June 2009 Archives

note: The vast majority thinks of employment opportunities for foreigners in Japan as limited. Most consider the required Japanese language skills as the highest hurdle to the job market.

1. Where to apply - 34%
2. Where to network - 19%
3. More specific job agencies - 15%
4. Language support in the application process - 10%
5. Interview training - 8%
6. Visa support - 4%
7. Others - 10%

Note: For most participants of the survey the difficulties began with locating the right companies to apply. Information like lists of foreign companies seems to be in high demand. Another need according to the participants is advice how and where to network to get the 'right' contacts. Many also mentioned a need for more diversified job agencies, especially such for lower positions.

Note: Even though 50% of survey participants said that their biggest obstacle in their job search in Japan are (insufficient) language skills, interestingly when the same participants were asked what they need most to make their job search a success 29% replied "connections" vs. 27% "language skills". Probably this reflects the thinking among some survey participants that it will never be possible to learn or master Japanese quickly enough. Therefore they might think that connections are more practical in the short term.
It's true that connections are very important in Japan be it in business in general or when searching for jobs. However, they can never completely replace the advantages and/or goodwill generated by speaking or at least trying to speak in Japanese.

1. Connections - 29%
2. Japanese language - 27%
3. Skills and experience - 24%
4. Financial ability - 7%
5. Information - 5%
6. Cutural awareness - 5%
7. Visa sponsorship - 2%

 

Note: 50% of survey participants listed Japanese language skills as the biggest obstacle in their job search. Improving Japanese language skills therefore is one key to success in Japan!

1. Japanese language - 50%
2. Cultural barrier - 13%
3. Discrimination - 7%
4. Lack of information - 7%
5. Mismatch of skills and experience - 7%
6. Visa sponsorship - 3%
7. Japanese people are not used to working with foreigners - 3%
8. Japanese employers not familiar with visa procedure - 3%
9. Economic downturn - 3%
10. No difficulty - 3%

Note: When survey participants were asked about difficulties in their job search there were many responses. However, when it comes to positive experiences almost half of the participants answered "none". This clearly depicts how tough the job search can be in Japan.

 

1. None - 46%
2. Employers appreciated my Japanese skills - 14%
3. Yes (but no specific description) - 11%
4. Employers liked my motivation to work - 7%
5. Some employers emphasized personality over language skills - 4%
6. Employers were impressed about the quality of my profile - 4%
7. Japanese people are normally polite and friendly - 4%
8. Employers liked my international experience - 4%
9. Employers provided useful additional information - 4%1
10. Visa sponsorship - 4%

Note: According to our survey the difficulty mentioned most when searching for jobs in Japan was language ability.
This difficulty actually has two components. Firstly, candidates have difficulty speaking at Japanese at a level their prospective employers desire. Secondly, candidates don't have access to all job information because most of it is only available in Japanese and very rarely in English or another foreign language for that matter.

 

1. Japanese language ability - 37%
2. Discrimination towards "Gaijin"- 30%
3. Lack of information - 10%
4. No difficulties - 10%
5. Not knowing where to get help - 3%
6. Visa issues - 3%
7. Culture "gap" - 3%
8. Age - 3%

Feeling frustrated searching for a job in Japan? Do you feel that nobody really understands your situation? Well, you are not alone! At job110.jp we have conducted a survey among foreign job seekers, the objective of which is two-fold. Firstly, we want to show you what kind of issues foreign job seekers encounter in Japan. Secondly, based on these findings we want to provide possible solutions to these issues to tackle the job search head on.

Profile of survey participants: Age, Japanese level, ideal salary...

Age: Foreigners 20 - 50 years of age

88% in the age bracket 25 - 45

Nationalities: British, American, German, Swiss, Chinese, Filipino,...

Professions: Engineer, English instructor, consultant, editor, unemployed, student,.... 

   

 

It could be. It takes time to come across job vacancies and postings that match your qualifications well. It takes time to spread the word that you are looking for a job.

But if you have already found several job postings for which you think you were qualified, for example 7 of them, and for each you carefully prepared an application and you have not received one single invitation to an interview then it might be time to reflect upon your application strategy and method.

Attend luncheons and seminars where there is free time to mingle with various people. Chances are that there are some headhunters around who are on the lookout for candidates.

