Job Hunting Schedule for Working in Japan [JASSO International Students Must See!]

Through JASSO's international student events and other events, more and more students are thinking about working in Japan. One of the attractions of Japan is that employment is more stable and benefits are more generous than in other countries. However, job hunting in Japan has various differences in schedule and other aspects compared to other countries, so it is necessary to know how to job hunt in the Japanese style.


In this issue, we will explain job hunting methods and job hunting schedules for international students who want to work in Japan. If you are interested in working in Japan, please refer to this article to make your job hunting in Japan a success. If you are interested in the IT industry in Japan, we also recommend you to search for a job on "GitTap", an IT industry job site where global companies gather.


▼GitTap is here.


Characteristics of the Japanese Job Hunting Schedule


There are various differences in the general job hunting process in Japan compared to other countries. International students working in Japan are basically encouraged to follow Japanese rules for job hunting, so there is a high possibility that you will fail if you proceed with job hunting according to the rules of your own country. First, let's learn about the characteristics of "job hunting" in Japan.


  • Searching for a Job While Still in School
  • Recruitment and selection takes place during a fixed period
  • Many people are hired on the basis of their potential


Searching for a Job While Still in School

One of the major characteristics of Japan's job hunting is that students search for a company to work for while still in college. According to data from the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, more than 80% of people in Japan have a job lined up after graduation while still in college.


However, in many countries outside of Japan, job hunting is rarely done while still in school, and students decide what type of company they will work for after graduation. According to the data above, only four countries (Thailand, Brazil, Germany, and Russia) have more than 50% of their graduates who have a job lined up after graduation while still in college. These countries also have percentages below 65%, indicating that it is rare for job hunting to take place while still in college around the world.


Note that if you start job hunting in Japan after graduation, you will not be able to find a job in time. Instead, Japan offers a grace period of six months to a year between graduation and starting work, allowing you to do what you want, such as long trips or volunteer work.

Reference: 日本労働組合総連合会


Recruitment and selection takes place during a fixed period


In general, Japanese job hunting is based on the "lump-sum hiring of new graduates," in which recruitment and selection is conducted for newly graduated students during a fixed period each year. Therefore, job hunters in Japan have to start all together side by side, which is rare in the world, and international students who want to work in Japan have to get used to this system.


Following the new graduate lump-sum recruitment rules, the timing of public relations activities such as company information sessions, selection activities such as interviews, and the issuance of job offers are set. Although these rules do not necessarily have to be followed, most companies have adopted these job hunting rules because they have the advantage of making recruitment activities more efficient for companies.


However, the new graduate lump-sum hiring rule was superficially abolished in September 2018. Currently, the current rule is maintained because it causes confusion for students, but international students should understand that the rule will gradually disappear.

Reference: 就活ルールが廃止される!今後の就活はどうすればいい?/career ticket


Many people are hired on the basis of their potential


In countries other than Japan, emphasis is placed on immediate ability to be active in the business world immediately after entering a company. However, in Japanese job hunting, where companies are determined while students are still in school, potential tends to be more important than immediate ability. For this reason, many Japanese companies use on-the-job training (OJT), in which employees receive training while working after joining the company.


In Japan, a new graduate is not immediately dismissed even if he/she lacks knowledge or skills in the industry. Even if you are studying at a university that is not directly related to the job, you may be hired as long as you have potential.

Reference: 新卒採用があるのは日本だけ!?海外の就活事情/KotsuKotsu


Overall Schedule of Job Hunting in Japan


Job hunting in Japan is unique compared to other countries, and it is important for international students to understand the unique job hunting schedule in Japan. Let's take a look at the general schedule for job hunting in Japan.


<In the case of job hunting from 2025>

  • July 2023 - March 2024: Internship / Self-analysis / Industry research
  • September 2023 - June 2024: Research on job types and companies
  • December 2023 - June 2024: Preparation of application documents
  • March 2024 - June 2024: Company information sessions
  • March 2024 - June 2024: Company Entry
  • April 2024 - June 2024: ES Submission
  • June 2024 - October 2024: Interviews and written tests
  • June 2024 - Around October 2024: Unofficial job offers
  • Oct. 2024: Offer of employment
  • March 2025: Graduation from university
  • April 2025: Entry into company

Reference: 日本の就職活動の流れ/マイナビ新卒紹介


The above schedule is the general job hunting schedule in Japan. After receiving an unofficial job offer in October, you have about 6 months to spare until you join a company, so you can spend your time doing what you like, such as long trips or volunteering. International students can also study Japanese or return to their home countries to prepare for employment in Japan.


