality, and also manage
schedules. In the case of large buildings or civil engineering work, they
sometimes coordinate with subcontractors.
Lecturer and The job content of these occupations varies. In the case of a private
tutoring school, for example, lecturers and instructors mainly work to
instructor improve the academic ability of their students and give advice on how
Machinery and They are the core of commercializing machinery and electronic equipment to pass entrance exams for the schools each student wants to attend.
manufactured by electronic equipment manufacturers and machinery
electronic manufacturers. They fully utilize CAD to ensure design that is advanced
In the case of providing education to working adults, lecturers and
instructors can be responsible for teaching classes in a school setting.
equipment design and stable in functionality and is also user-friendly and beautiful. They can also visit companies to conduct employee training. There are
also sports instructors who provide instruction at sports gyms.
These occupations place importance on accurate and effective performance of
What you work and specialized knowledge in product development and realization. Your Business consultant Business consultants act as advisers to business managers and give advice on
should do attitude should be one that motivates you to deeply pursue what interests you. management issues from an objective standpoint. They also clarify issues and
while in It is also useful to acquire qualifications and licenses to enhance your expertise. problems regarding businesses, human resources, and systems, to formulate
school You should learn research methods that are in accordance with demands through improvement plans and to suggest procedures to execute such plans.
report writing and other work based on materials and data.
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
IT consultant IT consultants are expected to provide consulting that is directly Sales staff and Sales staff and attendants attend to customers at department stores,
connected to management. Such consulting services include things supermarkets, mass retailers, and individual specialty stores. They
such as acting as an advisor for the implementation of a new system
attendant introduce products according to the customer's taste. They also devise
at a computer manufacturer, drawing up tentative IT strategy plans, ways to encourage customers to visit their stores by preparing direct
analyzing results, and establishing systems, and outsourcing their marketing, flyers, and product lineups suited to their customer base.
operation.

Store manager Store managers comprehensively oversee the operations of stores,

Specialized In recent years, as consulting areas have expanded, specialized including store organization, human resources, inventories, and sales
consultants have emerged to provide advice and instructions on how to management. While educating and instructing part-time workers and
consultant improve business operations meeting the needs of individual industries, sales staff, they are also required to find ways to increase profitability.
such as finance, distribution, and medicine. Also, there are consultants

Examining Industries
who are involved with a specific operation at a company, such as sales,
patents, or taxation business. Supervisor Supervisors work with businesses such as supermarkets, mass
retailers, convenience stores, restaurants, and fast food restaurants,
managing multiple locations. They monitor store operation from the
Financial advisor Financial advisors are consulted on and give advice on the management
of the assets of individual customers (deposits and savings, insurance,
aspects of sales and management, and if necessary, they provide
instruction.
securities, real estate, etc.), land use, inheritance issues, and other
related general financial topics.
Buyer Buyers analyze trends and the preferences of consumers to procure
products and raw materials to be placed on store shelves. They search
Translator Translation jobs in Japan involve correctly converting original foreign out and create goods in accordance with their company concept
text into Japanese using accurate expressions. Literary translation deals or goods having characteristics that will allow them to differentiate
with novels, children's books, and other publications, and audio-visual themselves from competitors.

Examining Jobs
translation involves providing subtitles for movies and TV dramas from
overseas. Business translation is conducted in technical fields, such
as IT and medicine, and in companies, for the translation of contracts, Esthetician Estheticians listen to how their customers want to look, and their
reports, etc. worries, and give advice on how to maintain beauty. They also perform
body care, nail care, and slimming treatments. In addition to being in
charge of technical aspects and attending to customers, they are also
Interpreter Interpreters perform simultaneous or consecutive interpretation. Their entrusted with salon management depending on how long they have
job is to support communication between Japanese and foreign people. been in the business.
Simultaneous interpretation refers to providing interpretation at the same
time as a speaker is talking, and consecutive interpretation refers to providing
interpretation in batches. Business interpretation is used in inter-business The ability to build relationships of trust is important in jobs that involve selling
transactions and other business operations, conference interpretation is What you products and services to individuals or companies. You should learn how to
should do accurately understand the demands of the other party and how to propose
used in international conferences, and broadcasting interpretation is used to solutions or plans. It is also important to always train yourself to carefully listen
provide interpretation for dual-language broadcasting on TV. while in to what others say and to build networks with people beyond the boundaries of
school the university.

Announcer Announcers use their voice and words to communicate information to

many people. In addition to working in TV, they sometimes perform as
radio personalities and MCs for events.

What you
should do
These occupations exist in specific industries and require advanced and
specialized knowledge. Your attitude should be one that motivates you to deeply
Finance
pursue what interests you. It is also useful to acquire qualifications and licenses These occupations are only available in the finance industry. Individuals in these occupations utilize their
while in to enhance your expertise. As a way to train yourself to carefully listen to what advanced special knowledge of economics trends, stock markets, and financial products in order to operate funds
school others say, you should develop communication skills.
and the capital of individuals and corporate customers.

Exchange dealer Exchange dealers buy and sell Japanese yen and foreign currencies on
behalf of their customers to produce marginal profits in exchange rates.
and trader Traders understand the trends of bonds and stock prices and provide

Sales and services

related information to customers. Their job is to receive orders from
customers to buy or sell, then transmit those orders to dealers.

These occupations involve selling products and providing services at department stores, specialty stores, and Loan and financial As specialists in fund management, loan and financial planners earn
mass retailers. Individuals in these occupations also understand consumer needs and promptly propose products, profits based from funds that are entrusted to them. Loan planners
planner bankroll their company funds at financial institutions, such as banks.
grasping overall trends to allow them to formulate sales strategies.
Financial planners invest assets in securities and bonds to earn a margin.
 Self-analysis and Evaluation
Security analyst Security analysts analyze the future of industries or individual

IT
companies and stock price trends based on their wide range of
knowledge of economics, industries, and the world. Some security
analysts flourish on their own while others work at insurance companies
or in the asset management divisions of ordinary companies.
With the development and spread of information and communication technologies, there is an increased demand
for computer system engineers at computer companies and other companies.
Actuary This refers to insurance actuaries. Individuals in this occupation utilize
a high level of statistical expertise to provide mathematical support
to allow insurance companies to maintain sound management while
setting adequate premiums and insurance payments for each insurance
subscriber.
Programmer Programmers follow specifications to create computer programs. Their
job includes creating flow charts to determine process procedures,
coding for entering programs, and confirming operations.

Examining Industries
Since specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of finance is required,
What you you should maintain a high level of interest in economic news. You should
should do acquire the ability to collect, organize, and analyze information through your
while in participation in team seminar or group activities. You should also acquire the System engineer System engineers grasp the goals and demands of customers and
design systems accordingly. This occupation requires the ability to listen
school ability to quickly grasp information and to understand the meaning of new
to others, propose ideas, and otherwise communicate.
movements.

Network engineer Network engineers develop systems that are specialized for networks
within computer systems. Currently, the utilization of networks between

Creative
locations inside and outside companies, and between companies and
consumers, is a significant theme for corporate strategy. Accordingly,

Examining Jobs
network engineers are receiving particular attention among IT
occupations.
These occupations are involved with artistic works or product creation. Communication skills are required to
explain ideas to customers. Some individuals in these occupations flourish on their own while others work in
the production divisions of ordinary companies or production companies. Customer engineer Customer engineers lecture on how to operate systems and hardware
so that customers can effectively use computer systems. They also
perform regular inspections and respond to problems.

Editing and Editing and production personnel create print media, such as magazines
and books, and Web content, etc. They multitask to conduct a variety of
production work, including making plans, arranging for staff, making appointments System System maintenance personnel regularly inspect computer systems,
and adjust systems in accordance with the replacement of computers or
for on-site reporting, and coordinating plans with sales representatives. maintenance peripheral devices. System operation personnel are system operators.
and operation
Reporter and writer Newspaper reporters are employed by newspaper companies. Their job
System consultant System consultants provide expert advice and planning when
is to learn how to conduct on-site reporting and write newspaper articles. companies implement computerized business systems. They meet with
Writers have their own specialized fields, such as music and business, customers to clarify the demands and issues, and propose appropriate
and write text to be printed in magazines, books, and advertisements. solutions.

Designer Graphic designers are involved with printed materials. Some graphic
Sales Sales engineers accompany sales representatives or visit customers on
designers specialize in advertisements and others specialize in
their own and explain the technical aspects of company products and
publications. In addition, there are Web designers who are engaged engineer systems. They assist in securing contracts. Sales engineers are a type
in Web production, fashion designers in the apparel field, and interior
designers in the construction field. of sales representative, but at the same time are expected to conduct
activities focused on obtaining the trust of customers.

Game creator Game production involves scenario writers who come up with stories,
designers who create characters, programmers who establish a system, Customer Customer support personnel respond to inquiries from users regarding
music personnel, and directors/producers who control the entire project. company products and services. The content of the support varies
The title "game creator" is a general term for these occupations.
support according to the industry.

These occupations involve showing the appeal of plans, products, and services
What you to a wide range of the general public. You should acquire skills in planning, and
What you These occupations require a deep understanding of IT technologies and
should do in presenting your ideas in an understandable manner. You should also acquire should do computer network systems, as well as specialized skills. You should acquire
while in communication skills and Japanese language skills to allow you to communicate while in the ability to propose the optimum solutions and plans for the client and to
messages. It is advisable to experience working part time in mass media, and school accurately manage operations based on specific procedures.
school
producing student newspapers and informational magazines.
 Applications

Applications
Starting an application is the entrance to job hunting.
Starting an application involves requesting application materials and information from individual
companies.

Applications
When you start an application, the company will send you employment information, company
information, announcements of briefing sessions, etc., via e-mail or direct mail.
As your first step, let's actively start applications for companies that you are interested in.

