Hey everyone!
February is coming to an end but it looks like we'll have a few more days of brutal cold weather before spring.
Spring in Japan brings promises of warm, leisurely days along riversides under canopies of blossoming cherries, red-faced from sake and laughing with friends and co-workers. It also means graduation theses, job hunting, moving season, and a new fiscal year.
Although the pressure of trying to finish your graduation thesis while preparing for interviews and the SPI can feel like too much to bear, try to make time to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty around you during one of Japan's most magical seasonal transitions. Your physical and mental health will thank you later.
****************************
Congratulations to those of you whom will graduate in 2012 and have already received "naite" notifications from companies. Only one more month before your new life and career in Japan begins. Remember that if your company isn't providing you with a dormitory-type option, that rooms can fill up quickly this time of year so start your apartment search early.
For those 2012 graduates who have yet to receive "naite" from a company, not all hope is lost: you can still extend your visa for 6-12 months in order to continue job hunting in Japan.(See: "Tokuteikatsudo") You'll need a letter of recommendation from your university, and you'll need to prove that you've been job hunting if you wish to re-extend your visa after the initial six months, but the chance is still there. Some small-medium sized companies continue hiring throughout the year or offer additional hiring opportunities in the fall.
On that note, I'd like to take this opportunity to mention a few things our project has been up to lately.
●Last week, Feb. 23 & 24, our project held back-to-back days of company seminars at L-Osaka near Temmabashi station. 8 companies over the two day period presented before groups of 40-60 international students in a small, intimate setting, giving students the opportunity to ask questions directly in order to gain a strong grasp of the company. Japan's top "revolving-sushi" share holder, Akindo Sushiro Co., made a strong appeal to international students as it plans to aggressively target the global sushi market, opening it's first store in Korea later this year.
I'd like to thank all of the students who participated in the seminars. I hope that it was a valuable experience.
For those of you whom were unable to attend, it appears that we unfortunately do not have any more company seminars planned for the immediate future.
● Career Counseling at Osaka University (Suita Campus)
Our project will offer free career counseling at Osaka University (Suita Campus) on Tuesday, March 6 from 12pm - 5pm. This is a great opportunity to get advice on job hunting. Even if you are almost finished with your search, you can still come in to practice your interview skills.
2012年2月27日月曜日
2011年7月19日火曜日
Heating Up: Job Hunting in Japan Starts Now
Hey international students, recent graduates, and other foreigners living in Japan!
It has been a long time since my last blog entry, so first I'd like to start by congratulating those whom have already received 内定(naitei) from their respective companies. Good work! For those of you whom are still looking, just keep at it (remember, you can always apply for a visa extension of up to 1 year after graduation for purposes of job hunting. See: 特定活動 Tokuteikatsudo） http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/ZAIRYU_HENKO/zairyu_henko10_21_10.html
Last Friday the end of the rainy season was officially declared in the Kansai region and ever since it's been day after day of beautiful clear blue skies and unrelenting heat. With 海の日 this Monday the beaches will officially open and the typical summer factors will be at play: festivals, bbq's, cicadas, 風鈴, watermelon, kakigori, beer gardens, sweaty backs and near harmonious grumbles of あつッ、あつッ、暑～い!
Of course some of the regulars will not. Cutbacks on fireworks shows and other annual displays of extravagance will likely be cancelled or drastically scaled down. With nationwide efforts to save energy in response to the March 11th disaster companies are turning down their air conditioning and promoting yet another vague (although this time around unarguably popular) summer fashion trend, "super cool biz". Say goodbye to neckties for the time being at least (wearing one almost guarantees nasty looks of disapproval as if you're not doing your part for 節電).
So, besides taking in the heat and hopefully a little matsuri-magic, it's also a good time of year to get a head start on job hunting. Although it may not seem like the best way to spend your summer months, 15-20 minutes each day can really go a long way to improving your job hunting experience. Plus, it's mostly cancer free (except for all the time you'll be using a computer...which is most likely all the time... never mind).
If you're in your third year of undergraduate education or in your first year of your masters program, here's a brief rundown of what you can start doing to get ahead.
■自己分析 (jiko bunseki) - Simply put, this is a kind of self-reflection/analysis. Think of this as an exercise that (if undertaken seriously) can improve your self-awareness and help you make better choices about the future. Starting your job search with jiko bunseki allows you think critically about what type of industry, field, or position you want to work in. It also allows you to re-evaluate your skills and experiences so that you can find a position that best suits your needs. It will also come in handy later on for 自己PR（jiko PR) when interviewing.
※Remember that in Japan it can be incredibly difficult to find another job after quiting your first company within the first year of employment.
