Japanese companies have established a strong presence in India, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and providing valuable employment opportunities. This guide aims to help individuals interested in pursuing a career in a Japanese company in India understand the necessary steps to secure a job successfully.
A. Overview of Japanese companies in India:
Japanese companies have been operating in India for several decades, spanning various industries such as automotive, electronics, manufacturing, IT, and more. These companies bring with them their rich culture, work ethics, and cutting-edge technologies, making them highly sought-after employers.
B. Importance of working in a Japanese company:
Working in a Japanese company offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides exposure to a unique work culture characterized by discipline, teamwork, and a strong emphasis on quality. Japanese companies also offer excellent training programs, providing employees with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Additionally, the presence of Japanese companies in India opens doors to potential career advancements and international job opportunities.
C. Purpose of the guide:
The purpose of this guide is to assist individuals in navigating the process of securing a job in a Japanese company in India. It provides valuable insights, tips, and strategies to increase the chances of success. By following the information outlined in this guide, job seekers can position themselves as desirable candidates and effectively showcase their skills and qualifications to Japanese employers.
II. Researching Japanese Companies in India:
A. Identifying Japanese companies operating in India:
Begin by compiling a list of Japanese companies present in India. This can be done through online research, industry directories, business news, and job portals. Identify companies that align with your field of interest and career goals.
B. Researching company profiles and culture:
Once you have identified potential companies, conduct thorough research on their profiles, history, products/services, and core values. Gain insights into their work culture, management style, and employee expectations. This research will help you understand the company’s ethos and tailor your application accordingly.
C. Understanding job opportunities and requirements:
Explore the various job opportunities offered by Japanese companies in India. Look for positions that match your skills and aspirations. Pay close attention to the specific requirements and qualifications mentioned in job postings. Understanding these requirements will allow you to develop the necessary skills and competencies to stand out as a candidate.
III. Developing Relevant Skills and Qualifications:
A. Language proficiency (Japanese and English):
Japanese companies highly value employees who possess proficiency in both Japanese and English. Consider enrolling in language courses or self-study programs to develop your language skills. Attaining a certain level of fluency will significantly enhance your chances of securing a job in a Japanese company.
B. Cultural understanding and adaptability:
Japanese companies place great importance on cultural understanding and adaptability. Familiarize yourself with Japanese customs, etiquette, and business practices. This knowledge will help you navigate interviews, networking events, and interactions with Japanese professionals more effectively.
C. Technical skills and qualifications specific to the industry:
Identify the technical skills and qualifications that are in demand within your target industry. Acquire relevant certifications, enroll in training programs, or pursue higher education to enhance your expertise. Japanese companies value candidates who can contribute their specialized skills to the organization.
D. Soft skills valued by Japanese companies:
Apart from technical skills, Japanese companies also prioritize soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Develop these skills through real-life experiences, internships, and volunteer work. Highlight examples of these skills in your resume and during interviews.
IV. Building a Professional Network:
A. Joining Japanese business associations and forums:
Join Japanese business associations or forums in your area. These platforms provide opportunities to connect with Japanese professionals, attend industry-specific events, and gain insights into the job market. Networking within these associations can open doors to potential job opportunities.
B. Attending industry events and seminars:
Attend industry events and seminars related to the field you are interested in. These events often attract professionals from Japanese companies, providing a platform for networking and building connections. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and follow up with individuals you meet to nurture professional relationships.
C. Leveraging social media platforms for networking:
Utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your professional network. Connect with professionals working in Japanese companies in India and engage in industry-related discussions. Share your insights, participate in relevant groups, and reach out to individuals for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
D. Seeking mentorship or guidance from professionals in the field:
Identify experienced professionals who have worked in Japanese companies or have knowledge about the Japanese work culture. Reach out to them for mentorship or guidance. Their insights and advice can prove invaluable in your job search and help you better understand the expectations of Japanese employers.