Some of the general schedules introduced above may not be familiar to international students. From here, we will explain each of them in detail.


Internships


An internship is an opportunity to experience work in an industry or occupation that interests you. By participating in an internship at a Japanese company, international students can learn about the Japanese way of working, Japanese culture, and Japanese business etiquette. International students who have questions or concerns about the Japanese way of working should actively participate in internships.


In countries other than Japan, participation in an internship often leads to positive employment decisions from that company. However, in Japan, participation in an internship does not directly relate to employment. It is important to understand that an internship in Japan is only a work experience.

Reference: 日本と欧米のインターンシップの違い/note


Self-analysis


Self-analysis means thinking about and organizing your strengths, weaknesses, future vision and values. Since potential employment is common in Japanese job hunting, you will be evaluated based on your potential ability, not on your skills or knowledge of the industry. Therefore, self-analysis is indispensable in order to give the interviewer a deeper insight into yourself during the job search process.


Another benefit of self-analysis is that it helps you clarify the kind of job you want to work for. If you choose a job that you are not interested in after you have been hired, you will have to change jobs anew. In Japan, job change is less active than in the rest of the world, so you may have a hard time finding a new job.


To conduct an effective self-analysis, first look back at your past and identify memorable experiences and events, as well as episodes related to those experiences and events. It is also important to imagine yourself in the future and think about the kind of career you would like to pursue. International students should think about why they want to work in Japan on two axes: the past and the future.

Reference: 自己分析とは?実施のメリットと就活・転職活動での必要性を解説/ハタラクティブ


Researching Industries, Occupations, and Companies


In job hunting in Japan, it is common to be asked why you want to apply for a job. By carefully researching each industry, job category, and company, you will be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm in addition to specific reasons for applying. An industry is a general classification of work, and a job title is a type of work. First, understand what industries exist in Japan, and clarify what kind of industry you are interested in.


An occupation is a type of job. For example, in the IT industry, there are various types of jobs such as consultant, system engineer, programmer, and project manager. Although new graduates in Japan are rarely limited to specific job titles, it is important to research job titles when communicating your reasons for applying for a job. Even within the same industry, different types of jobs can have completely different job descriptions, so think carefully about which type of job will best suit your future career.


Company research is the most important part of your reason for applying. There are many companies in the same industry and with the same type of work, but without researching the company, it is impossible to clearly convey why you chose this company. Select the company you want to join by gleaning the corporate philosophy, message from the representative, and strengths of the company from the company's website.

Reference: まずはやってみよう!業界・企業・職種研究/キャリタス就活


Preparation of Application Documents


In Japan, two types of application documents are basically required for job hunting: a "resume" and an "ES. A resume is a document that contains basic information about yourself, such as your address, date of birth, educational background, qualifications, and licenses.


Many countries do not have a set format for resumes, but Japan does. For international students in Japan, there may be a university-designated resume, so please check with your university. If there is no university-designated resume, use a commercially available resume.


For more information on how to properly write a resume for international students, please refer to this article.


▼A step-by-step guide to writing a competitive Rirekisho


ES is an entry sheet, and it serves to appeal your personality, such as your motivation for applying for a job and your personal PR. Basically, each company has its own designated ES, so be sure to check the contents beforehand. Although the questions asked differ from company to company, there is no problem in using the same content and episodes.


Company Information Sessions


Company information sessions are held by companies to let people get to know the company. You can get general information about the company's business and operations, as well as hear the real voices of senior employees who are actually working at the company.


There are two types of company information sessions: those held by individual companies and those held jointly by multiple companies. Individual information sessions have the advantage of allowing you to learn more about a single company in detail, but you need to make reservations as early as possible because of the limited number of positions available. Joint information sessions have the advantage of allowing you to learn about many companies at once. If you are not sure which company you are interested in, you should attend a joint information session to compare the business contents and other information.

Reference: 会社説明会とは?当日の流れや基本マナー、質問のポイントを解説/ユニキャリ


Interviews and Written Exams


It is no exaggeration to say that the most important part of job hunting in Japan is the interview. Although it varies from company to company, there are basically two or more interviews before a job offer is made, and you may be asked to participate in various types of interviews, including group interviews, group discussions, and individual interviews.


