①Introduction ~Is it really difficult for foreigners to work in Japan?~
Many of you may be thinking, "I would like to work in Japan, but it would be difficult for a foreigner to find a job in Japan."
Since Japan is facing a declining birthrate and ageing population, many Japanese companies are in desperate need of workers. In addition, Japanese companies are seeking more diverse workforces to change their homogeneous culture, which means they are actively recruiting foreign talents.
In other words, now is the best time for foreigners to work in Japan!!
However, job hunting in Japan can be sometimes challenging due to the unique Japanese selection process for example.
So, what is special about job hunting in Japan? What are the advantages of using a recruiting agent?
In this article, we will explain Japan’s job hunting and recruiting agents to answer those questions!
②Common obstacles which foreigners will face in job hunting in Japan
(1) Japanese skills
The first and most important requirement to work in Japan is Japanese language skills.
As you will compete with native Japanese, you have to have sufficient Japanese language skills, otherwise you won’t get through the screening and interview process.
The Japanese proficiency level you should aim for is JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 or higher, which is the business level.
You could pass the screening process depending on companies even if your Japanese level is below N2. However, it is important to have at least a conversational level of Japanese to communicate with your colleagues.
(2) Research and information gap
As people say "Job hunting is an information warfare," it is very important to collect as much information as possible, including basic industry knowledge and job hunting schedules.
Those who live overseas and international students have less connection with Japanese alumni compared to Japanese local students. Therefore, it can be more difficult for them to gather information through connecting current employees in Japan and asking them for advice.
(3) Japan’s unique recruiting process
In Japan, there is a unique hiring process that does not exist in other countries.
Typical selection systems include the application documents called "Entry Sheets (ES)," web tests to assess basic academic skills in language and mathematics, as well as group discussions (GD), and group interviews.
It is quite hard to pass these processes if you didn’t prepare beforehand.
So, be prepared for your each selection process.
(4) Communication outside of interviews
Of course interviews are important, however, what foreigners often find difficult is communicating with companies outside of the recruiting process, such as scheduling interviews, negotiating working conditions, and accepting offers.
Although they are not directly related to the selection process, you have to understand Japanese business manners and culture to communicate in a respectful way to the company and its employees.
③What is a recruiting agency? Things you can do with Connect Job
Recruiting agents are very useful tools for job search in Japan since they will provide support and job information tailored to each individual who wishes to work in Japan.
Connect Job, which operates Connect Times, is an agency specializing in matching global talents with Japanese companies and introduces jobs for both new graduates and mid-career workers.
Here, we will explain what you can do with Connect Job services.
(1) Career Consulting
Connect Job has professional career consultants who are experts in Japan’s job market.
During counselling with a consultant, you can simply talk about your concerns and worries, for example "I don't know what I want to do in the future or what type of job I’m interested in yet.”
Through this casual chat, we will get to know your experience and personality, then introduce you to companies and events that suit you best.
If you decide to proceed to the actual selection process, we will also support you with interview preparation and resume/ES correction.
Again, you can use this service not only for specific measures such as mock interviews, but also for just talking to your consultant to relieve your worries before the interview!
Our career consultants are your job hunting partners whom you can ask and talk to about anything anytime.
(2) Event Invitation
Connect Job offers various events such as company information sessions and job fairs to help you gather information around the job market in Japan.
Many of the events have time for casual chat, which allows you to directly talk with current employees and better understand the company and industry.
These events are specifically designed for foreign candidates and the number of participants is very small. This creates a cozy atmosphere and makes you feel easy to ask questions to the company staff.
(3) Introducing new openings
We will introduce you to job openings that match your background and character based on the information through career counselling.
Same as the events, Connect Job can introduce and match you with jobs at companies that are actively hiring foreigners. Thus, you can search for a job more efficiently than doing it by yourself.
(4) Discussing working conditions with the company
Once you have received an offer, you may need to negotiate working conditions with the company, such as salary and which department you want to be assigned. It can be quite difficult for non-native Japanese to discuss those contracts in Japanese.
Connect Job's agents provide support for these negotiations. Since our consultants mediate between you and the company, you do not have to talk to the company directly. We can make a contract that meets your needs.
(5) Support after job offers
Connect Job also provides support for settling down in Japan after your job search is over.
You can talk to our consultants about anything you’re worried about starting your life in Japan, such as visa application, translating documents, and moving to your new house.
In a nutshell, the Connect Job service covers the whole process from the initial stage of job hunting to your stay in Japan after you get a job offer. All of our services are completely free of charge.
④Users’ voice
Here are the voices of former Connect Job users who successfully found a job in Japan.
“I joined a Connect Job’s webinar on how to work in Japan, and coffee chat as well.
They were really impactful because it helped me to think it's not just possible but there's people who are willing to help me do it. I don't think I would be here without the help because of so much information that's contradictory on the internet.”
“The consultant from Connect Job was really great to me.
She started by believing in my skills and she believed that I could get a job offer. That gave me a lot of power.”
“If you’re thinking of working in Japan, I highly recommend you to use Connect Job.
Since the Connect job provides information of a variety of companies, it is easy to find a company which matches you. Do have a look at their website!”
⑤Final note
Did you get a glimpse of Japan’s job market and recruiting agents?
Just give it a try to talk with our consultants, even if you don’t know much about job hunting in Japan, or not at all.
Just talking and sharing your career thoughts will open the door for the future!
Sign up from the description below, and go check to find opportunities and events you’re interested in!
▶Find a job in Japan with Connect Job
We have 2 types of services based on Visa. If you are interested in working in Japan, don’t hesitate to get our support. All the support is free of charge.
Connect Job
Connect Job is a job-hunting support service dedicated to international students. Career consultants who are specialized in supporting international students will not only give information about job positions but fully support your job hunting from preparation to getting a job offer.
Working visa type : EHI (技術・人文知識・国際業務)
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