The following advice represents a compilation of tips & ideas given to us from actual interviewers for companies in Japan. We simply asked persons that hire, "What do you like to see?" Read on.
A Successful Resume
Reduce
Give details only for credentials that show experience that is relevant to the job type that you are looking for. If you are looking for two different job types, make up a different resume for each job type.
Calling to respond
Calling to respond to an advertisement - Remember that the point of this call is not to give information but to schedule the interview. The less information you give the less reason they will have to turn you down. Tell them you meet the qualifications without explaining any more and set a time to meet them.
At the interview
Attitude
Go in with an attitude of moderated excitement and confidence. You should pleasantly project the feeling that you are exactly the person they need to hire and this is the message that you must deliver to the interviewer.
Listen and be Honest
Listen carefully to the interviewer to see that he or she is getting this message. If you do not know the answer to a question tell the truth. If the interviewer asks about experience that you do not have tell the truth but quickly explain that you are looking for a chance to learn more about that subject.
Exception to the Rule
The only time this will not apply is if you discover, during the interview, that the content of the job is not what you thought and you are not interested in it.
Long interview? Good sign!
If an interview goes longer than the scheduled time or lasts more than 45 minutes it is usually positive. An interviewer will not usually spend more time if they do not see a fit.
Interview not going so well?
Keep at it!
Even if the interview does not seem to be going well, as long as it is being conducted professionally, keep at it.
It's a Practice at Least
The interviewer may find something that was missed and at least it will be good practice for you.
Having trouble finding jobs that suit you?
Don't be discouraged if there don't seem to be a lot of jobs that suit you - you only need one job anyway. Go after the job you want as if everybody except the interviewer knows you are the person they will hire. You just have to get them to realize it.
Contacts
Use your contacts for everything they're worth. Sound sneaky? It's not. Often in Japan, it's a must (ask someone from the Ministry of Finance!) Even if it's just a simple introduction, you're no longer a "stranger" when you walk in the door, and that can make a big difference when the interviewer considers you for a position.
Career Goals
Career goals. So, what do you want out of a job? This is an especially important question for those seeking a job in a foreign country. How long do you plan to stay in Japan? One year, five years, forever? Your interviewer will want to know, and you need to think about how the experience will affect your career.
Learn Japanese
Learn Japanese. Even if you don't feel like putting in the time to learn the language, you should definitely learn something about the culture. You don't have to don a kimono and geta, but you should at least know what to do- and what not to do when you visit a Japanese company or home.
Contracts
Understand the contract before you sign it. Avoid the stress and confusion that can ensue when something goes wrong- make sure you have a clearly written contract (preferably in your language.)
Beware of the Catch 22
Many companies in Japan require that you have a home address before applying for a job- but most real estate agencies require that you have a job before you can rent a property. Our advice? Try to find a company that provides housing for its employees- and enjoy the yen you'll save!
Written by Gary French
Resumes, Tips for Applying in Japan: Other Sources
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