Job-Hunting in Japan: What are the Skills Corporate Recruiters Look for in New-Graduates?

Author: Samantha Wutuh | Published date: 30 April 2020

Qualities you need to land a job in Japan as a foreigner

According to Nikkei, the number of international students in Japan is massive; however, less than 30% of them stay and acquire a job in the country after graduation. The competition in Japan is tough and even more so for foreigners. Here’s how you can stand out from your peers and snatch the coveted job offer!

Soft and Hard Skill

There are certain skills that recruiters look for in all their employees regardless of the job position - these are called soft skills. They include interpersonal skills and personality traits needed to create a cohesive and productive working environment.  Essentially, soft skills distinguish how a person interacts within their relationships with others. Some crucial soft skills in the workplace may include teamwork, problem-solving and time management.

On the other hand, hard skills are job-specific traits that can be learned through education and training programs. Unlike soft skills that are hard to measure and evaluate, hard skills are easily quantifiable and defined. Hard skills that are often useful despite the job position may include foreign language skills and knowledge in computer technology!

Reflect upon yourself and identify the skills you’re lacking in. This acknowledgement will not only allow you to develop yourself but it will also show recruiters your awareness and desire to keep learning!

Highly-sought Skills

Here’s a list of skills that you should pay great attention to and highlight in your resumes and interviews! We’ve taken the liberty of compiling thoughts and insights from recruiters in Japan regarding job hunting for foreigners. 

１. Communication Skills

This covers both your interpersonal and language capabilities.

 In terms of interpersonal skills, you need to be able to effectively communicate with people of various statuses (employees, managers, customers, etc.) through different mediums (in-person, online, in writing, etc.). There’s a lot of factors that go into good communication skills such as listening, body language, confidence, respect and feedbacking. So keep these traits in mind and ensure you exude positive energy!

Japanese is one of the hardest languages for English-speakers to master; however, it bears great value in opening job opportunities. Even if you aspire to work in an international company, odds are you will still be required to interact with Japanese people - so try your best in learning up to business-level Japanese!

２. Technical Skills

Of course, the technical skills you need will vary according to the job position; however, basic computer skills are often needed in almost any job nowadays. Get yourself up to date with common software like Microsoft or Google apps! Keep your eyes out on any specific software the company is using and try to learn them - don’t sweat yourself, the company often provides training but it demonstrates your willingness to learn. 

３. Adaptability

This is not to say that you should be completely compliant to Japanese culture and neglect your own, but being able to acclimate yourself to the local culture will be extremely useful in the working environment. Show the recruiters that you can overcome misunderstandings bourne by culture differences. 

Respect is a huge custom in Japan, this is where your Japanese skills will also come in handy - try to familiarize yourself with the honorific terms (Keigo/敬語). For example, knowing when to bow can go a long way in showing your willingness to respect not only the person in question but also their culture!

４. An Always-Learning Mentality

“When we are evaluating candidates, of course, we consider the technical skill, but also key characteristics such as the desire to learn more. Showing your passion and the ability to learn on your own is something to take note of for students. Learning proactively is one of the elements a candidate should have if they want to work in an innovative company.”

- Viacheslav Kapilevich, Software Engineer at LINE corporation

In today’s rapidly evolving world, recruiters are looking for people who are always learning and taking the initiative to improve the company from their job position. Show the recruiters that you see every opportunity as a chance to be better and that you can genuinely embrace your failures as a learning curve! It’s important to let your recruiters know that despite your current knowledge, you know that there is always something new you can learn and improve in. You can even ask them about the company’s objective in supporting the growth and development of their employees!

Important Tips for Job-seeking Foreigners in Japan

Kansai Yanaoka, Associate Recruiter

“First, if you are a foreigner in Japan, don’t try to hide your identity and don’t minimize the culture that you are coming from. Japanese people probably speak Japanese better than you, but there are good chances that you have a flexible and transnational mindset that local Japanese people have not developed as you. Many companies in Tokyo are happy to hire foreigners because it implies a lot of advantages. For example, diverse teams are more productive than non-diverse teams.

Second, when you apply, think about your Unique Selling Point. What is the thing that differentiates you from others? Explain to the recruiter why his company should better invest in you rather than in one of the 200 other candidates who apply for the same position?

Finally, try to take pleasure in the recruiting process. I think that we have more chances to reach out a positive outcome with a positive mind-set. I know it's difficult because we often encounter many failures before knowing a success but keep in mind that all the winners are the people who were kept trying after failures.”

Final Remarks

Finding a job in a foreign country might seem daunting, but the experience will leave you with an abundance of new skills and perspective - this is your chance to be a global citizen. At the end of the day, the companies are helping you develop your skills just as you are helping them run the business. 

If you want to read more stories on different International Senpais, in different industries, and more tips from people who were once in your position and have made their mark in the Japanese job market read on our Senpai Tips segment on the JPort website from here!

Remember, every rejection is a redirection to the job truly meant for you. Good hunting!