Japanese Job Interview Tips from Future AI Engineer in Japan

A Path to Japan Fueled by Passion for Technology 

I’ve always had a strong interest in Japanese robots and technology. That’s why I dreamed of going to Japan and learning about technology through AI and data science. Learning Japanese was never easy, but my strong desire to study technology in Japan helped me stay motivated, even when things got tough. 

My mother was also a Japanese language teacher. Thanks to her, I naturally became more interested in Japan, and learning Japanese didn’t feel so difficult. 

I started learning Japanese from the N4 level through classes at Hirameki in Pune. Later, I took more Japanese language classes at Pune University and improved. I even earned the “Japanese Special Diploma” at Pune University, which gave me more confidence in my Japanese skills. 

Japanese Skills Built Through Steady Effort 

Like many learners, I found it hard to learn hiragana, katakana, and especially kanji. But Japanese grammar was easier because it resembles Marathi, my native language. I struggled with kanji many times, but gradually noticed patterns and radicals. That helped me guess the meaning of the new kanji. When I could understand or guess the meaning of a new word using the Japanese I had already learned, I realized how deep and interesting the language really is. 

To improve my reading skills, I used books and online dictionaries to increase my vocabulary. For listening skills, I used YouTube and practiced listening again and again. These efforts really helped me, and my Japanese is getting better daily. 

FAST OFFER International: A Great Motivation, Thanks to Its Many Company Connections 

I had known about FAST OFFER since my days at Hirameki. The program allows students to interview with Japanese companies while studying Japanese and university subjects. This was a big chance to work in Japan, so I researched the companies listed on the FAST OFFER website. I was surprised to find that many well-known Japanese multinationals and large companies were part of the program. This motivated me to register and seriously begin job hunting in Japan, inspiring me to study Japanese even harder. 

The Long Road to a Job Offer in Japan 

Luckily, I got the chance to attend an in-person interview event in Japan. But getting there wasn’t easy—it was a long journey. It took about five months from my first interview with FAST OFFER until I received a job offer. 

Before the face-to-face interview, I had four online interviews, but I didn’t pass them. Online interviews felt very different from in-person ones. It was hard to understand the Japanese accent, and I couldn’t tell what the interviewer thought. I had many tough interviews. 

But my mentor kept encouraging me, saying, “The feedback from the interview was good—don’t give up!” Thanks to this support, I kept preparing even when things didn’t go well. 

Finally, I was chosen to attend the in-person interview event in February. Usually, students can travel to Japan only if they have interviews with at least three companies. But because of that company’s decision, I was allowed to go even with only one company. I finally got to visit Japan and have a face-to-face interview—something I had really wished for. 

Tips on How I Prepared for the Japanese Job Interview

To get a job offer, I did a lot of interview preparation. Here’s how I did it: 

1. Research the company that selected you 

If you are chosen for an interview, look up the company using the job description (JD) and their website. Consider why you’re interested in the company and what you can do there. 

2. Practice the common questions 

Most companies ask similar main questions. For example: What are your interests? What was your final year project? Why did you start studying Japanese? 

If you prepare answers to these questions, the other parts of the interview will be easier. 

3. Prepare for company-specific questions 

The FAST OFFER website explains common questions for each company. I studied those and practiced giving short, clear, and professional answers. 

The mentor sessions were very helpful. Even though they were busy, the mentors gave us great support and encouragement until the end. 

From My First Visit to Japan to Passing the Japanese Job Interview

I first attended an in-person event in February. Japan’s winter was colder than I had imagined, which surprised me. I also noticed many detailed rules, like wearing formal suits for interviews. I realized how much Japan values discipline. But other than that, I didn’t experience much culture shock. 

Since I only had one interview, I felt a lot of pressure. Other students had more chances. However, because I only had one company to focus on, I was able to prepare very well. Also, I was lucky to have my batch mates from Hirameki, who had studied Japanese with me at the N4 level, interview with the same company. We practiced and helped each other until the end. 

I still clearly remember the moment I got the job offer. After the interview, while waiting in the waiting room, the ASIA to JAPAN staff called the three of us over and said, “You passed.” But at first, we misunderstood “合格 (goukaku, passed)” as “工学 (kougaku, engineering),” which caused some confusion! When we finally understood the result, I felt such relief and joy. 

Getting a job offer from the same company as my friends, who worked hard with me, was an unforgettable experience. 

I still have about a year before I start working. Until then, I plan to do an internship to build practical skills. I’ll also keep studying for the JLPT N2 to improve my Japanese before I go to Japan. 

To Everyone Who Wants to Work in Japan 

Here’s what I want to tell you: 

“At first, it’s okay to fail. Don’t be afraid of failure—accept it.” 

What matters is learning from that experience and always trying to improve yourself. 

In interviews, speak like a professional—be short, clear, and to the point. That’s the most important thing. 

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: More Japanese Job Interview Tips from the Experts

Aside from tips on researching the company and practicing anticipated questions that the above success story delved into, here are some more tips you don’t want to forget:

Don’t look down on your interviewers.

“Looking down at someone” is not just a figure of speech but also literal advice to observe proper Japanese job interview etiquette. Make direct eye contact with your interviewers as much as possible. If you are taking an online interview, this also means looking at the camera instead of the screen so you can appear to be looking into your interviewers’ eyes.

Smile

You can be perfectly qualified for a job, but still not qualify if you cannot win your interviewer’s trust. Japanese companies can train future employees towards technical excellence, but they won’t be looking to change their personalities. Thus, future employers are looking for personalities that can thrive and flourish. Smiling is one sure way to give off good vibes!

Be Authentic

This does not mean, however, that you need to put on a mask you think will best fit your interviewer’s ideal employee. Instead, try to channel the best version of yourself. Should a company choose you based on lies, you will only find working with them difficult in the long run. Your sincerity will go a long way!

Get expert mentorship

FAST OFFER International matches talents with career mentors with decades of experience in the talent’s target industry. During their preparation stage, they can give specific advice and notes on cultural nuances they might miss. Many of our success stories cite this program feature as key to acing Japanese job interviews.

Get opportunities for in-person Japanese job interviews

It is possible to land a job in Japan through online interviews. However, most of our talents say that offline interviews during sponsored events are much easier. It’s easier to win their rapport, and you don’t have to worry about the difficulties caused by your internet connection and audio devices.

These Japanese job interview tips are just once facet of the japanese job hunting experience. If you want to know more, go to our guide for jobs in Japan for Indians or jobs in Japan for foreigners.