In the competitive world of Japanese job interviews, making a strong first impression is crucial. Your self-introduction, or 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai), sets the tone for the entire interview and gives the interviewer a glimpse into your personality, skills, and motivations. Understanding the nuances of Japanese etiquette and tailoring your introduction accordingly can significantly enhance your chances of success.

How do you introduce yourself during a Japanese job interview? Read more to find out!

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Structure and Delivery of Your Self-Introduction

A well-structured self-introduction in Japanese typically follows a three-part format:

Greeting and Name: Begin with a polite greeting, such as good morning, or おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu), or hello, こんにちは (konnichiwa). Clearly state your name and surname.

Background and Educational Qualifications: Briefly introduce your educational background, including the universities or institutes you attended and your degrees or qualifications.

Work Experience and Skills: Highlight your relevant work experience, emphasizing accomplishments and skills that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities.

Closing Phrase: End with a respectful phrase to express your gratitude and enthusiasm.

How to Start Your Self-introduction in Japanese Job Interviews

Always begin with a polite greeting to set a respectful tone. This shows appreciation and humility, two important aspects of Japanese business etiquette.

For example, before you actually talk about yourself, you can say:

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Honjitsu wa ojikan o itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.

Check out our video on how to do basic self-introduction in Japanese!

How long should a self-introduction be in a Japanese interview?

Aim for 30 to 60 seconds. Japanese interviewers value concise, clear communication. Practice in advance to ensure your 自己紹介 flows naturally without sounding memorized.

Common Job Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Q. 自己紹介をお願いします。(Jiko shoukai o onegaishimasu): Tell me about yourself.

This broad question assesses your overall background, personality, and motivations. Be concise and focus on aspects relevant to the job.

Sample Answer

Johnと申します。現在25歳、アメリカ出身で、 ニューヨーク大学を卒業しました。アメリカでは2年間、日本では3年間、ウェブサイト制作を行う会社でエンジニアとして働いてまいりました。よろしくお願いいたします。

John to moushimasu. Genzai 25-sai, Amerika shusshin de, nyuuyouku daigaku o sotsugyou shimashita. Amerikade wa ninenkan, Nihonde wa sannenkan, webusaito seisaku o okonau kaisha de enjinia to shite hataraite mairimashita. Yoroshikuonegai itashimasu.

My name is John. I’m currently 25 years old, from the United States, and graduated from New York University. I worked as an engineer at a company that creates websites for two years in the United States and three years in Japan. Thank you very much.

Q. なぜ日本に来たのか聞いてもいいですか？ (Naze Nihon ni kita no ka kiite mo iidesu ka?): May I ask why you came to Japan?

This question asks about your interest in the country and could be used to evaluate your understanding of the Japanese market.

Sample Answer

小さいころから日本のゲームソフトやテレビドラマが身近にあり、いつかは日本に行ってみたいという気持ちがあったので、大学では日本語も学びました。エンジニアという職種なら日本で就職しやすいと考え来日を決めました。

Chiisai koro kara Nihon no geemusofuto ya terebi dorama ga midjika ni ari, itsuka wa Nihon ni itte mitai to iu kimochi ga attanode, daigakude wa nihongo mo manabimashita. Enjinia to iu shokushunara Nihon de shuushoku shi yasui to kangae rainichi o kimemashita.

Ever since I was little, I have been familiar with Japanese game software and TV dramas, and I wanted to go to Japan someday, so I also studied Japanese at university. I decided to come to Japan because I thought it would be easy to get a job in Japan as an engineer.

Q. このポジションに興味を持った理由 (Kono pojishon ni kyōmi o motta riyuu): Why are you interested in this position?

This question evaluates your understanding of the role and your genuine interest in the company. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s values and how your skills align with their needs.

