How I Learned Japanese in 6 Months to Get a Job in Japan

Finding out about FAST OFFER changed my career trajectory 

The day that changed my life started like any other. Like the next engineering student, I was busy with coursework and focused on attending classes — nothing more, nothing less. Until a teacher from AtoJ Hirameki came into the campus and introduced us to the FAST OFFER International program.  

I learned that if you join the AtoJ Hirameki and become good enough at Japanese, you’ll be qualified to be a FAST OFFER job candidate and get interview invitations in Tokyo. I didn’t plan on working abroad, but this seems like a really good opportunity, so I signed up! 

Learning Japanese in Just 6 Months to Get a Job in Japan? Here’s How I Did It 

I joined the Japanese classes late and was behind most of my peers. While they were already mastering basic grammar, I was still learning the basics of hiragana. At first, I felt discouraged. It seemed like I was beginning the journey at a disadvantage. Luckily, I was able to get through this feeling and push through with learning Japanese even though I only had half a year before the recruitment season began.  

Here are some of the things I did to learn Japanese in 6 months to get a job in Japan: 

1. I finished my coursework earlier. I had to lock in to be on the same level as my classmates and managed to learn the hiragana and katakana in only 3 days. To do this, I had to finish coursework and final exams. Getting them out of the way helped me focus on the Japanese classes without worry.  
2. I never let a day pass by without studying Japanese. When it comes to learning Japanese, studying consistently is key. This is crucial if you’re on a time crunch like me. Through this, I was able to master basic grammar and learn Kanji in record time. Sometimes, having tunnel vision really helps! 
3. I asked for help from my peers. As I was playing catch-up, I needed extra help. Luckily, my classmates were very nice and studied with me. They helped me practice speaking in Japanese. 

Job Hunting as a Civil Engineer After 6 Months of Learning Japanese 

After all the hard work and time that I put into learning Japanese, I was finally deemed ready to accept job interviews. I can’t believe that I got a sponsored trip to Tokyo to attend the interviews! I was nervous that my Japanese wasn’t good enough to get me any job offers. However, my mentor assured me that it was possible.  

Being in Japan for the first time

I heard a lot about Japan through my Japanese classes and from my teachers, but seeing it with my own eyes was a priceless experience. I was able to experience firsthand the beautiful scenery, and it was like a dream come true. 

Although what captivated me the most was the people. I’m amazed at how kind they are, how they follow the rules, and how they manage their time.  

Securing a job offer 

I was quite worried about taking interviews with the level of Japanese that I have. However, I was surprised that I was able to get through it. It’s amazing what you discover you can do when you try things! After the interview, I patiently waited for the result.  

The moment I got the news that I got the job, I couldn’t help but cry. It was tears of joy, of course! I was an ordinary civil engineer from India’s countryside, and I never thought that I was going to travel to Japan — let alone live and work there, too! 

Calling my parents and telling them the great news is one of my core memories of life. I am truly grateful for my family and to ASIA TO JAPAN. It really is a dream come true! 

What I’m Looking Forward to as a Civil Engineer Working in Japan 

I am so excited to start working in Japan! What’s great is that I won’t just be there by myself. Many of my friends from the FAST OFFER International program got job offers in Japan as well. We plan to live together and explore Japan! 

I also dream of one day being able to bring my family here to Japan. I want to show them around so they can also experience what the country has to offer. 

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Learning Japanese for Job Interviews in Japan

If you want to work in Japan, learning Japanese is a must. But it’s not just the basics that you should master. Instead of taking so much time perfecting your grammar, you must also concentrate on learning Japanese that’s useful for taking on job interviews. Here are some of our tips on how to learn Japanese for job interviews in Japan.

Master Your Self-Introduction (自己紹介)

Your self-introduction is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire interview. It should be clear, structured, and professional. A typical Japanese self-introduction includes your name and background (age, nationality), your university or professional experience, and your field of specialization.

Learn How to Explain Your Technical Skills in Simple Japanese

For roles in engineering and computer science, interviewers will want to understand your technical experience. So you must learn how to properly explain them in Japanese. This means knowing what the technical jargons are in Japanese. However, instead of complex explanations, focus on clear and simple Japanese. Prepare to explain your specialization, projects you worked on, tools or software you used, and your role in the project.

Practice Common Japanese Interview Questions

Many companies in Japan have standard questions for foreign talents. According to our successful candidates, here are some of the most common questions that they ask job candidates:

1. Why do you want to work in Japan?
2. Why did you apply to our company?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. What kind of work do you want to do in the future?

Make sure to have answers for these on hand, and practice saying them out loud.