Interview Preparation

For foreigners aiming to succeed in job interviews with Japanese companies, thorough preparation is key. 

 

Understand the Industry, Company, and Role

Articulate why you've chosen this specific industry, company, and position. Being unable to explain your choices can lead to perceived inconsistencies during the interview, especially when discussing your career plan or reasons for applying.

Organize Your Strengths and Examples

Prepare to discuss your strengths by having clear, concrete examples that demonstrate these attributes. This preparation helps convey to the interviewer why you are a compelling candidate for the position.

Clarify How You Plan to Contribute

Interviewers are keen to understand how you envision contributing to the company. A lack of clarity on your part may raise concerns about your long-term fit and commitment to the role.

This foundational preparation ensures you enter the interview with a clear narrative about your professional journey, your reasons for applying, and how you see yourself contributing to the company's success.

 

See Also: How to Write a great Japanese Resume (Rirekisyo)

Interview Manners

Understanding and adhering to Japanese interview etiquette is crucial for foreign applicants. Here are key manners to observe:

Proper Greetings

Upon entering, politely announce your entry with "失礼します" (Shitsurei shimasu, "Excuse me") and wait for an invitation to enter, usually signaled by "どうぞ" (Douzo, "Please, come in").

Starting the Interview

Begin with "宜しくお願いします" (Yoroshiku onegai shimasu), a versatile phrase that expresses your hope for a favorable interaction but doesn't have a direct English equivalent.

Concluding the Interview

Always conclude with "ありがとうございました" (Arigatou gozaimashita, "Thank you very much") to show appreciation for the interviewer's time.

Self-Introduction

When prompted for a self-introduction ("自己紹介をお願いします", Jikoshoukai wo onegai shimasu), keep it concise, focusing on aspects of your background and skills relevant to the position.

Adhering to these manners not only demonstrates your respect for Japanese cultural norms but also helps make a positive impression on your potential employers.

 

Common Interview Questions in Japan

Both new graduates and those seeking a career change in Japan can expect to encounter a set of common interview questions. Being well-prepared for these questions can significantly improve your chances of success.

志望動機を教えてください(Shibou douki wo oshiete kudasai, "Please tell me the reason for application" )

Be prepared to discuss your reasons for choosing the company and how it aligns with your career goals. This question tests your interest and whether you've researched the company.

キャリアビジョンはありますか？(Kyaria bijon ha arimasuka?, "Do you have any career vision?")

Interviewers often ask about your career vision to assess the consistency of your aspirations with the opportunities the company offers.

人生で一番頑張ったことは何ですか？(Jinsei de ichiban ganbatta kotowa nandesuka?, "What is the hardest thing you have done in your life?")

Sharing experiences where you've faced and overcome challenges can highlight your resilience and problem-solving skills.

(Company name)について何を知っていますか？((comapny name) ni tsuite nani wo shitte imasuka?, "What do you know about our company?" )

Expect questions about what you know about the company and why you want to work there. This assesses your genuine interest and preparation.

(Occupation)について何を知っていますか？((occupation) ni tsuite nani wo shitte imasuka?, "What do you know about the occupation you7re applying?" )

Understanding what the role entails and how you can contribute is crucial. Be ready to articulate your understanding of the position and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit.

趣味はなんですか？(Shumi ha nandesuka?, "What is your hobby?")

Questions about your personal interests can give insights into your personality and how you might fit into the company culture.

何か質問はありますか？(Nanika shitsumon ha arimasuka?, "Do you have any questions?")

At the end of a job interview in Japan, it's common for the interviewer to ask if you have any questions. This moment is crucial and should not be overlooked, as it offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the company and the position.

Types of Questions to Ask

Consider asking about the company's values, such as "御社で働く上で大切なことは何ですか？ (Onsha de hataraku ue de taisetsu na kotowa nanndesuka? ,What is considered most important for working at your company?)" or inquire about specifics of the role you're applying for, "御社で活躍するために必要なことは何ですか?  (Onsha de katsuyaku suru ue de hitsuyou na kotowa nanndesuka?,  What are the key qualities needed to excel) in this position?")

Tailor your questions to show you've done your homework and are already thinking about how you can contribute.

