When asked about why I want to work in Japan during an interview, I’m unsure if it’s okay to express my true thoughts like ‘I love Japan’ or ‘Japanese salaries are high
I’m not sure how to answer the question ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ during an interview
One common question often asked to international students during interviews is ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’
Your response to this question can significantly impact the outcome of the interview.
In this guide, we will explain how to answer ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ in a way that will impress the interviewer and enhance your chances of success.
The Reasons for Asking ‘Why Do You Want to Work in Japan?’
Reason 1: To Confirm Long-Term Commitment
One of the primary reasons for asking ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ during an interview is to assess your potential for long-term commitment.
Companies aim to hire individuals who are willing to work with them for an extended period.
However, many international students return to their home countries, leading to short-term employment periods.
By inquiring about your reasons for wanting to work in Japan, companies seek to determine if you have the intention and capacity for long-term commitment.
Reason 2: To Verify Clear Goals
The second reason for asking ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ during an interview is to ascertain if you have well-defined objectives.
By inquiring about your reasons, interviewers seek to understand if you have specific purposes and goals for working in Japan.
Furthermore, they aim to evaluate whether the objectives and goals of international student candidates align with the company’s potential for fulfillment.
In essence, this question helps assess the compatibility of your aims and aspirations with the company’s offerings.
Key Points for Answering ‘Why Do You Want to Work in Japan?’
Point 1: Convey Your Purpose and Goals for Working in Japan
One of the crucial points when answering ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ is to communicate your purpose and goals for working in the country.
Interviewers ask this question to ascertain whether foreign students have clear objectives for their work in Japan.
To appeal to the interviewer that you are capable of working with a purpose in Japan, make sure to express your goals for working in the country.
Key Point 2: Align with the Characteristics of the Desired Company
The second key point when responding to ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ is to link your purpose of working in Japan with the unique attributes of the desired company.
Companies seek to determine if a foreign student’s purpose aligns with their potential for realization within the organization.
If a foreign student’s purpose for working in Japan cannot be achieved within the company, it is perceived as a potential reason for premature departure.
To actualize your purpose of working in Japan, communicate how you envision contributing to the desired company.
By linking your purpose of working in Japan with the distinctive features of the desired company, you can effectively demonstrate your enthusiasm and compatibility.
better examples&Bad examples
Good Example 1: Technical Field
私の日本で働きたい理由は、日本で〇〇に関する仕事をしたいからです。
私は母国の大学で〇〇学を学びました。日本で〇〇に必要な知識や技術を学ぶために、日本の〇〇大学で〇〇学を専攻しています。
今後も学校で学んで専門知識を活かして、〇〇に関する仕事をしたいと考えております。
世界トップレベルの〇〇技術を持っている貴社で、〇〇職として、新商品開発に携わりたいです。
Good Example 2: Administrative Field
私の日本で働きたい理由は、日本語と英語を活かせる仕事をしたいからです。
日本語を使って仕事をすることで、ビジネス日本語やビジネスマナーを身に付きたいです。
また、私の強みである英語力を活かし、海外の取引先を対応することで、貴社の海外事業に貢献したいと考えております。
貴社は母国であるアメリカから〇〇を輸入しているので、日本語と英語を活かして、輸入業務に携わりたいです。
bad example 1: ‘I like Japan’
Answering with ‘I want to work in Japan because I like Japan’ is not a favorable response during an interview.
The interviewer isn’t seeking to know whether you like Japan; they are asking about your specific reasons for wanting to work in Japan.
When asked about your motivation for working in Japan during an interview, it’s best to avoid simply stating that you like Japan.
Bad Example 2: ‘I want to learn Japanese technology’
Japan excels in various technological fields. I wish to learn Japanese technology and that’s why I want to work in Japan.
Once I acquire Japanese technological skills, I intend to work as a professional in my home country.
Key Point: Responding with a desire to learn Japanese technology showcases eagerness to learn. However, companies are not interested in hiring candidates solely seeking to learn and then leave with the acquired skills. They are looking for employees committed to contributing to the company.
Points to Consider When Answering ‘Reasons for Wanting to Work in Japan’
Point 1: Vague Purpose of Working in Japan
One of the key considerations when responding to ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ is ensuring your purpose for working in Japan is not vague.
It’s crucial for foreign students to have clear objectives and goals for working in Japan.
Many individuals who secure jobs in Japan end up losing their initial purpose and return to their home countries.
During an interview, avoid giving ambiguous answers like ‘I just want to experience working in Japan’ or ‘I’ve gotten used to life in Japan.’ Make sure your reasons for working in Japan are well-defined.
Point 2: Avoid Negative Responses
Another important consideration when answering ‘Reasons for Wanting to Work in Japan’ is to avoid negative responses.
During the interview, refrain from stating negative points like ‘There aren’t good job opportunities in my home country’ or ‘Getting a job is harder in my home country compared to Japan.’
Giving negative responses during the interview can reduce your chances of being selected.
When asked about your reasons for wanting to work in Japan, make sure to avoid negative responses and maintain a positive tone.
Point 3: Avoid Overemphasizing the Charms of Japan
The third point to consider when answering ‘Reasons for Wanting to Work in Japan’ is to avoid overemphasizing the charms of Japan.
When asked about your reasons for wanting to work in Japan, many foreign students tend to focus on the appealing aspects of Japanese society.
However, the interviewer is not asking about the attractiveness of Japan; they are inquiring about your specific motivation.
While discussing the appealing aspects of Japanese society is not necessarily wrong, it is not something that will be highly valued during the interview.
Avoid highlighting charms like ‘High salaries in Japan,’ ‘Good public safety in Japan,’ or ‘Excellent welfare benefits in Japan’ when responding to the interview question.
In conclusion
To all international students, the most important factor when seeking employment in Japan is mastering the Japanese language. Smooth communication in Japan’s workplace environment and society relies on using the right words to express yourself effectively. Furthermore, having strong Japanese language skills provides advantages in various situations, from selecting job opportunities to interviews and actual job tasks. By enhancing your Japanese language proficiency, you can approach your work with confidence.
【Ryugakusei-Shuukatsu Navi】offers a solution to the language barrier faced by international students during job hunting by providing a free Japanese conversation room exclusively for foreign students. If you’re interested in learning Japanese, we encourage you to join us. Please feel free to participate!