When tackling questions about your personality, such as locating your strengths and weaknesses, it can sometimes be a difficult venture to undertake alone. Asking your friends, family, or significant other for honest feedback can be one of the most helpful approaches. Try to take it with a grain of salt and remember that we are often unable to see ourselves in an objective light.
There are, however, questions which only you yourself can answer. These tend to be experiential questions or questions concerning future goals. One simple approach is to make three sections: past, present, and future; and ask yourself the following questions:
●Past - What did you study in college? Which projects did you work hard on? What type of study did you enjoy/dislike? What obstacles did you face upon coming to Japan as an international student? How did you overcome them?
●Present - What is your sale point? How can you market your skills/achievements to the company?
●Future (goals/growth/achievements) - What type of person do you want to become from now on? (goal)
(What efforts will you make in order to improve upon your current weaknesses? What would you like to learn how to do that you are currently unable of doing? (growth) What type of titles, licenses or degrees, if any, do you want to obtain? How will you do it? (achievements)
■The next step is 業界研究 - (gyoukai kenkyu) industry research - i.e., an overall review of the various industries in the Japanese job market. Learning about the movements of companies within their industry, for example, which companies are pushing hardest to enter the market in X country, can help you decide which industry would best utilize your skills.
Try to reduce your job search to two or three different industries that you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in being a "bridge" between Japan and your home country, you may find that manufacturing or trading industries to have the most jobs for your field.
■After industry research, try to spend time researching which companies are within the industry of your interest. This is commonly referred to as 企業研究 - （kigyoukenkyu）company research. What are the top companies in that industry? Which are making moves in the global economy? Which companies are focused on hiring new employees from your home country? Researching these questions will help you get a better idea of which companies to follow.
If you are able to spend even a little time each day practicing these things, you'll be much more prepared and likely on the same page as your Japanese contemporaries when job hunting really heats up in October.
Enjoy the summer and try not to spend too much time indoors.
Good luck!
It has been a long time since my last blog entry, so first I'd like to start by congratulating those whom have already received 内定(naitei) from their respective companies. Good work! For those of you whom are still looking, just keep at it (remember, you can always apply for a visa extension of up to 1 year after graduation for purposes of job hunting. See: 特定活動 Tokuteikatsudo） http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/ZAIRYU_HENKO/zairyu_henko10_21_10.html
Last Friday the end of the rainy season was officially declared in the Kansai region and ever since it's been day after day of beautiful clear blue skies and unrelenting heat. With 海の日 this Monday the beaches will officially open and the typical summer factors will be at play: festivals, bbq's, cicadas, 風鈴, watermelon, kakigori, beer gardens, sweaty backs and near harmonious grumbles of あつッ、あつッ、暑～い!
Of course some of the regulars will not. Cutbacks on fireworks shows and other annual displays of extravagance will likely be cancelled or drastically scaled down. With nationwide efforts to save energy in response to the March 11th disaster companies are turning down their air conditioning and promoting yet another vague (although this time around unarguably popular) summer fashion trend, "super cool biz". Say goodbye to neckties for the time being at least (wearing one almost guarantees nasty looks of disapproval as if you're not doing your part for 節電).
So, besides taking in the heat and hopefully a little matsuri-magic, it's also a good time of year to get a head start on job hunting. Although it may not seem like the best way to spend your summer months, 15-20 minutes each day can really go a long way to improving your job hunting experience. Plus, it's mostly cancer free (except for all the time you'll be using a computer...which is most likely all the time... never mind).
If you're in your third year of undergraduate education or in your first year of your masters program, here's a brief rundown of what you can start doing to get ahead.
■自己分析 (jiko bunseki) - Simply put, this is a kind of self-reflection/analysis. Think of this as an exercise that (if undertaken seriously) can improve your self-awareness and help you make better choices about the future. Starting your job search with jiko bunseki allows you think critically about what type of industry, field, or position you want to work in. It also allows you to re-evaluate your skills and experiences so that you can find a position that best suits your needs. It will also come in handy later on for 自己PR（jiko PR) when interviewing.
※Remember that in Japan it can be incredibly difficult to find another job after quiting your first company within the first year of employment.
When tackling questions about your personality, such as locating your strengths and weaknesses, it can sometimes be a difficult venture to undertake alone. Asking your friends, family, or significant other for honest feedback can be one of the most helpful approaches. Try to take it with a grain of salt and remember that we are often unable to see ourselves in an objective light.
There are, however, questions which only you yourself can answer. These tend to be experiential questions or questions concerning future goals. One simple approach is to make three sections: past, present, and future; and ask yourself the following questions:
●Past - What did you study in college? Which projects did you work hard on? What type of study did you enjoy/dislike? What obstacles did you face upon coming to Japan as an international student? How did you overcome them?