<Types of Interviews in Job Hunting in Japan>

  • Group interview: An interview with other applicants
  • Individual interview: An interview in which time is spent on each candidate
  • Group discussion: A method in which several applicants discuss a given topic


In both group and individual interviews, you will basically be asked personal questions such as your motivation for applying for the company and your personal PR. Based on your self-analysis and the content of your ES, you should actively promote yourself. In group discussions, your role and behavior within the group will be checked. Communication and problem-solving skills are generally evaluated.


In all interviews, not only the content but also your language, appearance, speech and attitude will be evaluated. If your Japanese is not sufficient, your speech may be slurred, but this is not a problem if your enthusiasm is conveyed. If you want to know more about Japanese interview etiquette and behavior, please refer to this article.


▼Manners and behavior required for a job interview at a Japanese company


Unofficial Offers and Job Offers


Receiving an offer of employment from a company is called an unofficial job offer in Japan. It is possible to receive an unofficial job offer as early as June of the year before entering the company. However, according to the rule of lump-sum employment of new graduates introduced earlier, it was stipulated that informal job offers should be notified only after October. Since this rule is still in effect, informal job offers made by October are called "unofficial job offers.


Since an informal job offer is a prior commitment, it cannot legally be said to be a job offer. Therefore, it is possible for either the applicant or the company to rescind an informal job offer. Even an informal job offer can be withdrawn by the applicant, so even if you receive an informal or unofficial job offer, you may continue your job search until you receive the results from your first choice of company.


Many companies hold an informal ceremony in October for those who have received a job offer. The informal ceremony is where formal notification of the job offer is made, and a reception is often held with executives and senior employees.

Reference: 内々定とは?内定との違いや取り消しになるケースも解説/スタンバイ


Japanese Job Hunting Schedule for International Students


The general job hunting schedule in Japan is as described above. However, international students may not be able to move according to the above schedule. From here, we will introduce three points to keep in mind as a schedule that international students should be aware of.


  • The general graduation season in Japan is March
  • Companies that hire year-round are recommended
  • Procedures are essential for job hunting after graduation


The general graduation season in Japan is March

The reason why the job hunting preparation in the schedule introduced above starts in June is because Japanese companies generally start their employment in April. However, looking around the world, it is rare for countries to have April entry dates, and for international students, the entry date may not coincide with the time of university graduation.


If you are an international student who wants to work in Japan and your graduation date does not match the start date of your company because you are graduating from a university in your home country, it is important to understand the above process and carefully plan your job hunting schedule so that you do not fall behind other students.

Reference: 4月入学の国って他にある?なぜ日本の新学期・入学式は4月から始まる?/All About


Companies that hire year-round are recommended


Year-round recruiting refers to companies that recruit throughout the year without being bound by job hunting rules. Some companies introduce fall recruitment for international students, and in such cases, you can proceed with your job hunting six months later than the schedule introduced above.


Although year-round recruitment tended to be more difficult, more companies are expected to introduce this system following the abolition of the job hunting rule. International students who think that the lump-sum hiring method for new graduates is not suitable for them should actively choose companies that hire year-round.

Reference: トレンドが変わった?全大学院生がおさえるべき「通年採用」とは?/アカリク


Procedures Required for Job Hunting after Graduation


If you have not found a job by the time of graduation, it is possible for international students to continue job hunting after graduation. In this case, it is necessary to change your visa status from a college student visa to a special activity visa. For the change procedure, prepare the following documents.


  • Application for permission to change status of residence (with photograph)
  • Passport
  • Residence card
  • Documents proving your ability to bear expenses during your stay in Japan
  • University diploma
  • Letter of recommendation from the university
  • Documents proving that you are seeking employment

 

However, the required documents vary depending on the type of school you are studying at, so please refer to this website for details.

▼When an international student who has graduated from a Japanese university is looking for a job


Recommended events for those who are considering studying in Japan


For those who wish to study in Japan before seeking employment in Japan, we recommend participating in the Virtual Fair for Study in Japan organized by JASSO. This event is designed for students who wish to study in Japan, and Japanese universities will be participating to provide information about their schools and individual consultations. Since the event is held online, you can obtain up-to-date and accurate information about studying in Japan from the comfort of your own country.