Building a strong professional network increases your visibility and provides access to potential job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. It also allows you to learn from others’ experiences and gain insights into the industry and company-specific practices.
Remember to approach networking with a genuine interest in building meaningful connections and be willing to offer support and assistance to others in return. Networking is an ongoing process, so continue to nurture your connections even after securing a job.
In the next sections, we will delve into crafting an impressive resume and cover letter, as well as navigating the job application process for Japanese companies in India.
Crafting an Impressive Resume and Cover Letter:
A. Tailoring your resume to the Japanese company’s requirements:
When applying for a job in a Japanese company, it’s crucial to customize your resume to align with their specific requirements. Carefully review the job description and identify keywords and skills that the company values. Highlight your relevant experience, achievements, and qualifications, emphasizing how they align with the company’s needs. Pay attention to the format and structure commonly used in Japanese resumes and adapt accordingly.
B. Highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements:
Ensure that your resume highlights the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Focus on demonstrating your ability to contribute to the company’s goals and success. Include any experience working with Japanese companies, knowledge of Japanese business practices, and cultural understanding. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase the impact you made in previous roles.
C. Writing a compelling and culturally-appropriate cover letter:
Your cover letter should be a persuasive document that showcases your motivation, enthusiasm, and suitability for the role. Tailor it to the specific Japanese company and position you are applying for. Start with a polite and respectful greeting, and briefly explain why you are interested in the company and how your skills align with their needs. Highlight your cultural understanding, adaptability, and any experience working in multicultural environments. Keep the tone professional, concise, and focused on the value you can bring to the company.
VI. Navigating the Job Application Process:
A. Understanding the application process of Japanese companies:
Familiarize yourself with the typical application process followed by Japanese companies. They may require specific documents, such as a resume, cover letter, and application form. Some companies may also request additional materials like a personal statement or a portfolio. Follow the instructions provided by the company and ensure that all required documents are prepared accurately and submitted within the specified deadline.
B. Preparing for interviews and assessments:
Japanese companies often have structured and rigorous interview processes. Research common interview formats, such as panel interviews or behavioral interviews, and prepare accordingly. Practice answering interview questions that assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Be ready to provide specific examples from your experiences that demonstrate your capabilities and align with the company’s values.
C. Showcasing cultural understanding during interviews:
During interviews, emphasize your cultural understanding and ability to work effectively in a Japanese company. Demonstrate your knowledge of Japanese business etiquette, hierarchical structures, and communication styles. Maintain a respectful and polite demeanor, use appropriate language, and be attentive to non-verbal cues. Showcase your adaptability, teamwork skills, and ability to navigate cross-cultural situations.
D. Following up after the interview:
Send a thank-you email or note to the interviewers expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and highlight any key points or qualifications you may have missed during the interview. Following up demonstrates your professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
VII. Enhancing Cultural Understanding:
A. Learning about Japanese business etiquette and customs:
Invest time in learning about Japanese business etiquette and customs. Understand the proper ways of greeting, exchanging business cards (meishi), and addressing individuals. Familiarize yourself with appropriate bowing gestures and understand the significance of hierarchy in Japanese organizations. Being mindful of these cultural nuances will help you navigate professional interactions with ease.
B. Understanding hierarchical structures and communication styles:
Japanese companies typically have a hierarchical structure with clear lines of authority and respect for seniority. Learn about the different levels and positions within an organization to understand how decisions are made and how communication flows. Adapt your communication style to be respectful, concise, and considerate of senior colleagues’ opinions.
C. Familiarizing yourself with Japanese work values and expectations:
Japanese work values and expectations may include punctuality, dedication, teamwork, and a strong emphasis on quality and attention to detail. Familiarize yourself with the concept of “kaizen” (continuous improvement) and the importance of maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict in the workplace. Understanding these work values will help you align your work style and approach to meet the expectations of Japanese employers.
