How International Students Can Find Jobs in Japan: Methods and Job Search Tips

Some international students studying in Japan may want to utilize their experience and work for a Japanese company. Due to the globalization of business and a shortage of labor, more Japanese companies are actively recruiting international students.
To smoothly secure a job in a Japanese company, it is essential to understand how students who are about to graduate conduct their job hunting and to keep track of the schedule. This article introduces methods and tips for international students to find jobs in Japan.

What You Need to Know to Get a Job in Japan

If international students holding a Student residence status want to get a job at a Japanese company, they need to go through the same job hunting process as Japanese students and receive a job offer from a company.

About New Graduate Recruitment（新卒採用）

In Japan, new graduate recruitment is the mainstream. Job hunting starts in March of the year before graduation. The start date for companies to begin new graduate recruitment is set on March 1st, so many students start their job search around that time.

*Note: The start date for new graduate recruitment may change.

In Japan, it may become difficult to get hired if there is a long gap after graduation without working. It is recommended for those who want to work in Japan to be aware of the new graduate recruitment schedule.

About Residence Status

When international students get a job at a Japanese company, they need to change their residence status from Student to a status that allows them to work.

[Applicable Residence Statuses]

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)
• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
• Designated Activities 46

Designated Activities 46 is a residence status that allows international students with advanced Japanese language skills to work in jobs that do not fall under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI).

The condition for obtaining Designated Activities 46 is having received education at a Japanese university or graduate school. Therefore, international students who graduate from a Japanese university or graduate school have a broader range of job options compared to those who come to Japan after graduating from foreign universities or graduate schools.

Points to Note

In principle, foreigners are not allowed to do simple labor jobs in Japan.
Additionally, foreigners must not be paid lower wages compared to Japanese employees just because they are foreigners. If the job description involves simple tasks or the salary appears to be significantly lower, it is advisable not to choose that company.
If you have any concerns or questions about job hunting, consult the career center or your advisor at school.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan -  在留資格「特定活動（告示46号)」, 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」, 在留資格「特定技能」

Steps for New Graduate Job Hunting

Self-Analysis and Company Research

Before starting job hunting, students should conduct "self-analysis" and "company research."

• Self-analysis: Identifying what kind of job suits you.
• Company research: Researching the company or industry you wish to join.

These steps are useful for making self-PR statements when applying to companies and during interviews.
In interviews, you will be asked questions like "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Why do you want to work for this company (or industry)?" Self-analysis helps you answer these questions better.

Additionally, it is recommended to research how many foreigners are active in the industry or company you want to work in. If many foreigners are active in the industry or company, your job hunting will likely go smoothly.

Internships

Internships allow you to experience working at a company.

By participating, you can understand the company’s atmosphere and actual job content. Additionally, you can establish connections with the participating company.
There are short-term and long-term internships. Short-term internships typically last from one day to a few days, while long-term internships last for several months. Some internships offer compensation.

If you participate in a paid internship, you need to go through procedures with the Immigration Bureau. The procedures differ depending on the internship duration.

For more details: インターンシップをご希望のみなさまへ( For Those Wishing to Participate in Internships)

Participating in internships does not negatively affect your job hunting. Since not many companies offer internships, it’s okay to attend any available opportunities.

Attending Company Information Sessions(企業説明会)

Company information sessions are sessions held by companies for students. The content varies by company, including business details and career paths of senior employees.
There are joint information sessions and individual company sessions.

• Joint information sessions: Multiple companies participate in one event. These are often called "job fairs" or "career fairs."
• Individual company sessions: Held by one company. These usually require registration and often necessitate company entry at this stage. You may need to submit a resume when registering, so check before applying.

Company information sessions start around January to February of the graduation year. If you find a session for a company you are interested in, actively participate.

Entrying for Companies

Once you find a company you want to work for, you need to entry. Entry is like a screening process to decide which students to interview.
It is also known as "document screening(書類選考)." It involves filling out an entry sheet, document screening, and aptitude tests.

Most companies handle applications online, but sometimes you may need to send documents by mail.
Some companies start entry in line with the new graduate recruitment timing in March, while others start after March.
Most people use new graduate job hunting websites for entry.

Recruitment Exams

After passing the entry stage, recruitment interviews and tests begin. The content of recruitment tests varies by company and can include interviews, essays, group discussions, etc. Always check the content of the recruitment test.

In interviews, you might be asked in detail about the content written in your resume or entry sheet. For international students, questions will likely focus on your experiences during your studies abroad and your reasons for wanting to work in Japan. It’s also common to ask for your questions (reverse interview), so prepare questions in advance.

Job Offer

If you pass the recruitment exam, you will receive a "job offer notification（内定通知）." Notification usually comes via phone or email first, followed by a formal letter by post.

You might also receive a "job offer acceptance letter（内定承諾書）" with the job offer notification. This letter is a formal acceptance indicating that you will work for the company after graduation.

Once you submit the job offer acceptance letter, you are typically committed to joining that company. However, if there are unavoidable reasons, you can cancel the job offer.
If you notify the company of your decision to cancel at least two weeks before the scheduled start date, there should be no problem even if there is no mutual agreement. On the other hand, a cancellation by the company is considered a "termination of employment contract" and is legally binding. If notified of a job offer cancellation by the company, consult with the career center.

Source: e-Gov法令検索「民法第627条1項」

After accepting the job offer, prepare for employment. Since you cannot work with a Student residence status, you need to obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) status. Procedures can take time, so allow ample time for the process.
Graduation is also a condition for the job offer, so make sure to study hard to graduate.

Places That Support Job Hunting in Japan

Finally, here are two places that support job hunting in Japan.

Career Center at School

Career centers provide various support for students to secure jobs. They share information about external consulting and company information sessions, among other things. Some schools offer job hunting seminars and support specifically for international students.

Foreign Employment Service Center

The "Foreign Employment Service Center" in Tokyo offers internships and joint information sessions. International students living outside Tokyo can access services online.

Conclusion

Japanese students start job hunting early, which might be surprising to many. However, early preparation increases the chances of finding a company that matches your preferences. Self-analysis and company research can be supported by career centers, so make use of these services actively.