The Virtual Fair for Study in Japan, which has been held annually since 2020, will be held for five days from August 30 to September 3, 2023. 72 Japanese universities and Japanese language schools will participate, and each school will conduct live sessions via Zoom so that you can hear specific details about their programs. If there is a university you are interested in, you can take a live session in time. For detailed dates and times for each school, please visit the official website below.


▼Click here for the Virtual Fair for International Students in Japan page hosted by JASSO


Japanese Job Hunting Schedule for International Students to Be Aware of


Compared to other countries, Japan's job hunting schedule differs greatly. If you start job hunting without knowing the unique characteristics of Japan, you may not be able to find a job in time for graduation. In particular, international students who became interested in Japan through JASSO events and other events should be aware of the job hunting schedule in Japan so that they do not proceed with their job hunting in the same way as in their home country.


If you are interested in the IT industry in Japan, we recommend using "GitTap," a job site specializing in the IT industry. Since global companies are gathered here, there are high chances for international students to be active while living in Japan.


▼GitTap is here.

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2024/6/10

Job seeker (IT engineer)

Manners and behavior required for a job interview at a Japanese company

Japan’s corporate culture is said to be unique compared to other countries, for better or worse. Therefore, for foreign job seekers, what the Japanese way of interviewing should be like is a major concern in their job search. If you have passed the application screening, you should know how to behave in an interview and show off your skills and experience without regret. This is a difficult topic because few Japanese are perfect at it and there are many ways of thinking about it. But for now, here are some interview etiquette tips you should know. Contents Preparation to be done before the interview In general, you need to be careful about how you dress for interviews in Japan. IT companies also tend to dress casually and roughly in Japan. However, actually, it varies from company to company, and also depends on whether you are working in-house or being dispatched. Unless you have been informed otherwise in advance, it is recommended that you wear a suit. Leather shoes in dark colors such as black or brown are preferable. Also, be careful not to wear strong perfume or heavy make-up, as it may be perceived differently by some people. Japan is very strict about punctuality, so make sure in advance you know how to get there and who to contact in case you are going to be late. 1.Before arriving at the interview site The one thing you must remember is to be punctual. Be sure to arrive at the interview site at least five minutes before the interview. In addition, it is a good idea to have time to check your appearance last minute. However, the company may not be ready for you, so arriving too early can be annoying. If you have a lot of time left before the appointed time, spend some time around the site to kill some time before entering the site at the right time. If you are going to be inevitably late for some reason, keep your contact information from your application and be sure to call them. If there is a delay in public transportation, such as a train, a delay certificate will be issued, so get the one online or at the station. When you arrive at the interview site, it is good manners to keep your coat, bag, and hat in your hand in front of the receptionist. At the reception desk, tell them the time of your appointment, the reason for your visit, your name, and the name of the person in charge. If there is no one at the reception desk or if the company does not have a secretarial extension telephone, ask a nearby employee to tell the person in charge that you are here for an interview. Sometimes the way you behave is checked from the time you enter the reception area, so be aware that you are already being watched by the company you are applying to when you arrive. Some companies, but not all, will send you to a waiting area before the interview. In such a case, wait quietly there until you are called. During the waiting time, you can do some image training on what questions you will be asked and how you will answer them. 2.Entering the interview room When you are led to the