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In this article, we will introduce some points that foreigners should keep in mind when introducing themselves at a Japanese interview, as well as some example answers for different job types .
For foreigners looking to find work in Japan, interviews are a major hurdle. The “self-introduction” that is always the first question you’ll be asked is particularly important as it determines your first impression.
However, many foreign applicants have trouble with their self-introductions.
The reasons for this are:
Just say your name and country of origin
Does not convey Japanese language ability
The reason for wanting to work in Japan is unclear
Because there are many cases like this.
In this article, we will introduce 11 self-introduction templates and sample self-introductions for different job types and purposes. You can use them
as they are , or you can customize them to your liking.
We will also tell you the key points of self-introductions and examples of what not to do, so please watch until the end.
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Three points foreigners should keep in mind when introducing themselves
First of all, your self-introduction should be neither too short nor too long, about one minute .
1. Showcase your Japanese language skills
The first thing the interviewer wants to know is “how much Japanese you can speak.”
Briefly tell them your JLPT qualification (N1-N5) and your level of everyday and business conversation.
2. Talk specifically about your experiences in your home country and previous job
It is important to explain the specifics of your work, such as “developing web applications in Java” or “serving foreign tourists at a hotel,” rather than just saying “I’ve been an engineer for three years.”
3. Include specific reasons why you want to work in Japan
It will make a good impression if you include positive reasons such as “I want to study Japanese more,” “I want to learn Japanese technology,” or “I want to grow in an international environment.”
There is a template for self-introductions.
Speaking in this order will make it easier for the other person to understand, so try to follow this structure when writing your own text.
① Name and greeting
② Home country and previous work experience
③ Japanese level
④ Reason for wanting to work in Japan
⑤ Closing greeting
If you speak in this order, your self-introduction will be short but easy to understand.
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Job type and self-introduction answer examples
Here are some example answers for job type and self-introduction.
These sentences can be used as they are in the interview, so please use them as a reference.
You will be asked questions like this in the interview.
ITエンジニア
はじめまして、□□と申します。母国ではソフトウェアエンジニアとして5年間働き、JavaとPythonを使ったWebアプリケーションの開発を経験しました。日本語はN2を取得しており、現在はビジネス会話も問題なく対応できます。御社ではこれまでの経験を活かし、国際的な開発プロジェクトに貢献したいと考えております。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
IT Engineer
Nice to meet you. My name is □□.I worked as a software engineer in my home country for five years, developing web applications using Java and Python. I have passed the N2 level of Japanese and can now handle business conversations without any problems. I would like to utilize my experience to contribute to international development projects at your company. I look forward to working with you.
製造業・工場勤務
□□と申します。母国では自動車部品の製造会社で3年間勤務し、組立と品質チェックを担当しました。日本語は日常会話が可能で、N3を勉強中です。御社の工場で日本の技術を学びながら、チームの一員として力を発揮したいと考えております。よろしくお願いいたします。
Manufacturing and factory work
My name is □□. In my home country, I worked for an automobile parts manufacturing company for three years, where I was in charge of assembly and quality control. I can speak Japanese for everyday use and am currently studying N3. I would like to learn Japanese technology at your factory and contribute as a member of the team. Thank you for your cooperation.
飲食・サービス業
私は□□と申します。母国ではレストランのホールスタッフとして4年間勤務し、接客やクレーム対応を経験しました。日本語はN3レベルですが、毎日勉強を続けています。御社でお客様に喜んでいただけるサービスを提供し、笑顔で接客したいと考えています。よろしくお願いいたします。
Food and beverage/service industry
My name is □□. In my home country, I worked as a wait staff member at a restaurant for four years, where I gained experience in customer service and handling complaints. My Japanese is at the N3 level, but I continue to study every day. I would like to provide services that will please your customers and serve them with a smile at your company. Thank you for your cooperation.
新卒として就職を希望する留学生
□□と申します。母国から留学し、〇〇大学で経営学を学んでいます。アルバイトではコンビニで接客を経験し、日本人のお客様にも対応できました。卒業後は御社で国際的な人材として働き、日本と母国のビジネスをつなぐ役割を果たしたいと考えております。本日はよろしくお願いいたします。
International students seeking employment as new graduates
My name is □□. I came to Japan from my home country to study business administration at XX University. During my part-time job, I worked as a customer service representative at a convenience store, where I was able to serve Japanese customers as well. After graduation, I would like to work for your company as an international employee and fulfill my role as a bridge between business in Japan and my home country. Thank you for your time today.
