If you’re nearing the interview stage with Japanese companies, congratulations! You’ve put in so much effort to come such a long way. But the journey isn’t over! You still have to ace the Japanese job interview. It can be an arduous process filled with easy-to-miss cultural nuances, but rest assured, you have to trust the process. It takes time to find a company whose work and values align with yours. Here, we’ve put together tips Japanese job interview tips from successful candidates from Thailand to help you pass your turn!
1. Find confidence in the intensity of your job interview preparations.
“Job interviews can be challenging, but the more you prepare, the better your results will be. Believe in your dreams, trust the effort you put in, and keep moving forward.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: How I Studied and Worked in Japan
2. Prepare your Japanese answers for the job interview’s anticipated questions.
“During the real interview, I was asked questions that I had prepared beforehand, so I was able to answer them with confidence. After the interview, I thought, “ I’ve done all I can do!”
Read more: Balancing Full-Time Work and Job Searching: How I Landed a Role in Japan’s Human Resources
3. Know you can opt to take online interviews if you must take the Japanese Job Interviews while in Thailand.
“Because of my busy schedule at work, I wasn’t able to fly to Japan, so I opted for online interviews. Of the three interested Japanese companies, I chose to interview for two companies.”
Read more: Chulalongkorn University Engineering Grad on Bravely Pursuing Japan
4. Make a lasting impression and show your genuine interest through your reverse question.
“One of the most important things I learned from the mentorship was the importance of “Reverse Questions” in Japanese job interviews.
Japanese job interviews, similar to most interviews, often wrap up with some version of “Do you have any questions for us?” As my FAST OFFER International mentor explained to me, this question signifies your last chance to appeal to your interviewers. You can make a good impression when you ask a question that shows that you’ve really thought about this job opportunity and what it means to live and work in Japan. First and last impressions matter a lot, so it’s good to think of a question in advance!”
Read more: How Online Japanese Classes Helped a Thai Engineer Secure a Career in Japan
5. Know what motivates you career-wise and use that as a guide in helping you find a suitable company.
“However, through self-analysis and conversations during interviews, I realized that my core motivation was “staying connected to local communities”—something I had learned from my study-abroad experience in Okayama. With this clarity, I was able to choose the company that aligned most closely with my values.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: How I Studied and Worked in Japan
6. Communicate during the job interview why you genuinely want to be an expat from Thailand working in Japan
“For aspiring candidates aiming to work in Japan, two fundamental questions must be addressed: Why are you learning Japanese, and why do you want to work in Japan? These questions serve as guiding principles throughout the learning process. My Japanese Sensei (teachers) often asked us these two questions. The answers must resonate from the heart, reflecting genuine passion and purpose.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship
7. When things get overwhelming, calm yourself by focusing on the step in front of you.
“I came to Japan and had a face-to-face interview with a company representative. I was really nervous during the waiting time before the interview. However, I resolved my anxiety by thinking, “I came here to talk with the interviewer.” I was able to relax, and my anxiety was gone by the time the interview view started.”
Read more: Balancing Full-Time Work and Job Searching: How I Landed a Role in Japan’s Human Resources
8. Time your application according to the Japanese job market and your academic calendar.
“February turned into a hectic month as I juggled interview preparation with my ongoing project commitments. Despite the busy schedule, I pressed on, fueled by the hope of potential opportunities. Looking back, I realize that scheduling the interviews in April, coinciding with my project deadline, would be ideal.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: A Robotics Student’s Journey Through Language and Internship.
9. Practice explaining your graduation thesis / final year project in Japanese and know how it connects with your target Japanese company.
“I did my best to clearly explain my graduation thesis and highlighted my strengths in communication and teamwork. This impressed the interviewers, and I ultimately received an offer.”
Read more: How Online Japanese Classes Helped a Thai Engineer Secure a Career in Japan.
“The most important improvement that made a difference was regarding my Final Year Project. When Japanese companies hire new graduates, they take your Final Year Project as a basis for “work experience.” This is where they see your skills and specialties in use, and where your working interests lie.”
Read more: From Coding Languages in High School to Engineering in Japan.
10. Thoroughly research every company interviewing you to understand if you’re suited for them and how to formulate your answers.
“By researching each company’s Job Descriptions and projects beforehand, I discovered several companies I genuinely wanted to work for.”
Read more: From Thailand to Japan: How I Studied and Worked in Japan
11. Make time for interview prep with your FAST OFFER International Career advisor
… I was preparing for the interview mainly at night after leaving work, I had a lot of time constraints…Even under these circumstances, my mentor was able to practice interviews on weekends and early in the morning. Thanks to that, I was able to go into the real interview without panicking.”
Read more: Balancing Full-Time Work and Job Searching: How I Landed a Role in Japan’s Human Resources
12. Navigate cultural nuances as a Thai talent interviewing for a Japanese company with personalized tips from FAST OFFER International‘s Career Advisors
“Before attending the interview, FAST OFFER International arranged mentoring sessions for me. These sessions felt just as vital as my online Japanese classes. I’m incredibly thankful to my assigned mentor. He not only supported me with the basics, like how to answer interview questions, but also coached me on how to present myself during the interview, how to prepare reverse questions, and other crucial details.”
Read more: How Online Japanese Classes Helped a Thai Engineer Secure a Career in Japan.
Ready to Take Your Dreams to Japan?
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If you’re about to be a thailand university student who wants to be working in Japan, you may qualify for FAST OFFER International’s free Japanese classes! Check out our Free Japanese Classes for Thai students or our Japanese classes for worldwide talents.
Apply with FAST OFFER International
If you can already manage conversational Japanese, are an active university student or recent graduate, and have a qualified degree, it’s time to sign up with us! Be part of our list of Thailand university graduates working in Japan. Read more in our jobs in japan for Thais career guide.
