Flow of Job Hunting in Japan～New Graduates / No Full-Time Work Experience

About Job Hunting for New Graduates in Japan

First, let’s look at the uniquely Japanese concept of “new graduate recruitment.”

Key Points at a Glance

・Job hunting for new graduates often starts two years before graduation
・Offers may be made as early as one year before graduation
・Some companies provide training or orientation after an offer
・Application periods and company information sessions are scheduled — don’t miss them
・Application forms often require twice as much writing as those for Japanese students
・Learn Japanese manners and customs early, and practice polite Japanese (keigo)

What Is a “New Graduate” in Japan?

A new graduate refers to a student who has not yet graduated and has no full-time work experience as a regular employee.
In Japan, it is common to secure a job before graduation.
Once you graduate, you may be treated as a “graduated applicant (kisho)”,
which can make you ineligible for new graduate recruitment programs.
For graduates of overseas universities with different academic calendars,each company defines the “new graduate” period differently.
If you need to job hunt after graduation, always confirm eligibility with the company before applying.

New Graduate Hiring & Visa Status

・Visa eligibility: Yes
・Employer: Hiring company
・Employment period: Unlimited（Renewal Required）

Preparation for New Graduate Job Hunting

STEP 1: Learn What It Means to Work

Attend Job-Hunting Guidance Sessions

Universities often hold job-hunting guidance sessions through their career centers.
These sessions explain:
・The mindset required for job hunting
・How the university will support students
Whether you prepare properly at this stage will significantly affect your later success.

Participate in Internships

Internships help you understand:
・The workplace environment
・Your own strengths and interests
They also strengthen your applications later on.

Research Industries and Companies

Research the industries you are interested in:
・Industry structure
・Business models
・Career paths
Many people change jobs within the same industry, even if they change companies.
This research helps shape your long-term career direction.

STEP 2: Understand Yourself and Plan Your Career

Conduct Self-Analysis

How deeply you analyze yourself affects your success in the selection process.
Companies evaluate:
・Whether you can communicate clearly
・Whether you can respect others’ opinions
・Whether you can express your own ideas logically
Communication skills are essential for a long professional career.

Visit Alumni (OB/OG Visits)

Talking directly with alumni working at companies gives you:
・Real, practical insights
・Information not found on job-hunting websites
This helps you form a concrete image of working at the company.

Attend Company Information Sessions

・December–January: Large joint company seminars
・February–March: Individual company information sessions
These sessions are important opportunities to meet employers.
Some sessions include aptitude tests or written exams, so prepare in advance.

Learn Proper Keigo (Polite Japanese)

Using honorific language is expected in the Japanese workplace.
Honorific language will significantly improve your performance in interviews, so practice it daily to speak clearly and politely.
However, even Japanese people find honorific language difficult.
It's okay to make mistakes, so at the very least, make sure you can respond to interview questions using polite language like "masu" and "desu."

Practical Job-Hunting Steps

STEP 1: Participate in the Selection Process

Create Application Forms

This is where your preparation pays off.
Application methods include:
・Online submission
・Postal submission
Your motivation statement and self-promotion are crucial.
Without passing this stage, the process cannot move forward.

Written Tests

These tests evaluate:
・General knowledge
・Reading and writing skills
・Job suitability
The most common test is SPI.
Use preparation books and ask alumni about test trends.
Some companies include current affairs, so follow the news regularly.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted by hiring managers through:
・Group interviews
・Individual interviews (more common in later stages)
Prepare to clearly explain:
・Your motivation
・Your strengths
・What you want to achieve at the company

STEP 2: Receive a Job Offer

Informal and Formal Offers

After passing the final interview, companies issue an offer.Due to hiring guidelines, formal offers are typically issued from October 1,
so earlier offers are often called informal offers.If you receive multiple offers, decide promptly and notify other companies politely.

Autumn Recruitment

Some companies recruit again from summer to autumn.
This is useful if:
・You did not receive an offer earlier
・You find a better career fit later
However, most hiring still occurs in winter and spring.
Waiting only for autumn recruitment is generally not recommended.

Job Offer Ceremony

Many companies hold a job offer ceremony in October.
This is an opportunity to:
・Learn about the company culture
・Network with other new hires
Before joining, international students must change their visa status
from “Student” to an appropriate work visa (e.g., Engineer / Humanities).

Key Points Recap

・Start job hunting two years before graduation
・Offers may come one year before graduation
・Training may begin after an offer
・Follow fixed schedules for applications and seminars
・Application forms require substantial writing
・Learn Japanese manners and keigo early
This concludes the guide for new graduate job hunting.
If you already have work experience in Japan or abroad,
please refer to “Flow of Job Hunting in Japan (Mid-Career)”.