interview room, take a deep breath to calm yourself down and relax. Enter the interview room slowly and without haste. If you are nervous, you will be perceived in a negative light. When your name is called from inside the interview room, knock lightly on the door three times (four times in the case of foreign affiliated companies). When you hear a voice from inside saying “please come in” or “please enter,” open the door, say “excuse me,” and enter the room. If there is no response from the interview room, knock again. If there is still no response, say, “Excuse me,” and then open the door. In case the person in charge of the interview enters the room later, follow the instructions given by the staff member. When you enter the interview room, do not proceed to your seat, but turn your body toward the door and gently close the inner doorknob. It is bad manners to close the door with your hands behind your back without turning toward the door. When you enter the room, stand beside the chair, face the front, and say your name. “Thank you for taking the time to see me today.” and bow. After the greeting, sit down in the chair after you are asked to do so. You also need to pay attention to how you sit. Sit with your back straight. Do not cross your legs or sit with your legs wide open. If you are instructed by the information desk to sit down and wait for the person in charge, follow the instructions. After the person in charge enters the room, stand up and greet him or her in the same manner. 3.When the interview begins When you are handed a business card, always accept it with both hands at chest level, saying, “Thank you.” After briefly reviewing the contents, place the card straight down on the left side of the table. If you have been told to bring your application documents, have them ready. If you want to take notes during the interview, store your notebook and writing utensils in your bag where you can easily access them. Pay attention to your posture during the interview. Sit deep in your chair, do not lean back, keep your chin back and your back straight, and place your hands lightly on your knees. Face the front of the room, look the person in charge in the eye, and use a clearly articulated tone of voice. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and maintain a gentle, smiling expression to avoid a blank face. Be careful not to look down or avert your gaze when speaking due to excessive nervousness. Interrupting the other person’s conversation or changing the subject abruptly can be judged as being difficult to communicate with. Listen to what the other person has to say until the end, and try to answer concisely. If there is something you do not understand or do not catch, it is not rude to ask a question. Check the content after the speaker has finished speaking. 4.When you leave the room When you are told that the interview is over, say, “Thank you for your time today.” Thanks to the interviewer and bow while sitting in the chair. After that, don’t be in a hurry to put your writing utensils and documents in your bag and stand up when you are ready to leave. Stand next to the chair and bow. Move to the front of the door, turn your body toward the interviewer, bow one last time and say, “Excuse me,” then turn your body toward the door and open it. Be careful to close the door quietly until the end. After leaving the interview room, do not operate your smartphone or take off your jacket, and remain cautious for a while. Depending on the company, you may be escorted to the exit of the interview room or to the elevator by the person in charge of the interview or a receptionist. If this happens, say “Excuse me” and bow at the exit or elevator. Summary In this article, I have told about the unique interview etiquette in Japan. Although Japanese manners and behavior will be evaluated at the interview, the most important thing is to make the interviewer think, “I would like to work with this person.” Foreign job seekers tend to be so conscious of their manners and Japanese language skills that they tend to speak less, speak with less confidence, and even their body movements tend to be deflated. Even if you are not confident in your ability to communicate in Japanese, try to speak clearly and openly. It is important to prepare in advance and explain in a polite and comprehensible manner that you are a person who can bring benefit to the company you have applied to.The post Manners and behavior required for a job interview at a Japanese company first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

