Speaking Japanese during interviews with Japanese companies can be a daunting experience. Technical terms and jargon used during the interviews are not taught in the JLPT or included in Japanese textbooks. Relaying information about your major, explaining your project, and presenting your profile in polite speech can be challenging without getting the grammar wrong. Thankfully, FAST OFFER International can set you on the right path! There is no single way of practising for interviews. Candidates who have received a job offer through FAST OFFER have mentioned a variety of methods and tips. But if we had to compile a list, here are the top nine tips for candidates who wish to attempt job interviews with Japanese companies:

Make a list of frequently used vocabulary in your field of interest

Getting all the necessary vocabulary down may be one of the most time-consuming aspects when it comes to learning any language.  For that reason, we recommend creating a list of technical words and jargon which you can use to look up words and practice regularly. This means you would have a ready list for checking vocabulary and wouldn’t have to rely on using dictionary apps, Google or AI every time you forget the meaning or kanji of a word. Getting familiar and comfortable with technical Japanese terms in your field of study will help you navigate tough technical questions during the interview!

Use the shadowing technique to refine your tone and accent

“Shadowing” means to follow and repeat an audio recording of a speech or a dialogue closely. As you listen, mimic their speech simultaneously. This video may help you understand the technique. While shadowing may initially seem tedious, it is very effective! By just following or mimicking the accent, tone, intonation and pace of native speakers, you can make your speech much clearer. It helps you understand the rhythm of speaking and when to pause. Think of shadowing as being a bit like shadow boxing for a boxer- the constant mimicking of moments helps you to perform smoothly in the final match. Just make sure you don’t shadow anime villains!

Don’t rush through the explanation

Usually, the duration of Japanese interviews is 30-45 minutes. And there are many things you would like to convey to the interviewers to present your profile. But this does not mean that you can rush through your explanation, especially for your final year project. Ideally, you can take about 2 minutes to explain your project. Having a PPT or a diagram as a supplementary device also helps.

Drill down on the details of your final year project in Japanese

If you’re job hunting as a new graduate, your interviewers will consider your final year project as your work experience. It is the culmination of everything you learned in your studies. To not miss any important details and explanations, here are some key facets of your project to practice explaining in Japanese:

• • The importance of the topic

• • How the topic was decided

• • Required preparations

• • Task division within the group

• • Procedure

• • Conclusion of your project

• • Reflection or points you want to improve on the next time

Practice through mock interviews

The best way to excel at Japanese job interviews is to practice many times in a simulated environment. That is why the system of having mock interviews can be effective. Enlist the help of your friends, teachers, or family to help you get familiar with the interview environment. If you have online interviews, you can use Zoom or similar applications to record your interview answers. This will check the duration of the answers, points during which you tend to use filler words and whether you are managing micro-expressions well.

Learn to listen more than you talk

While this sounds contradictory to the article title, the ability to listen is equally important. During the interview, your interviewer may explain information about the company, department, recent ventures or even company policies. In such a case, it is important that you listen to the explanation carefully. You may need to adjust the questions you had prepared for the interviewer or ask supplementary questions regarding the explained information.

Be as polite as you can as a beginner Japanese speaker

Polite speech forms a huge part of the interview process. If you are a Japanese Language beginner, it’s best to end sentences with a simple です or verbs with ～ます. Try not to overcomplicate it by using Keigo, as some verbs change forms and meanings when converted into Keigo. Simple greetings such as 「おはようございます。本日はよろしくお願いします」, 「本日お時間いただき、ありがとうございました」or saying 「失礼します」when you enter the room, make a great impression. But we would be sharing a separate guide on using Keigo and manners during the interviews, so stay tuned for that!

Prepare thoroughly so you can approach the interview with calm confidence

Interviews can be stressful, and it’s easy to end up cramming until the last minute. But the most important part of the interview is for you to project calmness. Do your best preparing so you’re naturally confident. Part of the preparation is also trying to relax before the main event. This will translate better to your interviewer, but more importantly, a calm mind is in the best condition to answer the questions to the best of your ability.

Join FAST OFFER International’s Japanese Classes

Our classes are specially designed to handle job interviews! We know that the focus at the interviews won’t be on the JLPT certificate, but in your listening and comprehension skills. What better than to have experts guide you and motivate you, which will make a big difference.

Ready for Japanese job interviews? Time to land an opportunity with FAST OFFER

Want to work in Japan or interview with Japanese companies? FAST OFFER does just that! We are dedicated to bridging the gap between talented international students and their dream careers in Japan. Check out our website for more details about the program.