Looking for a job in Japan, especially if you don’t have native English teaching skills, can be a frustrating endeavor. Besides the obvious issues of the language gap and physical distance (if applying from abroad), our own assumptions and the tendency to look at things through rose-colored glasses may make the entire process far more complicated. So, in order not to make the same mistakes as I did, here are a few key points to keep in mind when looking for a job in Japan — which I came to learn the hard way.
1. Being Multilingual Is Not A Carte Blanche For Getting Hired
Back when I was attending grad school in London and searching for jobs in Japan, I was sure that my Japanese language skills, coupled with English, would make me a shoo-in for an entry-level position. But I was absolutely wrong. I applied for every possible job. I looked for contacts in the Japanese community in London, went to bilingual job fairs and ran after every lead. It took almost two years (and big support from all the gods of luck you can name!) to finally find a job at a small company that would take me to Tokyo.
So, unless you have a true calling to teach or really unique skills that are high in demand, it is, in general, very tough to find companies that would be willing to hire and send a new graduate across the ocean based on language skills alone. Instead, try to:
- Come to Japan first as a tourist
- Build connections on LinkedIn or other business groups
- Talk to people who’ve been through the process already
2. “Business-Level Japanese” Means Way More Than "Konnichiwa"
Once you’ve settled down in Japan, have gained experience and are looking to change companies, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to beware of the moniker “business-level Japanese.” In most cases, this means “a perfectly bilingual person who can speak/write Japanese and English at a native level.” Most companies will ask for JLPT results, with JLPT2 often being considered the minimum and JLPT 1 preferable.
I personally don’t believe that a JLPT1 necessarily indicates any particular ability to fend for oneself in business. What it comes down to, really, is being absolutely honest with yourself about your level of language ability. I have interviewed many job seekers who labeled themselves as “business level” or “near-native” speakers when they could barely carry on a coherent conversation. If the position you’re applying for needs the language, you better be prepared for it.
3. Don’t Try To Blend In—It’s Pointless
When I was younger and even more foolish, I tried to play by the rules. I went through the rigmarole of applications and interviews for shinsotsu (new graduates), assuming this was the correct way to proceed. However, after much effort and trying to fit into the traditional mold, it finally dawned on me.
No matter if you write all your applications by hand in perfect calligraphy or wear one of the typical penguin suits, there’s no way you will be treated like a regular applicant (unless you have spent your whole life here, in which case you will be hired instantly to provide “diversity”).
New arrivals or those looking to transition from an English teaching job will have to look for more unusual companies. These might be start-ups, creative industries and travel-related businesses. Look for companies that have more flexible job descriptions and already have somewhat diverse teams through more niche job portals (like GaijinPot Jobs).
4. Choose Your Recruiters Wisely
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