Well, for starters relax. In this land of honne (personal perspectives) vs. tatemae (those shared publicly) your possible arrogance is of little importance – or so you may be told. You are wise, however, to consider how potential employers perceive you. Bravado from back home against a backdrop of Confucian cultural humility is worthy of consideration. Sure, one of the best things about not being Japanese in Japan is the low bar for keeping local decorum. But as a recruiter once told me: “Nine out of 10 times, an interview means they’ve already decided they want you professionally. They just want to know if your personality will be a good fit.”

Self-confidence is an essential ingredient in the recipe for career success. This is especially true if it involves managing others in the workplace. But surveys have shown that a significant percentage of promising candidates who fizzle out during the interview process do so because they come off as too arrogant or under confident. While much has been written and said about exuding confidence in job interviews, there are some peculiarities about doing so in Japan. Sure, cross-cultural common sense may dictate toning it down a bit when sitting across the table from a potential Japanese employer, but these days in an increasingly internationalized Land of the Rising Sun, it’s not quite that simple.

For example, if you’ve taken the time to learn about the company you’ve set your sights on, you’ll know if it’s a foreign affiliate with a more Western work culture. Even if it is a Japanese firm, many have read the writing on the wall. The increased demand for bi-cultural, as well as, bilingual employees with overseas experience – whose ranks your Japanese interviewer may be among – means more are likely to break with tradition. In other words, self-starters who take the initiative and responsibility, think for themselves, and communicate well are gradually becoming more attractive than the submissive salaryman or order-barking bucho. Hence, exuding self-confidence may be more important than you think. The question is, what’s the best way to do it?

It’s best to take a little linguistic clue from the locals. Just as watashi, or “I”, can be used in Japanese conversation as seldom as other specifics, there are more ways than one to tout your talents. You can also talk up team triumphs and describe the role you played as a member of that team. This conveys a propensity and appreciation for teamwork, while mutedly tooting your own horn. There’s no more socially acceptable display of self-confidence in Japan, however, than a positive genki attitude. The opportunity to show this, and your communication skills, starts long before you get to the interview room. Polite chat on the way there, while waiting in the lobby, or even with the receptionist can signal a good attitude and ability to communicate with others on all levels. Some potential employers have been known to keep covert tabs on such pre-interview interactions.

That’s not the only way, however, that you can send silent signals about self-esteem and your ability to mesh with a team. Long before – or if – you meet face-to-face, your résumé has already transmitted much about this. Are your skills and abilities outlined completely? Are they understated – or overstated? What about so-called soft skills? Many employers highly value talents, such as problem solving, leadership, and multitasking, especially when considering candidates with little or no experience. Your résumé should show you do too. And it shouldn’t downplay big-name companies; they make much more of an impression in Japan than modesty.

Also consider, well within the scope of accuracy, rewording previous job titles. There’s often leeway for translation. At that last job were you a Web designer or Web architect, a reporter or a journalist, company president or its founder? Often such alternative titles are equally accurate, but one may carry more weight in Japan than the other. It can also make a difference in the salary you’re offered, as well as say something about how you see yourself. Most importantly, you’ll need to be able to back up what your résumé claims, not with braggadocio, but with anecdotal evidence of your skills and experience. Being adequately prepared to do this will help convey the kind of balanced self-assurance that might humble even Confucius himself.

An Overview

The purpose of an interview is to determine if your skills, abilities, experience, and character will fit the position and company you are interviewing with, and also to give you the chance to see if the opportunity on offer is the right one for you. It is important to always make a good impression and appear positive about the job, the company, and about yourself. If you are eventually offered the job, you can always turn it down, but will have no choice if they reject you first.

Before the Interview

• Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with – check the newspapers, visit their home page, and look at their reviews on job sites. A good basic understanding of a company indicates strong interest and shows enthusiasm while a complete lack of knowledge indicates the opposite.
• Think of some interesting and relevant questions to ask the interviewer.
• Prepare answers to questions you think you maybe asked – see our Interview questions page for a detailed list of likely questions.

At the Start of an Interview

• Make an effort regarding your appearance and personal presentation. Look sharp. Go into the interview with a positive attitude.
• Refrain from smoking, even if offered, both before and during the interview.
• Take a clean copy of your resume, especially if you originally applied by mail, fax,or email.
• Have a strong confident handshake.
• Maintain comfortable eye contact.
• If you are asked to fill out any forms, take your time, and ensure you complete them in full and accurately.
• If there is a test, ensure you understand the instructions completely and use only permitted materials. If unsure, ask.
• Be prepared – learn from your past interviews and study up for this one.

During the Interview

• Be positive. Be enthusiastic. Be interested. Be calm.
• Express yourself clearly and do not mumble or use jargon your interviewer may not understand.
• If you are not sure or did not understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat the question. If you are still not sure, repeat what you think they said and then answer. Never guess what you think you are asked as this can lead to confusing and uncomfortable situations.
• Answer questions succinctly and do not ramble. Give definitive answers. Try not to give one word answers, but be concise (try to limit answers to two minutes). Ideally, the discussion should be 50% interviewer, 50% applicant.
• Never complain about your current or past employers and try to keep your answers positive and upbeat.
• Ask questions about the job, the company, and its future plans. Try not to ask question about holidays, working hours, or benefits until at least the second interview.
• Do not raise the issue of money. If asked, say that you are interested in the position and the company. If asked to name a salary figure, mention what you currently or previously earned and express your willingness to accept a reasonable offer.
• Toward the end of the interview ask the interviewer if he/she would like to clarify anything about what has been said or about your background, then answer truthfully and honestly.

