Message from Adam
Looking for jobs in Japan can be intimidating, and there are several key factors to think about before you start your job search. I have worked full time and part time jobs in four different prefectures in Japan and I want to use my experience to help you find a job in Japan as well. Searching for jobs isn't always fun, but if you're interested in working in Japan, right now is a great time to start looking for jobs. In this post I will help you get started with how to get a job in Japan.
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How to Get a Job in Japan
Commonly asked questions on how to get a job in Japan
How to Get a Job in Japan Question #1: Are Japanese companies hiring?
The good news is that its good timing!
If you’re curious about how to get a job in Japan, then you’re in luck because now is a great time to get a job in Japan. Many Japanese companies are hiring! There are several large factors that make now a great time to start your job search in Japan. One of the biggest factors is the ageing population in Japan. As the birthrate in Japan continues to fall, the domestic workforce in Japan is also declining. With the ageing workforce and the decline number of young Japanese, Japanese companies are having a harder and harder time finding enough employees. This problem is big enough for the government to take notice and create new immigration polices to make it easier for foreign workers to get a work VISA.
In 2019, Japan made new immigration policies for “specified skill workers”. This makes it easier for workers to find jobs across several large industries in Japan. These new immigration polices also make it easier to stay in Japan longer! These new policies have opened up more job opportunities in several industries such as farming, fishing, retail, restaurant, sanitation and care taker positions.
Another big factor that makes now a good time to look for jobs in Japan, is that in this post-COVID world, Japan is trying to revitalize the Japanese image abroad. This doesn’t only mean that the there are more jobs in the tourist industry, but this applies to other industries as well. More and more Japanese companies are hiring people from different countries in order to be able to connect with the markets in different countries. Japan is not only trying to get more tourists to come to Japan, but Japan is trying to reach large markets in places all over the world.
All this means that Japanese companies in several industries are looking to hire foreigners! Now is a good opportunity to practice your trade in a different country and learn some new skills as well.
How to Get a Job in Japan Question #2: What type of jobs are available?
Teaching English
Teaching is one of the most common jobs for foreigners to get in Japan. But even for English teaching jobs there is a variety of different jobs one could get. There are teaching jobs at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and at universities. There are also English conversations schools, business English classes, private classes and tutoring jobs. There are private companies, big corporate companies, online classes or in person classes or even over the phone lessons. The point is that if you want to be an English teacher, you have a lot of options in Japan.
Teaching English might be the easiest job to get in Japan because all you need is a degree from a university and come from a country that English is the main language (there are some exceptions though). You don’t even need to have any Japanese ability (though it helps)!
Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry in Japan has a reputation to be grueling to work for, but restaurants are hiring foreigners in Japan. In fact, the restaurant industry is in the top five for industries that have foreign workers in Japan. Many of these restaurant jobs say that only limited or even no prior experience is needed. Though some experience is helpful since these jobs can be very physical and require a lot of attention to details.
These are usually fast paced jobs that require communication ability in the kitchen and in the dining area. Restaurant jobs may sound intimidating but some perseverance and some on the job training, these jobs are very doable. Plus, this is an industry that is always hiring and will always be around.
Fishing Industry
The fishing industry might not be the first industry that you would think of for working in Japan, but this industry is huge! Already, there is a large percentage of workers in this industry that are foreigners. This percentage is only getting bigger due to the aging population and fewer and fewer younger generation workers deciding to find other industries to work in.
The fishing industry is also covered in the new Japanese policies for “specified skills Visas”!
This is a skilled position in a very large and very important industry in Japan. If you have any relevant skills, this should be an easy job to land in Japan.
Information Technologies
Technology in Japan is famous around the world and some of the world’s largest tech companies are in Japan. These companies are looking for more IT specialists to keep everything running smoothly. So if you have programing skills, you should be able to find a job in Japan. As long as you know the language of computer programming, you don’t have to worry too much about your Japanese language ability. Of course, the more Japanese you know, the better off you will be.
Nursing/Caretaker Industry
This is another industry that really needs workers now. With the aging population, the demand for caretakers is very high right now and will only increase in the coming years. If you have a desire to live in Japan and to help people, this is a really good job to pursue.
These jobs can range from being a registered nurse in a nursing home or being a part time caretaker that travels to peoples homes and helps elderly with their daily lives.
At least an intermediate Japanese language ability is needed for this job. It is a job in high demand and it helps people, what are you waiting for?
Retail Industry
In the retail industry there are a lot of different options. Convenience stores, department stores, grocery stores etc.. These jobs require Japanese language ability but if you have a decent level of Japanese, these jobs are pretty easy to find. No matter where in Japan you live, there will always be retail stores and chances are, these stores are hiring.
Your First Steps on How to get a Job in Japan
Research requirements your industry
Visa
There are many different types of Visas for working in Japan. The most common types of Visas are Instructor, Skilled Labor, Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International services and Technical intern training.
Once you decide what industry you want to work in, make sure to research what kind of Visa you will need. Some companies help with Visa sponsorship and some don’t. Finding the right Visa is a major part of getting hired in Japan, so make sure you do your due diligence and pursue the right kind of Visa.
