April is not only the time for school entrance but also the time that most fresh graduates start their employment in Japan. In order to be a person of the society (which is also known as "Shakaijin") which indicates those who start working as full-time employees, the fresh graduates must start their job hunting and job-seeking activities almost 1 year ago with a specific timeline.
Today, BOW would like to introduce the typical timeline for job hunting in Japan. However, if you are not a fresh graduate, you do not follow this schedule.
■ [Until May 2023] Self-analysis, self-promotion preparation
Self-promotion is a "selling activity" that conveys to the company you are applying what you can contribute, confirms that you have sufficient ability and experience to perform the job they are looking for, and gets the company to take an interest in you.
Self-analysis is not only for job hunting but also for career development. When working in society, you will have many opportunities to make choices about your career, such as departmental transfers, promotions, and advancements.
■ [From May 2023] Industry research, company research, internship
After preparing for self-promotion and self-analysis, you will know better about your strengths, your favorite workplace, or your industry. It's time to research the companies that are in the industry you are interested in.
An internship is a program that allows students to deepen their understanding of work, companies, industries, and society through work experience. Internships vary from a few days to over a month, but they provide an opportunity to experience the real world of business before entering the workforce.
In a survey of 1,239 job applicants for the class of 2019, 62.0% responded that they have participated in an internship program.
■ [October 2023 to February 2024] Making an Entry
If you have not made an entry, you will not be able to participate in the selection process. Many companies close their entries around mid-May, so you should complete your entries to the companies you are interested in by March if possible, or by April at the latest. Also, try to secure as many companies as possible to enter.
■ [February to May 2024] Participate in events, interviews
In interviews in Japan or other places in the world, it is important to maintain a calm demeanor and a cheerful facial expression. Look the interviewer in the eye and use the correct honorifics. This is when you can PR yourself to the interviewers so be well-prepared for the questions to be asked, your strengths, and the relation between what you have learned at the university and the position you are applying for.
■ [From June 2024] Start of main selection ~ Job offer
From June, the final selection and interviews will begin, and informal offers will gradually begin to be delivered.
An unofficial job offer is a promise to a company that they will issue a job offer (recruitment notice) in October. A job offer is a formal contract, and many companies hold a job offer ceremony on October 1st, the company gives a "recruitment notice" to the student, and the student submits a "letter of consent".
In most cases, you will start your employment at the company after receiving the job offer in April of the following year when you graduate.
The job-hunting schedule may vary based on individual majors, plans, etc. If you are looking for a job in the restaurant, hotel, IT, Nursing care, etc. industry, don't hesitate to contact #BOW to get the job in just a short time!
