Looking Back: 2010 Job Fair for International Students

Students registering for the 2010 Job Fair for International Students

Back in June our project, with the help of OFIX (Osaka Foundation of International Exchange), held its second Job Fair for International Students at My Dome Osaka.

One of the largest job fairs for international students and foreigners in Japan, the 2010 Job Fair For International Students featured 29 companies from across Japan who are seeking to hire international students. The size and scale of companies varied, with some of Japan's largest companies (USJ, Kyocera, Sumitomo Denki) as well as some of Kansai's key players (Kansai Paint, Kaneka).

Each participating company held company explanations at their booths, in which participants were able to hear inside information about the company as well as ask questions to representatives from the company.

In addition to company booths, the job fair featured several seminars about job hunting in Japan, including advice from former international students now working in Japanese companies. Furthermore, experts in status of residence and visa policy gave lectures about changing visa status, focusing on some of the common misconceptions regarding visa status in Japan.

Career counselors also provided job support counseling in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Although it took place at the beginning of the unrelenting rainy season, amidst angular showers and near suffocating humidity, around 340 international students and foreigners participated.

Our next job fair is scheduled for Saturday, January 15th and is slated to be the largest job fair for international students in Japan. Make sure to check out our website (http://www.grs-project.jp/) for further details. 

An HR representative from Universal Studios Japan

Some Tips for Attending Job Fairs in Japan

1. Make sure to wear a suit or proper business attire.  As you will be meeting representatives from the company you want to give the best impression possible.
2. Allow yourself enough time to visit as many booths as possible.
3. Make business cards.
4. Try to find out in advance which companies will be attending and research the companies you are interested in.
5. Make sure to take notes as you will be receiving a lot of information at once.