3 Ways to Secure a Job in Japan: International Students Edition

Finding a job in Japan can be challenging, especially for international students. In many countries, job hunting typically begins after graduation and can take a few weeks to several months. In Japan, however, this process can last up to a year! Japanese students often start their job search in their third year of university to secure a spot in a competitive job market. Knowing these challenges, in this article, we will introduce three ways to help you find a job in Japan!

1. Traditional Job-Hunting

Japanese Level Required: Fluent

In Japan, many companies start their recruitment process at the same time each year, typically beginning around March for graduates of the following year. Preparing for job hunting activities can be time-consuming, involving several stages.

Job-hunting starts with self-analysis and evaluation. You’ll need to answer questions about your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and dreams. This introspection helps you understand the type of job that suits you best.

These insights are then reflected in your application documents, including the Entry Sheet, Resume, and other related essays. For more detailed information, please visit the Job Hunting Guide for International Students.

2. Career Forums

Japanese Level Required: Intermediate – Fluent

Career forums redefine the conventional job-hunting process by acting as platforms for “matchmaking” between companies and prospective employees. Unlike traditional methods, job seekers at career forums do not go through a lengthy process of filling out entry sheets. Instead, they submit their CVs directly to HR representatives at the event. If HR sees potential in a candidate, they can schedule an interview immediately.

One of the largest forums for job hunting in Japan is the Tokyo Career Forum. Held twice a year, this event gathers over 200 companies looking for talented bilingual individuals, along with thousands of Japanese and international students aspiring to build their careers in Japan.

This year’s Tokyo Summer Career Forum will be held on June 23-24 at Tokyo Big Sight. For more details, visit the Tokyo Career Forum.

3. LinkedIn Search

Japanese Level Required: Intermediate – Fluent

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional social media tools available. It can present unexpected opportunities through networking and active engagement. Many companies, especially multinational ones, use LinkedIn to post job vacancies. This method can be an effective and less time-consuming alternative to traditional job hunting in Japan.

You can find a variety of job opportunities on LinkedIn, making it a good starting point for international students aspiring to build a career in Japan. It’s important to evaluate your skills, including your proficiency in Japanese, to make the most of these opportunities.

By utilizing these three methods—traditional job hunting, career forums, and LinkedIn—you can increase your chances of securing a job in Japan. Remember, perseverance and preparation are key to navigating the Japanese job market successfully.

Written by Gia Linh