Try to seek interaction with various kinds of people through your job (customers, suppliers, other organizations). If you are always behind a desk at the office, your exposure will also be limited.

Many of the job seekers say that there is no chance to work in Japanese companies if you don't speak Japanese fluently.  In fact, most of the companies (even foreign companies) require native level or JLPT 2 or even 1 of Japanese ability unless you're an executive.  

 

Study by yourself

・Japanese text books

There are numerous Japanese text books for foreigners. Here's a list of popular Japanese text books.

1. JAPANESE FOR BUSY PEOPLE 1-3
The most popular Japanese text book for foreigners, Kana-version and Romanized version, CD-ROM included. Published by Kodansha International.

2. Minna no Nihongo みんなの日本語初級 (for elementary)
Japanese text book for elementary level. Published by スリーエーネットワーク, Japanese, English, Chinese version, and CD-ROM version are also available.

3. The hand book of Japanese verbs
A reference book for usage of verbs that you can use continually throughout your studying. Published by Kodansha International.

4. GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese 1-2
A text book for first-time students of Japanese, written in Japanese and English. Exercises with illustrations, very easy to understand. Published by Japan Times.

The importance of Japanese language skills varies significantly according to the position.

For example:

Foreign language teacher: minor importance

IT-related job: good to have but not always compulsory

Regular employee at Japanese company: very important

Executives with foreign companies: good to have but not always necessary

Apprenticeships and traineeships are common practice in the US and Europe but they are not in Japan. Therefore be forewarned: It will be very difficult to find something. Most of the very few Japanese companies who do accept interns still consider it as a burden on their normal business operation.

Any foreigner wanting to work in Japan requires an appropriate visa, full stop. That is the official line.

 

For further information please consult:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2221.html

Create your own network by Networking websites

LinkedIn

URL: http://www.linkedin.com/
Managed by: LinkedIn Corporation

A website for interconnected network of over 39 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 170 industries and 200 countries. You can join for free. Your network might give you an opportunities to find a new job!

Xing

URL: https://www.xing.com/
Managed by: Xing AG

A European version of LinkeIn?  Over 7 million professionals use Xing. More popular in European countries than US.

 

 

Your connections - Don't underestimate them

Many jobs vacancies are filled, many job seekers get successful through their own connections. Why? Because the people you know, already know you, meaning that there already exists some degree of trust in you and your abilities.

On the contrary, when you apply to a classified ad, you apply as a complete stranger to the company. In general, Japanese dislike dealing with strangers. They prefer to deal with people they already know or to be introduced to someone through a trusted acquaintance. Concretely, you might have difficulties for example when you place a "cold call" to an HR department of a company. They don't take time to answer your questions or worse don't take your application seriously. The situation changes completely, if the initial contact is established through a mutual acquaintance of the HR department and you.

Robert Walters

URL: http://www.robertwalters.com/en-jp/default.do

One of the largest international recruiting companies for professional bilinguals in Japan with offices in 18 countries. Note: they offer jobs overseas; the site also provides a salary survey for 18 countries.

MBA Programs

International MBA Program

URL: http://imba.globis.ac.jp/
Managed by: Graduate School of Management, Globis University

Globis University, which has operated campuses in Tokyo and Osaka since 2006, is going to start an International MBA program  entirely in English from April 2009. They offer Open campuses to provide information regarding the IMBA curriculum and admissions criteria. See further information at the website.

Tokyo International Communication Committee

URL: http://www.tokyo-icc.jp/english/map/english.html
Managed by: Tokyo International Communication Committee

As a Recognized Local International Exchange Association designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, this page provides you very practical information and links to groups for foreigners in the Tokyo area, medical information, legal matters, labor, child care and even women issues.

These documents are free to download. They are based on our day-to-day experience and address topics of specific interest to job seekers.

 

・In many ways first interview can be compared to " First Date"

download-MS-074114-F job110.jp-1.pdf

・Interviewing from the Company Perspective

download-MH-074114-F job110.jp-2 .pdf

Companies with name value may receive up to 100 applications for one single classified ad. Approximately 10% get invited to the interview. And in the end, only one person is chosen. Keep these statistics in mind, when you apply for the next job or when you go to your next interview.