Japanese Language Ability
Japanese language ability is another major requirement for some industries. But luckily, not every industry requires a high level of Japanese ability. For instance, English teachers aren’t required to know any Japanese at all (though basic Japanese always helps).
Again, make sure you do enough research about your industry and make sure you have the correct level of Japanese. Many jobs only require basic Japanese but there are still many jobs that require N2 ability or better.
Possible Other Requirements
A couple more requirements that your industry might need are a degree from a university or certifications specific to the industry. Make sure you know everything that the job requires and once you meet the basic requirements, then you can start job hunting!
Requirements for Teaching English
Teaching English in Japan might be the easiest job to get in Japan and the requirements are pretty simple. You don’t need any previous teaching experience and you most likely don’t need any Japanese language ability. For most teaching jobs in Japan, the only requirements are that you have a degree from a university and that you are from a country that uses English as it’s first language. If you meet these two requirements, you have many English teaching jobs available to you in Japan. Whether you find a private company or a big chain company, they will help you get a work VISA in Japan. There are always companies looking for more English teachers and they are happy to help you with the VISA process in order to get you started as an English teacher in Japan.
Some teaching jobs might require you to get a TEFL (teaching English as a Foreign Language) or a TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications. Many jobs don’t require these certifications, but if you’re looking for higher levels of education like high school or business English classes, it might be a good idea to get one of these certifications. Even if you don’t need to get one of these certifications, it always looks good on your resume. If you want to get certified, it is pretty easy because you can do all the classes online and it usually takes less than three months to get certified.
One other thing that should be mentioned is that getting a teaching job in Japan is a great way to get your foot in the door for working in Japan. So even if being an English teacher isn’t your dream job in Japan, it’s a good place to start your career in Japan. Once you are working in Japan, you can improve your Japanese language skills, get used to Japanese work culture and network to find other job opportunities. Teaching English can be a good launch pad into the industry of your choice.
How to search for Jobs in Japan
How to get a job in Japan? Well, being in Japan already will greatly help you find a job. If you are already in Japan, then you can network to find jobs, go to interviews in person and it let’s companies know that you’re serious about finding a job. But even if you are not in Japan, you can still find jobs online. Here are some of the best sites to use for your job search in Japan:
Resume
For people wanting to work as an English teacher, the good news is that this section probably wont apply to you. You will do you resume in English. But for people looking for other jobs in Japan, please read this section.
Japanese resumes are very different from Western style resumes. The Yen Pincher will write a full post just on how to write a Japanese resume, but for now here are some important things to know about Japanese resumes.
- Pictures
Japanese resumes require that you attach your picture to the resume. This picture is similar to a Passport style picture. It’s a head shot picture of you in in front of a solid color background, in profession clothes, no overdone make up, professional hair style, no glasses, no big jewelry and it is best to smile without showing any teeth.
- Handwritten
Many Japanese companies still require that the resume be handwritten. Though, more and more companies are allowing typed resumes.
- Format
The format of Japanese resumes are very rigid and there is no room for individual style. Basically how it works is that you buy or print a rirekisho (resume) and fill in your information in the appropriate places. There is no room for flare or style. It’s all business, dry and boring.
There are three parts to the Japanese resume, your basic information, you education and skills and then a little about your personality and reason for applying.
Interview
Job interviews are always nerve-racking and even more so when they are done in a foreign country. Here are some quick tips for acing your Japanese interview.
- Professional Clothes
It is a must that you wear appropriate clothing to your interview. Make sure you are professionally dressed, professional hairstyle, no large jewelry or too much makeup. Image is taken very seriously in Japan so make sure that you look like you will be a good fit for the company.
- Preparation
Preparation is key for doing an interview in Japan. First, make sure you research and learn about business culture in Japan. You will get some leeway since you’re a foreigner but make sure you learn about some of the basic business manners such as when to bow, how to receive or give a business card and proper business attire. It is also a good idea to practice some polite business Japanese phrases. Japanese business culture is very different than other countries so it is a very good idea to research this before going in to your interview.
Preparation also means to be prepare what you will say during the interview. You will for sure be asked to give a self introduction. Practice this in Japanese to the point where it comes out naturally. Keep it short, professional, informative and don’t brag.
It is also a good idea to prepare for some commonly asked questions. Put yourself in the interviews position and try and think about what questions will be asked. Some common questions are: Why Japan? What are your hobbies? Why do you want to work for this company?
- Be Confident
If you are confident in yourself, the interviewer will see that and that will leave a good impression. Talk with confidence (not in a quiet voice), sit up straight (don’t fidget) and make eye contact (but not too much).
This post is just a very general overlook on how to get a job in Japan. There will be many posts coming in the future that will dive deep and answer much more specific questions on how to get a job in Japan.
For now, just know that right now is a very good time to get a job in Japan. There is a worker shortage in Japan and many industries are looking for new workers. And many industries are specifically looking for foreign workers. The Japanese government has made it easier for foreigners to get jobs in Japan!
So what are you waiting for? Start your job search in Japan today!