At the end of the interview

• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet with them, express a strong interest in the position, and ask what the next step is.
• Remember to shake hands again before leaving.
• Wait until you are out of sight and earshot from the building before showing any further reaction or telephoning anyone to discuss what happened.

After the interview

• Make a note of the questions you were asked – they may come up again.
• Think about your replies. Could you have answered better or in a different way?
• If you did not have an answer or didn’t understand a question, ensure you investigate everything about that particular question to gain full understanding for when it may come up again.
• Incorporate any feedback into your interview preparation for next time – often there are only one or two points separating the successful candidate from the runner up and what you have learned could make a difference.

Interview Sample Dialogue1

Interview Sample Dialogue 2

Interview Sample Dialogue 3

Interview Sample Dialogue 4

Interview Sample Dialogue 1 Japanese

Interview Sample Dialogue 2 Japanese

Interview Sample Dialogue 3 Japanese

Interview Sample Dialogue 4 Japanese

A few things you should definitely should or should not do or say before, during, and after the interview process:

• Do look at the company’s website before the interview.
• Do prepare beforehand any notes and questions you would want to ask.
• Do not turn up for the interview either too early or too late. Generally between 5 and 10 minutes before the appointed time is sufficient.
• Do give your self enough time to get to the interview and compose yourself before walking into the reception.
• Do wear appropriate clothes to the interview. Generally a suit and tie or the equivalent.
• Do not take your jacket off unless you are invited to do so.
• Do stand up when the interviewer enters the room – it is rude to remain seated.
• Do not sit down until the interviewer does.
• Do be polite at all times.
• Do shake hands with a firm grip and look the person in the eye when you greet him.
• Do offer your business card to the interviewer.
• Do not play with the interviewers business card when your receive it. Place it face up on the desk in front of you and refer to it if necessary.
• Do not smoke directly before or during the interview.
• Do not chew gum during the interview.
• Do turn off your mobile phone for the duration of the interview.
• Do not complain too much about you present or previous company.
• Do show enthusiasm for the new company.
• Do not sound overtly ambitious.
• Do show a desire to succeed.
• Do not be overly aggressive or defensive.
• Do show confidence in yourself and be proud about what you have achieved.
• Do not answer questions with a simple yes or no – try to expand your answers.
• Do keep your answers reasonably short and to the point – no more than about 2 minutes each.
• Do ask questions about the position and the company.
• Do not ask about pay and conditions until at least the second interview.
• Do thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hand before leaving.

Overview

There are a few standard question you are likely to be asked at the interview. By being prepared and answering them well, you will be half way along the road to getting the job (the other half being whether you actually have the ability to do the job). Remember, interviews are hard work for the interviewer too – try to be interesting and engaging and make their life easier by helping to drive the interview along

Why don’t you begin by telling me about yourself?

This is a common opening question and one that gives the interviewee a chance to introduce themselves. Answer by giving brief introduction to yourself before asking what the interviewer particularly wishes to know.

What are your strong and weak points?

The first part is easy but a word of warning – try to make the answer succinct and relevant and remember modesty is a virtue. The second part is a little harder and should be replied to with caution. Be honest but do not paint yourself black. A little humor may help here.

What are your long-term goals? What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?

The simple way to answer this question is to indicate a desire to succeed and grow by contributing to the company – but be careful not to sound over ambitious.

Why do you wish to leave your present company?

There can be a temptation to “bad mouth” your present/previous company here and tell the interviewer how bad things are. DO NOT!! Try to be honest but also try to be positive. For example, you could answer by stating that you feel that you are ready to move onto more challenging roles and would relish the chance of working in a leading company such as the one you are interviewing with.

What sort of salary are you looking for?

This question can throw a lot of people but will definitely be asked if things progress further then the first stage.
Once again honesty is the best answer. If you know the going rate and are confident in your abilities use that as a starting point. Another good response is to state what you currently earn and say that you would hope for at least that figure and hopefully a little more on top. If you do go in with a comparatively high figure ensure that you can ’back it up’ with good reasons. Do not say a figure that you think is too low just to get the job – it will cause problems in the end.

Do you have any questions?

Try to avoid asking ’me’ questions such as holiday entitlement, salary etc. Ask questions that are company related such as the direction of the company, company culture etc. You may also ask what the role you are interviewing for may lead to on the future.

Additional points

Always try and be positive in response to any questions. Be confident and self-assured but not cocky. Do not discuss personal problems. Stick to job-related topics. Do not waste time with excessive small talk.

Always go well beyond simple “yes” or “no” answers and expand with appropriate details. Do not prattle but take the opportunity to show your knowledge and experience.

Be aware that you may be asked questions that are beyond your knowledge or experience. If/when the questions get to a point where you have no direct experience, you can answer with “Although I haven’t (whatever), I have done (something similar or related) and I know I could do (whatever) if given the chance.” If you do not know the answer or understand the question then say so.