Job Interviews are all about making the best possible first impression, and it’s no different in Japan. And the very first impression you make is how you physically present yourself in a room—online or offline. Your outfit and grooming matter! Here is some advice to help you dress the part for your next Japanese job interview.
How to Dress for a Japanese Job Interview: Keep These Goals in Mind.
- Look organized, neat, and clean. This can signal you’re a responsible worker!
- Free your look from “distractions” to help your interviewers concentrate on your conversation.
- Appear “easy to work with.” You can do this with simple, easy, and calm styling. Instead of going for self-expression in fashion, for now, it’s time to show how well you can adjust to Japanese corporate culture.
- Translate your potential into your outfit. Your job interview attire plays a part in the few short minutes you’re allotted with your interviewer. So, make sure it sends the right message!
What to Wear to a Job Interview in Japan
Japanese job interviews are not the time to grab their attention through your fashion! Instead, take this as an opportunity for them to platform your mind, personality, and skills.
| What to wear | What NOT to wear |
| A wrinkle-free, simple suit in solid black or navy blue paired with a simple, clean, white button-up shirt. Matching black or brown dress shoes and a belt. | Loud patterns and bright colors. Overly fashionable choices. |
| For women wearing skirts, choose a moderate length pencil skirts with leggings/stockings | Ripped, stained, or damaged jeans. |
| A wristwatch, no jewelry or simple, minimalist jewelry. | Flashy accessories or loud jewelry |
Proper Grooming for Japanese Job Interviews
| What to do | What not to do |
| Practice basic hygiene. Trim your nails, wear deodorant, shower well, etc. | Use strong perfumes/colognes. |
| Choose a clean and neat hairstyle. Trim or shave facial hair to look clean. Comb your hair neatly or put long hair in a ponytail. | Dye your hair in loud, or neon colors. |
| Make sure your outfit is wrinkle-free! Use the “cloak fold” for packing your suit in your luggage, or use the hotel iron the night before. | Look messy in crumpled clothes. |
Steps to Perfect Your Japanese Job Interview Attire
- Before the interview:
- Choose a simple, professional outfit in neutral colors you can be confident in.
- Make sure your suit is clean and wrinkle-free!
- Practice basic hygiene.
- Clean and polish your shoes.
- During the interview:
- Place your bag at your feet. Do not put it on your lap or on top of the table.
- Unbutton your suit blazer before sitting down.
- Between interviews
- Have a quick sugar-free mint candy for fresh breath.
- Check your compact mirror between interviews to make sure your hair is in place.
- Adjust your tie and fix your shirt tuck.
Dressing Up for the Job Interview: Online Vs. Offline
For online interviews, because interviewers usually only see the upper body, it’s even more important to pay attention to details such as hair grooming, facial appearance, and whether your tie is straight and properly adjusted.
For in-person interviews, interviewers can see your entire appearance, so students should also pay attention to things like the condition of their shoes. Cleaning off any dirt or mud and making sure their shoes are well-maintained can help create a more polished impression. Having proper posture can also help your outfit look neater as slouching can cause you to look crumpled.
Tips on Dressing Up For Tokyo’s Winter Japanese Job Interviews
Our interview events in Tokyo happen all year long—including December to February, Tokyo’s winter months. Depending on which month you’re going, you might want to adjust your Japanese job interview attire. If you’re from a country with just one or two seasons, you might feel a little lost about dressing for fall or winter.
- Layer up with a thick overcoat! Finding a good jacket or trench coatto go over your suit is the best way to keep up with cold weather in Tokyo. It will allow you to quickly adjust to warmer temperatures once you enter buildings by removing it. If you can’t find one from your home country, you can buy an affordable one at a second-hand store in Tokyo.
- Borrow or invest in “shushu” for your outer coats. As you will only need one jacket and pack one suit, making sure it always smells nice, no matter where you eat, is extremely important. “Shushu” is a spray-on deodorizer you spray on jackets. Make sure you spray it the night before in a bathroom, though! This will allow the scent to disperse into a light fragrance and keep the application process neat. The extra droplets may leave a sticky film on non-cloth surfaces.
- For January interviews and people who get extra cold, go for thermal wear. If you tend to be extra cold, adding a thin layer of inner thermal wear from Uniqlo can make a big difference. However, note that indoor spaces tend to be well-heated. If you dress too warmly without the option of shedding layers, you might find yourself sitting down and sweating in the train, office, or restaurant.
Read Our Other Stories for For More Job Interview Advice
- Japanese Etiquette for Job Interviews: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Top 9 Tips to Level Up Your Japanese for Job Interviews
- Understanding Japanese Companies’ Mindset at Job Interviews
- How to Navigate Japan’s Job Market as a New Grad
- How to Get Hired in Japan: 9 Job Interview Green Flags
- Common Mistakes in Japanese Job Interviews: 6 Red Flags to Avoid
