
Achieve Success in Job Interviews with Japanese: Key Phrases and Vocabulary
Japanese vocabulary for job interviews.
Here are key Japanese phrases and important vocabulary useful for job interviews in Japan, including polite expressions and common questions:
Polite Opening and Closing Phrases
- よろしくお願いします (Yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – “I look forward to working with you.” Used to show respect and willingness to cooperate.
- 本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます (Honjitsu wa o-jikan o itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”
- 面接の機会をいただき、ありがとうございます。よろしくお願いします。(“Thank you for this interview opportunity. I look forward to working with you.”)
Common Interview Questions
- いつ日本に来ましたか?(Itsu Nihon ni kimashita ka?) – “When did you come to Japan?”
- いつまで日本に住むつもりですか?(Itsumade Nihon ni sumu tsumori desu ka?) – “How long do you plan to stay in Japan?”
- どうして当社/弊社で働きたいのですか?(Doushite tousha/heisha de hatarakitai no desu ka?) – “Why do you want to work for this company?”
- 転職活動をしている理由はなんですか?(Tenshoku katsudou wo shiteiru riyuu wa nan desu ka?) – “Why are you looking for a job/change?”
- 当社で達成したいことは何ですか?(Tousha de tassei shitai koto wa nan desu ka?) – “What would you want to achieve at this company?”
Describing Yourself and Your Skills
- 仕事を覚えるのは早い方だと思います。(Oshigoto o oboeru no wa hayai hou da to omoimasu.) – “I’m a quick learner.”
- この分野なら、長年の経験があります。(Kono bunya nara, naganen no keiken ga arimasu.) – “I have many years of experience in this field.”
- 原稿の整理や校正もできます。(Genkou no seiri ya kousei mo dekimasu.) – “My skills include copyediting and proofreading.”
- やりがいのある仕事を求めています。(Yarigai no aru shigoto wo motomete imasu.) – “I’m looking for a rewarding challenge.”
Showing Commitment and Availability
- 今すぐ、始められます。(Ima sugu, hajimeraremasu.) – “I can start immediately.”
- 当面は日本にいるつもりです。(Toumen wa Nihon ni iru tsumori desu.) – “I plan to stay in Japan for the foreseeable future.”
Important Vocabulary
- 面接 (mensetsu) – Interview
- 御社 (onsha) – Your company (respectful)
- 弊社 (heisha) – Our company (used by interviewers)
- 志望動機 (shiboudouki) – Reason for applying
- 経験 (keiken) – Experience
- 強み・弱み (tsuyomi/yowami) – Strength and weakness
- 貢献 (kouken) – Contribution
Etiquette Tips
- Use polite language (敬語 keigo), such as “です/ます” forms and avoid casual language.
- Bow when finishing a statement or greeting.
- Use formal self-reference 私 (watashi) instead of casual ones like 僕 (boku).
- When referring to the company, use 御社 (onsha) not こちら (kochira).
These phrases and vocabulary will help create a good impression and display professionalism and cultural awareness in a Japanese job interview setting.