When you apply for a job, you must go through an interview. The process and the manner of conducting interviews in Japan is different from those in other countries. For those (especially international students) who are job hunting or planning to job hunt in Japan, this might be an obstacle. If you do not have good interview manners, there is a possibility of not getting accepted, no matter how good your skills or educational background. Therefore, this article will discuss the interview manner in Japan.
The Importance of Manners in Interviews
This varies from company to company, but interviews are conducted over multiple sessions. Especially in larger companies, the number of interviews is higher as there are many applicants. amongst the many interviews there is, manner is important in the first round of interview. This is because the first interviews are often short and are a group interview with several people. Therefore, the interviewer will most likely ask basic questions. Here, interviewers check the basic manner and whether or not they want to work with you. You can see that in order to make it till the end, it is important to have good manners.
Notes to remember during an interview
The first thing to keep in mind before an interview is what to wear. Although there are more and more companies these days that do not require you to dress in a certain way, if nothing is specified, it is recommended to wear a suit. Additionally, be careful not to wear strong perfume or heavy makeup, as they may give a different impression to different people.
If it is a face to face interview , be sure to be on time as Japan is very strict about punctuality. Arrive at the venue at least 5 minutes early. If it is an online interview, then enter the online waiting room 5 minutes before the interview time. When it comes to a face-to-face interview, it is even better to have time to check your appearance as well. However, arriving too early can also be annoying as companies may not be ready. Therefore, if you arrive too early, pass the time near the venue. Even though this should be avoided, if you are going to be late, be sure to call or inform the company.
When you arrive at the venue, tell the receptionist your name and name of the university, and briefly explain why you are here and who you are here to see in a formal manner. While waiting, instead of checking your phone, it is recommended to wait patiently to make a good impression.
When entering the interview room, knock slowly and enter when you are told, 「どうぞお入りください」(Please come in). after closing the door quietly, turn to the interviewer, say, 「失礼します」(Excuse me) and bow before walking to the chair. After the interviewer says, 「おかけください」(Please have a seat), sit on the chair. After sitting down, place your bag at your feet. It is recommended for men to place their hands lightly clasped, and women to place their hands on their lap. After the interviewer asks, 「自己紹介をお願いします」(Please introduce yourself) and say your name as well as the name of university.
The order might vary depending on the company but these are the points to keep in mind when before and during the interview.
Summary
This article has introduced how to behave during an interview, mainly prior and Immediately after the interview begins. Especially in Japan, these basic manners are very important in interviews, so do try to put them into practice!
How can we help you!
How did you find the interview styles of Japanese companies? You may be thinking “it is so troublesome!” BUT! The jobs we introduce in jimomin do not have group interviews! Additionally, we give job seekers advice on interview attire, manners and frequently asked questions before the interview, so you do not have to worry and go through the interview process alone! Please feel free to consult with us about your job search in Japan!
