What is Shukatsu?

In Japan, the term “Shukatsu” is very popular among students, defined as “Job hunting”. The most important phase of life for young people wearing dark suits and university students taking a step to the next level as independent individuals. Each year companies set up a recruiting process around March and students will start job hunting a year before, then join the company in April. 

What to do for Job-hunting in Japan?

We all know job-hunting is a crucial process. But, Don’t panic!    

Prior to joining a company,  students need to consider building their skills over choosing a number of job positions. Here are the main points.

①BE CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU DO.
②Your motivations and career plan should be crystal clear.
③Do research in a better way before stepping into the “Shukatsu” process.
④Have basic knowledge of the Job market.
⑤Be specific in the choice of your industry and positions, then start researching with the flow. 

Japanese companies have hiring standards that are different from other countries, they are based on expertise in language and communication abilities, and cooperativeness towards the company. The company expects employees to show their full potential during their work.

What to do first?

# Grades:
Make sure to have decent grades in your academic courses. You don’t have to score A+, but a decent score. Because Japanese companies check for applicants’ commitment towards their academics and experiences in other extra-curricular activities during their degree.

# Internships:
Be sure to apply for internships either long-term or summer internships considering your future position while you are in university. Let the intern recruitment team know your past and current work and successful achievements throughout years in the field.  They provide the opportunity to give you real-life work experience.

# Company Research:
First, choose the related industry and focus on the company that suits your specifications. Learn about what the company offers like opportunities during your course of work, health benefits, etc.

How to gather information?

There are plenty of resources available to keep yourself up to date. Because the main point is not about “what you are” it’s “what you say”.

# 1: Newspapers:
Read the column to your specific field. It is important for applicants to present themselves to the recruiter with the applicant’s current knowledge. Being up-to-date about the company you want to work for will also help you in interviews.

# 2: Social media:
LinkedIn, Google, etc: Start following people and add your ideas and comments to the section. This gives the connection and communication about the roles, companies, and expectations. Recruiting agents also have FB and Instagram where you will be aware of new jobs or tips for job hunting.

# 3: Official websites:
make sure to read the nook and corner details from their official company page regarding the work, recruitment type, what the company offers overall, and their goals. Visit the company in person to create more contacts and interactions.

# 4: Career Center:
Make sure to use the resources from the universities for career guidance.

Sample Questions to Check!

• What have you accomplished in your life and your efforts towards it? (Mention strengths, weaknesses, personality)
• What have you accomplished as a student? (Make sure to give your club activities, and other extracurricular activities)
• What do you want to do in the future?
• How do you contribute to the company and what reasons for applying?

Summary:

Beginning your journey as a fresher in college and years later when you start your new life as a young employee, you have a lot to focus on learning about the new job. But, in an organized way, it’s simple and possible. So, be prepared right from the start. Give your time to develop your practical skills and self-analysis which is important during the interview. Creating a good impression in a polite way is an asset to recruitment.

Check out our jimonin.work pages and learn more about gathering information about job hunting or even finding out what you want to do might be difficult. In jimomin.work, you can consult with our career counselor, participate in seminars and even get job offers suited to your background and needs!