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If you are going to work in Japan, you will be required to have business-level Japanese (JLPT N2 or above, or equivalent conversational ability).
Of course, not only conversational ability, but also advanced level kanji reading and writing is essential.
In this lesson, we will learn in detail about how much Japanese ability you need to have to proceed to the interview.
JLPT is a must
In order to pass the document screening, you need the JLPT.
That’s because the JLPT is the only hiring guideline used by many companies when hiring foreigners.
Most companies require N2 or N1 or higher Japanese language ability, so if you don’t have the JLPT, you will fail the document screening.
If a foreigner applies to 100 Japanese companies, the pass rate for the document screening is as follows:
Passing N1: Passed the document screening at 47 companies
Passing N2: Passed the document screening at 40 companies
Passing N3: Passed the document screening at about 5 companies
Passing N4/N5: It’s almost impossible to pass the document screening
※See the survey of recruiters from companies that hire foreigners
In other words, if you pass N2 or above, you will pass the document screening at most companies and proceed to the interview.
However, whether you can pass the interview is a separate matter, so you will need to prepare for the interview separately.
You can apply and get a job offer even if you don’t have the JLPT, so don’t worry.
If you don’t have the JLPT, the following criteria/experience will be the deciding factors for passing the document screening.
・Do you have experience working in a job where you used Japanese?
・Do you have experience working in a Japanese company (with Japanese people)?
・Do you have experience coming to Japan/studying abroad?
・Can you have smooth conversations using vocabulary and expressions at N2 level or above?
JLPT is one of the most important hiring criteria, but there are people who can speak Japanese without having the JLPT, and there are also people who don’t have it for unavoidable reasons, such as being physically unable to take the exam.
Therefore, more and more companies are now making a decision based on meeting the candidate in person, but having a JLPT certificate is a real advantage.
How can people who don’t have the JLPT certificate appeal?
Conclusion: Even if you don’t have the JLPT, if you have experience using Japanese or experience studying abroad, your experience will be taken into consideration to some extent and you may be able to pass the document screening.
So what about people who don’t have the JLPT or experience using Japanese?
That is, if you can convey in your application documents that you are fluent in Japanese, you will be able to proceed to the interview.
Of course, you should write your resume and work history in Japanese, but you should also write in your application documents how well you can speak Japanese.
It’s fine to write a subjective opinion, and anything that proves your Japanese level is fine.
Things like the following should be written.
・I attended a Japanese language school for three years (three times a week for one hour) and took the N2 course.
・I read Japanese newspapers/articles and novels, and can read most kanji and understand their meanings.
・I joined a Japanese language club during university and spoke with Japanese people every day.
・I won second place in a Japanese speech contest (equivalent to N1).
If you write these things on your application documents, the interviewer will think, “Maybe you’re good at Japanese? Shall we meet once?” and you will be able to proceed to the interview.
Also, when applying, be sure to use lots of business Japanese in your emails to make yourself appealing．
When applying by email, please use this form.
Subject: Application for XX job｜full name
XX Co., Ltd. XX Department
Recruitment Officer
Nice to meet you. My name is (Your name).
I saw your company’s job posting for (job title) on (job recruitment website) and thought I could utilize the experience I have in my current job, so I decided to apply. I would be grateful if you could give me an opportunity for an interview.
I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule, but I would appreciate your consideration.
Your name
If the content of your email looks like it was written by a Japanese person, you will be seen as having good Japanese language skills as well as business etiquette, which will give a good impression to the company.
Ask the recruitment agent to inform you of your Japanese level
What if you don’t have the JLPT, no experience using Japanese, no experience visiting Japan, and no proof of your Japanese language ability?
Apply through a Japanese job hunting agency.
This is the most likely way to pass the document screening process.
The agent will not only convey your past skills and experience to the company, but also your Japanese language ability.
However, if you don’t speak Japanese to a certain extent (at least N4 level is required), you won’t be able to communicate with each other, and the agent won’t be able to appeal to the company about your Japanese language ability.
If you can’t speak at all, you won’t be introduced to employers in the first place, so this is a method aimed at people who speak more than everyday conversational Japanese.
When applying through a job hunting agency, try to communicate using business Japanese as much as possible and vocabulary that will be tested on the N2 test.
This will make the agency think that you have strong Japanese language skills, which will help you pass the document screening process.
Lesson Summary
If I pass the document screening, can I proceed to the interview?
This is how you should apply.
If you have passed JLPT N2 or above, be confident and apply to various companies.
If you don’t have JLPT, prove your high Japanese language ability with your application documents.
If you don’t have JLPT or anything to prove your Japanese language ability, apply through a job hunting agency.
Apply to companies in a way that suits you.
However, you will need JLPT N2 in any case, so please continue to study hard with the goal of passing it before applying.