Watch the YouTube video for this article
This question is often asked in Japanese interviews.
We’ll explain in detail how to answer this question and how to craft your answer accordingly.
If you can clearly explain why you applied to this company and not others, the company representative will think, “You’ve done your research on our company,” and you’ll make a good impression.
\ Check jobs you can apply for from overseas /
Case Study
志望動機を教えてください。
(For IT engineers)
IT技術で世界を変えるという本社のビジョンに共感し、私も世界でチャレンジしたいと思い志望しました。
私はこれまでエンジニアとしてシステムの開発に携わってきましたが、今後は培ってきた技術をグローバルでも発揮したいです。
現在は人手不足で、アプリやシステム、AIなどのIT技術は必要不可欠です。グローバルな本社であれば、私の技術と経験を生かして世界中の人々の生活をもっと便利にできると考えています。
これまでの経験を生かして、ロボットやAIなど本社が得意としているシステムを開発し、さらにグローバル展開していきたいと思います。
I will explain this article in more detail.
First, state your goal.
Set your goals after joining the company based on what you want to become and how you will contribute to the company. By communicating your goals during the interview, you can convey to the HR department that you have a vision for what you will achieve after joining the company.
Next, explain why you should work there.
Explain how working for this company will benefit you. Again, be as clear as possible.
Finally, explain how you will contribute.
Explain how you will contribute to the company by utilizing your past experience. This will highlight how “hiring me will be a positive thing for the company.”
Here are some points to keep in mind when explaining your motivation for applying:
Point 1: Explain why you chose this company.
By clearly explaining why you chose our company over another, you can dispel any concerns that you might quit soon.
Point 2: Research the company.
Look at the company’s website and job listings to thoroughly research the company’s current situation, its position within the industry, and the type of person they would like to hire in the future.
Point ③: We will also tell you what you can do at the company.
Imagine whether you can achieve your career plan after joining the company. Also, during the interview, be sure to convey that “joining the company will allow me to achieve what I want to do.”
\ Tips on how to get a job in Japan can be found here /
Business Japanese for motivation
Let’s review the business Japanese used in the example sentence above, “Reason for applying.”
共感：To share the same thoughts and feelings as others
[Example sentence]
御社の経営理念に共感しました。
上司の意見には共感できません。
私の思いに共感してくれますか？
培う：Take time to develop and learn
[Example sentence]
前職では営業スキルを培ってきました。
信頼関係を培ってきたので契約を取れました。
仕事でないと本当のスキルは培われない。
発揮：To fully utilize the abilities that you have
[Example sentence]
ここで使うことによって効果が発揮されます。
実力を発揮する絶好の機会だ。
最大限の能力を発揮する。
必要不可欠：とても重要で、それがないと前に進まない様子
[Example sentence]
この仕事には彼のスキルが必要不可欠だ。
このアプリはスムーズな業務遂行に必要不可欠だ。
成功するためにもチームワークは必要不可欠です。
展開：To widen and expand
[Example sentence]
弊社は個人向けサービスも展開しています。
アジア市場へ展開することで利益を出せます。
事実に基づいた議論を展開する。
\ Watch the interview preparation video /
How to write a motivation statement
When writing your reasons for wanting to work for a company, you need to create a reason that suits the company. Reusing the same reason will not increase your chances of being hired.
You can create a good motivation statement by explaining “why you want to work for that company,” “what you can do if you join the company,” and “how you can contribute with your past experience.”
When asking about your motivation for applying, you will be asked questions like this.
I will explain how to write your motivation statement.
Explain your motivation statement in the following order:
①What kind of work would you like to do when you join the company?
[Example sentence]
御社には英語を使える環境があり、またグローバルなプロジェクトもたくさんあるので志望しました。
②Explain the reason in detail
[Example sentence]
私は英語がネイティブで、日本語もビジネスレベルで話すことができます。本社のグローバルプロジェクトで、私の母国での経験と日本と海外をつなぐブリッジエンジニアとしても貢献できると考えております。
During the interview, the interviewer will ask why the applicant wants to work for this company and not another. So, look at the website of the company you are applying to and think about “why it has to be this company.”
\ Check jobs you can apply for from overseas /
どうして弊社を応募していただいたのか、志望動機を教えてください。