Internships
How to start an application
Starting applications from

Applications the company information page of an employment information website

The batch application feature (see page 30) allows you to search for companies according to
Starting an application is the entrance to job hunting. the type of industry, occupation, etc., and to start applications for multiple companies. This
feature is useful for selecting companies in the initial phase of job hunting.

Open Seminars
Internships ■ List of major employment information websites

Internships are valuable opportunities to experience working. Shukatsu Labo (operated by Access Corporation Co., Ltd.)

[en] employment information for students (operated by en-japan inc.)

Open Seminars Gakujo NAVI (operated by Gakujo Co., Ltd.)

Other opportunities to experience a company environment

Application Forms
Shushoku Walker Net (operated by J Broad Co., Ltd.)

Application Forms
Shukatsu Navi (operated by Diamond-big and lead Co., Ltd.)

Nikkei Navi (operated by Disco Inc.)

To fully express your attractive characteristics
Bun Navi! (operated by Bunkahoso Career Partners Co., Ltd.)

Company Briefing Sessions

Company Briefing Sessions

My Navi (operated by Mainichi Communications Inc.)

Let's develop a discerning eye for companies. Riku Navi (operated by Recruit CO., LTD.)

※The list above indicates employment information websites that are operated by member companies of the Employment Council.

Visiting Alumni
Starting applications directly through a recruitment website of individual companies
The best opportunities to hear what working people really think

Each company has its own schedule for accepting applications, so it is important to keep

Visiting Alumni
checking frequently.

Starting applications through direct mail, etc., from companies

Application announcements are sometimes sent to prospective graduates in direct mail, etc.
 ■ Starting applications from employment information websites ■ How to start an application

Applications
Individual applications Batch applications Search for companies you
are interested in, by industry,
This is a method for contacting companies This useful feature allows you to obtain occupation, business content,
one at a time using a questionnaire column, information from multiple companies at once company name, etc.
etc. by sending your simplified profile only.
Top screen

Internships
Click "Application" or "Batch
application" on the company
search results screen or the
company details screen.
Company details
screen

Open Seminars
Company search results screen

Check the application screen and fill

out the questionnaire column, if there
is one.
* You can check your responses to the questionnaire
on the activity record (history) screen.

Application Forms
* When using the batch application feature, there is
Company details screen Company search results screen
no questionnaire column. Proceed to the next step.

You can obtain detailed Company application form screen

company brochures and

Company Briefing Sessions

information on company Check the entered information on
the confirmation screen and click
briefing sessions! "Submit" to complete the process.
A history of the applications you have started
is displayed in a bookmark list, allowing you
to manage information centrally for multiple
companies.
Bookmark screen
Company application form entry

Visiting Alumni
confirmation screen

When using multiple information websites, be sure not to start redundant The method of starting an application varies from company to company. In some
applications. Starting an application does not mean that you must take the screening cases, you only need to send your simplified information. In others, you may need to
test for that company. send an essay introducing yourself or responses to a questionnaire.
Internships Open Seminars

Applications
Internships are valuable opportunities to experience working. Other opportunities to experience a company environment
Internships are…. Open seminars are…
Seminars that are hosted by companies and that do not include specific screening.
"Systems where students can experience working in the form of training or apprenticeships at
Companies host open seminars in order to encourage an understanding of their company and
companies."　In short, the term "internship" means "trying out working at companies."
work. Let’s actively utilize open seminars as opportunities to experience companies and industries
Their benefits include: before deciding on your first choice of company.

Internships
Students can experience Japanese labor practices, etc. ■ When to participate
Students can improve their communication skills.
Open seminars are held prior to company briefing sessions, usually during the period from before
Students can learn how to greet people, take phone calls, and other business manners. the New Year through the following February.
Students can utilize what they experience in internships when they examine companies and ■ How to participate
select an industry.
Open seminar schedules, content, and other details are released on individual company websites and
Students can clarify what they want to study at school. employment information websites. In addition, information on an open seminar may be sent via e-mail
■ Types of internship ■ Styles of internship to those who have sent applications to the hosting company. You need to use these information sources to

Open Seminars
check on how to participate, and register yourself as a participant.
Hosted by How to participate Style Training content Duration
Company Conducted mainly Observation Students observe a workplace 1 day to 1 week
by companies.
Participants are
and have tasks explained to them. (short-term)
■ Styles of open seminar
recruited on the In some cases, students can
company website experience a bit of actual work.
and employment
i n f o r m a t i o n Lecture Students listen to a description of 1 or 2 days
websites. the industry, company, and job, in a Supporting job hunting Examining industries
(short-term)
University Conducted as lecture setting.
part of university

Application Forms
education. Students
should contact the Task solving Students work in a group to solve 1 to 2 weeks In order to improve job hunting skills, This type of open seminar is held to
career center, etc. given tasks. students can experience and learn how to encourage an understanding of the industry
Public Hosted by the "analyze and evaluate themselves" and to which the hosting company belongs.
Employment
organization Service Center for "examine the company." This type of open The role of the industry, products handled,
Foreigners, local Experience Students are entrusted with tasks 1 to 2 months
that are similar to those for actual seminar is held at an earlier time, such as and services provided are introduced to
government, or (long-term
the Chamber of workers. In some cases, students also available) before the New Year. enhance interest in the entire industry.
Commerce and are asked to produce the same
Industry. Students

Company Briefing Sessions

result as actual workers.
should contact the
hosting organization
directly. Examining companies Small group

This type of open seminar is held to encourage This type of seminar is held at a small
■ Utilizing internships for international students an understanding of the business conducted venue or café where students can talk
by the hosting company, the roles of individual casually and at length to company
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducts "internships for international students" in order divisions, and the job content. Some seminars
to support international students in finding employment in Japan and to promote mutual understanding employees, etc. The number of participants
devise ways for students to deepen their
between international students and domestic companies. understanding of work. After listening to is limited and students can participate
a description of the entire business of the by reservation only. Students can listen
◎ Placements are secured in various fields ranging from famous companies to excellent local companies. company during such seminars, for example, informally to employees and get a sense of
◎ Through cooperation with schools, consideration is given to ensure smooth internship experiences for students can visit the booth of an occupation the atmosphere of the company.

Visiting Alumni
　 international students.
that they are interested in.
◎ Lecturers, etc., are provided to students before participating in an internship.
◎ Students can continue to receive employment support at the Employment Service Center for Foreigners You can search for seminars, dates of briefing sessions, and other information, on
　 even after participating in an internship. individual employment information websites. You should frequently check them
◎ The Japanese government covers the cost of accident and liability insurance during internships. because the information is constantly updated.
Application Forms (Entry Sheets) ■ Questions in application forms
The topics of questions that are commonly listed in application forms

Applications
are divided into two categories.
To fully express your attractive characteristics Questions regarding your reasons
Questions regarding your self-promotion
for applying for the job
Application forms (often called "entorii shiito" in Japanese) are sent to companies.
● How can you utilize your skills at our company? ● What did you work hard on while in school?
You need to write down your "reasons for applying for the job," "self-promotion," qualifications, and skills.
● What do you want to contribute to society by using ● Please tell us about a difficult experience you had
You fill out an application form to let the company know "what type of person you are." our company as a base? in the past. What did you do to overcome it?
Your application form is used during the first screening, as a topic during an interview, and as a way to ● What type of person will you become after working ● Please freely describe your good characteristics.
evaluate your writing skills. So let’s use the following instructions as reference and fully express your for 10 years at our company? ● What is the "catchphrase" of your life?
attractive characteristics. ● What is your vision for your career in the future?

Internships
It is important to carefully examine the industry, You need to "analyze and evaluate yourself" in order to
occupation, and company, and clarify the connection write a self-promotion. Objectively reflect on yourself to
between you and the company before writing the reasons clarify your "interests," "skills," and "values."
■ How to acquire an application form for applying for the job. You cannot write your reasons ※See the page on self-analysis and evaluation. … p. 7
if you don’t know about the company. Be sure to spend
The way you acquire an application form varies from company to company. enough time examining them in advance.
You should check "how to send an application" and "the flow of recruitment" listed on
employment information websites and individual company websites in advance, so as not to ■ Basic ways to fill out application forms
miss the opportunity for taking the test.

Open Seminars
Give responses that are appropriate for the questions.
Application forms are sent by post from companies to which you sent an application. This is common sense, but responses with excellent content will not be evaluated highly if you miss the point of the
question. Carefully think what the company wants to learn from your response to the question and give a precise
You can download application forms from company websites or e-mail sent by companies.
response.
Application forms are distributed on the day of a company briefing session. Communicate your characteristics.
You visit the company that you desire to work for and acquire an application form. Human resources personnel will see through any imitation of manuals or other people. They read thousands of
application forms, and it is important for you to communicate your own unique characteristics.
List specific experiences and numbers.

Application Forms
■ Things to consider when filling out an application form To make your application form persuasive, write down specific episodes, numbers, and timelines. If you incorporate
specific information, readers will have an easier time visualizing and remembering your story.
　 Be sure to make multiple copies for creating drafts. Be concise and intelligible.
You cannot use correction liquid. Make a draft first and then a clean copy. Roundabout sentences do not make a good impression. It is effective to "start writing from the conclusion" as a way
　 When handwriting, fill out the form carefully and legibly. to write concisely. It is necessary to first communicate what you want to be perceived as appealing so that human
Incorrect characters or missing syllables/characters are unacceptable. Even if you don’t have good handwriting, fill resources personnel will be interested in you.
out the form carefully. Be aware that you are writing a business document.

Company Briefing Sessions

　 Avoid leaving blank spaces. Application forms are business documents. They are completely different from documents that you exchange with your
Use the space effectively so that you don’t leave any blank space. friends in your private life. Be careful with the expressions you use and try to write easy-to-read sentences.
Do not "lie."
　 Be sure to make a copy of the completed form.
It is important to promote yourself, but always remember to communicate a "life-sized" you.
You need a copy to check what you wrote before going to a seminar or interview.
Write down things that you want to be asked during an interview.
　 Write down the "school name/department/your name" on the back of the photograph to be attached.
Many companies ask questions during an interview based on the submitted application form. In most cases,
Photographs sometimes come off during sorting at a company.
companies conduct interviews by following the content of application forms.
　 Have a person who is good at Japanese look over the completed form.
Make sure that the application form includes what you want to be asked during an interview.
Make sure to have someone check to see if there is any mistake with Japanese characters or expressions.
Your reasons for applying for the job must correlate to self-promotion.
　 Submit the form early, not when a deadline is approaching. Ask yourself: "What do I want to do?" "What can I do?" and "What is important to me?"