通訳・翻訳職
はじめまして、□□と申します。母国語は中国語ですが、英語と日本語も話せます。これまで国際会議での通訳を担当した経験があり、日本語はN1を取得しています。御社の国際ビジネスにおいて、言語の架け橋となれるよう努力したいと考えています。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
Interpreter/translator
Nice to meet you, my name is □□. My native language is Chinese, but I can also speak English and Japanese. I have experience interpreting at international conferences and have obtained the N1 level of Japanese. I would like to do my best to act as a language bridge in your company’s international business. I look forward to working with you.
未経験だけど日本で働きたい人
□□と申します。母国では大学で経済学を学びました。まだ実務経験は少ないですが、日本語はN2レベルで、現在も会話力を伸ばしています。御社で働きながら知識とスキルを身につけ、長期的に貢献したいと考えております。よろしくお願いいたします。
People who have no experience but want to work in Japan
My name is □□. I studied economics at university in my home country. Although I still have little work experience, I have Japanese at the N2 level and am currently improving my conversational skills. I would like to gain knowledge and skills while working at your company and contribute in the long term. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Sample answers for self-introduction questions by purpose
Below are some sample answers for self-introductions based on purpose.
You can use these as they are, or you can modify them.
シンプルで分かりやすい自己紹介
はじめまして。私はインド出身で、ITエンジニアとして5年間の経験があります。主にJavaとSpring Bootを使った開発に携わってきました。日本語は日常会話レベルで問題なく、今はビジネス日本語を勉強中です。日本のチーム文化の中で働き、成長していきたいと考えております。本日はどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
A simple and easy-to-understand introduction
Nice to meet you. I’m from India and have five years of experience as an IT engineer. I’ve mainly worked on development using Java and Spring Boot. I’m fluent in Japanese at a conversational level and am currently studying business Japanese. I hope to work and grow in a Japanese team environment. Thank you for joining us today.
強みをアピールする自己紹介
私はベトナム出身で、製造業での生産管理を6年間担当してきました。特に生産効率の改善や納期管理に強みがあります。前職では、業務フローを改善し、納期遵守率を15％向上させました。
日本の製造現場の高い品質基準を学び、貢献できるよう努力いたします。
Self-introduction that highlights your strengths
I am originally from Vietnam and have been in charge of production management in the manufacturing industry for six years. I am particularly skilled at improving production efficiency and managing delivery dates. In my previous job, I improved the work flow and increased the delivery date compliance rate by 15%. I will strive to learn about the high quality standards of Japanese manufacturing sites and contribute to them.
日本で働く意欲を強調する自己紹介
私はフランス出身で、大学では機械工学を専攻しました。
母国での設計エンジニア経験を活かし、日本の高い技術力を持つ企業で働きたいと思い来日しました。これまでCADを用いた設計経験が豊富で、日本の現場でさらにスキルを磨き、御社の製品開発に貢献したいと考えております。
Self-introduction that emphasizes your desire to work in Japan
I am originally from France and majored in mechanical engineering at university. I came to Japan hoping to utilize my experience as a design engineer in my home country and work for a Japanese company with high technological capabilities. I have extensive experience in design using CAD, and I would like to further hone my skills on-site in Japan and contribute to your company’s product development.
異文化理解をアピールする自己紹介
私はインドネシア出身で、営業職として国際的な顧客対応を5年間行ってきました。
英語と日本語、インドネシア語を使って海外顧客と取引をしており、異文化間の調整や信頼関係構築が得意です。日本で働き、日本企業の海外展開をサポートすることが私の目標です。
Self-introductions that highlight intercultural understanding
I’m originally from Indonesia and have five years of experience in sales dealing with international customers. I deal with overseas customers using English, Japanese, and Indonesian, and I’m good at adjusting to different cultures and building trusting relationships. My goal is to work in Japan and support the overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
学習意欲をアピールする自己紹介
私は中国出身で、現在日本に住んで3年になります。これまで経理の仕事をしてきましたが、日本の会計基準を学びたいと思い転職を希望しています。日本語はN2を取得しており、さらに実務で上達させたいと考えています。常に新しいことを学び、御社で成長していきたいと思います。
Self-introductions that demonstrate a desire to learn
I’m originally from China and have been living in Japan for three years. I’ve worked in accounting until now, but I’d like to change jobs and learn Japanese accounting standards. I have passed the N2 level of Japanese language proficiency and would like to further improve my skills through practical work. I hope to constantly learn new things and grow at your company.
summary
When foreigners introduce themselves at a Japanese interview,
Be sure to communicate your Japanese level.
Talk specifically about your experiences and strengths in your home country.
It is important to be positive about why you want to work in Japan.
Use the example sentences introduced in this article as a base and prepare by replacing them with your own experiences and skills.
If you can make a good impression during your initial self-introduction, the entire interview will go smoothly and you will be closer to passing.
\ Check jobs you can apply for from overseas /