Being prepared to answer these questions thoughtfully and sincerely can help you connect with the interviewer and present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

 

See Also: 38 Common Questions Asked in Japanese Job Interviews

 

Questions for New Graduates

For new graduates entering the Japanese job market, certain interview questions are particularly common and important to prepare for. Understanding these questions and how to effectively respond to them can significantly impact your interview's success.

自己PRをお願いします(Jiko-PR wo onegai shimasu, Self-PR)

Self-PR is your opportunity to highlight your strengths and achievements. It's crucial to tailor this to what the interviewer is looking for, demonstrating why you are the best candidate for the position.

Reflect on your experiences, identifying clear examples that showcase your abilities. Consider situations where you've taken initiative, solved problems, or contributed to a team's success.

See Also: How to Write 自己PR (Jiko PR, Self PR) on a Japanese Resume (with Example)

 

学生の時に頑張ったことは？(Gakusei jidai ni ganbatta kotowa?, "what are the efforts during your student life?")

Interviewers ask this to understand the qualities and characteristics you possess, such as determination, creativity, or leadership. They are interested in the process and your approach to challenges, not just the outcomes.

Share a story from your student life where you faced a challenge or pursued a goal passionately. Explain your motivation, the actions you took, and what you learned from the experience, even if the result wasn't a spectacular success.

長所と短所を教えてください。(Chousho to tansho wo oshiete kudasai, "Tell me your strengths and weaknesses")

This question aims to gauge your self-awareness and ability to objectively assess your capabilities.

For strengths, choose attributes that align with the job's requirements. When discussing weaknesses, focus on areas you're actively working to improve and how this process has contributed to your personal development.

周りの人からはどのような人だと言われますか？(Mawari no hitokara ha donoyouna hito dato iwaremasuka?, "How others perceive you?)

This question helps interviewers understand how you interact with others and your impact on a group or team setting.

Think about feedback you've received from peers, teachers, or during any team projects. Highlight qualities that have been consistently recognized by others, such as being supportive, a good listener, or a problem-solver.

Preparing for these questions involves not just introspection but also understanding how your experiences and qualities align with what the company is looking for in a new graduate. Demonstrating your awareness of your strengths and how you've applied them, as well as your willingness to grow and address areas for improvement, can make a strong impression on your interviewers.

 

Questions for Career Changers

For those considering a career change, Japanese job interviews often delve into specific areas related to your previous employment, future aspirations, and work preferences. Here's how to navigate these common questions:

前職の退職理由は何ですか？(Zenshoku no taishoku riyuu wa nanndesuka?, "What is the reason for leaving your last job?")

Interviewers are keen to understand if the reasons for leaving your previous job will be addressed by their company. They aim to assess the risk of you leaving shortly after being hired.

Focus on positive reasons for leaving, such as seeking career advancement or desiring a more challenging environment. Avoid mentioning negative aspects like poor treatment or dissatisfaction with compensation.

転職先には何を期待していますか？(Tenshoku saki niwa nani wo kitai shitai shiteimasuka? ,"What do you expect from the new role?")

This question helps interviewers determine if there's alignment between what you're looking for and what the company can offer. It's a way to gauge potential job satisfaction and longevity.

Be honest about your expectations, whether they relate to career growth, learning opportunities, or company culture. Ensure your aspirations match the company's offerings and the role's potential.

現在の仕事内容を教えてください。(Genzai no shigoto naiyou wo oshiete kudasai, "Please tell me about your current job.")

Giving a clear and concise description of your current responsibilities provides interviewers with insight into your experience level, skills, and suitability for the position you're applying for.

Summarize your key responsibilities, highlight any significant achievements, and mention skills you've developed that are relevant to the new role.

どんな仕事だとやる気がでますか？(Donnna shigoto dato yaruki ga demasuka?, "What motivates you at work?")

This question aims to uncover what drives you professionally and whether the job and company culture align with your motivations. It's also a way to understand what demotivates you or could lead to job dissatisfaction.

Discuss the types of tasks or projects that excite you and contribute to your sense of fulfillment at work. Conversely, mention aspects of work that you find less motivating, framing them in a way that shows your willingness to tackle necessary tasks while seeking roles that play to your strengths.

Preparing for these questions involves reflecting on your career path, understanding what you truly seek in your next role, and being able to articulate how your background and aspirations align with the potential employer's values and opportunities. This preparation not only helps you present yourself as a strong candidate but also ensures that the role is a good fit for your career goals.