Typical Questions in Japanese Job Interview

Taking a job interview in a second language is a challenging experience that you need to be prepared for. In this article we are going to look at some common interview questions that you are likely to be asked in a Japanese job interview. Naturally, you will need to prepare your own individual answers based on your own career history and aspirations. However, to help you prepare your answers I have supplied some pointers and suggestions for each question.

1. 自己紹介をお願いします
(Jiko shōkai o onegaishimasu)

“Please introduce yourself”

When preparing your answer to this question you should stick to the main points. This is just a brief opportunity to introduce your career history, so you don’t need to go into detail about your strengths and motivations. You should be able to introduce yourself in under a minute. However, some companies may ask for a 3 minute introduction, so you may want to prepare a slightly longer version. Remember this is also when you make your first impression, so be cheerful, calm, and confident in your delivery.

2. これまでの職歴を教えてください
(Kore made no shokureki o oshiete kudasai)

“Please tell us about your work experience up till now”

The important thing to show here is how you have played an active role in your previous employment. Include specific examples of how you have used your skills and strengths in your previous working roles and duties. Highlight those aspects of your skill set that intersect with the personnel requirements of the company. In this way you can convince the interviewer that you will make a positive contribution to their company.

3. 前職の退職理由は何ですか
(Zenshoku no taishoku riyū wa nandesuka)

“Why did you leave your previous job?”

Here the interviewer will want to know something of your career motivation, but they will also be keen to know that you will not be changing your job again too soon after they hire you. Try to keep your answer positive (with no negative remarks about your former company!) and focus on your desire to work with the new company. Show that you did not make the decision to change jobs lightly, and that you have carefully considered your reasons for wanting to work for them.

4. 当社を志望した理由は何ですか
(Tōsha o shibō shita riyū wa nan desu ka)

“Why do you want to work for us?”

This is your chance to show how much you know about the company that you have applied for and how much you want to work for them, so be enthusiastic. You should try to convey how your own career aspirations are in line with the company’s aims and philosophy, and how your previous work experience will be of use to them.

5. 将来の夢はなんですか
(Shōrai no yume wa nan desu ka)

“What are your hopes for the future?”

This is not a question about private matters such as wanting to get married or run a marathon. The interviewer wants to know what your working motivation is, and if you can set realistic career goals that are in line with the company’s own needs. You want to describe a hope for the future that can be fulfilled by working for that specific company. Include some concrete measures you are taking now to make your career goals realizable.

6. 10年後のキャリアプランはありますか
(10-nen-go no kyaria puran wa arimasu ka)

“Do you have a career plan for the next 10 years?”

In part this question is asked to see if you are a good match for the company and if your career with them is likely to last long. You should show that your career goals are realizable within that company, that you have thought about the practical steps over time that will make those goals achievable, and what actions you are currently taking to make yourself a positive working asset.

7. 希望の年収はどのくらいでしょうか
(Kibō no nenshū wa dono kurai deshou ka)

“What is your desired annual income?”

In most cases the answer you give here will not directly influence how much income you will actually receive, as that will be determined based on company policy and budget. What you need to show here is that you can evaluate your own worth based on your age, skills, qualifications, and experience. You can mention your previous salary, but state that you can be flexible on this issue as you see the job itself as very good opportunity.

8. 残業や休日出勤はできますか
(Zangyō ya kyūjitsu shukkin wa dekimasu ka)

“Can you work overtime or come in on holidays?”

Being able to work overtime and come in on holidays is a common requirement for workers in Japan. However, you want to show that you will use your regular work time efficiently and not misuse overtime as a means to increase your salary. State simply that you are perfectly willing to work outside the normal office hours during busy periods and when it is necessary.

9. 長所について教えてください
(Chōsho ni tsuite oshiete kudasai)

“Please tell me about your strengths.”

The ideal answer to this question involves strengths that happen to tally with skills needed for the job. When answering, be confident without being boastful, and give specific examples from your work experience that show how these really are your strong points.

10. 短所について教えて下さい
(Tansho ni tsuite oshiete kudasai)

“Please tell me about your weak points.”

When answering this question avoid talking about qualities and skills that are necessary for the job. Don’t say that you are a perfectionist or that you work too hard as this will seem contrived and insincere. You might however, talk about a specific positive quality that you do to excess – such as being over-optimistic when planning a project schedule. In this way you can show a degree of self-awareness, and then talk about the steps you are taking to improve on this weak point.

11. 将来的に転勤もありえます。大丈夫ですか
(Shōrai-teki ni tenkin mo ariemasu. Daijōbu desu ka)

“There is a possibility of relocation in the future. Would you be okay with that?”

Transfers to a different branch of a company are the norm in Japan and are seen as important for your career development. Stating that you are open to relocation, or that you would consider it under certain circumstances will show your commitment to the job. However, if you have very strong reasons not to move (such as family commitments) then you should be honest about it rather than saying “yes” for now and facing a dilemma later on when asked to relocate.

12. これまでの失敗体験を教えてください
(Kore made no shippai taiken o oshiete kudasai)

“Please tell us about an experience of failure you have had in the past.”

Everybody makes mistakes. The interviewer wants you to show that when you make a mistake you take responsibility for it and that you learn from that experience. You should prepare a clear and concise account of such an experience, but be sure to pick an example that isn’t too disastrous or that makes you look careless. A good example would be a mistake that could happen to anyone, perhaps based on your inexperience, and that you definitely learned a lesson from. If you can add how you then went on to avoid making similar mistakes you will have given the perfect answer.

13. 何か質問はありますか
(Nanika shitsumon wa arimasu ka?)

“Do you have any questions?”

This is your opportunity to ask about anything you are particularly interested in or not sure about. From your questions the interviewer can tell how motivated you are to join the company. You should have properly researched the company in advance, so don’t waste time asking questions that could be easily answered with a search of their website. Safe topics include questions about the role and day-to-day duties of the job, or how you should prepare before joining the company. You can also ask more general questions about the company, such as their management structure, their company values, or ask the interviewers what they like personally about working there. You should prepare multiple questions as some may be covered during the course of the interview.