General16 min read
Job Hunting in Japan for Foreigners: Complete Guide (2026)
Complete guide to finding a job in Japan as a foreigner. Resume writing, interviews, work culture, job sites, and visa requirements for employment.
Published: 1/15/2026•Updated: 1/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- Use both English and Japanese job sites
- Prepare rirekisho (resume) AND shokumu keirekisho (CV)
- Formal black suit for interviews
- Multiple interview rounds are normal
- Hello Work is a free government job service
Where to Find Jobs
Popular Job Sites:
English-Friendly:
• GaijinPot Jobs
• Daijob
• TokyoDev (tech)
• Japan Dev (tech)
• LinkedIn Japan Japanese Sites:
• Rikunabi (新卒向け)
• Mynavi
• Indeed Japan
• Doda
• Wantedly Specialized:
• Hello Work (government job center - FREE)
• Staffing agencies (dispatch work)
• Company websites directly
• GaijinPot Jobs
• Daijob
• TokyoDev (tech)
• Japan Dev (tech)
• LinkedIn Japan Japanese Sites:
• Rikunabi (新卒向け)
• Mynavi
• Indeed Japan
• Doda
• Wantedly Specialized:
• Hello Work (government job center - FREE)
• Staffing agencies (dispatch work)
• Company websites directly
The Japanese Resume
Two Types Required:
1. 履歴書 (Rirekisho) - Standard resume
• Fixed format (buy at convenience store)
• Handwritten traditionally
• Photo required (3x4cm)
• Personal info, education, work history 2. 職務経歴書 (Shokumu Keirekisho) - CV
• Free format
• Detailed work experience
• Skills and achievements Tips:
• Many companies accept digital resumes now
• Use formal Japanese
• No gaps in employment history (explain if any)
• Fixed format (buy at convenience store)
• Handwritten traditionally
• Photo required (3x4cm)
• Personal info, education, work history 2. 職務経歴書 (Shokumu Keirekisho) - CV
• Free format
• Detailed work experience
• Skills and achievements Tips:
• Many companies accept digital resumes now
• Use formal Japanese
• No gaps in employment history (explain if any)
Interview Culture
What to Expect:
• Multiple rounds (2-4 interviews typical)
• Group interviews common for new grads
• Formal attire - Black suit, white shirt
• Punctuality - Arrive 10 min early Common Questions:
• 志望動機 (Why this company?)
• 自己PR (Self-introduction/strengths)
• 長所・短所 (Strengths/weaknesses)
• キャリアプラン (Career plans) After Interview:
• Thank-you email same day
• Decision may take 2-4 weeks
• Multiple rounds (2-4 interviews typical)
• Group interviews common for new grads
• Formal attire - Black suit, white shirt
• Punctuality - Arrive 10 min early Common Questions:
• 志望動機 (Why this company?)
• 自己PR (Self-introduction/strengths)
• 長所・短所 (Strengths/weaknesses)
• キャリアプラン (Career plans) After Interview:
• Thank-you email same day
• Decision may take 2-4 weeks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the job. IT, English teaching, and some multinational companies hire without Japanese. Most other jobs require at least conversational Japanese.
You need a work visa matching your job type (Engineer, Humanities, etc.). Your employer typically sponsors this. Student visa holders can work up to 28 hours/week.
Entry-level: ¥3-4 million/year. Mid-career: ¥5-7 million. IT/Finance can be ¥8-15+ million. Tokyo salaries are generally higher.
Last updated: January 16, 2026