VIII. Preparing for the Job Offer and Relocation:
A. Evaluating job offers and compensation packages:
When you receive a job offer, carefully evaluate the terms and conditions, including salary, benefits, and career development opportunities. Consider the overall compensation package and how it aligns with your expectations and financial needs. If necessary, negotiate certain aspects of the offer while being mindful of cultural norms and practices.
B. Handling visa requirements and documentation:
Ensure that you are familiar with the visa requirements for working in India and understand the specific processes for obtaining a work visa for a Japanese company. Gather the necessary documentation, such as educational certificates, employment letters, and identification documents, and follow the appropriate procedures to secure the required visa.
C. Preparing for relocation and cultural adjustment:
Relocating to a new company and adapting to a different work culture can be a significant adjustment. Research the local customs, lifestyle, and infrastructure of the city where the company is located. Learn about the local amenities, housing options, transportation, and healthcare facilities. Mentally prepare yourself for the challenges of living in a new environment and be open to embracing new experiences and cultural differences.
D. Understanding Indian and Japanese labor laws:
Familiarize yourself with the labor laws and regulations applicable to your employment in both India and Japan. Understand your rights and responsibilities as an employee, including working hours, leaves, and benefits. Be aware of any legal obligations related to taxation, social security, and workplace safety.
The current state of the job market in Japan
Japan is having trouble because its population is going down. Families in Japan are having fewer and fewer children, so each year there are fewer young people joining the workforce. In a lot of fields, it is hard for Japanese companies to find enough people to fill their open jobs.
In the tech and engineering fields, the lack of talent is especially clear. Over 85% of Japanese IT companies feel a strong or moderate shortage of engineers. All companies feel this way, from those with less than 30 employees to those with 1,000 or more.
At the moment, about 35% of IT companies in Japan hire people from outside of Japan. China, South Korea, and Vietnam are the top three places where these people come from. India hasn’t made it into the top ten yet.
But more and more Indian people are moving to Japan. In June 2020, there were about 39,764 Indians living in Japan. This was almost 20% more than in 2018. The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa was held by 9,621 Indian citizens, which is 37% more than in 2018.
IT engineer is a job for an Indian: In Japan, engineers are needed in all kinds of jobs, including web development, software engineering, system engineering, network engineering, and so on. It would not be an exaggeration to say that IT is one of the easiest industries for foreigners to get into in Japan, probably second only to teaching English. This is especially true if you know how to code and develop.
What about languages for making programmes? The Japanese tech news site TECH Street found that SQL, Java, and Javascript were the top three programming languages used by IT engineers in Japan. The languages with the most job ads are Java, Javascript, and PHP, according to data from a number of Japanese job-change sites. Python has also been getting more popular over the past few years. If you know any of these languages, you should have a good chance of getting a job.
Learn more about programming languages in Japan by reading on.
Engineer Spotlight: Stefan Stefan is an engineer from Bengaluru. He is 23 years old. After he went to college, he became interested in Japanese culture and thought about going there. At first, he thought he would spend a year abroad after college. Zenken Corporation put him in touch with a Japanese company that was looking for young, smart engineers. Check out the video below to learn more.
Jobs for Indians: What else can be done?
There is, of course, a need for work outside of IT. English teaching is a popular first job for people from other countries who move to Japan. This is because there are lots of jobs and schools that accept applications from people from other countries. The requirements vary from school to school, but you should be able to find a job if you speak English well and don’t have a strong accent.
Foreigners can also find work in Japan in fields like…
– International Consulting and Training – Export/Import and Logistics – Headhunting – Translation and Interpreting – Tourism and Hospitality
This article has more information about the jobs listed above. Unlike working in IT or teaching English, almost all of these jobs require a lot of Japanese language skills. Most people agree that intermediate to advanced business Japanese (about JLPT N2) is the bare minimum.