Visiting Alumni
・Some companies start screening based on the order of arrival. It is important to express yourself in a persuasive manner by correlating your reasons for applying for the job with your
・Many students submit their forms at the last minute before a deadline. In some cases, the company may end up self-promotion. Also, this is necessary to reduce the risk of a mismatch between yourself and the selected occupation.
not spending enough time reading your application form. Use correct Japanese.
・In the case of the Internet, you may have a difficult time sending your application form because the server is Have a Japanese person check and correct your Japanese grammar, characters, expressions, and content, and give
congested before a deadline. you some advice.
・In many cases, students end up not being able to make the deadline and lose the opportunity to take the test.
■ Example of filling out an application form and points to be checked

Applications
Introducing yourself
with a specific
episode will further
clarify your daily
Be specific about approach and
what you are good at!

Internships
attitude.
Write down specific
In this sample, you can
scores and grades
see that the student
for your skills and utilized an "outgoing"
qualifications, such and "accommodating"
as "TOEIC score of personality to deepen
communication not
800" as shown in the only with "people from
sample. the same country" but

Open Seminars
"Japanese people" as
well. You can also see
that this student has been
proactively conducting
activities. To get readers
more interested, you can
be more specific and add
an episode to display
Go as far as to your imagination and
include analysis creativity. For example,
you can describe what
methods and your

Application Forms
type of "consultation" you
opinions! received the most, and
what type of "suggestion"
you made to get rid of
uneasiness.

Company Briefing Sessions

Be specific! Describe what you It is important that You should make yourself appealing
Concentrate on one theme! Sentence
tried to do and what results you what you promote in such a way that the readers can
obtained. composition is also
Instead of saying, "I learned various is consistent with picture the specific work that you want important.
things," be sure to mention specific This description conveys to readers "what you made to do after joining the company. If you lack
knowledge and experience to that the student fully played the role of efforts in" and the As the student did in the sample by persuasiveness and
describe what you learned concretely, a manager of an international student "self-analysis and writing "in order to further develop originality to connect with
and, as a result, what you became association. Focus on what you want evaluation" listed business in Asia," make sure to the readers, your long
interested in, and why "you got to talk about and express during an above. describe specifically "what you want to and pointless sentences
do at the company" and "what you can

Visiting Alumni
motivated for the activity." Specific interview. Be sure to display your
will not attract the
descriptions will trigger interviewers do for the company." Also, you should reader's attention. Write
enthusiasm, sense of responsibility,
to start asking you questions. show the appeal of how you want to syllogistically or otherwise
and leadership. utilize your "strength" and "expertise" work on your construction
in order to perform "the job you want to of sentences.
get." Your opinion of work and values
will be reflected in this section.
Company Briefing Sessions ■ How to write a resume

　　Your resume is one of the official application documents. As a rule, your resume should be

Applications
handwritten unless otherwise directed. You should fill out your resume carefully and legibly.
Let's develop a discerning eye for companies.
Write the date of submission.
"Company briefing sessions," "company seminars," and "plant tours" are held during the period
Write the date of mailing if sending by post.
between sending an application and proceeding to the screening process. You can listen to the
real voice of recruitment personnel and directly experience the atmosphere of the company.
Also, you can acquire more detailed recruitment information. Write in hiragana if the instruction is in hiragana.
Write in katakana if the instruction is in katakana.
■ How to apply for participation

Internships
As a general practice, information on dates, etc., is sent via e-mail or other methods to students Attach a photograph of you in a suit, taken at
who have sent applications to the hosting company. Some companies do not send such a photo studio. Write the name of your school,
information so you should check company websites and employment information websites. If department, and your full name on the back of the
you need to register yourself beforehand, be sure to check how to apply and register yourself to photograph.
participate.
If you have your personal seal, use a red
■ What you need to check
ink pad and affix your seal correctly.
● Actively ask questions to resolve any issues that your research could not provide answers to.

Open Seminars
● Experience the company atmosphere and the mood of the employees.
Write your address accurately. If you live
in an apartment/condominium, be sure to
● Don't be late ⇒ This is common sense! ● Something to write with
● Organizer/memo pad include its name and room number.
● Set your mobile phone on silent mode. ⇒ Don’t cause
● Map to the venue
Things to note

What to bring

a nuisance. ● Letter of invitation to the

briefing session Use the Japanese era name for years in dates.
● Greet people properly. ⇒ Surprisingly, a lot people
● Company information materials Use Arabic numerals.
cannot do this.
● Personal seal
● Always state your name before asking a question. ● Resume (Bring your personal
If you have any job history prior to your study in

Application Forms
● Know how to conduct yourself and have good seal and resume, just in case.)
● Copy of the application form Japan, write it below your academic history.
manners without paying too much attention to it.

※Be sure to prepare yourself fully before the session because, in some cases, the
company conducts interviews, aptitude tests, written tests, etc., after a briefing session. Write concisely without going outside the
designated space. However, sentences that are
too short are also a problem. It is a good idea to
What is a joint briefing session? create a draft so you can be sure that letters fit
with good balance.

Company Briefing Sessions

　　"Joint briefing sessions" are seminars that use hotels or event halls across Japan to gather
Write the official names of licenses and
many companies in a single venue. You should actively utilize these seminars as opportunities
qualifications. Write down any qualifications that
for a cross-sectional comparison of companies and observe various industries. you acquired in your home country.

● Beginning in October every year. Joint briefing sessions hit their peak in February, March, and April. Write down what you want to express as most
● Large-scale joint briefing sessions include several thousand companies. appealing, including your personality and strong
points, in a detailed manner. Use expressions
that give reasons and provide background.
■ What can you do?
● You can listen to the pitches of human resources personnel from many companies in one day. It is important to indicate your degree of
● In addition to visiting company booths, you can participate in lecturers and events supporting your job hunting. interest in the company and enthusiasm

Visiting Alumni
● You can send an application and reserve a seat in the next company briefing session at an individual company booth. about joining them.
※ Refer to "How to Fill Out Application Forms" (p. 36).

In many cases, each company sets up its own booth and students can talk to company staff When you make a mistake, you need to rewrite the whole thing. Do not use white-out. When
one-on-one for a short time. It is advisable to arrive at the venue early because the booths you finish writing your resume, check it once again for any missed items and make a copy of
of popular companies tend to have long lines of people. it before submitting.
Visiting Alumni ■ How to make an appointment to visit an alumnus (example)

Applications
The best opportunities to listen to what working people really think 　 "This is XXX, a student at YYY University. I am calling to ask about visiting a graduate of my
school. Would you please put me through to Mr./Ms. _______ of the ______ Department?"
You can talk directly to people who work at the company and gather information
that you cannot obtain from the company brochure and websites. "This is ______ speaking."

　 "This is my first time calling you. I am XXX, as student at YYY University. I am currently
■ Process of visiting alumni looking for a job and wanted to ask you some questions about your company. Could I take a few

Internships
minutes of your time?"
If you are familiar with someone that graduated before you and
that now works at the company that you want to work at, you "Yes, of course."
First, look for someone who should contact that person directly. If not, you can consult with
the career center or Employment Department of your school.
graduated before you. Of course, the person does not have to be an alumnus of your 　 "Thank you. I would like to work in the ZZZ industry and have a keen interest in your company.
school. You should fully utilize your connections in clubs, at part- This is why I took the liberty of calling you today. My professor, Dr._______ provided me with
time jobs, and in your network of friends.
your name."
"Are you a seminar student of Dr.________, too?"
If you want to contact someone that has been introduced to

Open Seminars
you, you should use good manners when contacting him//her by
Make an appointment. telephone or e-mail. There is also a way to contact the Human 　 "Yes. I have been researching various companies on the Internet. I am very interested in your
Resources Department of the company directly to have them corporate culture and the content of your work, and I would very much like to speak to you in
introduce you to an alumnus.
person. I realize that you are very busy, but I would greatly appreciate if you could meet with me."

When the date is set to meet the alumnus, you should organize "I would be happy to. Please come to my office at 5 p.m. next Monday."
"what you want to ask," "where to put focus when asking
Prepare questions," etc. By all means, you should avoid spending the
"Thank you. I will visit your office at 5 p.m. on Monday, Month, the __th.
whole time talking about ordinary things!

Application Forms
"You can give my name to the receptionist on the first floor."
Be sure to wear a suit or jacket to be polite even if you are visiting
someone you know well. This is all the more true when meeting the "I will do that. Thank you so much for your time. I am looking forward to meeting you. Goodbye for now."
Day of the visit person for the first time. As everyone knows, being late is strictly
prohibited. Also, pay attention to your language and attitude.

