Do red flag people even know they’re red flags? Before you jump into your first job interview with a Japanese company, it’s time to do some honest self-reflection. This story will go over the typical red flags that Japanese company interviewers look out for to help you avoid the common mistakes. As a foreigner trying for a Japanese company, there are some expectations that you might simply not know, which might be killing your chances.
Being even 1 minute late to your meeting
- Do you understand Japan’s culture of respect?
- Japan is perhaps most famous for the intense thoughtfulness rooted in respect for one another that’s in every layer of their society. It’s seen in their bows, their trains, their restaurants, their food, their infrastructure—and perhaps most importantly, in their timekeeping. Being on time for meetings is the basic expectation because, for them, it directly means your respect for them. Even being 1 minute late can lead to a bad impression!
- Did you take into consideration your interviewers’ time?
- At job interviews, you’ll be facing a variety of interviewers, including higher-ups who carved out time from their tasks to interview you. You might also be part of a complicated schedule wherein being late will affect the timeslots of those after you.
- Did you manage your time properly?
- Make sure you arrive early! Plan ahead and give yourself leeway. Don’t lose the opportunity before you’re even in the room. Being on time is perhaps the easiest level of your time management skill—something all companies value.
Not researching the company
- Do you understand the company?
- Company research for most interviews around the world tends to be surface-level. However, for Japanese companies, it’s perhaps the most important facet. The goal is to go beyond learning a collection of facts about the company.
- Do you understand how you’ll fit in with the company?
- The more important goal of the research is understanding the company and where you could probably fit in that existing network. It’s best if you are able to authentically imagine yourself sharing goals with that company.
- Can you meet their expectations?
- Because this is the base level expectation of Japanese companies, asking questions whose answers are on their company website can reflect badly on you. Meanwhile, showing interest in recent projects or articles about the company can be rewarding. By the time you are in the same room or on a video call with the company, you should already be on the same page. It’s in the company’s understanding, by the time you are talking, that you are sincerely interested in working with them.
Asking about a bonus way too early
- Did you read the job description?
- Before you even step into the interview, you’d have been given a comprehensive job description that includes details on financial compensation, including possible bonuses. It’s a big red flag if you did not thoroughly read and comprehend the job description.
- What motivates you beyond money?
- It’s true—for most of us, if not all of us, we work for money. That’s normal! However, given that that is the baseline, your first-round interview should talk about what sets you apart. The first round is also usually when there are the most applicants to compete with and the least amount of time to complete the interview.
- When is the best time to ask this question?
- Yes, you can definitely ask about this in later rounds, especially if framed correctly. After all, bonuses are given to exemplary employees—something you plan to be!
Too many questions about overtime
- Will you help the company through an emergency?
- We get it, there’s a stereotype about Japanese overtime. However, Japanese companies are not all the same. By asking too many questions about overtime, you just might be putting off your interviewer that you cannot be persuaded to work extra when urgent situations arise. Sometimes, putting in overtime is necessary even with companies that prioritize work-life balance. What can be counted on, though, is that work hours are regulated for proper compensation in Japan.
- Are you operating based on a stereotype?
- “People have this stereotype that Japanese work culture is all about overworking. Still, my experiences have so far been the opposite of that. It’s true, though, that Japanese work excellently, quickly, and efficiently, but part of those systems is clear boundaries between work and personal time.” Read More: My First Golden Week of Many: My Story from India to Japan
- Did you investigate your concern before the interview?
- However, if you’re concerned whether or not a company has an overtime culture you can’t handle, then you need to do your research before the interview. Through scanning reviews about the company online, you might be able to gauge whether or not they are a black company. After all, you can’t go to a restaurant and expect honesty when you ask them if their steak is delicious and tender.
Asking about what to do before getting onboarded
- Are you ignoring the value of a “blank slate”?
- There is a common misconception that you need to be a functional expert on Day 1. However, many Japanese managers prefer a suao (pure/unaffected) candidate—a blank slate they can mold into the company’s specific way of doing things. In this culture, your ‘job’ before joining is often simply to finish your studies and arrive well-rested.
- Did you research the company’s training reputation beforehand?
- If you are genuinely worried about being underprepared, that is a concern to address before the interview through independent research. Just like you wouldn’t ask a chef if you need to bring your own salt to a 5-star dinner, asking for “pre-work” at a company known for its training can come across as a misunderstanding of their hospitality and corporate structure.
- Are you asking something that is already expected?
- Although pre-training is not required, there is a given expectation to keep improving your Japanese. It’s key to signal you will keep studying Japanese and the industry you are joining.
Not getting your Japanese greetings right.
- Did you try to study basic Japanese manners?
- As mentioned earlier, showing respect is one of the most important things in Japanese culture. Learning Japanese manners particular to the context, presenting yourself in a way they can best appreciate, is key to a good first impression.
- Will you be able to assimilate and adjust to life as an expat?
- As a foreigner who will be working in Japan, showing effort in appreciating and applying Japanese manners can be a big indicator of your potential success in Japan. After all, Japanese companies want to hire someone who doesn’t just fit the job description, but will also thrive living in Japan.
- To learn more about Japanese manners and greetings, go to our story on Etiquette for Japanese Job Interviews.
Conclusion: The Two Main Goals That Will Make You a Green Flag
To avoid all the red flags we mentioned, you only have to focus on these two things as part of your preparation:
- The best ways to express respect in a Japanese setting
- Thoroughly researching and understanding the company interviewing you.
Aside from gaining the knowledge, make sure you also practice applying what you learned through mock interviews. At FAST OFFER International and AtoJ Hirameki, these are embedded into the program once you are scheduled for a job interview.
Go Deeper into Japanese Culture with Japanese Lessons and Mentors
ASIA to JAPAN offers a variety of Japanese Language Classes. If you are an undergraduate or a fresh graduate, you are free to join any of the classes depending on where you live, and what your current Japanese Language skill level is. See more details at our dedicated Frequently Asked Questions section!
Other Lessons from Your AtoJ Hirameki Sensei
- CEFR vs JLPT: Comparing Japanese Proficiency Standards
- 10 Useful Tips on How to learn Kanji
- Helpful JLPT Tips to Pass the Exams Beyond Your Japanese Skills
- 5 Ways Japanese Is a High-Context Language
- 11 Apps to Practice Speaking Japanese Without Living in Japan
- 5 Creative Ways to Practice Speaking Japanese Without Living in Japan
- 15 Tips to Maximize Online Japanese Classes
- Essential Japanese Phrases for Traveling You Need to Memorize
Read tips from our success stories!
- Things You Need To Know About JLPT N1
- JLPT N1 Tips for Success
- Strategies Useful for JLPT N5 to N2 Preparation
About Your AtoJ Hirameki Sensei
Hello! My name is Amogh, and I’m a Japanese language Trainer at AtoJ Hirameki.
I have always enjoyed reading books and creating videos—both shooting and editing them. A few years ago, I decided to learn a language that did not use Roman characters. That curiosity led me to Japanese, and since then, I have stayed deeply connected with the language and culture.
At AtoJ Hirameki, we welcome students from across India who want to learn and explore Japanese. Our programs cover every level of proficiency, from JLPT N5 to JLPT N1, helping learners build strong language skills step by step.
We also offer special career-focused courses for qualified individuals who aspire to work in Japan. These programs are conducted in partnership with FAST OFFER International, providing students with guidance and opportunities to pursue professional careers in Japan.
Whether you are learning Japanese for personal interest, academic goals, or career opportunities, Hirameki and FAST OFFER are here to support your journey. Learn more about AtoJ Hirameki’s services here.