Sample Answer

志望動機は、自分のスキルを発揮できる場所がほしいと思ったからです。私の対人関係スキルが、ベンダーとの有意義な関係を築くのに役に立つのではないかと感じています。また、デザインソフトを使った経験から、データベースの管理にも自信があります。

Shibou douki  wa, jibun no sukiru o hakki dekiru basho ga hoshii to omotta karadesu. Watashi no taijin kankei sukiru ga bendaa to no yuuigina kankei o kizuku no ni yaku ni tatsu node wanai ka to kanjite imasu. Mata, dezain sofuto o tsukatta keiken kara, deetabeesu no kanri nimo jishin ga arimasu.

I am looking for this job because I am looking for an opportunity to use my skills. I feel that I could be successful in this position because my interpersonal skills will help me develop meaningful relationships with vendors. Additionally, my experience using design software has given me the confidence to manage databases.

Q. あなたの個人的な長所と短所について話してください (Anata no kojin-tekina chousho to tansho ni tsuite hanashite kudasai): Please talk about your personal strengths and weaknesses.

This question assesses your self-awareness and ability to identify areas for improvement. Be honest and highlight complementary strengths and weaknesses.

Sample Answer

長所は真面目なところ、短所は考えすぎてしまうところです。前職でも納期を必ず守り、ミスが無いよう何重にもチェックをしていました。考えすぎてしまうところは短所ですが、行動に移るのが遅くならないよう、常に前倒しで仕事の段取りを組むようにしています。

Chōsho wa majimena tokoro, tansho wa kangae sugite shimau tokoro desu. Zenshoku demo nōki o kanarazu mamori, misu ga nai you nan-juu ni mo chekku o shite imashita. Kangae sugite shimau tokoro wa tanshodesuga, koudou ni utsuru no ga osoku naranai yō, tsuneni maedaoshi de shigoto no dandori o kumu you ni shite imasu.

My strength is that I am serious, and my weakness is that I think too much. Even at my previous job, I always met deadlines and checked multiple times to make sure there were no mistakes. My weakness is that I tend to overthink things, but I always try to plan my work ahead of time so that I don’t delay taking action.

Here is another blog on Top 10 Useful Phrases for Japanese Job Interviews to help you sound more Natural; check it out to ace your interview!

Additional Tips for Jikoshoukai

• Practice and Rehearse: Rehearse your self-introduction beforehand to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
• Maintain Eye Contact: Make eye contact with the interviewer to convey sincerity and engagement.
• Speak Clearly and Concisely: Speak clearly and concisely, using proper grammar and pronunciation.
• Show Enthusiasm and Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your passion for the field.
• Express Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. You can say お時間をいただき、ありがとうございました。よろしくお願いいたします。(Ojikan o itadaki arigatougozaimashita.  Yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu.) 。

You can also check out our blog, which includes different ways to express your gratitude!

What’s Next After Self-introduction?

Remember, your self-introduction is your chance to make a lasting impression and showcase your suitability for the role. By following these guidelines and tailoring your responses to the specific requirements of the interview, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job in Japan.

Want to land a job in Japan? Don’t forget to read our guide on:

• How to Work in Japan in This Economy
• How to Write Rirekisho (Japanese Resume): Free PDF Template
• Common Japanese Job Interview Questions You Need to Master
• Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting in Japan

FAQ

How do you introduce yourself in a Japanese job interview?

To introduce yourself in a Japanese job interview, start with a polite greeting, state your name using humble language (e.g.,「〇〇と申します」), briefly mention your background or work experience, and close with「どうぞよろしくお願いいたします」. Keep it formal and concise.

What kind of Japanese should I use in a job interview?

Use keigo (敬語), or honorific and humble expressions, to show respect and professionalism. Avoid casual language or slang. Polite verbs like「申します」「いたします」and respectful phrasing are essential for interviews in Japan.

Where can I learn keigo and business Japanese for job interviews?

You can join Coto Academy’s Business Japanese Course, a 3-month program focused on workplace communication, keigo, and interview preparation for professionals working in Japan.

What is jikoshoukai in Japanese?

Jikoshōkai (自己紹介) means “self-introduction” in Japanese. It’s the act of introducing yourself, such as sharing basic information like your name, background, and sometimes your goals or interests.