How to Find Work in Japan if You Live in India
Now you know what your choices are. But how do you look for work? Here are the three main ways you can go about things. Some of them let you stay in the country. For the rest, you’ll need to go to Japan. All of them have pros and cons, and you don’t have to choose just one. Instead, try a few different things.
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There are a lot of job boards on the internet. The “big three” places to find work in Japan are Daijob, gaijinpot, and Jobs in Japan.
If you look a little bit more, you’ll find even more: CareerCross, Robert Walters, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc. There are sites like tokyodev and japan-dev that are just for IT engineers and developers.
There’s also Yaaay, which is a fairly new job board that has an option for “trial work” for the jobs it lists. Before committing to a job, you can make sure you like the company and the environment by doing some trial work.
If you want to work in Japan, looking at these sites is a good place to start. You can do it from the comfort of your own home, and it only takes a few seconds to find open jobs. You might even find the perfect one for you!
The problem is that most of the jobs posted on these boards and websites require applicants to already live in Japan and have a valid working visa. This is one of the hardest things for people from other countries to do when they are looking for work. Also, most job ads, especially those on sites for engineers, ask for a lot of experience. If you just got out of college, it might be hard to get this kind of job.
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Japanese Application LeadAccenture in IndiaPune, Maharashtra, Indiavia LinkedInFull–time
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A Manager – Business Development (Japanese National)Alliance Recruitment AgencyIndiavia Alliance Recruitment AgencyFull–time
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Service EngineerRGF HR AgentIndiavia GlassdoorFull–time
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Japan Dummy Rejected – 09AccentureBengaluru, Karnataka, Indiavia AccentureFull–time
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Japanese InterpreterHitachi CareersBawal, Haryana, Indiavia Hitachi – CareersFull–time
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Japan Medical Affairs Capability AnalystLillyBengaluru, Karnataka, Indiavia Eli LillyFull–time
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Japanese TranslatorCIEL HRBengaluru, Karnataka, Indiavia LinkedInFull–time
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Account Delivery Head – BGSW JapanRobert BoschIndiavia IndeedFull–time
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NVH CAE – Specialist / Sr. Specialist, Japan (Job code: 21RR09024)Satyam Venture Engineering Services Private LimitedIndiavia JobLeadsFull–time
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CN – Strategy – MC – High Tech – Japan Bilingual – 09Accenture in IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, Indiavia LinkedInFull–time
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PHL-081 Jewellery Designer Job In JapanPrimex ImmigrationIndiavia Jobrapido.comFull–time
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Senior Information Technology RecruiterHi-Tech Japan (IT Recruiting Company)Pune, Maharashtra, Indiavia LinkedInFull–time
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Japanese Bridge Engineer (N2 Level)Toshiba Software (India) Pvt. Ltd.Bengaluru, Karnataka, Indiavia LinkedInFull–time
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Japanese Interpreter – Hitachi Astemo FIEHitachi CareersBawal, Haryana, Indiavia Hitachi – CareersFull–time
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Overseas Job-Safety Manager For Europe – Urgent RolePrimex Immigration LlpMumbai, Maharashtra, Indiavia GrabJobsFull–time
IX. Conclusion:
A. Recap of key points:
Throughout this guide, we have explored the steps to successfully secure a job in a Japanese company in India. We discussed the importance of researching Japanese companies, developing relevant skills, building a professional network, and navigating the job application process while showcasing cultural understanding.
B. Encouragement and motivation:
Securing a job in a Japanese company can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it, and stay motivated throughout your job search journey. Remember to leverage your unique skills, experiences, and cultural understanding to stand out as a valuable candidate.
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Final thoughts on the opportunities in Japanese companies in India:
Working in a Japanese company in India provides access to global business practices, exposure to advanced technologies, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embrace the cultural exchange and learnings that come with working in a multicultural environment. Keep an open mind, be proactive in your career development, and seize the opportunities that Japanese companies offer.
Best of luck in your pursuit of a job in a Japanese company in India!