●Present - What is your sale point? How can you market your skills/achievements to the company?
●Future (goals/growth/achievements) - What type of person do you want to become from now on? (goal)
(What efforts will you make in order to improve upon your current weaknesses? What would you like to learn how to do that you are currently unable of doing? (growth) What type of titles, licenses or degrees, if any, do you want to obtain? How will you do it? (achievements)
■The next step is 業界研究 - (gyoukai kenkyu) industry research - i.e., an overall review of the various industries in the Japanese job market. Learning about the movements of companies within their industry, for example, which companies are pushing hardest to enter the market in X country, can help you decide which industry would best utilize your skills.
Try to reduce your job search to two or three different industries that you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in being a "bridge" between Japan and your home country, you may find that manufacturing or trading industries to have the most jobs for your field.
■After industry research, try to spend time researching which companies are within the industry of your interest. This is commonly referred to as 企業研究 - （kigyoukenkyu）company research. What are the top companies in that industry? Which are making moves in the global economy? Which companies are focused on hiring new employees from your home country? Researching these questions will help you get a better idea of which companies to follow.
If you are able to spend even a little time each day practicing these things, you'll be much more prepared and likely on the same page as your Japanese contemporaries when job hunting really heats up in October.
Enjoy the summer and try not to spend too much time indoors.
Good luck!
2011年1月11日火曜日
Interview Tip: Entering and Exiting the Interview Room 【面接の入退室の流れについて】
On paper it looks easy; spoken it sounds simple: open the door, walk in, close the door.
Of course, as you should already be aware, nothing about the job hunting process in Japan is simple - and this is no exception.
Being confident is key in an interview, so the last thing you want is to be nervous about something as fundamental as entering and exiting a room. Below are a list of simple steps to help you navigate your way through this simple yet somewhat baffling process.
"How should I enter the room?”
【面接の入退室の流れについて】
書類選考を通過し、ようやく面接にすすむことができた
ものの、実際にその場に立つと分からないことばかり・・・
「どうやって部屋に入ればいいの？」
「かばんやコートは持ったままでいいの？」
この流れをしっかり覚えておくだけで、面接そのもので
自信をもって話すことができますよ。
（１）手の裏で「3回」ドアをノックする
（２）ドアを開け、中に入る
・中から「どうぞ」という声が聞こえてからドアを少し開ける
・「失礼いたします」と元気よく言って入室する
・体を横に向けて、両手で静かにドアを閉める
（３）はじめの挨拶
・面接官の方に向き、「失礼いたします」と笑顔で挨拶
・挨拶した後、姿勢をまっすぐにして４５度のお辞儀をする
（４）椅子まで進む
・前に進み、椅子の横に立つ
・かばんは椅子の横、コートはかばんの上に丸めて置く
（５）学校名・氏名を名乗る
・面接官の目をしっかり見て、はっきりとした大きな声で
「大学名・学部名・氏名（フルネーム）」を言う
・最後に「よろしくお願いいたします」と言ってお辞儀をする
（６）椅子に座る
・面接官に「どうぞおかけ下さい」とすすめられてから
「失礼します」と軽く会釈して着席する
・姿勢よく、椅子の後ろを3分の1ほど空けて座る
（７）面接が終わったら
・座ったままで「本日はありがとうございました」とお礼を言う
（８）立ち上がって挨拶
・椅子の前に立ち、「失礼いたします」と言ってから
４５度のお辞儀をする
（９）ドアの前で最後の挨拶
・荷物を持ってドアに進み、ドアの前で立ちどまり、面接官の
ほうに振り返って「失礼いたします」と挨拶する
・ドアを開けて退室し、静かにドアを閉める
Of course, as you should already be aware, nothing about the job hunting process in Japan is simple - and this is no exception.
Being confident is key in an interview, so the last thing you want is to be nervous about something as fundamental as entering and exiting a room. Below are a list of simple steps to help you navigate your way through this simple yet somewhat baffling process.
【Regarding entering and exiting the interview】
You’ve made it through the document screening process and at last you’re ready for the interview but once you get there you realize there are still some things you are unsure of…
You’ve made it through the document screening process and at last you’re ready for the interview but once you get there you realize there are still some things you are unsure of…
"How should I enter the room?”
“Is it OK to be holding my coat and briefcase?”
"When should I say Shitsureishimasu?
"When should I say Shitsureishimasu?
If you simply remember this pattern, you’ll be able to speak more confidently once the actual interview begins.
