Tips for Successful Job Hunting

In Japan, job hunting activities are carried out while candidates are still students, and companies employ new graduates annually. Although companies outside of Japan usually employ students after their graduation, taking into consideration students’ knowledge and experience related to the work of their company, Japanese companies place primary importance on students’ potential, including their attitude toward their studies. Accordingly, you are advised to become accustomed to life in Japan and lead a full student life, referring to the important points to note described below .

Moreover, almost of all Japanese companies expect a high level of Japanese language skills from international students. Specifically, they require you to have gained a N1 level in the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and a J1-J1+ level or so in the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT). You are advised to improve your Japanese language skills and obtain the necessary qualifications before starting your job hunting activities. Many international students have failed to achieve the results that they wanted because they started job hunting without under-standing the particular characteristics of job hunting activities in Japan.

Toyo University offers the Business Japanese Course that can be taken by students in their first year and subsequent years and provides career support program. Please check the details posted on “ToyoNet-ACE” and “ToyoNet-G.”

 

1．Important Points to Note for Successful Job Hunting in Japan

1) Understand Japanese culture / Improve your business Japanese language skills

Improving your Japanese language skills as early as possible leads to the enhancement of your academic performance and the understanding of Japanese culture.
【Method】 Actively interact with Japanese students through seminars and club activities. Take the Business Japanese Course and career support program.

2) Lead a full student life

Japanese companies evaluate students’ attitude toward their studies as well as their extracurricular activities, such as club activities, part-time jobs, and volunteer activities, when screening candidates. You are advised to have a clear goal and purpose and have a broad range of experience.

3) Participate in company internship programs

To work in Japanese companies, you are required to understand their corporate culture.
【Method】 Participate in internship programs offered by companies in Japan through the Toyo University International Student I-Turn Employment Promotion Program and other programs.

4) Learn how to conduct job hunting activities

You need to grasp the timing and methods of job hunting in Japan to understand how to successfully conduct job hunting activities.
【Method】 Take an on-campus career support program. Visit the Career Support Office on your campus. 

5) Apply for employment at many companies

Insufficient effort is the major reason why international students do not succeed in job hunting. You should not stop looking for a job after taking the employment tests of only a few companies, it is important for you to continue job hunting activities without giving up hope.【Method】 Regularly visit job information sites and the Career Support Office on your campus.

 

Those who want to work outside of Japan

It is important to examine when and how job hunting activities are conducted in the relevant country as early as possible. In some countries, your internship experiences in Japan may be useful.