Write in your job-hunting notebook a summary of the visit and

what you felt. Then, you should once again examine the things
After the visit closely to see if the company meets your expectations. Be sure

Company Briefing Sessions

Key ● Upon visiting an alumnus, you must give full consideration to the position of the other
to send a thank-you e-mail or letter to the individual you met with. points party.
● Be sure to avoid contacting the person in early morning, late at night, just after the
business day has started, or before and after the lunch break. When using a mobile
■ Examples of questions when visiting an alumnus phone, make phone calls in a quiet place with good reception.
● You should use polite phrases, such as "I am sorry, but," "I realize you are busy, but,"
● Specific content of work ● Workplace atmosphere and "Pardon me, but."
● Failures and difficulties at work ● Assignment and career paths ● Do not begin a phone call with your business, but rather ask if it is a convenient time for
● Reasons for entering the company ● The company's characteristics as compared to the other person.
● Be sure to repeat and take notes of the date and location to meet. In particular, it is
● Screening process (tests, interviews, etc.) competitors
easy to make a mistake with one o'clock (ichi-ji in Japanese) and seven o'clock (shichi-ji

Visiting Alumni
● Treatment and benefits ● What students should study while in school in Japanese), so use 24-hour time and say "13 hundred hours" (jūsan-ji in Japanese) and
"19 hundred hours" (jūku-ji in Japanese).
● You should use a cheerful tone of voice to leave a good impression, especially when
Asking questions about the information listed in the company brochure or website will greeting or thanking the other party right before hanging up the phone.
be taken as an indication of a lack of research, so be sure to ask about other things. Be sure to quietly hang up the phone after confirming that the other party has already
done so.
Job Hunting Manners
Favorable Job Hunting Styles
Companies do not intend to hire students who stand out with their appearance and unique character. They
are checking to see if you are well-groomed and dressed based on social common sense. There is no need
to dress yourself up with expensive items. Be sure to dress, behave, and speak neatly so as to give a better
impression to the other party.
Hair style
Long hair is not preferable. Be careful not
to have any sleep-mussed or untidy hair, or
any dandruff! Hair style
Face If you have long hair, bind it with an elastic band
or a hair pin. Be careful not to have any sleep-
Be clean shaven. Extremely thin eyebrows
mussed hair!
are not preferable. Pay attention to your
teeth and breath.
Face
Glasses Heavy makeup is not preferred. Pay attention to
Avoid colorful and loud frames. Watch your teeth and breath as well.
out for dirty lenses.
Glasses
Cologne Avoid colorful and loud frames. Watch out for
dirty lenses.
It is better not to wear any cologne.
Perfume
Nails
Avoid wearing strong perfume.
Be sure to trim your nails short and wash them
to remove any dirt.
Nails
Shirt Nails should not be too long. It is not good
White is the basic color. Be sure to choose a shirt to wear flashy nail polish or nail art.
that fits you around the collar and sleeves. Pay
attention when wearing a colored or patterned Blouse
T-shirt or dark undershirt, because they can White is the basic color. A shirt in a solid, pale
be seen through a white shirt. Watch out for a color is also acceptable. Avoid wearing a shirt in
dirty collar and cuffs. You should wear a clean, a primary color or with patterns. Be sure not to
washed shirt. wear a shirt that is cut too low. Choose something
pleasant and clean.
Accessories
Do not wear any accessories. Accessories
Simple pierced earrings should be fine. You
Tie should remove all your rings.
Avoid flashy ties.
Suit
Suit Solid dark blue, gray, or black suits are the
Dark blue, gray, or black are the basic colors. basics. As a rule, wear a single suit with two or
Choose a solid or finely striped tie. Ordinarily, three buttons, not a double suit.
wear your tie with a single knot, not a double knot. Skirt/trousers
Trousers Your skirt must be of a length that allows your
knees to be half covered when you are standing.
Trousers with a standard width and single-fold Wearing trousers will give an active image.
hems are preferable. Be sure to iron them to Trousers with single-fold hems are mainstream.
make creases. Your belt and shoes should match. Be sure to iron them to make creases.

Shoes Watch
You should avoid wearing a flashy watch. You
Watch Shoes
You should choose simple and comfortable black
must not use your mobile phone to check the You should avoid wearing a flashy watch. You You should choose simple and comfortable black
shoes. Be sure to check for scuffing on the heels,
time during the interview or test. must not use your mobile phone to check the time shoes. Be sure to polish your shoes properly.
and polish your shoes properly.
during the interview or test. Pumps with heels that are from three to five
centimeters high are best.
Socks Briefcase Bag
White socks and sneaker socks are taboo. A black or brown briefcase is mainstream. A A black or brown bag is mainstream. A bag big Pantyhose
Choose socks that are the same color as your briefcase big enough for A4 size documents is enough for A4 size documents is convenient. Be Choose something plain with no patterns, and
suit, or that are black or dark blue. convenient. Be sure to avoid backpacks and sure to avoid backpacks and casual bags. a color similar to your skin tone.
casual bags.
 Written Tests

Written Tests
Be sure to get used to questions in Japanese.
The difficult screening step for international student is taking "written tests."
International students are expected to take the same tests as other Japanese students, so careful preparation is
necessary.
As a rule, written tests are in Japanese and you are required to have the ability to read and comprehend Japanese.
You should refer to Shushoku Shikiho (Recruitment Quarterly; Internet version is also available) and Kaisha
Shikiho (Japanese Company Handbook) to find out which tests are required for the company that you want to

From Screening
join and prepare yourself early.

Interviews
Types of written test and their approaches

Tests and Job

Aptitude tests: Tests to measure an individual's job aptitude and tolerance for stress, in which students
intuitively answer questionnaire-like questions. Such tests include "SPI2," "CAB," and "GAB."
General knowledge tests: Questions are based on various fields,

Offers to Joining a

Joining a Company
including social studies, Japanese, English, culture, mathematics, science, and current affairs.

Job Offers to
Composition and essays: Tests in which students write about their ideas on a given topic.

Company
Web tests: Tests on the Internet, including "Test Center" and the "Tamatebako Series."
Other tests: "ENG," "GFT," "Kraepelin," "IMAGES," "SCOA," etc.

■ "SPI2"is the test used most commonly by Japanese companies.

Written Tests
Competency aptitude tests Personality aptitude test
Language competency test Non-language competency test 350 questions in 40 minutes

40 questions in 30 minutes 30 questions in 40 minutes Dynamic aspects Ambition Emotional aspects

Be sure to get used to questions in Japanese.
Japanese Mathematics and science
- Social - Desire to achieve - Sensitivity

Interviews - Language proficiency - Calculation ability introversion - Desire to act - Self-condemnation

- Ability to think logically
- Communication ability - Ability to process business - Introspection - Mood
- Writing ability operations (Analogism, - Physical activity - Individuality
Use your own words to express yourself. augmentation, aggregates,
(Synonyms, antonyms, permutation, combination, - Persistence - Confidence
proverbs, idioms, honorific probabilities, profit-and-loss
ratio, speed, transit calculati- - Caution - Elation

Job Offers to Joining a Company

language, grammar, etc.) on, base n notation system,
etc.)

Act according to your plan until you join a company. ■ Keys to taking SPI2
Get accustomed to the question patterns! --- Answer many practice questions!
Carefully allocate time, because there are many questions!
Read the questions and possible answers first,
and then read the long sentences! --- Eliminate the need to read twice!
In some cases, use the elimination method! --- Useful for some questions!
Don't make mistakes when adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing! --- Be fast and accurate!

Refer to the employment information websites and company data websites for pages
on how to approach written tests, use search engines to acquire information on
tests, and prepare yourself fully for the tests.
Interviews ■ Things to check before going to an interview

Written Tests
　Have you completed your self-analysis and evaluation?
It is important to "use your own words" to communicate your "strength" at an interview.
Use your own words to express yourself. 　Have you examined industries?
If you know the industry, you will be able to understand the position, future, strength,
Interviews are the most important part of the screening process.
and weakness of the company that you are applying to.
Use the self-analysis and evaluation and the examination of companies that you have conducted as a base to
prepare yourself to use your own words to communicate to the interviewer why you are applying for the job, 　Have you examined companies?
what your strengths are, and what views you have. It is a must to examine companies so as to passionately communicate why you want to join the company.
　Have you prepared an outline of your self-promotion?
You should organize your thoughts as to what makes you attractive as a person,

Interviews
■ Types of interview based on the results of your self-analysis and evaluation.
　Do you have specific reasons for applying for the job?
You should clarify what you want to do at the company, how you can contribute to the company,
Individual interview 1
This type of individual interview is sometimes conducted at and how your contribution to the company will connect to plans for your career.
1 student an early stage of the screening process. In many cases, the 　Are you familiar with basic interview etiquette?
and interviewer is a company employee that is not part of the The first impression is extremely important. Be sure to be polite, watch your manners,
1 interviewer human resources division. Stay sharp and be sure to promote
your positive traits. and maintain a tidy, clean-cut appearance.

Joining a Company
Job Offers to
■ Flow of an interview and expected etiquette
Individual interview 2
This is the most common interview style. As you progress into
1 student the second and third interviews, the number of interviewers An interview is an opportunity for you to have your value carefully examined. It is important to
and increases as does their level in the company organization. behave politely during the entire interview process.
multiple interviewers This may make you even more nervous, but be sure to always
do your best. Never be late. Be sure to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the set
Arrival at the venue time so that you can be calm for the interview.

Group interview
In many cases, the same question is asked to all students You should assume that the interview starts at the reception. At the
Multiple students in the group. The key to success is how well you can make reception desk, be sure to clearly state the name of your school, your
and a strong impression. Be sure to listen to the views of the Reception name, and that you have come for an interview. Do not forget to thank the
multiple interviewers members of your group while stating your own responses. person who directs you to your destination, and be sure to lightly bow to
any company employees you pass along the way.

Group discussion Turn off your mobile phone and wait quietly. Put your belongings at your
Group discussions are usually held with five to eight students
regarding a given topic. You will be evaluated on a variety of
Waiting room feet rather than on the table. Avoid talking to other students or going in and
out of the waiting room frequently, even if you have to wait for a long time.
points, such as what type of role you play in a group, whether
you understand other people's views, whether you can
present your views to others, whether you can consolidate the Knock on the door two or three times. When you are told to come in, you
views of the whole group, and whether you are sensitive to should say "Excuse me" and enter the room. Be sure to open and close the
and considerate of people around you.
Entering door quietly. After entering the room, politely bow once to the interviewer(s) and
walk to the side of the seat prepared for you. Then, state your school name,
the interview room department, and your name in a cheerful manner, and politely bow again.
When the interviewer asks you to sit down, say "Thank you" and sit down.
Presentation-style In this type of interview, students give a presentation on a
interview topic that has been given to them in advance. You need to be
Be sure to place your bag at your feet and sit with good posture without leaning
fully prepared, because you can conduct the interview at your
against the back of the chair. Use polite language and accurate Japanese and
own pace. In many cases, students are able to present their
answer questions concisely and in a manner that is easy to understand, while
positive traits without a specific, assigned topic. During the interview making eye contact with the interviewer. In the case of a group interview, you
should pay attention to other students when they are being asked questions.
You should also not interrupt others while they are talking.

