Methods for Foreigners to Find Employment in Japan - Full-time Employment Edition

Japan is one of the world’s leading economies, and its unique culture, comprehensive social infrastructure, and excellent public safety make it a popular country for many foreigners to consider relocating to.

So, how should foreigners go about finding employment at Japanese companies?

To work in Japan for an extended period and in a stable manner, being hired as a full-time employee by a Japanese company is the best option.

This article focuses on foreigners seeking “full-time” employment at Japanese companies and explains the typical methods and processes for finding employment.

If you’re a foreigner looking to work as a full-time employee at a Japanese company, please refer to this article for guidance.

■How to Find and Apply to Japanese Companies: Direct Search and Application for Foreigner-Friendly Japanese Companies

The first method requires diligent effort and time but involves using the internet to personally search for Japanese companies recruiting foreigners and applying directly.

For example, by referring to articles like the following, you can identify potential companies that are actively hiring foreigners:

・Rankings of companies actively hiring foreigners: https://guidablejobs.jp/contents/how-to-recruit/505/

・Rankings of companies with many foreign employees: https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/239496?page=4

By using this information to regularly monitor the websites of Japanese companies, you may discover job postings for foreigners, depending on timing.

If a company is hiring foreigners, it should detail the application requirements, methods, and documents required for submission. First, thoroughly read this information.

If you meet the application requirements, submit the necessary documents such as your resume.

After submitting your documents, a preliminary screening will be conducted based on your submission. If you pass this stage, you will proceed to the next round of screening, such as online interviews.

Passing all rounds of screening will result in your employment.

However, many foreigners watch for job postings at companies actively hiring foreigners, so the competition is fierce.

The number of positions available per company is often limited, making full-time employment a challenging goal.

Focusing on your own career development and persistently engaging in job searching activities is key to success.

• Visa Acquisition Supported by the Company

It’s worth briefly mentioning the acquisition of work visas if you’re hired.

Japanese companies with a history of hiring foreigners are aware of the necessary work visas.

Therefore, if you are hired, the company will generally support and handle the visa acquisition process.

You will need to personally prepare and submit some documents, but generally, you can obtain a work visa to work in Japan by following the company’s instructions.

However, it’s wise to confirm whether visa support is available during the application or interview process, especially if it’s the company’s first time hiring a foreigner.

■Finding and Applying to Japanese Companies: Utilizing Recruitment Agencies

If there are international recruitment agencies in your country that partner with Japanese companies, using an agent can be an effective method.

Recruitment agents not only introduce you to job opportunities in Japan but also provide matching services based on your resume, give advice on interviews, and more, making them a valuable asset.

However, being introduced to a Japanese company through an agent does not guarantee employment.

You still need to undergo and pass the company’s screening processes, including interviews.

Job requirements introduced by agents are often high-level, demanding significant work experience, skills, and achievements.

Failure to match these requirements may result in difficulty obtaining introductions.

Specific methods and procedures vary by recruitment agent, so please check each agent’s website for details.

■Finding and Applying to Japanese Companies: Acquiring a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

Although limited to certain industries, registering with a Japanese receiving organization after obtaining a Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Type 2) is another method to be introduced to Japanese companies.

As of January 2024, eligible industries include caregiving, construction, agriculture, aviation, shipbuilding, automotive maintenance, and more, totaling 12 industries across 14 fields. Employment in other industries is not possible with this visa.

(Immigration Services Agency related page: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/ssw/nyuukokukanri01_00132.html)

Additionally, obtaining a Specified Skilled Worker Visa requires passing both a Japanese language proficiency test and a practical skills test specific to the industry you are applying for.

While this may seem daunting, the Specified Skilled Worker Visa offers a high chance of acquisition with effort, even for those with limited experience in the relevant industry.

Moreover, the receiving organization will assist in finding employment, significantly increasing the certainty of obtaining a job.

Fulfilling certain requirements after obtaining the visa, such as working in Japan for a specified period, may also open the path to permanent residency, making it a recommended method for those not particular about the industry.

■Points for Document Screening and Interviews

To be hired as a full-time employee, you must pass document screening and interview evaluations. Here are some points to consider:

• Points for Document Screening

The main documents required by Japanese companies are the “resume” and “work experience sheet,” with particular emphasis on the latter.

Applicants’ work experience, achievements, knowledge, and skills are scrutinized in detail through the work experience sheet.

The key is to concisely and clearly list each job content and achievement without any omissions or ambiguity.

Reviewing your work history and revising the work experience sheet multiple times to enhance its quality is crucial.

Additionally, some companies use the applicant’s Japanese language proficiency as one of the selection criteria, especially for positions requiring Japanese communication. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level is often a hiring standard.

While language proficiency alone does not determine hiring, having N2 or higher can increase your options.

• Points for Interviews

Interviews assess your motivation for applying, your seriousness about working for the company, and your enthusiasm.

Japanese language proficiency may be required for the entire interview.

Researching the company’s history, philosophy, and products, as well as practicing responses in Japanese, is recommended.

Some companies conduct multiple rounds of interviews, with the number of interviews affecting the hiring timeline.

If you pass the interview and are confirmed for employment, you will prepare for obtaining a work visa and working in Japan based on the company’s instructions.

Regardless of the method, achieving full-time employment at a Japanese company requires overcoming various hurdles.

Given the competitive nature, it’s essential to continually refine yourself and persevere.

Use this article as a guide to secure a full-time position at a Japanese company.