Job hunting in Japan tends to start earlier than in other countries. Most Japanese students start their job hunting activities in June of their third year of university. The flow of job hunting activities is the same for both Japanese and international students. First of all, you should start by getting information about the flow and timing of job hunting activities in Japan. It is essential to prepare early and start taking action as soon as possible.

Participate in an internship
Japan also has an internship system, just like overseas. Some companies may make early job offers to students who excel in their internships. Check to see if the industry or company you want to work for is looking for internships.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of internships that actively recruit international students. If there is a company you are interested in, give it a try.

You can also find information on internships for international students at Hello-Work, a government-run job placement service. Hello-Work is located in each prefecture. If Hello-Work is far away, you can consult with your school’s career center.

Application submission & Employer information sessions
Usually, you can start applying your application to companies on March 1. Apply the industries and companies you want to work for and gather information. Be sure to participate in employer information sessions actively.

Paper tests & Interviews
If you find a company you want to work for, apply for it.
Below are the steps, usually applicable in those large companies.

1. Paper screening
2. Before the interview, there is a screening based on your ES (entry sheet) and resume.
3. Group interview
4. One or more interviewers will interview several students.
5. Individual interview
6. One or more interviewers will interview one student.

Generally, after the document screening, you will be interviewed and proceed to the final interview. Depending on the company, there may be two or more interviews before the final interview. The larger the company, the more interviews there tend to be.

Job offers
In October of senior year at university, job hunting activities should have well settled down; in the case of 2022 graduates, October 1 is the date when job offers are released. 

Some companies hold fall and winter recruitment after October. If you have not yet decided on a place of employment, be proactive in engaging the market.

Lastly, international students will need to change their visa status from a college student visa to a working visa. The company you will be working for will ask you to submit your passport, application for change of residence status, and other documents. Make sure to submit them as soon as possible.