Usually, there are two to four interviews before a job offer is issued. It is common
for the rank of the interviewer in the company to go up with each interview (young When the interview is finished, stand up then thank the interviewer(s) for
employee to section head, and department head to executive). Leaving the room taking the time to interview you. Walk to the door, politely bow again, and
say "Goodbye." Close the door quietly as you leave the room.
Examples of questions you may be asked in an interview ● Questions only asked to international students
Interviewers will check the content of your application form and resume and ask you questions from various angles. You Upon hiring, companies are concerned about the ability of international students to adapt to and settle into the organization,

Written Tests
should know the purpose of each question and prepare yourself in advance so that you will know how to respond.
as well as the Japanese language skills of those students." Be sure to prepare yourself to eliminate such concerns.

□ Why did you decide to study in Japan?

● Self-promotion and other questions related to your strengths and characteristics
□ What made you think that you wanted to work for a Japanese company?
Interviewers are trying to learn your strengths and understand your personality and characteristics based on the content of □ Do you have any desire to work for a local company overseas?
your answers and your manner of speaking. Make yourself sound appealing as a global human resource. □ Please tell us about your vision for the future and your goals.
□ Please tell us about your positive traits. □ How long do you wish to work in Japan?

Interviews
□ What did you work hard on while in school? □ Do you think you are capable of working in accordance with
□ How would you utilize your strengths in our company? Japanese customs and in a Japanese cultural environment?
□ What type of person do you want to be in 10 years? □ Do you think you are capable of working with Japanese employees?
□ Please tell us about your strong and weak points.
■ Things to be careful of during an interview
□ Please tell us about your language skills.
　Don't shake your legs or feet nervously.

Joining a Company
□ What color would you be if you were a color?

Job Offers to
If you have a habit of shaking your legs or feet nervously, take the time to get rid of it.
　Don't talk too much.
● Questions asking about your motivation to join the company and reasons for applying for the job
Talking too much will give a negative impression that you are unorganized and not able to
These questions are asked to determine if you sincerely wish to work for the company. get to the point. As a rule, limit your response to each question to between
You should gather and organize enough information on the company's business and products before the interview.
30 seconds and one minute. This will allow smoother interaction with the interviewer.
　Don't make negative comments about other companies.
□ Please explain why you applied for a job at our company. Instead of talking negatively about other companies, be sure to talk about how the company
□ Have you ever used our product(s)? you are interviewing with is superior to other companies.
　Don't be influenced by other people's comments.
□ What is your impression of the product(s)?
You may give an impression of lacking independence if you simply agree with
□ What did you think of our website? what others have said in a group interview, etc. Be sure to include your own views
□ Is our company your first choice? when you answer questions.
□ Have you secured any job offers from other companies? 　Don't give excuses.
Even if the questions are not to your advantage, you should never give excuses or
□ Is there anything you would like to ask about our company?
make self-centered comments. It is important to answer gracefully.
　Take notes on the interview.
● Questions to confirm whether you are suited to the job After an interview, you should write down "interview notes" to help you come up with
effective approaches for the next interview. Write down the flow and content of the interview,
Required skills and suitability vary according to the industry that the company belongs to and the job that they want to give you.
reflect on your performance, etc., objectively, and seek advice from others.
You should understand the type of person that the company wants, and let the interviewers know that you match the profile.

□ What do you think about our human resources system? ■ Bowing etiquette
□ We have irregular working hours and vacations. Are you okay with this?
　Less formal greeting…Light bowing
□ What do you expect from our company and the job?
　Lean your body forward 15 degrees or so. Your eyes should be directed 1.5 meters ahead of you.
□ What type of research have you conducted? (Used when entering a room or passing someone.)
　Polite bowing…Common bowing
□ What type of work do you want to perform after joining our company? 　Lean your body forward 30 degrees or so. Your eyes should be directed 60 centimeters ahead of you.
□ What would you do if the department you were assigned to did not match your desires? (Used before and after an interview.)

□ What did you think about our company philosophy?

 ■ Approaches to group discussions
Job Offers to Joining a Company

Written Tests
　Make high-quality statements.
It's not important how many statements you make but rather whether you can use your own words
to express your views in a logical manner. You can be persuasive by expressing a constructive Act according to your plan until you join a company.
opinion based on your personal experiences or anecdotes, instead of giving a negative opinion.
　Listen completely to what others say. Until you receive a job offer from a company of your choice, you should persevere in your job hunting
It is also important to listen to what others say. Do not interrupt or blindly deny what others are activities. You should understand the flow of the process from receiving a job offer to entering a company, and
saying. You should look at and listen to the other student until he/she is finished. It is important to act in deliberate fashion.
constantly and calmly pay attention to others.
　Your group is not your enemy.
The students in your group are not your enemies. Interviewers are keenly interested in your ■ Flow of the process from receiving a job offer to entering a company

Interviews
teamwork and cooperativeness as part of their selection criteria. Work to pass the test with everyone
in your group, instead of making yourself stand out alone.
　Play a role suited to you. After the final screening process, a job offer is issued by the company
There is no need to force yourself to play the role of facilitator. The business world stands because notifying the applicant that it would like to hire him/her. In many cases, the
there are many people playing various roles. It is important to find a suitable role for you and first notification is by telephone, and then a "formal offer letter" is sent. If
Job offer you have already accepted a job offer from another company or you have
express your individuality. Cooperate with the entire group in the facilitation of the discussion.
　Come up with a conclusion within a given time. no intention of entering the company in question, you should be honest and
decline the offer as soon as possible.
Punctuality is important in actual business as well. Be sure to stick to the topic of the discussion so
as to come up with a conclusion within the given time. You should always be aware of the time and

Joining a Company
utilize it effectively. After receiving a job offer, you will be asked to submit a document

Job Offers to
　Actively participate. confirming your intent to join the company. This document is called a
"declaration." Companies that host a social gathering for those who are
You should always participate in discussions actively and with a cheerful and lively expression,
offered employment may ask you to sign/affix your seal on the document
whether you are making a statement or listening to others. If you get too focused on taking notes Submitting at the gathering. Be careful not to miss the deadline if you are mailing the
and look down all the time, you will give a passive impression.
document, which may cause the job offer to be canceled.
a declaration * This "declaration" is not legally binding, so you can continue your job
■ Group discussion topics hunting even after submitting the document. Be sure to check the hiring
(discussion topics that made an impression on former international students) schedule of each of the companies that you have interviewed for, so that
● Dream travel: Would you prefer an "imaginary world" or a "world of the future?" ● Which do you prefer, the city or the you don't have to repeatedly decline job offers more than necessary.
country? ● What type of company is loved by many people? ● What type of employee trip would satisfy all employees?
● Please describe your thoughts about the introduction of a jury system. ● Which of the national or public institutions In the end, you will decide on one company to join. If you have multiple job offers,
do you think should be privatized? ● How would you spend \1 million in a single day? ● Please list three things that you you should consult with the career center of your university, your professors, your
can enjoy only if you are traveling alone. ● What type of project will be good if the company were to hold an Olympic
Deciding to join a family members, etc., to decide which company to join as soon as possible. If
event? ● What are the representative inventions of the 20th century? ● Please come up with a proposal for a new you delay your declining of job offers, you not only impact the range of possible
company employment of other students, but you may also adversely impact the hiring of
chocolate candy to be sold during the summer and target families. ● Which should we strive for: "being the only one" or
"being number one?" ● Please put the following six items in order, according to the degree of their importance: boyfriend/ international students that come after you.
girlfriend, friend, family, job, money, and honor. ● Which bad manners on the train make you angriest? ● Where would be
the best place to move the Japanese capital? ● What is your highest priority when you work? ● Based on the information In order to be employed by a Japanese company, it is necessary to change your
in the materials, where do you to think would be a good place to open a new store? ● Which qualification do you think Changing your resident visa status from "College Student" to a status that allows you to work.
will be sought after in leaders in the future? ● Imagine you are an interviewer. Which of the following people would you
You should start preparing for this early so that you will be able to complete the
hire as a sales representative: (1) a former member of Japan's national soccer team, (2) a restaurant staff member, or status of residence
process before the day of joining the company. * See the next chapter for details.
(3) a comedian? ● Please describe your thoughts as to whether Japan will be an environmentally advanced country in
three years. ● Please plan and propose a new product. ● Please come up with a new service for a book store. ● Please
describe your thoughts as to what skills, capabilities, or human qualities are necessary to live overseas. ● Please Some companies ask you to participate in a social gathering, job offer ceremony,
describe the appeal of a sport that you like. ● If you had to choose, which would you rather lose: your mobile phone, your
Joining a company or training before joining the company. Be sure to check the schedules of such
TV, or romance? ● What three conditions do you think are necessary for a company to prosper? ● Which is worse, fake
crying or fake smiling? ● Please describe your thoughts about people who stay overnight at Internet cafes. ● What can
events.
Japan boast to other countries of? ● Please produce your own job offer ceremony.

