Job-Hunting for Students in Japan

When Japanese students enter their third year of college, a major activity takes over their lives: job hunting. Instead of focusing solely on classes, many spend their time attending company seminars and doing job interviews—all while still a year away from graduation. This long and often exhausting process is known as Shūkatsu. It’s a highly competitive and structured tradition in Japan, where landing a job before graduation is considered the norm.

What is the meaning of Shūkatsu?

Shūkatsu is short for shūshoku katsudō, which means job-hunting activity. This term refers to the period when college students in Japan begin looking for full-time employment—usually about a year before they graduate. As a result, many students already have job offers secured by the time they finish their studies. This early recruitment system allows for a smooth transition from school to work, minimizing the gap between education and employment.

Japanese companies have a unique hiring system that emphasizes recruiting fresh graduates without looking at their experience. The government supports this process by setting designated periods for hiring, during which many companies hold mass job fairs and begin screening applicants. However, foreign-affiliated companies in Japan may not strictly follow this schedule. They often use different recruitment methods and timelines, which can offer more flexibility for students and job seekers who prefer alternative paths.

Can international students participate in Shūkatsu?

Of course! Shūkatsu is a common activity for every student in Japanese universities, including international students. According to government data from 2018, around 25,942 foreign students were hired by Japanese companies after graduation, and this number has been growing steadily each year.

International students also participates in shukatsu katsudo

Interestingly, a government survey conducted in 2015 revealed that more than half of the companies said the reason for hiring international students was simply that they passed the same selection process as Japanese applicants. This suggests that many employers in Japan evaluate candidates based on ability rather than nationality, treating international students as equal to their Japanese peers.

Also Read: Exclusive Interview: From Language Student to Full-time Worker in Japan

How to start job-hunting?

Shūkatsu is carried out alongside regular university activities, making it a busy time for students. The official job-hunting period typically begins in March and runs until around October. However, the actual work contract for successful applicants usually starts after graduation, in April of the following year. To increase your chances of success, it’s important to begin preparing at least one semester before the application period and company briefing sessions begin in March.

Early preparation is especially crucial if you’re aiming for a specific industry or company. Compared to their Japanese peers, many international students tend to start the process later. This delay is often due to differences in job-hunting systems between countries. However, falling behind the timeline in Japan can mean missing out on valuable opportunities, as many companies complete their hiring early in the season.

Here is the typical flow of Shūkatsu and what do you need to prepare.

Preparation: Self-analysis

The first step of job hunting is to know your character, values, passions, and skills. Understanding yourself will help to determine what kind of job will fit you. You can also present yourself better during job-hunting, especially during an interview.

The process of self-analysis can be done as early as possible. You do not have to wait until shukatsu starts. In fact, some universities give a self-analysis seminar for first and second-year students.

To do self-analysis, you can start by listing everything about yourself. What kind of person were you in the past? What do you want to be in the future? What are your strengths and weaknesses? You can ask people around you to get a better understanding.

Preparation: Job or company research

Do your research on economic and social trends in advance, so you’re ready to apply as soon as job-hunting season begins. Start by exploring different industries—Japan has a wide range, including food manufacturing, services, information and communications, and many more. Ask yourself: where do you want to build your career? What kind of industry fits your interests and strengths?

Once you’ve narrowed it down to one or two fields, begin researching companies within those industries. Japan has over a million companies, and many of them are small or medium-sized businesses that are not as well-known but offer great opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to famous names—these smaller firms could be the key to starting your career in Japan.

Do lots of research before job hunting

To deepen your research, reach out to alumni from your school who are already working in Japan. If you don’t know anyone personally, your university’s career center may be able to connect you. Speaking directly with current employees can give you insights that aren’t available on company websites.

To make your research even easier, check out Tokhimo Reviews—our platform where foreign employees in Japan share their real experiences. You’ll find helpful information on company culture, working conditions, salaries, and more. It’s a great way to discover companies that truly value global talent.

Preparation: Screening Test

The companies usually held written tests and interviews for candidates. They will assess your academic skills, basic knowledge, personality, and Japanese skills. If you have decided which job and company you want, you can confirm what type of test will be conducted.

Preparing properly will give you a huge advantage. Practice answering the common job hunt questions written and orally. Also, the test in Japan is commonly held in person, even during pandemics. Therefore, prepare your best suit and learn the manner for a job interview.

Application

Apply to your dream companies as soon as they open the application period. Companies typically begin the hiring process in March. Sending an application means showing your interest in working there. Don't worry, you can go for multiple companies.

CV is your place to humble brag all of your achievements

To apply to a company, you have to send an entry sheet. An entry sheet is a form made exclusively by each company. It is similar to a CV. You can download it from the company website or call them to ask for one. Upon receiving the application, the company will reach you back. They will give you information about the next step: briefing sessions.

Also read: How to Write Japanese CV (Rirekisho and Shokumu Keirekisho)

Company Briefing Sessions

Briefing sessions for young job hunters start in March. It can be conducted by a single company or multiple companies. Big companies usually held individual briefing sessions or seminars. Small and medium companies often organize joint-briefing sessions.

Attending briefing sessions will help you to know further about the company. It is your opportunity to ask questions. Wear the proper clothes and behave accordingly because the employers are watching. Do not forget to bring your resume and a copy of the application form.

Screening test

After briefing sessions, the company will conduct a screening test for candidates around June to September. The test usually consists of a written test and interview, although the types vary between companies.

There are three types of written tests: aptitude, general knowledge, and compositions or essays. Interviews can also be differentiated into group discussion, group interview, and one-on-one interview.

Confirm the date and time of the test, whether it will be held online or in person, and what you have to bring. If it is conducted in person, familiarize yourself with the venue. Calculate the time needed to go there and be early. If it is online, ensure your device and internet connection are stable.

Job offer

Finally, after a long process, you will receive an offer. By October, companies will send official job offers to accepted candidates. Congratulations!

The company usually will phone you after the screening process. They will follow with a formal offer letter by mail later. If you want to accept the offer, you have to send a "declaration" to them. However, the declaration is not legally binding, so you can still hunt for another job.

Also Read: Job-Type vs. Membership-Type Employment in Japan

In some cases, you may receive multiple job offers. Once you pick one company, immediately turn down the others by phone. Declining by email is considered insincere.

Learn your contract carefully before accept a job offer

Changing the residence status

The last step is to apply for a visa type change. Your reason for staying in Japan is no longer to study but for work. It takes one to three months to process the visa, so you must apply as soon as possible. The application begins in December or January if you join the company in April. In the meantime, always check your company timeline for new employees after the recruitment process. There are events like social gatherings, job offer ceremonies, or training.

Also read: How to Change Your Visa in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide

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The shūkatsu process may feel tiring and lengthy, but you're not alone on this journey. With Tokhimo Jobs, we're here to lighten the load for you. Our platform links students to a wide array of job openings, spanning part-time roles, internships, and entry-level positions.Visit Tokhimo Jobs today and begin the path to securing your ideal job in Japan!