Preparing for an Interview in Japan

After successfully passing the application stage, you've piqued the interest of the recruitment team enough to warrant an interview with you. You may have already sat across the table in various interview rooms for different opportunities, such as part-time roles, university placements, or freelance gigs back home.

Despite your proficiency in navigating these conversations, facing an interview panel at a Japanese company might be an entirely new ballgame.
Following your interview invitation, it's clear that you're one of the top prospects for the job. But don't let this prompt you to let your guard down. The interview process (面接 mensetsu) in Japan is a thorough assessment of your responses as well as your demeanor from start to finish.

Similar to many aspects of Japanese life, there are specific codes of conduct with regard to attire, interaction, and engagement with the interviewers that could potentially influence the final outcome. Interviewing for an eikaiwa or ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) role might not necessitate an exhaustive understanding of Japanese culture, but for opportunities outside the realm of English instruction, a knack for navigating Japan's disciplined culture— both within and outside professional settings— is vital.

Securing a job in Japan requires more than simply demonstrating language proficiency and a lively personality. Candidates who leave an indelible mark during the interview are often the ones who ultimately succeed. This article aims to provide a roadmap for leaving a sterling first impression and navigating the nuances of Japanese interview etiquette.

Creating a Memorable First Impression

Establishing a positive first impression, or 第一印象 daiichi insho, is crucial during your interview. While minor slip-ups are somewhat expected, it is essential to avoid projecting an image of unpreparedness. Although the fundamentals of dressing appropriately and communicating effectively are well known, the key to creating an unforgettable first impression, as with working in Japan, lies in heeding the subtleties.

Adhere to the Guidelines

Every interview kicks off with an initial confirmation email. Despite possibly containing just a few lines of details, it is paramount to thoroughly review this information. If you're applying for a teaching job, the email might instruct you to prepare lessons using the attached materials. Some organizations may include specific directions for accessing their premises or stipulations regarding interview conduct. Failing to adhere to these guidelines will undoubtedly signal unpreparedness.

Plan Your Responses

Even highly experienced professionals can stumble during the interview phase if they don't set aside time to strategize their responses. There's a chance you might become nervous or be taken by surprise by an unexpected query— preparing in advance can help counter these potential setbacks.

You must research the common interview questions in Japan and reflect deeply on your previous experience and how it would contribute to the company and role you're applying for. Think about your motivations for choosing Japan over other countries. If you aren't applying to an animation or gaming company, there must be a more profound reason for your interest in living in Japan. Self-review your responses to ensure that it does not sound shallow.

In case you've indicated a JLPT N3 certification or higher, you should also be ready to respond in Japanese. Even for those with N1 JLPT certification, acing an interview in Japanese can be tricky. Brush up on important terminologies related to your role and standard phrases to use in an interview setting. If you can, enlist a friend's help to practice and provide feedback on your responses in a mock interview scenario.

Choose Appropriate Dress

The guiding principle when deciding on your interview outfit should be, “It’s always more acceptable to be overdressed than underdressed.” Though the traditional black recruit suit is gradually losing its popularity, professional attire in Japan still veers towards the conservative.

Opting for subdued hues like grey, light brown, and navy blue is a safer bet for a more contemporary suit. Retailers like Aoki, Suit Select, and Aoyama stock a wide range of styles and sizes at reasonable prices across Japan. If you do select a black suit, avoid combining it with a black tie, as this convention is specifically associated with funerals.

In more casual office environments, interviewees may be encouraged to forgo the formal suit, in which case, a smart-casual outfit in muted tones with closed-toe formal shoes would be suitable. Make sure your attire is clean and ironed, as unkempt clothing can create an impression of disorganization.

Master Japanese Manners

Japan is known for its highly nuanced culture featuring numerous implicit rules and traditions. While complete mastery of Japanese etiquette isn't expected from foreigners, demonstrating an effort to understand the Japanese culture can signal your eagerness to adapt. Simple gestures, such as saying shitsureishimasu (which roughly translates to "excuse me for the intrusion") upon entering the interview room or presenting your business card (meishi 名刺) with both hands facing upward while bowing can help you establish a positive first impression.

Japanese work culture differs greatly from work practices in other countries. You must read about it so that your responses remain in line with the expectations of the interviewer.

Ensure Timeliness

Punctuality is paramount in Japan, where meetings commence strictly on time, and it's customary to arrive 10 minutes early for all appointments. Arriving even a tad late for an interview could tarnish your image in the eyes of the recruitment team, irrespective of your qualifications or experience. It's advisable to be at the venue 15 minutes before the interview. If it's your first visit to the location, aim to be there 30 minutes to an hour early to account for potential delays. Take some time at a nearby café and relax, confident in your punctuality.

Facing your initial interview with a Japanese firm might induce anxiety, but remember that being shortlisted for an interview means they are seriously considering you for the role. Unlike in Western cultures, where frequent job and career changes are relatively commonplace, Japanese companies often seek a long-term commitment from their employees, generally of around 2-3 years as a minimum. If you can effectively showcase your skills and your ability to acclimate to Japan and its corporate culture, you stand a strong chance of acing the interview.

(Resources courtesy: EJable.com)