Often we feel frustrated when after submitting our resume, we don't get any kind of reply. Or maybe, we are in a situation in which we think we should have gotten the job but we did not. It's very frustrating not knowing what is happening on the "other side". Let us tell you right now! It will help you to put many things into perspective.

Example: Classified Ad for Project Manager in the Japan Times (Monday Edition)

Wait and be patient. First of all, companies need some time to process all applications and reach an internal consensus on who to invite for the interview. Second, the recruiting manager feels busy with the hiring process and the regular workload. Upon receiving a phone call or email from the candidate, the recruiting manager at best provides a polite "please-be-patient-message, at worst feels annoyed about the inquiry reducing your chances.

Our experience has been that most job fairs catering to foreigners, try to target foreigners that are already studying in Japan and therefore have acquired advanced language skills.

Global Leader 2010
URL: http://www.jobfair.jp/jp/
Managed by: Vein Carry Japan Inc.

Vein Carry Japan constantly holds job fairs for foreign students who want to work in Japan. Their December and March job fairs held in Akihabara was featured in several newspapers and magazines. For further information and future schedule please see the website.

Part-time work - Paid Hourly

 
JPY 850 - 1,000:

At the very bottom of the scale are the part-time jobs with hourly wages of around JPY 900.    (Note: Outside of the big cities this can be even lower).   

JPY 1,000 - 2,000: 

Restaurant jobs at odd hours, or jobs where a foreign language (most often English) can be used to one's advantage.   

 
JPY 1,000 - 6,000: 

Teaching languages, be it privately or at a school. The average is approximately JPY 2,500 - 3,000. 

 

 

Be modest. Especially when it comes to your Japanese. When the interviewer praises your Japanese skills, always respond with saying that you can hardly speak the language. This second comment will impress the interviewer if it is said in good Japanese, because it shows that the interviewee not only has a basic understanding of the language but also of the culture.

Not surprisingly advertising has been shifting steadily from print to electronic media. The same holds true in terms of job openings. Companies prefer having a classified ad "published" for several days on the net, instead of just one day in a newspaper. Despite this overall trend, listing job openings online is rather costly for employers, particularly when using job sites as mentioned in the previous section. Therefore employers might still prefer print media when seeking candidates for certain types of jobs just to keep their recruiting expenses down.

 

Newspapers

 

The Japan Times - Monday print edition + online

The Japan Times Monday edition used to be the print media of choice for many companies and job seekers alike. In 2008, the Japan Times upgraded their online site "jobfinder" reflecting the overall trend of posting job openings online.

Keep in mind that for a normal sized job posting companies receive between 10 to 100 applications. That means your chances of securing a job have to be seen in this context. For more information, on how the job process looks like from the employers' point of view see... the "other side".

 

It can never hurt. But instead of aimlessly sending it to hundreds of companies out there on the Internet, try to make a selection. You should familiarize yourself with the market segment the executive search agency is targeting. Some target the senior expatriate segment. Others focus on mid-career levels. Others again focus on IT or translation etc.

Always, always have your Japanese resume proofread by a Japanese native! This is not cheating. This is common sense. It shows the employer that you strive for professionalism and have Japanese acquaintances that you can rely upon.

Although in the western hemisphere, particularly in the US, age and marital status do not have to be disclosed this is considered standard information in a Japanese resume. Even if you feel offense it would probably work against you if you do not disclose this information.

Handwritten vs. electronic Japanese resume: Although in the past, Japanese resumes were always handwritten, the electronic form has gained wider acceptance.

Based on our research and experience we have tried to put together the most important online resources available for foreign job seekers in Japan. A word of caution: In our opinion many job openings are not listed online making the other resources indispensable.

 

Daijob, Inc. (work in Japan.com)

URL: http://www.daijob.com/en/
Managed by: Human Resocia Co., Ltd.

Daijob describes itself as Japan's largest bilingual jobs web site. Daijob has job postings submitted by companies seeking candidates as well as recruiting agencies. Over the years their site and the number of hits it attracts has grown substantially so make sure to check it out. It gives you a feeling of what kinds of positions are currently available and the approximate salary levels.They also have 2 recruiting services: Daijob Consulting, Daijobu Haken, 2 other job information sites: Daijob New graduates,  Daijob 中国 which provide job information for students, newly graduates, and job seekers in China or Japanese people who want to work in China. Over 2000 people come to the bilingual Job fairs the company constantly holds.