Interviewing with a Japanese Company

Following established protocols is key to a successful interview with a Japanese company. Japanese business culture values peace, harmony and long term relationships. In conducting business, Japanese hve established rules for communication, decision-making, meetings and presentations. Contrasted with these formal codes of behavior are the American competitive, casual attitude and a tendency to form short-term liaisons for short-term gain.

Adhering to established Japanese business etiquette will improve your chances of a job offer. Follow these conventions from the moment you open the door until the time it is closed behind you.

Keep in mind that your Japanese interviewer will form an opinion about you based at least as much (maybe more) on what you do as on what you say.

1. Japanese appreciate when others make an effort to learn about their culture. Prepare for the interview by learning enough about Japanese culture so that you will be comfortable during your interview.
2. Choose samples of your work that represent your accomplishments related to the position for which you are interviewing. Ask your search consultant what type of graphic examples would be best.
3. Learn the names of those who will be interviewing you and how to pronounce them correctly.
4. Unless the interviewer requests otherwise, address everyone by last name with an appropriate title. If the interviewer asks you to use first names, do so until time to say goodbye. Goodbyes are more formal; don't feel you have to jump in to fill the quiet with unnecessary words.
5. Say enough to completely answer questions, but don't talk too much. Japanese use silence as a way of communication; don't feel you have to jump in to fill the quiet with unnecessary words.
6. When answering questions, speak slowly so Japanese listeners can understand, but not so slowly as to be condescending. Use short concise sentences. If you don't understand a question, it is better to politely ask the interviewer to repeat it rather than forge ahead with an answer that may not be correct.
7. Pay attention to all who are in the interview. Answer your questioner first, but from time to time, turn your face to those who are silent during the interview. In many cases, the highest appropriate manager will attend the interview. He may not be fluent in English, but it is important to acknowledge his presence and position.
8. Show a willingness and motivation to learn and apply new concepts and ideas. Exaggerating your experience or knowledge will not make a favorable impression.
9. Strengthen your position by indicatin or being in a postion to indicate that other companies are considering you. Be careful not to appear too needy by overstating your interest in working for this company.
10. If you want to be considered for the position, follow your interview immediately with a thank you email or letter to the interviewer.