Job hunting in Japan is very doable—but the process can feel different from other countries. Here’s what matters most if you’re applying as a foreign candidate.
Understand the Main Hiring Paths
Mid-career vs. new grad
- Mid-career (中途 / chūto): faster hiring, skills-first, common for foreigners.
- New grad (新卒 / shinsotsu): structured “recruiting season,” more standardized steps.
Japanese company vs. global company
- Japanese firms may value fit, communication style, and teamwork heavily.
- Global firms often prioritize experience and measurable outcomes.
Prepare a Japan-Ready Resume Set
You may need two versions
- English resume (for global roles)
- Japanese-style resume: Rirekisho (履歴書) + Shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書) for many Japanese employers.
What recruiters expect
- Clear timeline (months/years), job titles, responsibilities
- Quantified results (numbers, impact, scope)
- Simple formatting and no long paragraphs
Interviews: What’s Different
Communication style matters
Expect questions that test:
- How you work in a team
- How you handle pressure and feedback
- Whether you can adapt to Japanese workplace norms
Common topics
- Why Japan / why this company
- Long-term plans (they want stability)
- Language level and how you use Japanese at work
Visas and Work Eligibility
Be upfront and clear
Recruiters need to know:
- Your current visa status (if any)
- Whether you need sponsorship
- Your start date and location flexibility
(You don’t need to overshare—just give a clean, confident summary.)
Where to Find Jobs
Strong channels in Japan
- Recruiters (very common for mid-career)
- LinkedIn (especially for tech/global firms)
- Company career pages
- Referrals (surprisingly powerful)
Quick Tips That Help a Lot
- Tailor your “Why this role?” to the job description (not generic)
- Use a short story to prove skills (problem → action → result)
- Send a polite follow-up after interviews
- If you’re not fluent, show how you communicate effectively anyway
Helpful Reference
If you’re looking for a job in Japan and want a step-by-step guide made for foreigners, check out this JoynTokyo article.