What if you're not able to ● Don't panic. Calmly think about possible reasons and
■ Preparing for an interview
receive a job offer? come up with countermeasures.
● Look into fall hiring, and gather information on companies that
　 Before the interview, you should create a draft of your responses to anticipated questions, and then practice hire employees throughout the year.
giving your responses over and over again out loud. Pay attention to the volume of your voice and your
pronunciation. ● Consider registering yourself with a temp staff or employment agency.
　 Use role-playing so that you can give your responses naturally. ● You can continue job hunting even after graduating. See page 57.
Job Hunting Manners "Manners to Make A Good Impression"

Using honorifics E-mail etiquette

Honorifics are an indispensable element in building trust with others. The key to using honorifics You will often communicate via e-mail with companies during the course of your job hunting. Its
naturally is acquiring accurate knowledge, and at the same time, proactively using them in various biggest advantage is the speediness and the sureness of its content. Be careful with your language and
situations in real life to get used to them. Above all, you should respect others so that honorifics will writing format when sending expressions of gratitude, requests for informational materials, or inquiries
come naturally out of your mouth.
via e-mail.

■ Types of honorific 　Title

Choose a title that concisely
Respectful terms‥‥words of respect directly in connection with
states your business.
the acts, status, and possessions of the other party
Humble terms‥‥words of modesty in connection with the acts and possessions of oneself 　Destination
Formal terms‥‥words used when it is necessary to respond politely and elegantly to others State the destination (department
and name) at the beginning of the
Respectful terms Humble terms Formal terms e-mail.

　Self-introduction
Don't jump into your business
first. State who you are, and then
address the main issue.

　Main text
Write your business simply and
concisely.

　Signature
Attach your signature (your school
name, your full name, e-mail
address, telephone number, etc.) at
Telephone etiquette the end of the e-mail.

Telephones are familiar communication tools in our daily lives. When using them for job hunting
activities, you cannot talk as you would speak to your friends. Since the other party cannot see your face Key ● Separate your text into paragraphs to make your e-mail easier to read.
when you are speaking on the phone, your language and tone of voice will determine the impression points
● Once an e-mail has been sent, you cannot retrieve it, so be sure to check its
that you give. Be sure to be considerate and polite. 　 content, and look for missing or incorrect characters once more before sending.
● Refrain from passing around or disclosing the e-mail address of individuals without
　 their permission.
Avoid making phone calls early in the morning, late at night, immediately before or after
● Avoid using emoticons (such as ":)") or Internet slang (such as "lol").
start and finish times, and during lunch breaks. When using your mobile phone, make the
● When using a free e-mail address, etc., be sure to choose a business-like e-mail
call from a quiet place with good reception.
　 address.
Before making a phone call, you should have your notebook and calendar ready. ● Pay attention to the "Sender Name" displayed when you send an e-mail. Be sure to
You should be able to describe your name in kanji, alphabet, and katakana. 　 correct the name if you have set a nickname, etc.
After introducing yourself and greeting the other party, you should check to see if he or she ● If you need to communicate with the other party at once or you must offer an
has time to talk to you. 　 apology, make a phone call.
You should speak clearly using an easy-to-hear voice. State your business concisely. ● Unless it is an emergency, avoid using the e-mail function of your mobile phone.
Be sure to thank the other party and wait until he or she has hung up before you do so ● Be sure to write back promptly when you have received an e-mail.
yourself.
 Application for Change of

Application for Change of

Status of Residence
Status of Residence
Changing from "College Student" to a visa
allowing you to work
Foreign nationals residing in Japan can conduct activities within a
specified range under 27 types of residence status.

■ Residence status necessary for getting a job

Preparing Required
Documents
In order to work in Japan, international students are required to change their
status of residence from "College Student" to "Specialist in Humanities/

C h a n g i n g Yo u r
International Services," "Engineer," or other status that allows them to work.

■ Specialist in Humanities/International Services ■ Engineer

Status of Residence
Services which require knowledge pertinent to human science Services which require technology and/or

Activities
fields. Services which require specific ways of thought or knowledge pertinent to physical science,

Job Hunting Activities

sensitivity based on experience with foreign culture. engineering, or other natural science fields.

after Graduating
Marketing, human resources, finance, treasury, planning, Engineer, programmer, research and

Main jobs and

general affairs, legal affairs, product development, public development, architectural design,

job types
relations, advertising, design, interpretation, translation, application development, production
language instruction, etc. technologies, quality management, system

Application for Change of administration, etc.

Status of Residence
1. The applicant must have graduated from a university or acquired

Requirements
1. The applicant must have graduated from a

and criteria
equivalent education in a subject pertaining to the knowledge university or acquired equivalent education in a
required by the relevant work, or have acquired such knowledge subject pertaining to the skills and/or knowledge
Changing from "College Student" to a visa allowing you to work through at least 10 years of experience. required by the relevant work, or have acquired
such skills and/or knowledge through at least
2. In cases in which the applicant is to engage in work that requires 10 years of experience. (However, in cases in
specific ways of thinking or sensitivity grounded in a foreign culture, which the applicant is to engage in work related
either of the following requirements must be fulfilled. to information processing, the applicant is not

Preparing Required Documents

- The applicant must have at least 3 years of experience in public required to satisfy the requirements listed above
relations, advertising, overseas transactions, clothing, interior as long as he/she has passed the specified
design, product development, etc. examination on information processing skills
- In cases in which the applicant is to engage in work such as or has obtained certification for information
Checking documents required for visa application translation, interpretation, or language instruction, the applicant processing skills.)
must have graduated from a university.

Job Hunting Activities

2. The applicant must receive no less
3. The applicant must receive no less compensation than a compensation than a Japanese national would
Japanese national would receive for comparable work. receive for comparable work.

after Graduating ■ Students at professional training colleges

Procedures for changing your status of residence to
continue job hunting A student who has completed a specialized course of study at a professional training college and got
a diploma may be granted a change of residence status if his/her activities fall under the categories of
"Specialist in Humanities/International Services," "Engineer," or other work visa, and if the job content at the
place of employment is relevant to what he/she has learned at the professional training college.

W e b s i t e s g i v i n g t h e Immigration Bureau:
procedures for changing Tokyo Employment Service Center
your status of residence for Foreigners:
Preparing Required Documents Job Hunting Activities after Graduating

Application for Change of

Status of Residence
Procedures for changing your status of residence to
Checking documents required for visa application continue job hunting
As a rule, the applicant must go, in person, to the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau or District
Even if you were not able to find a job before graduating, you will be able to continue job
hunting activities for one year following your graduation by changing your residence status
Immigration Office (not including Narita Airport, Chubu Airport, or Kansai Airport District Offices), or
from "College Student" to "Designated Activities."
a branch office, to apply for a change of residence status from "College Student" to a work visa.
You should check to see which documents are necessary and prepare them at an early stage.
■ Eligible individuals

Preparing Required
Documents
● Those who have graduated from a university (including two-year colleges) or a regular course at
■ Documents required for a change to a a graduate school
"Specialist in Humanities/International Services" or "Engineer" visa ● Those who have graduated from a professional training college and got a diploma

(1)Application form ■ Documents required for application

(2)Passport and alien registration card (to show)
(1)Documents certifying the ability of the applicant to cover all expenses to be incurred

Job Hunting Activities

(3)Other documents to be submitted during the stay in Japan (proof of money transfer or copy of a bank statement, etc.)

after Graduating
(2)A diploma from the university that the applicant has attended most recently
Effective September 1, 2009, certain changes were made to the documents to be submitted.
(3)A letter of recommendation from the university that the applicant has attended most
For details, visit the Immigration Bureau website. recently
(4)Documents certifying that the applicant is conducting job hunting activities (job hunting
record, notification of screening results, etc.)
(From the website, click on "Click here to view application forms" under "Immigration procedures.")
If you secure a job while on a "Designated Activities" visa, you will be required to change
your residence status to "Specialist in Humanities/International Services" or "Engineer."
■ Screening points
■ Notes
(1) Whether the applicant possesses suitable skills and knowledge based on his/her academic
● You will have limited opportunities to find a job since many Japanese companies primarily target
history (major, research content, etc.) and other background new graduates when planning their acquisition of human resources, and additionally, the period
(2) Whether the content of the relevant job can utilize the applicant's skills and knowledge between April and September, in which you will continue job hunting, is when recruitment for the
(3) Whether the applicant's treatment (remuneration, etc.) is sufficient following year is underway.
(4) Whether stability and continuity can be expected based on the hiring company's size and ● You may be asked to wait to join the company until April of the following year even if you are
performance, and whether the hiring company can actually provide opportunities for the applicant offered a position.
to utilize his/her job ● It will be difficult to gather information because you will be required to conduct job hunting
activities under a schedule that differs from the one for regular "new graduate hiring." In addition,
it will be difficult to communicate your eagerness to apply for a job because of the delay in timing.

■ Reapplication If you have secured a job offer and the job starts in April of the following year, you will be able to
continue residing in Japan on a "Designated Activities" visa until you join the company. However,
Even if you are denied a work visa in the screening process, you can still reapply as long as your the purpose of your residence will be different, so you will be required to apply for a change of status
of residence. The necessary documents are as follows.
current visa is valid. You will not be able to obtain a work visa upon reapplication if the reasons for
denying your visa application are not resolved. Check again to see if you satisfy all the requirements (1) Documents certifying you can cover all expenses to be incurred during your stay in Japan
listed above as "Screening points," then prepare and submit the necessary documents. (2) Documents required to change your status of residence to a work visa, such as "Specialist in
Humanities/International Services" and "Engineer."
(3) Documents certifying the job offer and the date the job offer was issued, such as a formal offer
letter sent from the future employer
(4) A declaration indicating compliance with the obligation to communicate information, etc.
(5) Documents certifying the content of training sessions, etc., if you intend to participate in training
at the future employer before placement in the company
 Ms. Yousra Ashraf

Job Hunting Reports

Nationality: Egypt
Place of Study: Konan University, Japanese literature major
Place of Work: JTC Corporation (Trading Firm)
JLPT: 1st level

■ Reason for working in Japan ■ Advance preparation and

I wanted to work where I could put my Japanese
company research
language skills (my major) to full use. I also thought I only used the references available at my
that working and living in Japan would be a great university's career center. I was very underprepared
experience for me. when it came to the synthetic personality inventory,
or SPI. There were many companies to choose from
■ Reason for choosing my company
and I was at a loss as to where to look to narrow
and job details
down my options.
The interviewers were very kind and took a sincere
interest in me. And since the company trades with ■ Application form, resume
the Middle East, including my home country, I had a I studied Japanese literature in Japan. I hadn't undertaken

Job Hunting Reports

good chance of taking occasional business trips back any marketing-related studies, so I tried to accentuate the
home and using my native language on the job. I one weapon that I had—my linguistic ability.
work mainly in sales and office work related to trade.
■ Job interview
■ Self promotion I made sure I was prepared to answer expected
I emphasized that my native language is Arabic; that questions. I was asked about my future plans, what I had
I achieved a perfect score in TOEIC; and that I had done so far in preparation for those plans, what about
a first grade certificate in the Japanese Language Japan and my home country are similar and different,
Proficiency Test. what I like and dislike about Japanese people, etc.

