Introduction

Konnichiwa, Minna! (Hello, everyone!)

So, you’re dreaming of working in Japan, right? It’s an exciting goal, but the Japanese job interview process can feel a bit mysterious if you’re not used to it. It’s more than just a Q&A about your resume—it’s a chance to show respect and sincerity.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. This guide is packed with essential etiquette and practical tips to help you navigate a Japanese job interview with confidence and make a great impression.

How are Japanese job interviews different from other countries?

In many countries, an interview is a direct conversation where you primarily showcase your skills and personality. But in Japan, it’s also a significant test of your character, your sincerity, and your ability to gracefully fit into the company’s established culture.

The main difference is the profound emphasis on sincerity and respect ( seii to keii). While your experience is important, interviewers will keenly observe subtleties like your posture, how you greet them.

whether you grasp the unspoken rules. Think of it as a polite, strategic dance—every gesture, big or small, carries weight.

What to prepare before your Japanese job interview

Preparation is your biggest strength. Don’t just practice your answers; prepare your entire presence.

➡︎  Research is Your Best Friend: Before anything else, learn everything you can about the company. What do they do? What’s their mission? How can your skills help them achieve their goals? This shows genuine interest and effort.

➡︎  The Right Look Matters: For both guys and girls, a dark, simple suit is your safest bet. Think black, navy, or dark gray. It shows you’re taking the interview seriously. Keep your hair neat and avoid too much perfume or accessories.

➡︎  Practice Your Answers: Have a clear, short introduction ready. Also, be prepared to answer why you want to work at this specific company and what you know about them.

What to bring to your Japanese job interview

Don’t show up empty-handed! Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to carry in a neat, professional bag.

➡︎  Your updated resume (Japanese-style, if they asked for it). 

Want to know how to write a perfect one? Check out our detailed guide for Indian job seekers! Click here!

➡︎  A clean, professional portfolio or file to hold all your documents.

➡︎  Your ID card and any other required documents.

➡︎  A simple, working pen.

Etiquette for arriving at a Japanese job interview

Your interview starts the moment you arrive, so being punctual and prepared is key.

When to Arrive

Aim to reach the location 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you a buffer, but don’t walk in right away.

It’s polite to enter the building and let the receptionist know you’ve arrived just 5-10 minutes before your interview. If you’re running late, even by a minute, call or message your contact person to let them know.

Arriving at the Interview Location

Once inside the office, find the receptionist or a phone to announce your arrival, giving your name and interview time. You’ll likely be asked to wait briefly in the lobby.

Entering the Interview Room

When it’s your turn, follow these steps to show proper etiquette:

➡︎  Knock three times on the door and wait for a response.

➡︎  Open the door, say “Shitsurei shimasu” (excuse me), and step inside, closing the door quietly behind you.

➡︎  Give a respectful bow and a brief self-introduction, like “Hajimemashite, [Your Name] to moushimasu” (Nice to meet you, my name is…).

➡︎  Wait to be offered a seat. Before sitting, say “Shitsurei shimasu” again.

➡︎  Remove your jacket, and place your bag on the floor next to your chair, not on the table.

👉 Quick Tip: Make sure your phone is on silent or turned off! An interruption during the interview can come across as rude and unprofessional.

Common Japanese Job Interview Manners

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to behave during the interview itself. It’s a lot like being on your best behavior at a relative’s house—every small gesture shows respect.

Using Keigo (Polite Language)

When you speak, it’s best to use keigo (polite speech). This isn’t about being robotic; it’s about showing respect. Even if you’re not a pro, using the simple -masu and -desu endings is a fantastic start.

For example, instead of saying, “Watashi wa Gaku desu“ (I’m Gaku), you could say, “Watashi wa Gaku to moushimasu“ (I’m called Gaku). Just avoid overly casual or direct language. Also, remember to show enthusiasm to join the company and save the salary questions for a later stage.

Body Language and Posture

Your body language speaks volumes in a Japanese interview. The key is to look sincere and confident without being over the top.

➡️ Sit Up Straight: Avoid slouching. A straight posture shows you are serious and attentive. Think of it like sitting in a classroom, ready to learn.

➡️ Keep Hands and Feet Still: Avoid crossing your arms or legs. This can be seen as a sign of being closed off or even disrespectful. Keep your hands neatly on your lap or on the table.

➡️ Maintain Eye Contact: You don’t need to stare, but consistent eye contact shows you are engaged and valuing the interviewer’s time.

➡️ Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Clarification: If the interviewer speaks too fast or uses a phrase you don’t understand, it’s not rude to ask them to repeat themselves. It shows your sincere interest in understanding everything perfectly.

➡️ Be Yourself: Above all, just be natural. The goal is to show them who you are as a person and that your personality would be a great fit for their company.

Introducing yourself during the job interview

This is your moment to shine! When asked to introduce yourself, it’s your chance to give a detailed Jikoshoukai that goes beyond a simple greeting.

Here’s what to include:

➡︎  Your name and background (university/work experience).

➡︎  A brief reason for applying to the company.

➡︎  A quick mention of a hobby to add a personal touch.

The goal is to be concise but memorable, showing you’re prepared from the start.

Want to perfect your self-introduction? Check out our in-depth guide!

Read our full blog on Jikoshoukai here!

How to wrap up your job interview in Japan

The end of the interview is just as important as the beginning!

➡️ Ask Smart Questions: When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, always have at least one ready. Ask about the team you’ll be working with, the company culture, or future projects. This shows you are genuinely interested.

➡️ The Final Goodbye: When the interview concludes, stand up, give a deep bow (around 30 degrees), and say “Arigatou gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました – “thank you very much”). As you leave the room, say “Shitsurei shimasu” once more.

Conclusion

A Japanese job interview might seem formal and a bit intimidating, but once you understand these simple rules of etiquette, it becomes much easier to navigate. It’s all about showing respect, sincerity, and a genuine interest in the company and its culture.

By focusing on these key manners and preparing your answers thoughtfully, you’re not just showcasing your skills—you’re proving that you are a serious, professional, and culturally aware candidate.

Ready to get a strong command of Japanese and prepare for your next big interview? Yoisho Academy is here to guide you with courses that cover not just the language, but the cultural nuances you need to succeed.

Take the first step towards your career in Japan. Register with Yoisho Academy today!

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Ganbatte kudasai! (Do your best!)