Chinese Mechanical Engineer in Japan: Determination Led to JLPT N1 Certification

Looking for a Better Career Path: My Dream of Being an Engineer in Japan

Based on my research experience in China, I started planning to study and work in Japan as early as my sophomore year. At that time, I had to collaborate with some local companies for my research, and I noticed a general lack of professionalism and attention to detail. This led to avoidable challenges and made me reconsider my career path. Finally, I decided to work abroad. After weighing various factors like technical expertise and cultural fit, I decided to pursue my graduate studies in Japan or work there as a fulltime employee directly after completing my bachelor’s degree. So, I started to learn Japanese and later master JLPT N1 certification.

How I Got JLPT N1 Certification in Just a Year as a Chinese National

My interest in Japanese began with Japanese films. Over years of watching, I gradually started to understand bits and pieces of Japanese. But it was just fragments—I didn’t start learning Japanese until the summer of my sophomore year. After sticking with a routine for a year, I passed the JLPT N1 certification.

My Japanese Learning Routine for A Year

Step 1: I memorized the kana chart in a week.

I had seen a saying online: “If you can’t memorize the kana chart in a week, you’re probably not serious about learning Japanese.” So, I went all in and learned the pronunciations and writing of both hiragana and katakana in five days, spending the first three days learning new characters and the last two reviewing and solidifying.

Step 2: I bought Japanese textbooks and spent 3 hours a day studying for a full year.

Afterward, I bought textbooks and began dedicating three hours every day to studying intensively. I started with vocabulary and then looked at how words were used in context. After sticking with this routine for a year, I passed the JLPT N1. Even now, I still watch Japanese videos to pick up new expressions. Looking back, the hardest part was the excessive use of katakana in texts, which made reading much more challenging. Learning a language truly never ends.

How FAST OFFER International Helped Me Receive an Offer to be an Employee in Japan

Earlier this year, my university introduced me to FAST OFFER International program, a Japanese agency that helps foreigners land the right job in Japan for free. After researching the project’s process and information about past successful candidates online, I was convinced that it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

I registered for FAST OFFER international right away. To strengthen my profile, I prepared my graduation thesis materials and recorded a one-minute self-introduction video.

Overall, my job search went smoothly and quickly. One month after submitting my information, I received interview invites from two companies.

The selection process for the first company involved an SPI online test. However, I didn’t have time to prepare, and I couldn’t find similar practice questions locally, so it wasn’t surprising that I didn’t pass.

The next company was in manufacturing; the interview went well, and we had a pleasant conversation. About half an hour later, though, I received a message that I didn’t pass. I was very sad and disappointed.

Flying from China to Japan for Interviews

A month later, two other companies selected me, giving me the opportunity for in-person interviews in Tokyo, Japan. This was my first trip to Japan, but thanks to my preparation, I wasn’t overly nervous. The interview process was tightly scheduled. If I passed the first interview, I could have the second interview the next day and receive an offer on the same day. Since I received a job offer from my first-choice company the following day, I withdrew from the subsequent interviews.

Preparing for Life as an Employee in Japan with FAST OFFER International

I’m really grateful to FAST OFFER International’s supportive staffs. I couldn’t have achieved this successful interview experience without them. They’ve been vital every step of the way. While preparing for job interviews to work in Japan, I have practiced a lot of mock interviews in Japanese with their mentors. That was helpful for me to successfully pass the interview!

FAST OFFER International has been steadfast in helping me: from the initial consultation regarding my career to interview guidance, and even to VISA procedures for me to relocate in Japan. They have consistently, promptly, and kindly supported me. Without them, my dream of going to Japan wouldn’t have been realized so quickly.

Sincerity and Confidence are the Greatest Weapons for Japanese Job Interviews

• Practice before the interviews. In my preparations to becoming an employee in Japan, FAST OFFER International held mock interviews before the actual interviews. This gave me valuable insights and a confidence boost. Their help was essential in helping me receive an offer in Japan. Because of my experience, I recommend signing up with FAST OFFER International to anyone who dreams of working in Japan.
  
• Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. You need to improve your speaking skills to the point you can be interviewed in Japanese if you want to work in Japan. To improve, don’t be afraid to speak Japanese. There’s no shame in grammatical mistakes as long as you can clearly express your ideas. In the same way, many foreigners make grammatical errors when speaking Chinese. However, this doesn’t hinder our communication with them. This perspective during the interview will keep you from being anxious about making mistakes.
  
• Enter interviews with a Japanese mindset and sincerity. When preparing for a Japanese interview, it’s important to get accustomed to Japanese thinking habits to help you anticipate questions and respond honestly and sincerely, expressing your passion and abilities with confidence. Writing a script based solely on a list of questions is a test-oriented mindset that may not be the most efficient.