■ Start of my job hunting activities ■ Hopes and plans for the future
and number of companies applied to At my current company a point is made that
everyone is equal, for instance everyone collects
June during the second year of my master's
and discards garbage, regardless of his or her age
program. I applied to around 10 companies or less.
or career. The company also teaches us a bit at
■ Specific job search activities a time. It is a small company, so we quickly get
I registered with all the websites I knew, whether along with our co-workers. I want to continue to
they were recruiting Japanese natives or foreigners. work happily with my colleagues and become more
I had a phone interview with a recruitment site proficient at my job in the future.
for foreigners called Japan Career. Apart from ■ Advice
that, I attended lectures by Society International
Education and Cultural Exchange (SIENCE) and Exchanging information with other international
symposiums held by the International Foreign students, older Japanese students and other friends
Students Association (IFSA), and frequently who are job-hunting too is vitally important. Don't wait
visited the Osaka Employment Service Center for until your resume is perfect. The more you revise,
Foreigners. I asked experts to review and correct the more you'll never see an end to the task. If you
my Japanese-language resume at the career center attend a symposium, listen to the lectures of as many
at my university, at SIENCE, and at a forum held companies as you can. Even if you don't care to join a
by the Kyoto Prefectural International Center. I also particular company, chances are it will have valuable
asked my Japanese friends for help. advice for you. Acquire as many qualifications as you
can. No matter how skilled you are, the companies
that you apply to want visible proof. Applying for a
job in Japan may be more difficult for international
students than it is for native Japanese students, but it
isn't impossible. I wish you luck.
 Ms. Valeriia Iurchenko (Ukraine) Hongboonrit Saeksan

Job Hunting Reports

Nationality: Ukraine Nationality: Thailand
Place of Study: Nagoya University, School of Letters, Japanese Language and Culture major Place of Study: Graduate school of Keio University, Commerce
Place of Work: Crestec (Publisher) Place of Work: Kao Corporation (Chemical Products)
JLPT: 1st level JLPT: 1st level

■ Reason for working in Japan Most of the job fairs for foreigners are held in Tokyo, ■ Reason for working in Japan ■ Application form, resume
and attending them was not easy for me as I live in
I wanted to have a job directly related to Japan Japan not only boasts one of the world’s largest For me, the important thing in writing a resume is to not
Nagoya. In my case the web site gaijinpot proved
and the Japanese language. From my days as an economies, it is also full of interesting places to visit. just use it as a record of what you had done, but to discern
the most helpful and I found my current company
exchange student, I felt that I would love to start my I thought that working in Japan would be a great your abilities from self-analysis and to use your resume as
via it. I also spoke with other foreigners working in
professional career in Japan. opportunity to have valuable experiences. a platform to appeal those abilities to the company.
the same industry and listened to their advice.
■ Reason for choosing my company ■ Reason for choosing my company ■ Job interview
and job details ■ Advance preparation and and job details
company research The first thing I did was to make myself relax and
My company is Dutch owned and we work in My company is a leading Japanese manufacturer appear confident. Secondly, I wrote down and
direct collaboration with our offices in UK, US, I found the home page of my prospective employers of fast moving consumer goods and chemical rehearsed my answers to the kind of questions I
Germany, France, Canada, China, Brazil, Turkey and looked for information about the company, their products boasting a powerful brand lineup and an expected the interviewers to ask. Also, I reviewed
and other countries, which allows me to use clients, and the kind of services they provide. efficient working system. My major tasks are to work some basic marketing theories and read up on some
English and Japanese on daily basis. All my co- with both internal and external functions to create marketing cases to expand my business knowledge.
workers have experience studying overseas, so ■ Application form, resume marketing strategies which include assortment I was asked about the reason why I came to study
they have a diverse way of thinking and many In Japan you can find a lot of literature about how planning, pricing, distribution and integrated in Japan and other general questions. Then, I was
are familiar with foreign cultures to a degree. I am to write your resume with all the necessary samples communication. asked questions regarding my attitudes toward the
working as a Localization Project Manager at a and tips. I highly recommend that you thoroughly company, work, and my future career.
■ Self promotion
publishing company, and as such my main duty is read such books.
to coordinate local and overseas resources. I also I made myself appear confident, yet polite. I think it ■ Hopes and plans for the future
make purchase orders, prepare files for translation ■ Job interview is an advantage to present yourself to the employer The market of fast moving consumer goods and
and linguistic QA, and manage packaging, shipping, in a way that shows that you have strong leadership, chemical products is highly competitive, so you need
I was asked to introduce myself, to briefly explain
receipt, and linguistic resources such as product while at the same time showing that you can also to keep your eyes on the latest news concerning
my background, and I was also asked IT-related
specific glossaries and translation memories. work well in a team. the industry, read ahead and constantly have a
questions that directly related to the job. I had
grasp on the circumstances surrounding your work.
■ Self promotion
two interviews; the latter one was with the boss of ■ Start of my job hunting activities
the company who made the final decision. It took and number of companies applied to My job is tough, but it provides me with a valuable
My boss told me later that she liked me a lot around three weeks to receive notification of my opportunity to develop myself. I wish to make the
I started in June, during the second year of my
because of the confidence I was speaking with. acceptance as a full-time employee. best use of my marketing skills and knowledge for
master's program. I only applied to one company.
Remember, even if you have a fantastic resume market analysis and forecasts, and further utilize my
but your voice and hands are shaking during an ■ Advice ■ Specific job search activities marketing experiences as a company consultant.
interview, the people interviewing you will not feel Never be afraid to set high goals and work towards I searched for recruitment information via the ■ Advice
like reading it! You will never have a second chance a dream! "There are people who put their dreams in internet and checked the career information board
to make a first impression. Try to use the first two The recruitment period of Japanese companies
a little box and say, "Yes, I've got dreams, of course at the university. I also uploaded a brief resume to
minutes of conversation to great extent. is extremely limited. The fact that applications to
I've got dreams." Then they put this box away and an online recruit service and the service immediately
companies are accepted only one to two times a
bring it out once in a while to look in it, and yep, contacted me if there was a matching job.
■ Start of my job hunting activities year can cause major stress. I also felt that job-
they are still there” (Erma Bombeck). We should not
and number of companies applied to ■ Advance preparation and
hunting and in particular, interviews, were a long
forget that all dreams, even the wildest ones, come and grueling process. Once you start working, you
I started applying to companies about half a year true if we have the courage to pursue them. Devote company research
might find difficulty in dealing with the differences
since I commenced my studies here. I applied to yourself to the realization of your dreams with hard I found most of the information I wanted on the in culture, language barriers, and stress in the
multiple companies. work and deadlines! Endeavour to do the very best company website. I also learnt about the company’s work place. I must say that searching for a job and
you can! Remember that life flies but the good news position in the market from searching for business working in Japan is not easy. I would recommend
■ Specific job search activities
is that you are the pilot! news related to the company I was interested in. preparing yourself mentally and physically to
I applied on company websites (both English and The most difficult thing was that there was a lot confront the many pressures that may confront
Japanese). I used the websites that most foreigners of information to remember in preparation for the you. However, you will become stronger from the
use. Gaijinpot, careerforum, joblet, jobcube, daijob, interview. experience. Working in Japan will most likely prove
careercross etc. to be a very valuable experience in your life.
 Kesinee Phatisatian Muhammad Zukhairi Abidin

Job Hunting Reports

Nationality: Thailand Nationality: Malaysia
Place of Study: Graduate School of Japanese Applied Linguistics, Waseda University Place of Study: Nagaoka University of Technology, Bioengineering course
Place of Work: CCC Co., Ltd. (Service Industry) Place of Work: MARUWA CO., LTD (Ceramic electronic parts manufacturer)
JLPT: 1st level JLPT: 1st level