（１）Knock “3” times with the back of your hand (lightly)
（２）Open the door and enter the room
（１）Knock “3” times with the back of your hand (lightly)
（２）Open the door and enter the room
・Upon hearing “Dozo” from inside, open the door slightly. ・With an energetic “Shitsureishimasu”, enter the room. ・With your body turned sideways, politely close the door with both hands (if possible).
（３）First Greeting ・Facing the interviewers, smile and greet them with “Shitsurei-itashimasu”. ・After greeting the interviewers, stand up straight and bow at a 45 degree angle. (Make sure you completely finish saying Shitsurei-itashimasu before begining your bow.)
（３）First Greeting ・Facing the interviewers, smile and greet them with “Shitsurei-itashimasu”. ・After greeting the interviewers, stand up straight and bow at a 45 degree angle. (Make sure you completely finish saying Shitsurei-itashimasu before begining your bow.)
（４）Proceed to your seat. ・Proceed to your seat and stand next to it. ・Place your briefcase next to the chair and drape your coat over it, folding it slightly.
（５）State your name and your school’s name ・While making eye contact with the interviewer, state your「school name・department・name（full name）」in a loud and clear voice. ・Lastly say,「Yoroshiku O-negai-itashimasu」and bow.
（６）Sit down ・Once the interviewer makes the offer「Dozo O-kakekudasai」, with a slight bow say “Shitsureishimasu” and take your seat. ・With good posture, sit on the front 2/3 of the chair（７）When the interview has finished ・While still seated, say “Honjitsu arigatou gozaimasu”
（８）Stand and Greet ・Stand in front of your chair and say “Shitsurei-itashimasu”, and bow at a 45 degree angle.
（９）Final Greeting ・Proceed to the door while holding your things and stop before the door. Turn around and face the interviewer, greeting him/her with “Shitsurei-itashimasu” ・Open the door, exit the room and quietly close the door behind you（５）State your name and your school’s name ・While making eye contact with the interviewer, state your「school name・department・name（full name）」in a loud and clear voice. ・Lastly say,「Yoroshiku O-negai-itashimasu」and bow.
（６）Sit down ・Once the interviewer makes the offer「Dozo O-kakekudasai」, with a slight bow say “Shitsureishimasu” and take your seat. ・With good posture, sit on the front 2/3 of the chair（７）When the interview has finished ・While still seated, say “Honjitsu arigatou gozaimasu”
（８）Stand and Greet ・Stand in front of your chair and say “Shitsurei-itashimasu”, and bow at a 45 degree angle.
【面接の入退室の流れについて】
書類選考を通過し、ようやく面接にすすむことができた
ものの、実際にその場に立つと分からないことばかり・・・
「どうやって部屋に入ればいいの？」
「かばんやコートは持ったままでいいの？」
この流れをしっかり覚えておくだけで、面接そのもので
自信をもって話すことができますよ。
（１）手の裏で「3回」ドアをノックする
（２）ドアを開け、中に入る
・中から「どうぞ」という声が聞こえてからドアを少し開ける
・「失礼いたします」と元気よく言って入室する
・体を横に向けて、両手で静かにドアを閉める
（３）はじめの挨拶
・面接官の方に向き、「失礼いたします」と笑顔で挨拶
・挨拶した後、姿勢をまっすぐにして４５度のお辞儀をする
（４）椅子まで進む
・前に進み、椅子の横に立つ
・かばんは椅子の横、コートはかばんの上に丸めて置く
（５）学校名・氏名を名乗る
・面接官の目をしっかり見て、はっきりとした大きな声で
「大学名・学部名・氏名（フルネーム）」を言う
・最後に「よろしくお願いいたします」と言ってお辞儀をする
（６）椅子に座る
・面接官に「どうぞおかけ下さい」とすすめられてから
「失礼します」と軽く会釈して着席する
・姿勢よく、椅子の後ろを3分の1ほど空けて座る
（７）面接が終わったら
・座ったままで「本日はありがとうございました」とお礼を言う
（８）立ち上がって挨拶
・椅子の前に立ち、「失礼いたします」と言ってから
４５度のお辞儀をする
（９）ドアの前で最後の挨拶
・荷物を持ってドアに進み、ドアの前で立ちどまり、面接官の
ほうに振り返って「失礼いたします」と挨拶する
・ドアを開けて退室し、静かにドアを閉める
2010年10月4日月曜日
Osaka Prefecture Job Support for Foreigners Project: A Brief Explanation of Our Project
Find a job in Japan today!
Osaka Prefecture
For those geared toward establishing a career in Japan, whether it’s how to proceed with job hunting, writing your resume, Japanese appropriate for interviews, changing your status of residence, or anything else related to working in Japan – we offer free counseling!