2024/6/10

Job seeker (IT engineer)

VR/AR business is booming! Explaining the reasons for the 1400 %increase in engineering jobs and the industry!

As IT advances, entertainment is becoming more diverse, and the VR and AR industry is gaining momentum. As you can see from the fact that Facebook and Apple have each assigned more than 1,000 employees to AR and VR initiatives, they become more important in the society. If you want to know the definition of VR/AR or the current status and future of the VR/AR industry, or if you are interested in becoming a VR/AR engineer, this article will do good for you.What you can learn from this article First, let’s look at the definition of what AR and VR are. Glossary One of the most popular AR games is Pokémon Go. Through the camera, you can experience the world as if Pokémon existed in the real world. AR has also been introduced into the filters of Instagram. The range of video shooting is becoming wider and wider. Increasing demand for VR/AR engineers The demand for VR/AR engineers is increasing every year. According to a report on software engineers by the recruiting site Hired, the number of jobs for AR/VR engineers grew 14 times from 2018 in the year 2019. As you can see from the graph, this is an overwhelmingly rapid growth rate. I believe there is no other IT occupation in recent years that has seen its demand growing up to 1400% in just one year. Diverse business domains of VR/AR The reason why there are so many job openings for engineers is because VR/AR is expanding its market not only in the entertainment industry but also in various business domains. Let’s take a look at the potential of VR/AR and its domains in business with reference to this page (https://bit.ly/3bawpAm). 1. Retail VR/AR has enabled simulations, virtual try-on and product customization before buying. By using VR goggles, you can enjoy shopping in a virtual space without visiting stores. IKEA, a company that sells furniture, has developed an app that allows users to place furniture in their own rooms by using a camera, or to walk through a kitchen in a virtual space. This kind of service can help promote sales by providing information for consideration before purchasing. 2. Military / Defense VR/AR is used to create a simulation environment and is used to optimize military training and actions. One application being considered by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is to virtually share the situation and environment with personnel in remote locations in the event of a bombing or other crisis situation. It is said to be useful for planning personnel deployment and crisis management strategies. 3. Events and Conferences VR conferencing allows for facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and a sense of presence that online conferencing could not compensate for. This creates a situation that replaces the face-to-face space by sharing the same created space. It also allows for remote participation, bringing a broader audience to the event. We may be entering a new phase of online communication. Reference: https://www.sumave.com/20200721_18761/ 4. Marketing and Advertising One familiar AR marketing is Instagram’s AR filter. Companies are creating game-like effects and ingenious filters that make people want to take pictures. While this provides fun for the user, it also creates a spreading effect when the photo is posted, and thus various companies are getting involved. 5. Law Enforcement and Police Like the military, the police train using simulation scenarios that use visual, auditory, and physical stimuli. Even within the virtual training environment, interactions between trainee and characters can be intensified or converged, which leads to the development of judgment and decision-making skills. VR/AR training can also help understand and manage the impact of police stress in actual situations. 6. Recruitment, Talent Management, Human Resources With the same applications as VR conferencing, VR-based recruiting has the potential to become popular in all industries. In fact, Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest banks, used VR to evaluate candidates for its internship program. The widespread use of VR devices could allow remote and in-office workers to interact more effectively, thereby strengthening team relationships and reducing turnover. VR may become a more important factor in achieving culture fit. 7. Manufacturing and Logistics AR allows holographic images to be superimposed over an Individual’s real world view by means of goggles. With goggles, professional knowledge, such as how to operate large machines or special equipment, can be easily taught remotely. This could be useful for technicians in any industry. It is an innovative technology that can solve the labor shortage and provide professional training. 8. Healthcare and Medical Care The educational use of AR mentioned in section 7 is also growing in medical education, where AR is used for surgical simulation and telemedicine. A specialist in a remote location can share his or her view with a local surgeon and use AR to give instructions on the patient’s incision, etc. The local surgeon can then perform the surgery based on the instructions. Many companies are also attempting to provide apps that can customize the visualized patient’s health information. 9. Journalism and Media Publishing The media industry has also begun to adopt VR. The New York Times, an American daily newspaper with a circulation of over one million, offers a service called NYTVR, which allows users to experience news in real time through a VR application. The Android and iOS versions of the app are available for free and can also be viewed on the web browser. CNN also used virtual reality to broadcast the first Democratic presidential debate. With the appearance of various start-up companies, “immersive journalism” will be further promoted. 10. Agriculture VR and AR can help farmers visualize large amounts of crop data. By using drones that are equipped with inertial sensors, GPS, powerful processors, and image sensors, farmers can see the status of their fields. In addition, VR and crop data will enable them to apply more precise care to their crops, resulting in improving yields, fewer diseases, and improved costs. Infosys, an Indian IT company, has already introduced VR and AR into agriculture, developing sensors and camera systems to measure crop health. The farmer can check this information through goggles and adjust water, light, fertilizer, etc. 11. Education Through the Corona disaster, the learning methods of students have changed dramatically. Likewise, AR/VR technology will see changes through further popularization. Nearpod, an educational technology company, offers VR materials on the theme of interactive-learning. By providing reality-based learning, it leads to increased motivation to learn and early understanding. Summary In this article, we have selected a variety of areas to introduce. In addition to the entertainment industry, VR/AR is needed and the technology is being developed. As it is a developing field, the demand for VR/AR engineers is expected to increase. In an upcoming article, we will introduce the skills needed to become a VR/AR engineer. If you are a VR/AR engineer or a foreign IT engineer who would like to use related skills to change jobs, you can register on GitTap, a recruitment site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up. The post VR/AR business is booming! Explaining the reasons for the 1400 %increase in engineering jobs and the industry! first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

2024/6/10

Job seeker (IT engineer)

