Skip to Tips on the Japanese Job Market for Malaysians
| COUNTRY |
| Malaysia |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Mathematics, Universiti Sains Malaysia |
| COMPANY |
| Certification and registration services, advice and consulting in the fields of ISO, ESG, decarbonization, etc. |
| SUMMARY |
| This USM alumni maximized his life by leveraging the Japanese job market. Fluent in Malay, English, and Mandarin, he also minored in Japanese to enhance his career prospects. Attending an information session by ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program, he learned about Japan’s preference for hiring fresh graduates and the stability it offered. Despite initial doubts about his Japanese proficiency, he joined the program, received extensive interview training, and successfully secured a job with a Japanese company. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and community support in achieving career goals. |
A lot of the decisions I’ve made in my life so far have been to give myself the best chance at maximizing my life. Throughout my academic career, Math has always been a source of self-esteem. I not only got awards for my Math ability, but it also allowed me to help others through tutoring sessions. So, when I chose my course, I had to major in Mathematics at Universiti Sains Malaysia, known for their Mathematics program and the top 4 university in the country. I maximized my time in the university as well. As typical for Malaysians, I speak Malay, English, and Mandarin, but I wanted to multiply my future opportunities more so I minored in Japanese. All these factors came into play when in my final year at the university, I attended an information session with ASIA to JAPAN’s FAST OFFER International program to learn about the Japanese job market for Malaysians.
The Opportunities in the Japanese Job Market for Malaysians
At the information session, I learned the differences between the Malaysian and Japanese job markets. The session showed me a clear path to further maximize my career.
The Japanese Job Market loves inexperienced Fresh graduates.
In Japan, they’re keen to hire fresh graduates with no experience, making it part of their process to train new hires, and intent on keeping their talents for a lifetime. Working in Japan promoted that kind of stability, right after graduating. Plus, I’d get to start with a good salary compared to sticking with local opportunities.
In Malaysia, experience is necessary for your first job. It can be very tough for new graduates in Malaysia. I would need several internships before I can even land my first stable job in Malaysia.
My Skills as a Polyglot Malaysian Math Major Can Work in the Japanese Job Market for Malaysians
Hearing about the Japanese job market showed me not only the benefits of living and working in Japan but also how my skills would be of perfect use. Japan’s globalizing market will prize the multiple languages I know, and the technologies I’ve harnessed in my major.
I was convinced of how perfect it would be to become a Malaysian working in Japan. As great as the opportunity seemed though, I wasn’t feeling confident. I knew that my Japanese skills weren’t the best, and maybe not even enough. I’d studied Japanese for 2 ½ years by then but I had little opportunity to practice my Japanese conversation. Despite this, I squashed down my doubts and applied the same day I attended the session. Immediately, FAST OFFER International interviewed me and got me into the job-hunting program.
My Quick Journey with FAST OFFER International Entering the Japanese Job Market for Malaysians
For almost two months with FAST OFFER International, they trained me for Japanese job interviews. I received a lot of information, practice questions, mock interviews, and lessons on Japanese interview etiquette—down to personalized tips on how to make better, more polite, more preferred Japanese sentences. Everything I learned from the last few years was sharpened for practical use. I even got to practice speaking with Japanese natives. With all of my studies coalescing, and being fine tuned by FAST OFFER International, I felt transformed. I participated in my first job interview with a Japanese company feeling fully prepared and confident.
I was bubbling with excitement, gratitude, and nerves for that first interview. There was this nagging feeling that my Japanese wasn’t good enough but I had to squash that down. Instead, I focused on the great opportunity in front of me, and all the hard work FAST OFFER International’s team put into me.
The first interview round was with the company’s HR team. Thankfully, I passed and got to the second round. I felt confident by the second interview, as I faced the company’s CEO. I felt like I had it in the bag. A little while after that final interview, I got an email from the company for the job offer. With my happiness running over, I told my friends who also studied Japanese the good news. I couldn’t believe it, I landed my first job interview in one go.
My Number One Tip For Malaysians Who Want To Enter the Japan Japanese Job Market
I’m glad I gave myself the chance to succeed. I’d done a lot before then, but even then, I was burdened with the feeling that I wasn’t good enough. Despite that critical voice in my head, I still tried. Perhaps it was this insecurity that actually helped me as it pushed me to do my best during my preparations. But more than anything, the main reason why I secured a job in the Japanese job market as a Malaysian was because I pushed through bravely despite my self-doubt.
I hope others like me will also give themselves the chance to succeed. You don’t have to become perfect or be the best to start chasing after a job in Japan. Sometimes, your biggest hurdle is yourself. Sometimes, the voice in our head, that fear of trying something new, can paralyze us but we have to fight it! You need to risk losing to win.
Looking Forward to life in Japan
When I get to Japan, I’m hoping to improve my Japanese a lot more. It will be essential in meeting my true desire: to live in Japan permanently. There are just so many benefits to living in Japan where I can best maximize my life.
Right now, as I wait for a few months before my joining date, I’m applying for my Japanese work visa as a Malaysian with assistance from my company and FAST OFFER International. One day, I hope to turn that work visa into a permanent residency!
FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Tips on the Japanese Job Market for Malaysians
- Sign Up with Experts: Utilize services like FAST OFFER International, which specialize in helping foreigners, including Malaysians, find jobs in Japan. They offer guidance and support throughout the job application process1.
- Learn Japanese: Proficiency in Japanese is crucial. While some companies have English-only departments, knowing Japanese will significantly increase your job prospects1.
- Polish Your Resume: Make sure your resume is well-organized and highlights your skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor it to fit the Japanese job market standards
- Network: Building a network in Japan can be very beneficial. Attend job fairs, join professional groups, and connect with other Malaysians who have successfully found jobs in Japan
- Understand Japanese Work Culture: Familiarize yourself with Japanese work culture, including the importance of teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and punctuality
You can find more tips in our comprehensive guide on jobs in Japan for Malaysians here.
