Business/Finance in Japan
The Situation
It's no Secret
It's no secret that Japan is still in the midst of a seemingly never-ending bout of economic doldrums. And, the .com fallout in the US has helped make the situation even worse. But, despite all of this, there are still many business/finance jobs to be found in Japan.
Big Difference
The big difference now is that companies can afford to be a lot pickier. Whereas in the past, a degree in finance and speaking Japanese was usually enough to get you in the door, these skills have now become mere prerequisites.
Two Ways for Foreigners in Japan
Two Main Ways for Foreigers
There are two main ways in which foreigners can land jobs in Japan in Business/Finance. The first is to be transferred to Japan by your company "back home". This was extremely popular back during the good ol' bubble days, and a great many expats came to Japan and enjoyed a lifestyle that would be the envy of most all GAIJIN in today's recessionary Japan.
The Other Way
The other way to land a good job in the industry is to be picked up and introduced to a position through an executive search firm i.e. headhunter.
Plush Job in Business/Finance
Many foreigners come to Japan, decide that the place is a good nesting place for long-term expats, and decide to pick up an MBA to increase their chances of finding a plush job in Business/Finance. The word on the street is that is DIFFICULT. That's not to say that it's impossible, but it is, unfortunately, not very common.
Speak Japanese?
The main reason being that for a foreigner to return to Japan with an MBA he or she had better speak Japanese or the chances of landing a good job are pretty slim. The vast majority of Business/Finance positions handled by executive search firms require fluency in Japanese and at least one other language - and that's before they even look at your credentials! But don't let that scare you. There ARE lots of good jobs in the industry, you've just got to know how to get them.
Landing a good job in Business/Finance in Japan
1. Learn Japanese
And that means REALLY learning it, not just enough to get you by in Roppongi.
2. Go well groomed
Go into your interviews well groomed. Regardless of your views on the moral of the issue, appearance is very important in Japan and many companies hire accordingly. Of course, the same goes for all countries, but it's especially so in Japan.
3. Have a good resume
What is a good resume? We asked persons that hire, "What do you like to see?" Read on4. Experience and degree
Experience in the industry and/or a degree from a big name university helps.
5. Be connected
Make some connections. As all expats in Japan know, in this country, connections are key.
Business/Finance in Japan: Other Sources
Forums
Business/Finance in Japan: Links
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (KEIDANREN)
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
