Navigating a job interview in a Japanese company requires understanding their unique culture, etiquette, and expectations. From mastering polite language to presenting yourself professionally, preparation is key. This guide offers practical tips to help you succeed in interviews and leave a positive impression in the competitive Japanese job market. Here is some of the 10 Best Japanese Job Interview Tips: 

10 Tips for Successful Job Interviews in Japanese Companies

When interviewing for a job in a Japanese company, preparation and cultural understanding are your best allies. Here are 10 essential tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand Japanese Work Culture

Familiarize yourself with the company’s values, such as teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and attention to detail. Research their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

2. Master Keigo (Polite Language)

Using respectful Japanese, or keigo, is crucial in interviews. Practice phrases like “よろしくお願いいたします” (I look forward to working with you) and polite forms of verbs to leave a strong impression.

3. Dress Professionally

In Japan, appearances matter. Wear a clean, well-fitted suit, and stick to conservative colors like black, gray, or navy. Keep accessories minimal and professional.

4. Perfect Your Self-Introduction (Jikoshoukai)

Prepare a brief yet engaging self-introduction in Japanese. Include your name, background, skills, and what you can bring to the company. Keep it concise and confident.

5. Highlight Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

Japanese companies value collaboration. Share examples of how you’ve worked in a team or solved problems effectively in your past roles.

6. Show Respectful Body Language

Bow when greeting interviewers, sit straight with your hands on your lap, and maintain good eye contact (without staring). Respectful body language speaks volumes in Japanese culture.

7. Be Prepared for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions like:

• “Why do you want to work here?”
• “How do you handle challenges?”
  Answer with specific examples that show your adaptability and dedication.

8. Bring All Required Documents

Ensure you have everything you need, including your resume (in both English and Japanese), certificates, and any additional documents the company requested.

9. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Show your interest in the role by asking relevant questions about the company’s projects, work culture, or growth opportunities. Avoid asking about salary too early.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse common interview scenarios and get feedback from peers or mentors. Use TLS’s job interview preparation classes to refine your answers and build confidence.

How TLS Can Help in Your Japanese Job Interview

Join other Japanese learners today and get these worthy benefits within TLS affordable courses:

1. Attend our Kaiwa classes: You can attend classes which benefit those who are new to the language. The trainers have experience teaching Japanese, and the workshops provide an excellent opportunity to understand the language and its basic concepts.
2. Use online resources : TLS Japanese language Institute also has its own app and offers a range of online resources from beginners to advanced. You’ll get a variety of tools such as audio and video tutorials, flashcards, and tutorials. These tools can help students understand the language better.
3. Interview preparation : During extra classes for job interview preparation, our teachers will teach you how to answer questions, what vocabulary to use, and how to ace the interview.
4. Join our language exchange group: Every month we organise conversation classes in which you can talk with our teachers and your classmates in Japanese. By taking advantage of such classes your confidence will build and you’ll learn new phrases and daily vocab which will enhance your Japanese fluency. In addition, these classes also allow you to experience Japanese culture and learn from your peers in a fun and interactive environment.
5. Use the TLS app: With our own app, you can take Japanese classes whenever and wherever you want. Despite being online, these Japanese language online classes will be fun - you'll get study materials, interview prep, and JLPT prep classes and many other benefits all in one place!

Enroll in our Japanese courses today if you -

• want to learn the language easily and quickly
• Want to learn from native Japanese teachers
• Want to speak fluently in less than 3 months
• Want to learn tips and tricks
• Want to participate in multiple fun Japanese activities to enhance learning
• Get all these benefits on budget

You can book a demo class or call us to get started!