Skills required for VR/AR engineers, and companies to watch

Engineers are an indispensable occupation as society becomes more and more IT-oriented. A report on software engineers produced by a recruitment website Hired found that the number of jobs for AR/VR engineers grew by 14 times in the year 2019. In this article, we will focus on VR/AR engineers, which have been in growing demand in recent years, and look at the details of the position and the skills required. What you can learn from this article What is VR/AR? We posted the definition in our last article, but we will briefly review it again.VR is a computer-generated virtual space. When you put on the goggles, you can create a sense of immersion as if you are in another world. AR is augmented reality, better known as Pokémon Go. The AR information is superimposed on the actual scenery seen through a camera or other device. While VR engineers create virtual worlds, AR blends the real world with virtual experiences, but the first step for both is the same. Let’s take a look at what skills are needed to become a VR/AR engineer by referring to this page ( https://hrd.cm/3n9PRPS ) Skills required for VR/AR engineers Skills required for beginners ・Basic knowledge of coding・Knowledge of C #, C ++, and Java languages・Experience of 3D software・Moderate proficiency in Unity or Unreal The figure below shows the popularity ranking of programming languages in Japan. The higher the number, the more people are using that language. Based on this ranking, those who have mastered the C++ language may be able to play an all-around role in the engineering industry. What is Unity? It is a popular game engine that allows you to develop games for many platforms, including PC, Mac, WebGL, Android, iOS, tvOS, XBox 360, XBox One, PS4, 3DS, Wii U, and Switch, using mainly C# and C ++ languages. Unreal is a game engine as well. Skills required for senior level ・At least 3 years of experience in software programming・At least 3 years of experience in languages such as C#, C++, Java, etc.・At least 2 years of experience with Unity or Unreal・Practical knowledge and experience in 3D programming・Know-how of VR devices provided by Oculus, HTC Vive, and Microsoft・Practical understanding of 3D mathematics・Basic computer science・Ability to think creatively and generate new concepts and ideas C++ is ranked as the most popular programming language, and it is also a necessary skill for VR/AR engineers. In other words, those who master C++ will be able to perform well in a variety of situations. Notable VR/AR related companies in Japan We introduce four companies that are developing services using VR and AR technologies. VR and AR are not only used in the entertainment industry, but are also expanding into a variety of other industries such as education, medicine, and retail. There is no doubt that they will become an essential part of society in the future. If you have IT knowledge ・ExaWizards A start-up company that is coping with social issues by providing AI-based solutions and in-house services. Using deep learning and VR technology, it has developed a “multimodal AI robot” that does not require programming. It contributes to solve the problem of declining working population. If you are fluent in Japanese ・UniFa A company that conducts research and development of childcare-related technologies using AI, IoT, and other technologies. Developing “Smart Hoikuen®”, a next-generation nursery school that ensures the safety of children and the confidence their parents and reduces the burden of childcare work. It contributes to solving the problems of families and childcare workers through the application of technology. ・S-ccubism A company specializing in the retail industry related to major distribution, providing solutions through IT technology and operational know-how. Among its many services, it offers a service called VR Commerce, which allows users to experience purchasing in a VR store. The company provides users with VR stores that allow them to freely create the interior of the store using full CG. ・amana inc.A company that produces visuals, mainly for advertising, plans and produces communication content, and sells creative materials. It creates video content and applications that make full use of VR to maximize the additional value of companies and brands. Chaos Map of the current VR industry Venture Reality Fund, a VA/AR investment fund, has released a VR industry chaos map for 2019. (See chart below) There are more than 550 companies listed in total, which is an increase of about 20% from when it was listed in 2017. As you can see from this figure, many of the leading companies in the modern world, Facebook, Google, Sony, and other major companies have entered the market. As a result, the VR market is expanding and many startups are entering and growing. Summary According to the skills required for VR/AR engineers and the ranking of popular programming languages in Japan, we found out that C ++ is a key language. With the expansion and advancement of the industry, the demand for VR/AR engineers is on the rise. I hope that the previous and current articles on VR/AR will further stimulate your interest in the VR/AR industry. If you are a VR/AR engineer or a foreign IT engineer who would like to change careers using related skills, you can register on GitTap, a recruitment site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up. The post Skills required for VR/AR engineers, and companies to watch first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

2024/6/10

Job seeker (IT engineer)

Raising your profile with your Japanese language skills by the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)!

