Check out Japanese interview etiquette! Important points for working at a construction company

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

Even in Japan, when you start a job, you have an "interview" where you talk to someone from the company.

This time, we will introduce Japanese interview etiquette for those who want to work in a construction company in Japan!
Please check it out before your interview.

Introducing interview etiquette for Japanese construction companies! What should you pay attention to first?

When interviewing at a Japanese construction company, be sure to keep the following two points in mind:

1. Clothing and hairstyle
2. time

1. Clothing and hairstyle

We will introduce the etiquette for clothing and hairstyles for Japanese interviews.

Q: What kind of clothes should I wear to a Japanese interview?

In Japan, most people wear a suit to an interview.
Suit colors include black, navy blue, and gray.

Shoes should be chosen in black or brown.

 Q: What should I wear if I don't have a suit?

If you don't have a suit, you don't have to prepare one.
Wear neat attire to the interview.

For example, the following outfit:

• A shirt with a collar (white, light blue, etc.)
• Plain trousers (light brown, grey, etc.)
• Beautiful shoes

It is a good idea to iron your clothes to remove wrinkles.
In the construction industry, some people wear work clothes.

Q: What kind of outfits are not allowed?

Do not go to an interview dressed like this:

• hat
• Accessories (necklaces, earrings, etc.)
• sunglasses
• Sandals
• Clothes that expose a lot of skin (tank tops, shorts, etc.)
• Dirty, torn, wrinkled clothes

Remove any jewelry during the interview.
It's okay to wear a wedding ring.

Q: Will I have to wear a mask?

In Japan, many people still wear masks.
Please wear a mask when you come to the interview.

If your company gives you instructions, please follow them.

Q: What kind of hairstyle is appropriate for an interview?

Your hair should be arranged so that your face is clearly visible.
If your bangs are covering your eyes, cut them short.

Use hair styling products such as wax or gel to style your hair.
Don't go to an interview with bedhead.

2. Time

Japan has a very strict attitude towards "time".
You need to be on time, especially during an interview.

Q: How many minutes before the interview should I arrive at the office?

Aim to arrive at the office 5 to 10 minutes before the interview starts.

You must not be late for an interview (missing the appointed time).
You might think, "Maybe he's the kind of person who is late for his regular work too."

However, it is also not a good idea to arrive too early, such as arriving at the office more than 30 minutes before the interview starts.
If you arrive early, please wait nearby.

Q: What should I do if I am going to be late?

Even if you are careful, you may still end up being late if the train is stopped, etc.
If I know I'm going to be late, I call the office right away.

First, call and apologize for being late.
After that, explain two things: the reason for being late and the time you will arrive at work.

Once you arrive at the office, apologize again for being late before the interview starts.

Q: For online interviews, how many minutes before do you prepare?

Even if it is an online interview, please wait in front of the screen 5 to 10 minutes before the interview starts.

How to make a good impression at a Japanese construction company interview

Here are some tips to help you make a good impression at an interview with a Japanese construction company.

The following points are important:

• Greeting from yourself
• Speak loud and clear
• Use polite language using "desu" and "masu"

In the construction industry, you may have to carry heavy objects and work in hot or cold places.
There are many situations where you need to use your physical strength.
For this reason, companies look at whether the candidate will be able to work hard and enthusiastically.

In order to give the impression that you are "an energetic person who will work hard!" it is very important to "greet people first" and "speak loudly and clearly."

In the construction industry, you work in cooperation with other employees.
When speaking with other employees, use polite language such as "desu" and "masu."

Make sure to use polite language during the interview.
If you can use polite language during an interview, the interviewer will think that you are someone who can communicate well with other employees.

It's okay if you can't use difficult Japanese during the interview!
An interpreter may accompany you to the interview.

The important thing is to have the desire to work hard in Japan, rather than difficult Japanese.

Be confident and energetic and go to the interview!

What kind of questions will you be asked in an interview at a Japanese construction company?

Here are some questions you are likely to be asked during interviews at Japanese construction companies.

Also, in Japan, there are some things you should not say in an interview.
We will also introduce some things that you should not say.

Frequently asked questions in Japanese interviews: 1. Reasons for applying

In Japanese interviews, you will often be asked about your reasons for applying.
Reasons for applying would be things like, "Why did you choose this company?" or "Why did you want to work with Specified Skills?"

Your reasons for applying should include three points:

• Reasons for becoming interested in Japan, Specified Skills, the company, the job description, etc.
• How can I use my skills and experience in my work?
• What I want to learn next

You will make a good impression if you not only tell them what you can do now, but also convey your enthusiasm for learning, such as "I would like to learn XX technology in the future."

Frequently asked questions in Japanese interviews② About personality

There are also questions to find out more about the applicant.
For example, questions like:

• Please tell us your strengths and weaknesses
• What do you value most when working?
• What have you been working hard on so far?

Be careful not to give a bad impression about your weaknesses.
If you are making efforts to improve your weaknesses, it's a good idea to talk about that as well.

Frequently asked questions in Japanese interviews③ About working in Japan

You may be asked questions like:

• How long do you want to work in Japan?
• What does your family say about working in Japan?
• What do you want to do in the future after working in Japan?

Things you should ask and be careful of in a Japanese interview

In Japan, at the end of an interview you may be asked, "Do you have any questions?"

If asked, ask a question.
Asking questions shows that you are interested in the company and the job.

Ask questions like the following:

• How many foreigners are there?
• (If there are foreigners in the company) What kind of work do they do?
• What you need to do before you start working
• Difficult parts of the job

There are some things you should be careful about in a Japanese interview.

For example, it is very important to check the terms of employment.
Make sure to check the salary, holidays, working hours, etc.
It would also be a good idea to explain why you care about the employment conditions, such as "I want to work at this company for a long time."

Summary: What's important in a Japanese construction company interview is a little bit of manners and a willingness to try your best

Knowing Japanese interview etiquette is very important in order to make a good impression on people at the company.

Especially when interviewing at a construction company, be sure to greet the interviewer first and speak clearly and loudly.
It is important to use polite Japanese, but in the construction field, it is also important to have a strong desire to "work hard and enthusiastically!" and "want to work hard in Japan!"

Don't worry if you're not confident in your Japanese!
Be sure to convey your strengths in your own words!