How to Behave at a Job Interview in Japan

How to Behave at a Job Interview in Japan – Etiquette and politeness are two aspects of Japanese culture that are given a significant amount of weight in all aspects of daily life. How to Behave at a Job Interview in Japan.

Things that you may consider to be completely normal, such as speaking loudly in public, making some noise when eating, or having a way of speaking that is overly assertive, are seen as rude and disrespectful in Japan, where people are taught to be humble and reserved. You may consider these things to be completely normal. It is possible that attending a job interview in Japan would seem like walking through a minefield due to the importance that Japanese people put on proper etiquette.

In this piece, we will show you how to negotiate the complexities of Japanese manners in a job interview by following five simple procedures that will assist you in finding the job of your dreams.

Be Punctual

It may seem like a no-brainer piece of advice, but trust me when I say that this is perhaps the single most critical guideline to follow while attending an interview in Japan.

To say that being late is considered unprofessional in Japan would be grossly understating the situation. In point of fact, it is so tightly forbidden that even saying so would not be an exaggeration. If you are going to be late for an interview in Japan, it is considered a lack of respect for the person who is waiting for you, particularly if you do not provide a delay warning or an appropriate apology.

Therefore, in the event that you are going to be late because of an unexpected circumstance, be sure to phone the recruiter’s secretary and let them know that you are now en route to the location.

Exhibits a Perfect Standard Proper Etiquette for the Lobby or Reception Area

Because individuals in Japan are so attuned to their surroundings, it is important to be conscious of your actions from the time you set foot into the building. As soon as the interview is over, the recruiter may inquire about your performance with the front desk clerk and other staff members in the immediate area.

If you want to make a good impression on your possible employers and colleagues the moment you walk into the office, try to adhere to the following straightforward advice:

1. Please take off your outerwear before entering the building.
2. Inside the facility, you are not permitted to use your phone in any capacity, and you must ensure that all of your electronic devices are set to quiet.
3. At the front desk, make sure that you pronounce your name aloud and explain both the purpose of your visit as well as the name of the individual who will be conducting the interview.
4. If the reception desk is vacant, you should approach an employee who is located nearby and ask them where the office of the person who will be interviewing you is located.
5. Ensure that all of your paperwork is well-organized and that they are prepared to be submitted.
6. Be conscious of your posture and the way you carry yourself during the preceding procedures.
7. Consider the possibility that you may be seen and judged based on your confidence and manners from the very time that you arrive for your job interview. Since of this, you should behave as if the interview has already begun, because there is a good chance that this will be the case.

How One Should Act While Waiting in the Lobby

Waiting rooms may be stressful places to be, particularly if the event you are awaiting is your first job interview in Japan. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost significance that you have (or at least seem to keep) a calm and relaxed demeanor. If you are anxious and can feel your heart thumping, try taking several deep breaths, waiting a few seconds, and then exhaling the air through your lips in a slow and controlled manner. This should help calm you down.

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If you can see that there is no one else in the room, you should give the interviewer a gentle tap on the door three times to alert them to the fact that you are there. Indeed, it is essential that you carry out this action thrice. Two knocks are used to inquire as to whether or not the restroom is vacant in Japan, whereas three knocks are used for more serious business.

Also, be sure that you do not enter the room until the person who is already there has given you permission to do so. In most cases, they will do this by uttering the word “Douzo” (Please).

The Proper and Improper Ways to Conduct Yourself in a Job Interview in Japan

Your very first job interview in Japan is just around the corner, and it’s a day you’ve been looking forward to and dreading in equal measure. The time has finally arrived. But there is no need to be concerned. We will watch out for you.

The following is a list of the top five things that you should do when you are being interviewed.

1. When you enter the room, softly open the door and put on a grin that conveys that you are a professional.
2. Take a seat as near the entrance as you can. When it comes to conducting an interview in Japan, hierarchy is of the utmost importance. To show that you are serious about working for the organization, you are supposed to choose the “low seat,” which is the chair that is located in the area that is farthest away from the door.
3. Respond in a loud and audible manner to the questions posed by the interviewer. Instead of seeming happy or pleased on your face, you should go for an expression that is attentive and welcoming.
4. Take care not to arch your back, and remember to keep your hands in your lap.
5. Please bow one more before you go.

Now that you are aware of the things that you may do to create a favorable first impression during your first interview in Japan, let’s have a look at the kinds of things that you should refrain from doing.

1. When you first enter the room, you shouldn’t immediately go to take a seat. Close the door softly while making an effort to produce as little noise as possible.
2. Before sitting down, you should make sure you welcome the other person, bow to them, and tell them “O ai dekite ureshdesu” (which translates to “It’s lovely to meet you”). When you bow, men should place their hands on their sides and bow with their heads bowed. Keep them in front of you at all times if you are a woman.
3. Do not take a seat until you have been instructed to do so.
4. As you are giving a response to a question, don’t glance away from your interviewer or look down when you are doing so. Try not to avoid making eye contact with the other person throughout conversations, even if you’re feeling apprehensive.

The Types of Questions That May Be Asked of You in a Japanese Job Interview

To this point, we have discussed the behavioural component of going to an interview for a job. This means that we have instructed you on the actions that are required of you both before and during an interview for a job. But what about the terminology used during the interview process for jobs? What kinds of questions do Japanese employers often ask candidates during the interview process?

The following are a few questions to which you need to have answers ready.

1. Naze kono shigoto ni ōbo shita nodesu ka? (Would you mind telling me why you applied for this job?)
2. Anata no keiken wa kono tachiba todo no yō ni itchi shimasu ka? (In what ways does your background fit the requirements of this job?)
3. Anata no omona chōsho to tansho wa nanidesu ka? (What are some of your primary advantages and disadvantages?)
4. Anata no nihongo wa dore kurai jōzudesu ka? (On what level would you place your Japanese?)
5. Kono shigoto de nani o tassei shitaidesu ka? (What are some goals that you have for yourself in this job?)
6. Nihon no kankyō de hataraku koto ga dekiru to kakushin shite imasu ka? (Are you certain that you will be able to operate in an atmosphere typical of Japan?)
7. Kon’nan’na jōkyō ni dono yō ni taisho shimasu ka? (What strategies do you use when confronted with challenging circumstances?)

Applicants will provide different responses to the questions asked in the parts that came before this one, as it stands to reason. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you prepare them with the assistance of a Japanese language instructor.

You will be able to do the following by taking private lessons with a natural speaker of the language:

1. Take as much time as you need to prepare for your interview; don’t worry about other obligations or waste time on material that isn’t related to the task at hand.
2. Receive comments from an expert on your ability to speak and your pronunciation.
3. Find someone who can give you advice on how to carry yourself in a business environment in Japan.

What are you holding out for exactly? You will be able to get all of these advantages from taking our individualized, one-on-one classes, as well as studying at your own speed and in the environment of your choice. In addition, we provide students with the option to take their classes either in-person or online, giving them the flexibility to learn in the manner that best suits them.

Would you want to try out one of our online lessons for free first? Sending us a note right now will allow us to make the necessary arrangements for you in no time at all!