| COUNTRY |
| Vietnam |
| EDUCATION |
| Masters in Computer Science, The University of Aizu |
| COMPANY |
| Developer and manufacturer of printers, printer peripherals, and related consumables |
| SUMMARY |
| This diligent international student self-studied Japanese to N3 level and with the help of FAST OFFER International, landed a research and development job position in Japan. Being in Japan was not enough! Learning the nuances of job interviews in Japan was vital to his success. |
I got by studying in Japan with my English
Starting 2016, I was a Vietnamese international studying abroad at The University of Aizu, Japan. I had decided to study in Japan with one of my main goals to find job opportunities in Japan. Studying at Aizu University, I was mainly using English for communication, both in lectures and conversations with other students. At the time I was focused on doing research and thus English was my priority.
Self-studying Japanese in hopes of a future working in Japan
Prior to coming to Japan, I have been learning Japanese as a hobby and got JLPT N3. However, due to a lack of practice, my Japanese speaking skill was poor and proved challenges for me to find work in Japan. I started looking for jobs in Japan on my own around May 2020, it was when I was still considering whether to start working or continue with my academic study. I was doing things very casually, thinking I still have a backup plan even if I don’t manage to find a job, things would still work out somehow and I can just go back to my study and research.
Failing to find a job in Japan until a conversation that changed my direction
Looking back, problematic mindset was one of the main reasons I struggled to land an offer. I would continue to fail several interviews and was totally dispirited after about 3 months. At this point, I was pretty much stressed out. With the complication of the COVID19 pandemic, I was discouraged even apply for new positions. Finally finishing my master thesis draft, I decided to fully dedicate my time to job hunting.
After analyzing my previous failures, I came to the realization that my Japanese skill, especially my approach to Japanese companies’ interviews, was severely lacking. After consulting with my Japanese sensei at Aizu University, I was introduced to the concept of Recruiting Agents, whose main purpose is to assist newly graduated students at job hunting. One of them was ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program.
My journey job hunting with FAST OFFER International
After passing the document screening, I was invited to a Skype interview with FAST OFFER International staff. The interview checked my conversation skills and other information to see if I was a fit at Japanese companies. Fortunately, I managed to pass this round.
I still remember the words of the staff in charge of my interview. “I believe together we can find a good job for you,” he said. At that time, that sentence served as a great source of encouragement for me.
The next step was to prepare for the interviews. I was assigned to a mentor who helped with brainstorming ideas and answers for the common interview questions. This was one of the most important steps to finding work in Japan, which I had overlooked in the past. With the help of the staff and mentor from FAST OFFER International, I was selected for interviews. Five companies interviewed me, two of which I reached the final round.
Successfully finding an R&D position in Japan
In the end, I was offered a position at the research and development job in a Japanese company. I also got to join FAST OFFER International’s Japanese course on the business manner and speaking practice. The class was really helpful and informative.
I have since then moved from my university locale to where my company is in Tsukuba. Starting October 1st, 2021, I will be working with the company. I would like to thank everyone in ASIA to JAPAN for this wonderful opportunity and amazing experience.
