Neatness and tidiness will create a good impression at interviews

When attending a job interview, it is important to be aware of your clothes and hair style. In Japan, it is common for newly graduating students to dress in so-called “Recruit Suits” for job interviews. Generally, male wear black or dark blue suits, and female wear black or grey suits. During the job hunting period, you will likely see many young people dressed in recruit suits around town.

Speaking of hairstyles, in order to create a good impression with interviewers, many male students have their hair cut short, and many women have their hair cut short or done up in a bun. This is because Japanese company management usually prefers their employees to look neat and smart. Students who enjoy dressing in their own style and wearing their hair long like they may have during their college days will adjust their style and dress more conservatively in this job-hunting period. Also, many people who are looking to change their jobs will also dress in a simple style.

Some foreigners try to wear showy clothes or sport unique hair-styles, but here in Japan, a clean hair-style and simple clothes are recommend to increase your chances of success. At the interview, your politeness will also be evaluated and in this regard, it is important to be aware that crossing your legs or folding your arms is not considered to be good etiquette. In addition, since briskly answering questions will create a good impression with the interviewer, it is recommended that you prepare and memorize answers to questions you expect to be asked.

Foreign staff are expected to operate in areas where Japanese staff are not able to. Taking this point carefully into account, it is important to prepare beforehand documentation that clearly supports your qualifications and abilities. Furthermore, it is also very important to note that Japanese companies place a lot of importance on their newly hired staff being cooperative, and that they will take as well as your capabilities into account. They may well ask about the occupations of your family members including your parents and siblings, and so on. A reference from Japanese in a good position would be to your advantage.

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