Job hunting etiquettes
Not only the ability, but also etiquette and manner are highly valued by Japanese companies. Candidates dressing inappropriately or using the wrong words will be eliminated from the further selection process, even if they perform well in the writing test and interview. So know about job hunting etiquettes in advance.
Appearance
Compared to unique and eye-catching clothes, those clean ones are more appropriate. It’s also important to avoid pleats and stains on suits and shirts. For more details on specific job-hunting appearance, please refer to the “Appearance when Job Hunting” page of Asagaku Navi.
Wording
Honorifics are important to wording. You don’t need to master perfect honorifics, but honorifics are still necessary for every job hunting situation, such as an interview or a company visit. So be sure to use basic honorifics correctly.
| 尊敬語 （相手の状態や動作に敬意を表す表現） |
謙譲語 （自分の低めることで、相対的に相手に敬意を表す表現） |
|
| いる | いらっしゃる | おります |
| 行く | いらっしゃる | 参る、伺う |
| 来る | お越しになる | 参る |
| 言う | おっしゃる | 申す |
| 聞く | お聞きになる | 伺う |
| 見る | ご覧になる | 拝見する |
| 知る | ご存じ | 存じる、存じ上げる |
| 食べる | 召し上る | いただく |
| する | なさる | いたす |
| 与える | くださる | 差し上げる |
| すいませんが | 申し訳ございませんが、恐れ入りますが |
Email etiquette
During a job hunting period, candidates often need to contact recruiters by email. Remember to avoid the usual style of sending emails to friends or a short style that only says what you want to say.
- An email consists of the recipient, self-introduction, text and signature, etc.,
and it has to be easy to read. - After writing the email, make sure there are no spelling mistakes or leakage words.
- Do not use emoji or informal expressions like “(laugh)”.
- If you are in hurry or need to apologize, please make a call instead of using email.
- When you receive an email, reply promptly.
Phone etiquette
Also be careful when calling the recruiter to make an appointment for an interview. In addition to proper wording, considering for other people will help you make a good impression, too.
-
- Avoid calling in the early morning, late at night, before starting working, after finishing working or during the lunch break.
- After the call is connected, introduce yourself and greet, and confirm with the recruiter whether she or he is convenient to talk.
- In order to make your name clearly heard, explain your name in alphabet, katakana and kanji.
- Pay attention to the wording and speak in a clear voice.
- After the call is finished, express thanks and hang up after the recruiter hangs up.
Company visit and interview etiquette
When visiting a company for an interview, etc., all your behaviors from the moment you arrive at the company to your leaving will be used as a reference for selection. Know about the necessary manners in advance, for basic business etiquette is often required.
- When you arrive at the reception desk, state your name and school name clearly.
- In the interview waiting room, do not chat, use your phone or fidget; please wait with a quiet mood.
- Knock the door lightly 3 times before entering the interview room.
- When you enter the interview room, say “Shitsurei itashimasu” (失礼いたします).
And avoid turning your back to the interviewer when you close the door. - Sit on the chair after the interviewer offers you a seat.
- Place your bag at the side of your feet when you sit down.
- When you leave, say “Honjitsu wa arigatou gozaimashita” (本日はありがとうございました)
and then make a bow.