Unsure of how much ‘keigo’ to use at an interview? Curious as to why your boss keeps insisting you go drinking together? Unsure of the proper way to exchange business cards? “Why do I need more than one resume?” “Do I need to write a thank you letter after an interview?” We also offer counseling from a former international student about Japan Japan
【Date and Time】
Weekdays
[] Closed for Lunch
◆ Job support counseling – Mon./ Tue. / Thurs.
(Advice about interviews and other uncertainties that may arise from job hunting in Japan
◆ Job support / Lifestyle counseling from a former international student – Wed.
(Advice from a foreigner’s point of view about Japanese usage and peculiar Japanese customs)
◆ Counseling about the processes involved when entering a Japanese company – Fri.
(Advice from a specialist about status of residence applications (VISA), etc.)
【Place】
Job Café Osaka - Osaka City Osaka
【Eligibility】
International Students / Recent Graduates / Foreigners living in Japan
(Specifically Foreigners under the age of 34 who are looking for work in Japan
【Assignee Company】
2010 Hometown Re-Employment Service Job Support Service for Foreigners
Pasona and Pasona Global
【Reservations】
Please make reservations in advance by email to: jobsupportservice@ork.ecnet.jp
Please include your name and desired date and time.
【Other】
1. We are a free service
2. All counseling services are offered in Japanese with the exception of Wednesdays.
3. If possible, please bring a copy of your resume.
4. We do not disclose your personal information to any third parties without your consent
外国人ジョブサポートサービス
【内容】
日本での就職にむけて、就職活動の進め方、履歴書の書き方、面接での日本語の使い方、在留資格変更手続きなど、就職のことなら何でも、無料でカウンセリングいたします。日本語の使い方や日本特有文化などについて不安があれば、先輩留学生による外国人の視点からアドバイスも承りますので安心してご相談ください。
【日時】10：00 ～ 17：00 （12：00－13：00はのぞく）
◆ 就活相談 － 月曜日、火曜日、木曜日
（面接練習など、就活で不安があることに関するアドバイス）
◆ 先輩留学生による就職・生活相談 － 水曜日
（日本語の使い方や日本特有文化など、外国人の視点からのアドバイス）
◆ 専門相談員による入社手続き相談 － 金曜日
（在留資格の申請など、専門相談員からのアドバイス）
【場所】
JobカフェOsaka 大阪市中央区北浜東3-14エル・おおさか3F
◆ 京阪電車「天満橋駅」東口より西へ300m・
地下鉄谷町線「天満橋駅」2番出口より西へ300ｍ
◆ 京阪電車「北浜駅」30番出口より東へ500ｍ・
地下鉄堺筋線「北浜駅」3番出口より東へ500ｍ
【対象者】
留学生・既卒者・一般の外国人の方
（日本で就職を希望する34歳までの方）
【運営】
「平成22年度 ふるさと雇用再生基金事業」
外国人ジョブサポートサービス
主催： 大阪府、財団法人大阪労働協会、株式会社パソナ、株式会社パソナグローバル
【予約】
事前予約が必要です。
お名前、ご希望の日時と相談内容
【その他】
（1）無料です （2）水曜日以外相談は日本語で対応します （3）可能であれば履歴書をご持参してください
（4）相談された内容および個人情報は、全て厳重に管理いたします
（4）相談された内容および個人情報は、全て厳重に管理いたします
発行元： 大阪府 外国人ジョブサポート業務事業
----------------------------------------------
■住所：大阪市中央区北浜東3-14エル・おおさか 3F
■担当：栗田(Ms. Kurita)
■ E-mail：jobsupportservice@ork.ecnet.jp ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
----------------------------------------------
■住所：大阪市中央区北浜東3-14エル・おおさか 3F
■担当：栗田(Ms. Kurita)
■ E-mail：jobsupportservice@ork.ecnet.jp ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
発行元：大阪府 外国人ジョブサポート業務事業
----------------------------------------------
■住所：大阪府大阪市中央区南新町1-1-2 タイムスビル2F
■TEL：06-4791-5221 担当：ヘンドリックス(Mr. Hendricks)
■ E-mail：hkipp@crest.ocn.ne.jp
発行元：大阪府 外国人ジョブサポート業務事業
----------------------------------------------
■住所：大阪府大阪市中央区南新町1-1-2 タイムスビル2F
■TEL：06-4791-5221 担当：ヘンドリックス(Mr. Hendricks)
■ E-mail：hkipp@crest.ocn.ne.jp
登録:
投稿 (Atom)