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🧭 What You Should Know Before Job Hunting in Japan

Before starting your job search in Japan, it's important to understand some basic rules and prepare accordingly.

Without this knowledge, you might apply for jobs you're not legally allowed to do or face unexpected problems.

Here's a helpful guide to get you started on the right foot.

💼 Check Your Visa Type (Status of Residence)

Whether you are allowed to work in Japan—and what kind of work—

is determined by your status of residence (visa type).

Each visa comes with its own conditions.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

For professional roles like translation, IT, design, and education

Technical Intern Training

Limited to specific fields like agriculture, construction, sewing, and caregiving

Specified Skilled Worker

For jobs in sectors with labor shortages, such as food service, caregiving, and cleaning

Student Visa

You generally cannot work full-time, but with special permission you may do part-time work up to 28 hours per week

👉 Be sure to confirm what kind of work is allowed under your visa.
If you're unsure, consult with immigration offices or support organizations to stay safe and informed.

📝 2. Prepare to Apply (Resume, Interview)

Applying for jobs in Japan involves unique rules for documents and etiquette.

Resume (Rirekisho)

Includes a photo and follows a Japanese-specific format. It can be handwritten or digital, but always check for spelling errors.

Work History Document (Shokumukeirekisho)

Details your past work experiences. Especially important if you're applying for full-time positions.

Interview

Punctuality is crucial. Respectful greetings and answering in Japanese may be expected.

👉 At JapaNEO, we offer foreign-friendly templates and a list of common interview questions to help you feel more confident!

🔍 Where and How?

There are several ways to find jobs in Japan, depending on your visa status, language skills, experience, and what kind of work you want.

Here are four common and trusted ways for foreign residents to look for jobs.

🌐 Job Search Websites (Online)

Job search websites are the easiest and most comprehensive source of information.

They're convenient because many offer features like specific sites for foreigners or search filters based on Japanese language proficiency.

Indeed

Indeed is one of the world's largest job search websites, covering a wide range of job opportunities in Japan and abroad. It offers various useful features for job hunting, including job search, company reviews, salary research, and resume creation. You can search for jobs by location, employment type, keywords, and also receive new job alerts via LINE and check the latest job trends.

Learn More

Mintoku Work

Mintoku Work is a job search website for foreigners who want to work in Japan. Our multilingual concierges, available in 6 languages, provide end-to-end support from job searching to visas, housing, and Japanese language training. With over 1,000 job listings and support for over 4,000 individuals, we help you build your career in Japan.

Learn More

WeXpats Jobs

WeXpats Jobs is a specialized job site for foreigners seeking employment in Japan. It features over 30,000 job openings welcoming foreign nationals and offers comprehensive support in 11 languages, including resume review and interview preparation by dedicated consultants. You can search by Japanese language level, location, employment type, and more, and also receive job offers through its Scout feature.

Learn More

YOLO JAPAN

YOLO JAPAN is a platform designed to help foreigners find jobs in Japan. It offers a wide range of job opportunities from startups to major corporations, and is completely free to use from registration to application. With multilingual support in 6 languages (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese), it also features an innovative video resume function to showcase your personality and skills.

Learn More

GaijinPot Jobs

GaijinPot Jobs is a job search website for foreigners seeking work in Japan. It features job listings across various industries and locations, allowing for detailed searches by language proficiency, job category, location, and employment type. The platform also provides resources for resume creation and direct application to employers, and enables companies to post job openings.

Learn More

CareerCross

CareerCross is a specialized job change website focusing on bilingual job opportunities in Japan. It features job listings across various categories such as Executive, IT, Accounting & Finance, and Human Resources, allowing searches based on Japanese language level and salary expectations. The platform also provides career advice, including tips on resume writing, cover letters, and interview guidance, to support your career advancement.

Learn More

📌 Where to Get Support

In Japan, there are many public institutions and local organizations that support foreigners in both work and daily life.

In addition to government-run employment services like Hello Work,

there are also community-based NPOs, citizen groups, and multicultural support centers
that offer kind and helpful support with job hunting, writing resumes, practicing Japanese, and preparing for interviews.

🌟 For those who are working in Japan for the first time,
being able to talk face-to-face with someone can be a huge relief.
Start by checking what support services are available in your local area.

How to Find Hello Work in Your Area

Hello Work offices are located throughout Japan. Search your city name + “Hello Work” to find the nearest one. Many local office websites show whether they offer services for foreigners or have interpreters. If you're not sure, ask at your city hall: “Where is the Hello Work office?”

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