Job Interviews in Japan: Dress Code and Manners for Success

Recommended for those who plan to attend job interviews at Japanese companies.

When a foreigner is looking for a job in Japan, they may have many concerns. For example, what is the interview process like in Japan and how can I successfully overcome it?

This article will introduce you to the dress and etiquette that will make a good impression during a job hunting activity in Japan. Understand your attire and etiquette, and you will be able to confidently tackle the interview!

🔗 Don't miss this one: Tips for Writing Your Resume and CV.

Interviews are not just about checking work history

Hiring managers don't just want to know about your experience.

The interview is an important opportunity for both you and the company to determine if you and the hiring manager have the right skills, personality, and fit for the company.

We also look to see that you are dressed and groomed appropriately for the interview and that you have good manners.

This is because in Japan, it is said that being well presented makes a good impression on the other party and it implies attention to detail and respect for the other person.

Therefore, a good impression can be made by being well groomed and well mannered.

What is the appropriate attire for an interview to make a good impression?

Next, we will discuss general interview attire.

Has the trend changed recently?

In Japan, interviews are usually conducted in slightly more formal clothing suitable for business as described above.

Recently, however, the trend has changed a bit.
Increasingly, companies are specifying "casual attire" or "everyday clothing that you like."

Manners you should learn at a job interview in japan

Be punctual

Being late for an interview is not acceptable.

It is best to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the interview time.

If you are going to be late because of a train or other delay, call the interviewer as soon as you know.

Greet them well at the beginning

In Japan, there is a culture of valuing greetings.

By greeting people properly, you can make a good impression.

Related article 📎 Business Manners in Japan

Listen carefully to the recruiter with correct posture

During the interview, sit a little shallower in your chair and straighten your back so that you are not hunched over. Maintain good posture to the extent that you do not hit the backrest.

And listen carefully to what the recruiter says. Nodding occasionally is also a good idea.
Hiring managers also look closely at how you behave during the interview.

Be aware of how your impression will be perceived by others.

Things to keep in mind during the interview in Japan

How to speak during an interview

Speak politely during the interview. Do not use slang that would be used in everyday conversation. For example, it is not good to say  "はい" twice like "はいはい" .

Use honorifics and be aware of polite language. If you are not yet accustomed to speaking in Japanese, it is best to speak slowly.

Answers to personal questions

In interviews in Japan, personal questions about family size and living environment are generally prohibited.

If you are asked such a question, it is best to say, "This is not directly related to the job, so please let me refrain from answering."

But some of them may have a reason.
For example, questions about your hobbies may be asked to learn about your personality, to see if you would be a good fit for the company, or to lighten the mood.

Therefore, there is no problem in answering honestly.

Humility is important

While it is important to showcase one's skills and accomplishments, humility is also considered important in Japan.

Showing off too much of yourself or boasting about your accomplishments may give the opposite impression.

Questions to ask at the end of the interview

At the end of the interview, the recruiter will ask you, "Do you have any questions?"

Asking questions of the hiring manager is your chance to confirm what you are interested in and to show that you are interested in the company.

However, be careful not to ask questions that are difficult for the recruiter to answer, such as salary or raises, as this can be counterproductive.

It is better to ask and confirm these questions after you have been contacted for employment.

If you are not sure what questions to ask, ask questions about your workplace or job.

Conclusion

There are many different manners to conduct an interview in Japan. You may find it difficult to get used to them.

However, in Japan, dressing appropriately is a fundamental and important part of the interview process.

Understand interview etiquette and methods to overcome your job search in Japan with confidence!