Many foreigners who want to live and work in Japan do not know how to look for a job.

If you cannot find a job, moving to Japan will also become difficult.

In this article, we will thoroughly guide foreigners who want to work in Japan on how to look for jobs.

If you are considering moving to Japan, please read until the end.

 

 

 

How Foreigners Can Find a Job in Japan

 

Foreigners can use the following methods to look for jobs in Japan.

 

Use the interpretation service at Hello Work

The official name of Hello Work is “Public Employment Security Office.” At Hello Work, under the operation of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, job seekers are provided with job placement and vocational training.

Some Hello Work offices have interpreters, and they can support foreigners in their job search in languages such as English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

However, since available times and days are limited, it is better to make inquiries in advance before using the service.

※ Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Introduction of Hello Work with Interpreters”

 

Use the Employment Service Center for Foreigners

The Employment Service Center for Foreigners is an institution that supports the employment of highly skilled foreign professionals.

Specifically, it provides comprehensive support for foreigners’ employment through job guidance, internship programs, and job fairs.

Facilities are located in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, so please contact them.

※ Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “List of Employment Service Centers for Foreigners”

 

Use job sites for foreigners

In Japan, there are multiple job sites for foreigners, and some are equipped with translation functions.

Therefore, you can also find a job on your own.

【Representative job sites for foreigners (with translation functions)】

はたらくJAPAN: Supports Japanese, English, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Bengali, Khmer
YOLO JAPAN: Supports Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese
NIPPON仕事.com: Supports Japanese, English

On any site, you can search for jobs not only by desired area, occupation, or industry, but also considering the language you want to utilize.

 

Use career agents for foreigners

If you feel uneasy about conducting your job search alone, it is better to use career agents for foreigners.

Japanese career agents not only help with job searching but also provide support such as document preparation and understanding business etiquette.

Furthermore, you can be introduced to job openings that match your skills and preferences.

【Representative career agents for foreigners】

NINJA: Provides know-how on everything from preparing for a job change to receiving an offer and starting employment on the official site

外国人求人ネットACE: Handles only direct-hire full-time job openings

 

 

Checkpoints When Foreigners Look at Job Listings in Japan

 

When foreigners search for jobs in Japan, it is necessary to check the following points.

 

Whether follow-up/support for applying for a work visa is available

Foreigners need a status of residence called a work visa to work in Japan. Foreign students who graduate from Japanese schools must also change their visa from student to work.

There are various types of residence statuses in Japan, and you should obtain a visa that allows employment.

In principle, foreigners must apply for a work visa by themselves, but if you are not confident in your Japanese skills or are newly obtaining a residence status, support from the company is necessary.

 

Confirm the required Japanese language ability and skills

In many cases, a certain level of Japanese language ability is required for work in Japan. However, the necessary skills vary greatly depending on the job type and industry.

Recently, more companies are setting English as their official company language, so please look for a workplace suitable for your skills among job listings.

 

Check the working environment and workplace environment

The working environment and workplace environment differ depending on the company. You need to determine from the job listing whether it is a company where you can work safely and long-term.

Specifically, check the following conditions:

・Whether transportation expenses are paid
・Whether overtime pay is provided
・Number and days of holidays
・Whether employee benefits are well established

In principle, such information should be explained in the job listing.

If the information is unclear, contact the company directly.

 

 

 

The Process for Foreigners Looking for Jobs in Japan

 

The process for foreigners to find jobs in Japan is as follows:

 

Find a desired job and check the specified application method

If you proceed with job hunting without using agents or other services, you need to find a desired job listing and apply by yourself.

Since job postings usually explain the application method and deadline in detail, be sure to check carefully.

Applying in the wrong way may give a bad impression to the recruiter.

If you have any unclear points about the application method, you should contact the company directly.

 

Use a resume format to create your own resume

In most job postings, submission of a resume is required.

A resume is an important document that communicates your educational background, work history, and skills to the recruiter.

In Japan, there are several nationwide common resume formats, so choose one that is easy for you to use.

Since resumes are documents where mistakes are not allowed, download a format and type it on a computer instead of handwriting.

Also, the photo attached to the resume greatly affects your first impression.

Use a photo studio to have a professional take an ideal ID photo.

 

Attend the interview in appropriate attire

Whether it is “bringing your resume to the interview” or “going to an interview after passing the document screening with your resume,” in both cases, you generally wear a recruitment suit to interviews.

Recruitment suits are usually black or navy, regardless of gender, and you must also pay attention to shirts, ties, shoes, makeup, and hairstyle.

This is a custom unique to Japan, but applicants who do not take care of their appearance in interviews will have a lower chance of being hired.

Be mindful of the following points when attending interviews:

 

【Key points for appearance during interviews】

・Men should wear a simple tie
・Women should wear stockings in simple colors such as beige
・Shoes should be simple, in black or navy
・Shirt should be white
・Both men and women should keep their hairstyle clean and not cover the face
・Women should wear natural makeup

 

 

Summary

 

Many foreigners think that finding a job in Japan is difficult.

However, currently, many companies in Japan are actively hiring foreign employees, and the number of job listings specifically for foreigners is increasing.

Refer to this article and try adopting a job search method suitable for you.

If you find the perfect job, you can start an ideal life in Japan.