(Not) Getting Lost... (And The Importance of Being Punctual)

It has recently come to my attention that despite the ubiquity of iphones and other hand-held devices it is still relatively hard for most people to navigate through an unfamiliar part of the city. Look, we all get lost sometimes. This may be especially true in the case of Japan with its narrow streets, multiple subway exits and more often than not lack of street names.

If you've lived here long enough you've probably done the following: ask a person politely on the street for directions, only to (A) be told they're not from around here (B) be given a long, detailed, perfunctory explanation which only confuses you more (C) be drawn a map of labyrinthine proportions (D) be graciously lead to your destination by a complete stranger to whom you now feel awkwardly indebted.

In most cases, however grateful, you probably wished you had just written the directions down. Or printed them out.

When it comes to job fairs, company explanations, or interviews - being late is absolutely unacceptable (you might as well shot yourself in the foot before a jumping contest). Remember that the company is making time for YOU: they are doing you a favor, not the other way around.
Needless to say it is vital that you know where you are going beforehand. Blaming your iphone - while always a great excuse for friends - unfortunately doesn't work in this case.

■　Here are some basic tips for getting to interviews on time.

・Know basic directions - Learn about the city you'll be living (interviewing) in. Get a basic idea in your head which direction is north, south, etc. This isn't always a simple task and I'm not suggesting you should always carry a compass (although it'd be kind of cool if you did), but at least know which direction major streets run (for example, in Osaka, most streets with the suffix (-suji) run north-south while most with the suffix (-dori) run east-west.

・Know the exact address of where you are going and have it written down in Japanese.

・Map out the address online (or with a map - they sell them at most convenience stores) first to get a visual of where you are going.

・If you have the time and are really concerned, go a day in advance. This way you'll have plenty of time to make mistakes and find the most effective way to get there (you'll also be able to scope out a good place to have lunch after the interview).

・Always give yourself 15-20 minutes additional time just in case.

・Being early is important, but don't show up more than 15 minutes early. Chances are the place you are interviewing is also busy and won't be ready for you yet.

■　In case for some reason you absolutely cannot make it on time:

・Call the interviewer at least 20-30 minutes before your interview is scheduled to start.

・Make sure to give a reason for being late as well as how long you will be late by.

・Never blow off the interview altogether.  If for some reason you can't make it, ALWAYS call and give a reason, apologize, and thank them for the opportunity. Believe it or not, these things get around.