Part-time Job in Japan 日本でのアルバイト

By Minju Kim, Doshisha University

1. Introduction

2. Are Students even allowed to work in Japan?

3. Where to look for Jobs

4. How to prepare for Interview

- Prepare for potential Questions

- Manners

- Other Tips

5. Useful Words and Phrases

- Words to look out for when looking for a Job

- The Interview

6. Conclusion

Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a part-time job in Japan during your Year Abroad?

People get part-time jobs for different reasons; whether it be for money or for experience.

Whatever reason you might have, you have a great opportunity to work in Japan.

I am writing this blog to help you through the process of finding a part-time job and hopefully get hired.

Are Students even allowed to work in Japan?

The short answer is: YES.

International students are allowed to work up to 28 hours/week.

You will get the work permit stamped on the back of your resident card as you arrive in Japan at the airport, or you can make a separate application at your local immigration bureau.

Please note that some work, such as working in a pachinko gambling centre is banned.

For more information about working in Japan, refer here: https://international.hit-u.ac.jp/en/curr/life/workpermit.html

Where to look for Jobs

- Online

There are several recruitment websites in Japan, including Baitoru, Indeed and TOWNWORK.

The one from which I received most responses was TOWNWORK, so I recommend this website.

The link is here: https://townwork.net/?arc=1

- Private Websites

Some employers post recruitment information on their own websites.

Check whether your favourite restaurant, cafe or shop has a website.

I used this method to get my current job at one of my favourite restaurants in Kyoto.

- In-store Posters

Other places may have posters stuck on the shop window looking for workers.

Either walk in and hand in your CV or give them a phone call.

How to prepare for Interviews

- CV

It is common to be asked to bring a CV along to a job interview in Japan.

It is also important to have photos you can stick on your CV, so make sure to bring some spares you used for your year abroad applications.

You can type and print, rather than handwrite your CV.

You can find various CV templates online.

Find some here: https://doda.jp/guide/rireki/template/

Writing a CV may be daunting, so get your Japanese friends or tutors to proof-read.

- Prepare for potential Questions

1. Common Questions include:

'Why do you want to work here?'

'How far away do you live from here?'

'How often can you work? Which days are you available?'

'Until when do you want to work for us?'

2. Some Questions I got on Top:

'Why are you studying Japanese?'

'When did you come to Japan?'

'Do you have experience working in Japan?'

- Manners

1. NEVER be late to an interview.

First impressions are very important in Japan and if you are late, you can safely say that you will not be offered the job.

That being said, don't be too early either.

Arriving 5 minutes early to an interview is recommended.

2. Clothing

You don't have to wear a suit, but try to dress smartly and formally.

Again, first impressions matter.

3. Language

Don't forget to use appropriate language.

Always use 'desu' and 'masu' when you speak and try to use some keigo if possible.

4. Most importantly, don't forget to SMILE!!!

- Other Tips

1. Spend a few weeks or months in Japan before getting a job.

This is because it allows you time to become more familiar with keigo and other phrases used in a part-time work setting as you are settling down in Japan.

For example, I found myself using the same words and expressions I heard being used to me at restaurants as I started working without extra practice.

2. Check the place you want to work at before the interview.

This will prevent you from getting lost on the day of the interview and you will also get the feels of the place and help you relax about the interview.

3. Know your availabilities before the interview

In Japan, you get to choose which days you work.

Have this information ready for the interview as you will definitely be asked which days and shifts you can work.

Useful Words and Phrases

- Words to look out for when looking for a Job

給料 (Kyuryou)/時給 (Jikyu): Wage

交通費支給 (Koutsuhishikyu): Transportation fees covered

賄い (Makanai): Staff meal

- The Interview

Arriving at the interview:

Hello, my name is ... and I am here for an interview at 1pm.

Is the hiring manager here?

こんにちは。本日（ほんじつ）1時にアルバイトの面接（めんせつ）の約束をしている ... と申します。

採用（さいよう）のご担当者様（たんとうしゃさま）はいらっしゃいますか。

At the start of the interview:

Hello, my name is... . Nice to meet you.

初めまして。私は ... と申します。よろしくお願いいたします。

At the end of the interview:

Thank you for your time today.

本日はお忙しいところありがとうございました。

Conclusion

Finding a part-time job in a foreign country can feel intimidating.

The trick is to keep applying and go to a few interviews so that you become more confident.

I was terribly late to my first one and extremely nervous in my second one, but they both ended up being good and much needed practices for the thirds and fourth interviewed, both of which I got the jobs for.

I can't stress enough how much it will be worth it for you to get a part-time job in Japan.

You will get to meet a huge number of new people, both your co-workers and customers and your language skills will improve hugely.

Why not go for it as you are given the chance?

GOOD LUCK :)