Attracted by Japan’s balance of technology and culture
There is a channel on Indian TV called Animax, and as a child watching Japanese animation on that channel, I began to be aware of the country of Japan. In my studies, I encountered impressive Japanese technology that made me more interested in Japan.
As I had more time with the Corona pandemic, I researched more deeply about Japan on Google. From there, I learned that Japan is not only a country with strong technology but also a country where technology and culture are well harmonized. For example, the Sky Tree, one of the tallest structures in Japan, was inspired by the traditional five-story pagoda, which is over 1000 years old and can withstand earthquakes. It is awe-inspiring when architectural technology and traditional culture meet. The way Japanese people were rule-abiding, cooperative, and earnest also impressed me. My admiration for Japan has led me to believe that living in such an environment will lead to my personal growth.
Meet FAST OFFER
My yearning for Japan led me to Google how I can go to Japan directly after graduation. After much consideration, I decided that the ideal option would be to apply my passion for IT technology and interest in the Japanese language to my work and find a job in Japan rather than expensively studying abroad.
At first, I was anxiously worried because there were few ways to apply to Japanese companies as a new graduate and an overseas student. But once I had decided to find a job in Japan, I did not want to give up easily. After searching Google, I finally found FAST OFFER and was encouraged by the various success stories on the FAST OFFER homepage. Then, I communicated with an Indian student on LinkedIn who had used FAST OFFER to confirm that their service of finding a job in Japan was free. Ecstatic, I became even more interested!
My Japanese language skills were still lacking as a college first-year student, so I decided to learn Japanese to better my chances. By the time I was a junior, I had reached a level where I could interview in Japanese, so I applied to FAST OFFER.
After registering with FAST OFFER, I was selected by two companies for online interviews. The first company failed me because I could not communicate well with the interviewer, although I did well on the coding test. The second company was also unsuccessful because it did not match my major. When I was told that I had been rejected by both companies, I lost my motivation and became very depressed. However, I had one year left until graduation, so I seriously reconsidered my life in Japan and decided to work hard.
Preparing for the interview through practice and research
I prepared for my interviews so I could pass the visit-to-Japan interview session.
First, I researched the company. I browsed the company’s website and took notes on everything from history, products, technology, and mission. I also answered questions about the type of job I wanted.
Then, I asked my mentor to correct my prepared answers so that my answers would not be in a set pattern.
Finally, I had to practice a lot. To overcome my nervousness about interviews, I formed groups with other students who had participated in the face-to-face interview sessions and conducted mock interviews with them. By evaluating each other, they made me aware of areas where I could improve and enhance my performance. These mock interviews helped overcome my nervousness.
Unforgettable Interviews and Company Tours
After various preparations, I finally went to the interview session. I was so nervous about my first interview that I could only show about 60% of my Japanese ability. I still passed the first interview, which gave me confidence, and I was encouraged by my FAST OFFER mentor. In subsequent interviews, I gradually got into my element and spoke calmly.
I still vividly remember the interview at the company where I was offered the job, as my father had used their products in his work 20 years ago, and I had an interest in the company. I communicated well with the interviewers because the type of work at the company matched my skills.
After all the interviews, I was ecstatic to receive job offers from both companies I interviewed with.
I toured the two prospective companies on my last day visiting Japan for the interview sessions. It was a long and exciting day. I left Tokyo at six in the morning and took the bullet train to the first company in Shiga Prefecture. We toured the factory in Shiga Prefecture onsite, which made us recognize the excellence of Japanese manufacturers’ technology. We then moved on to Aichi Prefecture to the office of the second company I was leaning towards. In the office, I had discussions with my future colleagues and was able to experience firsthand the atmosphere of working there. There was none of the hierarchical image of Japanese companies, and the senior employees were exceedingly kind to me. Since about half of the employees are non-Japanese, it was easy for me to blend in with my surroundings, and such a corporate culture and work environment was suitable for me. The company tour gave me lofty expectations for my future work life once I joined the company.
When I returned to Tokyo after the one-day tour, it was already 9:00 pm. Although moving around all day was difficult, it was a meaningful and fulfilling day for me, as I was able to experience firsthand a Japanese company from its factory to its office.
Message: Determination + Effort = Goal Achievement
To everyone who wants to find a job in Japan, you will achieve your goal if you consistently work on them. You need to be determined to keep working hard and not give up until the very end. You may not be able to match with a company, you may be rejected, or you may lose motivation to give up finding a job in Japan, but those feelings will pass. Do not lose hope. Fun and excitement await you, believe me. If you keep motivated and work with strong determination, you will surely be able to make your dream come true.