■ Reason for working in Japan ■ Application form, resume ■ Reason for working in Japan ■ Application form, resume
In Thailand, you can only get a job that is related to I tried to write about concrete experiences in a way I was attracted by the fact that Japan was able I prepared my resume after getting advice from
to grow into the world's second largest economy, instructors and alumni. I was repeatedly told to write
your specialty, so I wanted to get some experience that was as concise and easy to understand as even though it has few natural resources. I also
working overseas. possible. I also tried to write about the results of more neatly. If the writing is sloppy, nobody will
thought that I would be able to absorb the diligence
and sensitivity of the Japanese people toward their want to read it, so it's important to be careful of that.
those experiences whenever I was able to do so.
■ Reason for choosing my company work, as well as other positive traits, and grow more
and job details ■ Job interview myself. ■ Job interview
I wanted to get a job at a company that did project I didn't answer until I understood the question ■ Reason for choosing my company First impressions are the determining element of an
planning. I was particularly attracted to the energy completely. I was asked what kind of work I wanted and job details interview. I paid a lot of attention to my grooming and
of the employees at the company I work for now. to do at the company, and what kind of image of the I chose MARUWA as it has a factory in Malaysia appearance, cheerfully and energetically greeting
Currently I'm working on the launch and operation because I would like to return to Malaysia in the the interviewer, and using the proper language.
Japanese people I had.
future and work for the development of my home I had three interviews before I received an offer
of the "Global Internship Program" for international country. The employees that I met also treated
■ Hopes and plans for the future of employment. In the first interview, I introduced
students. My job mainly involves support, etc., for me kindly, and I had a very good impression of myself, and was asked about such things as why
international interns. At the moment I'm learning through a variety of jobs. them. I work in a department that manufactures I was interested in the job, and the content of my
I haven't been given a big job yet, but I think that ceramic substrates for chip resistors. My work is
graduation research. In the second interview, I was
■ Self promotion related to mold technology used in presses. Molds
it's good that I've been able to see a side of myself asked technical questions, such as what I wanted to
require micron-level precision, so concentration and
From my experience studying abroad and working I hadn't realized was there, and to get a better idea dexterity are vital. I also conduct support work for do and what I was able to do. In the final interview,
for a Japanese company, I have been able to learn of what I'm good at and what I'm not. I would like to individuals who come from the Malaysian factory to I was especially nervous, since I was meeting with
about the cultures of my own country (Thailand) as get experience in planning at the company I work Japan for technical training. the president of the company, but he asked me more
about Malaysia and my future than the job itself and
well as Japan. I emphasized my desire to use that for now, then in the future return to Thailand as a ■ Self promotion mixed in humor here and there, so it was an enjoyable
knowledge and my ability to plan projects to help "planner" who creates plans for various types of I diligently expressed my strong desire to gain interview.
people all over the world understand "true" culture. projects. technical skills while working in Japan and my ability
I think that giving concrete responses is the key to to contribute to the company through the vitality and ■ Hopes and plans for the future
presenting yourself well.
■ Advice language skills I developed during my experience It's said that the Japanese work ethic is the best in the
Job hunting gave me a valuable opportunity to learn studying in Japan. world, so if my own work was acceptable in Japan,
■ Start of my job hunting activities of aspects of each company that differed from the ■ Start of my job hunting activities it would be acceptable anywhere in the world. In
and number of companies applied to image I had had of them until now. First, decide why and number of companies applied to particular, MARUWA has a corporate culture in which
employees are unified and cooperate, and even young
I started from October in my first year of graduate you want to work in Japan, and what kind of person Due to my graduation research, it was around employees are entrusted with work. Older employees
school. I applied to about 20 companies. you want to be in the future. Finding a job in Japan summer vacation when I started my full-scale and supervisors instruct younger employees in a polite
is more difficult than it is overseas, and you have search. I attended orientation sessions at five manner, and good suggestions are implemented
■ Specific job search activities companies, and took screening tests at four.
to be strong both physically and psychologically. immediately. In addition, there's a lot of interaction
I attended joint company explanation meetings. I But if you have a clear goal, you can overcome any with employees who were hired at the same time as
■ Specific job search activities me, as well as older employees, and on holidays we
used Rikunabi and most of the other employment difficulty! Good luck with your job search!
sites. I first focused my job search on the Rikunabi and enjoy barbeques, etc. I hope to train for a few years in
en-japan employment information sites. Then Japan and get a wide range of experience then return
■ Advance preparation and around autumn, I registered on CFN (Career Forum to Malaysia and contribute to the development of the
company research Net), an employment information site for bilingual Malaysian factory.
individuals. That's where I found MARUWA. I also
I went to the company website and made a point ■ Advice
referred to employment information provided at the
of checking to see if the company's "corporate university employment desk, as well as books on Unfortunately I had a lot of school experiments that I
philosophy" matched my own views. Then I visited written tests. couldn’t set aside, and in many cases I wasn’t able to
blogs to check the actual image of the company, its go to the seminars that I wanted to attend. However,
■ Advance preparation and meeting new people and going places I had never
corporate culture, etc. Unlike Japanese students, I
company research been before was a valuable experience for me. I'm
didn't know anyone who was employed, so I couldn't
I attended an orientation session after getting a continuing to study the Japanese language. Naturally,
get much information from the people around me, certain amount of information from the company if I can't express my opinions and ideas, etc., clearly,
so I studied up on references provided in reference website, such as what kind of business it was, and it will be hard for me to gain the understanding and
books and websites, etc. what kind of people they were looking for. Then, I trust of those around me, so the first thing that has
did more research with the materials I was given at to be done is to get rid of the language barrier. Let's
the orientation session, and then I had an interview. improve our Japanese!
 Name: Zhuang Xiao Li Useful "JASSO Job Hunting Support" websites

Nationality: China
Place of Study: Sapporo University Graduate School of Culturology
Place of Work: Creek & River Co., Ltd. (Creator Agency)
JASSO's homepage links to the following websites.
JLPT: 1st level
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: J1+ 1．Employment Service Centers for Foreigners
- Services: Provision of employment information, counseling and job placement, and reception for internships
■ Reason for working in Japan ■ Application form, resume - Locations: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya
I wanted to become a bridge between Japan and I kept in mind that I should be original and not write - Languages supported: Tokyo: English and Chinese
China, and do something useful in Japanese society the same thing as everybody else. So while I also Osaka and Nagoya: English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish
to deepen understanding between the two countries. referred to guidebooks, I made a point of looking for
- Consultation methods: Telephone and in person
■ Reason for choosing my company strengths that only I had, and including them in my
resumes along with specific episodes.
and job details 2．Public Employment Offices (Hello Work Offices)
I was initially attracted by the company president’s ■ Job interview
message. The job of an agent is to discover values - Services: Employment counseling
Speak with confidence. In a group interview, for
in people, elevate those values, and create an - Locations: Each prefecture
environment suitable for everyone in order to connect instance, I did my best to show the interviewer
that I am motivated and willing to put in the extra - Languages supported: Japanese
people. It seemed like the perfect line of work for
realizing my dream of contributing to Japan and China effort so that they'll never have to compare me to - Hello Work locations where foreign languages are supported: 31 prefectures
as a bridge between the two countries. At the current their Japanese employees. I was asked questions - Languages supported: English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish (varies by region)
time I interview creators, visit clients and secure like, "Why do you want to work in Japan?", "What
are the differences between Japan and your home - Consultation methods: Telephone and in person
dispatching or outsourcing orders, and make plans
and proposals to solve clients' problems. I also handle country?", “How long can you work in Japan?”,
the company's new Chinese accounts in Japan, and "What is your image of Japanese people?" and 3．Student Employment Support Centers
manage international student support programs for "What are your plans for the future?"
- Services: Student employment counseling
colleges that specialize in creative fields.
■ Hopes and plans for the future - Locations: Each prefecture
■ Self promotion
Ever since I joined the company, I have spent each - Languages supported: Japanese
I appealed the fact that I have experienced both
Japanese and Chinese cultures, and also, that I day absorbing knowledge and expertise in the - Consultation methods: Telephone and in person * Targets: Not limited to foreign nationals.
love dealing with people and am confident about my mysterious world of business. Through this, I sense
communication skills from my experiences teaching the Japanese people's pride and earnestness toward 4．Immigration Information Centers
the Japanese language in China. their work. As I meet more people, I am coming
- Services: Counseling on procedures for entering Japan, visa applications, etc.
to understand the responsibilities and rewards of
■ Start of my job hunting activities a working adult. I hope that I could put into play - Locations: Sendai, Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka
and number of companies applied to my experiences as a start-up member when our - Languages supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, etc. (varies by region)
I started around the summer of the year before I company branches out into China in the near future.
- Consultation methods: Telephone and in person
graduated. I sent applications to about 20 companies. I would like to coordinate the exchange of creative
personnel and content between China and Japan.
■ Specific job search activities 5．Immigration Bureau (District Immigration Bureau)
I searched for keywords by the industry and ■ Advice - Services: Procedures for changing status of residence, etc.
position I was interested in, never minding whether - Locations: Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Narita Airport, Yokohama, Nagoya, Chubu Airport, Osaka,
international students were up for hire. I registered Job-hunting was a process of trial and error for
me. The first month was a string of failures since Kansai Airport, Kobe, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, Fukuoka, and Naha
on recruitment websites, from major Japanese
I came off to a slow start searching for openings,
web portals like Mynavi, to sites that specialize - Languages supported: Japanese
took the SPI test without knowing what it was,
in supporting Chinese people like Aineedu. I also and went to interviews without even researching Consultation methods: Telephone and in person
frequented the Tokyo Employment Service Center the company. Receiving one rejection letter after
for Foreigners, and attended various joint company another was depressing. But I had faith that there 6．Chamber of Commerce and Industry
briefings. I chanced upon the company I work for would be a suitable place for me somewhere, and
now at an Asian employment briefing session. kept attending company briefings. It is important - Services: Provision of company information, and reception for internships
■ Advance preparation and to analyze the reasons for each failure and avoid * Specific services may not be available at all locations.
company research repeating the same mistakes at subsequent - Locations: Each prefecture
interviews or tests, so I made my own job-hunting
I went to company websites and got an image of the progress chart and nailed it to the wall. Believe - Languages supported: Japanese
kind of employee the company was looking for by in yourself, and never give up. I've heard that the - Consultation methods: Telephone and in person * Targets: Not limited to foreign nationals.
researching information pertinent to the company average Japanese student applies to 50 companies,
and prepared a self-promotion scenario accordingly.
I made a point of being able to say in concrete
is accepted by three or four, and then chooses a 7．Employment and Human Resources Development Organization of Japan
favorite from among them. Also, don't carry troubles
terms, "I have this background and I could do this all by yourself. Actively discuss your problems with - Services: Career counseling
if you hired me." I made a rule of reading through teachers and career consultants, and with older - Locations: Each prefecture
every first-page newspaper article and looking international students. It's important to get advice
from many different people. Make your status as a - Languages supported: Japanese
up the economic terms I didn't understand. I also
bought dozens of books and practiced for written foreigner an advantage. I wish you the best of luck. - Consultation method: In person * Targets: Not limited to foreign nationals.
tests like the Synthetic Personality Inventory (SPI).