What should foreigners do to get jobs in Japan?

Working abroad is a dream of many but not everyone can achieve it. Why? Well, there are many reasons such as language barriers, cultural differences, lack of proper connections or problems with passport applications, among others. It also depends on the country you have your heart set on. For instance, New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Visa permits permanent residency for foreigners with excellent skills and experience to aid the country’s skills shortages, so finding a job there would be much easier for a foreigner than in a country like the USA where the former president Donald Trump suspended the issuing of new H-1B work visas.

Japan, too, is looking for skilled foreign workers to rectify the issue of labour shortage caused by the country’s ageing population. So, for those who want to work abroad, Japan is the perfect place to find the best job opportunities.

But of course, there will be certain things you would need to do or keep in mind while searching for jobs in Japan and this article will tell you just what those are.

How Learning Japanese Language can help you in getting high paying job in Japan?

Before you fly to a foreign land to work, it is wise that you familiarise yourself with the local language of the country. As the majority of the Japanese people do not speak or understand English, you need to be good at speaking and understanding the basic conversational Japanese. Luckily, India has some of the best offline and online classes, where you can learn Japanese language and culture. These Japanese Language Institutes, recognized by both the Indian and Japanese governments, take only 4 to 6 months to make you comfortable with Japanese language. Once you clear the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, these institutes also help you in finding the right job in Japan. Proficiency in the Japanese language can open more doors for you in your career in Japan.

Proper Documents and Visa:

To enter Japan as a foreign worker, candidates must apply for a Work Visa or Long Term Visa after obtaining a “Certificate of Eligibility” in advance. Following documents are a must when applying for Work or Long Term Stay Visa-

• A valid passport.
• Certificate of eligibility.
• A recent photo of the candidate.
• A letter from the future employer or sponsor.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Flight Itinerary.

Understanding Japan Work Culture:

A 2016 government survey showed that Japan has one of the longest working hours in the world. Japanese people are known for being hard workers. They believe in teamwork for the benefit of the company. Even in the workplace, politeness, professionalism and respect for the bosses are important. So, you might want to learn more about the Japanese work culture and prepare yourself before you are there.

Getting familiar with the Japanese Culture and Customs:

To avoid culture shock once you are in Japan, you should learn about Japanese culture and customs. Here are some common Japanese customs you should know before you go to Japan to work:

• In Japan, bowing to one another signifies the respect that they have for each other. It can also be a salutation or greeting.
• Whether you are at a restaurant or a salon, never tip anyone. Tipping them will make them feel insulted.
• One important Japanese tradition is to take off one’s shoes before entering someone’s house.
• Know that the positions of the chopsticks you use have meanings. For instance, if you place your chopstick in your bowl or plate while you are not eating, it is considered to be a bad sign because this is done during funerals.
• Japanese do not litter, so much so that even spitting in a public place will land you in jail or you will be fined 10,000 Yen.

Well, now that you know what you, as a foreigner, has to do to find a job in Japan, we wish you all the best of luck.