We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: if you want to work in Japan, the best time for job hunting is before you graduate! The new graduate recruitment system of Japan allows you to maximize the number of companies you can try for, without having to compete in terms of experience. So, if you found this article just in time, here’s a step-by-step guide to help make sure you’ll be working in Japan right after you graduate, no time wasted.
Step 1: Choose a bachelor’s degree that’s in demand in Japan
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers are the top degrees that FAST OFFER International is looking for. Trends tend to change over time, but the demand for these specialized engineers has been steady.
Step 2: Start learning Conversational Japanese
You will need to start building your Japanese skills around your 2nd or 3rd year at university. The goal is to know enough Japanese to navigate a Japanese job interview by your final year at university. How fast you can learn Japanese differs from person to person. But, according to our survey of successful talents, the fastest and most effective way is through our Japanese classes.
If you are majoring in Aerospace / EEE / EnTC / Electrical / Electronics / Engineering / Marine Engineering / Mechanical / Mechatronics / Robotics at the Bachelor’s or Master’s academic level, and are set to graduate 1-3 years from now, you may qualify for our Japanese classes.
- For Students from Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Egypt, and Thailand, we have Free Japanese Classes from JLPT N5 – JLPT N3 that are typically scheduled to coincide with the local academic year.
- For Students with JLPT N4-N3, we have free online worldwide Japanese classes that open every time we have enough qualified students to fill a class.
- For Students from India, we partnered with AtoJ Hirameki to help transition their enrollees to the FAST OFFER International assisted job hunting program once they’re ready. Though there is a tuition fee, there are options for online or offline classes, and shortened intensive classes for a shorter timeframe.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our story: FAQ: FAST OFFER International’s Free Japanese Classes for Engineering Students
Step 3: Get a FAST OFFER from an International Career Advisor
Once you can speak enough Japanese, you can move on to FAST OFFER International’s job hunting segment. If you are coming from one of our Japanese classes, you will be directed to a session with one of our career advisors. Otherwise, you may directly apply with us through the website.
Two things happen simultaneously during the career conversation with our career advisors. First, we get to know you and your career goals, and second, we get to assess your whole profile, including your Japanese level. This helps us determine if you are ready for job interviews. Should you pass this screening, you will then move on to the next step.
Step 4. Submit Requirements for Your FAST OFFER International Profile
To finalize your profile for job matching, you must submit your Japanese-translated Final Year Project and your 1-minute self-introduction video. After you’ve completed these requirements, your career advisor will begin sending your profile to companies that might be interested.
Step 4. Wait patiently for Job Interview Opportunities!
Typically, once students are ready for job interviews, and if there are available jobs for their profile right that moment, it only takes a month or two to get job interview opportunities. This greatly depends on what’s going on in the Japanese job market at that time, and your profile.
If you get 1-2 interview opportunities for the coming monthly interview event, you can take the interview rounds online. If you get 3 or more interested companies, you will be offered a 6-day sponsored trip to Japan to take the interviews in person.
Step 5. Prepare for the Job Interviews Thoroughly
Most of our successful talents get a job offer during their first trip to Japan.
It’s ok to fail, learn, and try again, but know that it’s completely possible to land a job offer on your first try.
Here are the three main things to accomplish before the job interviews:
- Research companies in depth for an understanding of the specific Japanese Company interviewing you.
- Find a genuine connection with the company’s needs, goals, interests, and projects.
- Get comfortable with Japanese job interviews through mock sessions with your career advisor.
- Master Japanese etiquette for Japanese job interviews.
- Prepare your outfit for the interview.
- If qualified for the free trip to Japan, submit requirements for the visa sponsorship to FAST OFFER International.
Step 6: Pass two interview rounds and get a job offer!
Through FAST OFFER International’s monthly interview events, we’re able to compress the two interview rounds and job offer within 6 days. After you get a job offer, you will be given some time to study before signing the contract. If you’re attending the interview in Japan and get an offer, you can also visit the company to see what’s in store for you. Typically, the join date will be the following April or October after you graduate.
Step 7: Share your story with FAST OFFER International
The FAST OFFER Editorial team will help you polish your story from start to success! Read our collection of success stories.
Step 8: Submit Necessary Requirements for Your Transition to Japan
This will be handled either by the company or with the help of FAST OFFER International. Make sure you process getting your passport ASAP, as the timing of this per local government can vary greatly.
Most documents have a 3-month expiry, so expect that document processing and submissions should happen at the earliest 3 months before your departure date. Rest assured that with assistance, the process will go smoothly unless there is a rare, sudden, uncontrollable event.
The usual documents needed to process your Japanese work visa
- Provided by your future company
- Sponsorship guarantee
- Job offer letter
- COE will be provided by your company
- Provided by the job applicant
- Diploma
- Transcript
- Copy of your passport
- Accomplished visa form
Take your next step to Working in Japan Right After Graduation.
So, are you ready to take your journey to Japan?
- Review our eligibility rules in our FAQ.
- LEARN JAPANESE. Learn more about FAST OFFER International’s Free Japanese Classes.
- START JOB HUNTING. Or, if you already speak Japanese, register here to start the job hunting process.
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