In many countries, IT engineers are expected to have basic communication skills in English. However, in Japan today, Japanese language skills are required for many job applications. Many Japanese companies are worried about the shortage of IT engineers. In order to hire talented foreign students and IT engineers from overseas, they use the JLPT certification to check the Japanese language level of applicants. In this article, we will explain what the JLPT is, a Japanese Language Proficiency Test that is required for employment in Japan. Contents While Japanese companies want to hire foreign engineers, they have few English speakers In recent years, more Japanese companies have adopted English as their official internal language, but there are still very few English speakers in Japan, and foreign engineers are still expected to have Japanese language skills. According to a survey conducted in 2020 by EF Education First, a Swiss educational institution, Japanese people’s English proficiency ranked 55th out of 100 non-English speaking countries and regions, and for the fourth year in a row was identified as “low proficiency level,” the fourth out of five levels. However, due to the recent shortage of human resources caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, as well as the need to cope with globalization, both major corporations and small and medium-sized companies in Japan have recently become more proactive in hiring talented foreign engineers. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) estimates that there will be a shortage of about 410,000 (optimistic value) to 790,000 (pessimistic value) IT professionals in 2030. In other words, it is to a certain extent that the shortage of IT engineers is recognized as a social issue. There are some companies that do not require Japanese language skills, but in those cases, they are often international companies or companies that already have foreign engineers, and most of those jobs are highly competitive and require a high level of skill. Due to these factors, having Japanese language skills will broaden the range of companies you can apply to. Furthermore, having a certification that proves your Japanese language skill will definitely give you an advantage in your job search. What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)? JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is held twice a year (July and December). JLPT is divided into five levels, from N1 to N5 in order of difficulty. The second most difficult qualification, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher, is specified as a condition for applying for many jobs offered by Japanese companies to foreigners. The standard for N2 certification is that “in addition to understanding Japanese used in everyday situations, the applicant should be able to understand Japanese used in a wider range of situations to some extent.” It is said that the number of Kanji characters required to pass N2 is about 1,000 and the number of words is about 6,000. # There is a similar test called “Nihongo Kentei Shiken (Japanese certification test)”, but this is a different test for native speakers of Japanese. Use your Japanese language skills to succeed as an engineer In most cases, foreign engineers are required to have a level of Japanese that allows them to communicate smoothly with Japanese staff within the company. Of course, if you can speak Japanese fluently and work well with the staff within the company, you will be able to work more efficiently. Also, speaking your own language and English is a great advantage to be able to communicate with people outside of Japan, which Japanese staff could not be good at. As a PM or Bridge SE, you may be entrusted to communicate with foreign engineers inside and outside the company in the future. If you don’t have any qualifications, try to show your “speaking ability” in the interview! Even if you don’t have a certificate of JLPT N1 or N2, there are still people who can speak Japanese without any difficulty, because JLPT only evaluates reading and writing ability, not speaking ability. So, for example, even if you can speak Japanese well, reading and writing kanji can be difficult for people who come from countries where kanji is not used. Therefore, the JLPT certification becomes a higher hurdle. For those job seekers who have good oral communication skills, it is even more important to appeal to them in the hiring interview. Many Japanese companies use the JLPT to check Japanese language skills when screening documents, so obtaining the certification is also important. But anyway, if you can pass the document screening and proceed to the interview, and if you can appeal your oral communication skills on your own, you may be able to get hired. The contents of your resume and curriculum vitae are important in passing the document screening process, so you may consider having someone who is familiar with Japanese companies check them beforehand. If you are still not confident in your Japanese skill Ideally, you should have obtained N1 or N2 of JLPT, but if you are not yet confident in your Japanese, then aim to obtain N3. In addition, engineers with a strong background in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, for example, or those who have the high level of IT skills required by companies are highly valued, so be sure to include such information in your website profile, resume, and CV. There are many cases where your positive attitude toward learning Japanese and your high level of skills can lead to employment. Summary Currently, jobs that do not require Japanese language skills tend to require a high level of engineering skills, and conversely, if you have little experience as an IT engineer, Japanese language skills are required. To be active as an IT engineer in Japan, not only are development skills and rich experience as an engineer required, but also a high level of Japanese language proficiency. However, even if you don’t have both skills and language ability from the start, you can improve those abilities while working, which can lead to higher income and career growth in the future. This is because foreign engineers with high Japanese language skills are rare and attractive to Japanese companies. If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to use your Japanese level and engineering skills to change jobs, register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies. Start by signing up.The post Raising your profile with your Japanese language skills by the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)! first appeared on GitTap BLOG.

2024/6/10

Job seeker (IT engineer)

Explaining the Visa and Status of Residence Required for IT Engineers Working in Japan for the First Time

This section explains what procedures and visas are required in order to work as an IT engineer in Japan. These procedures are very complicated and are divided into two categories: those to be completed before entering Japan and those to be completed after entering Japan. In addition, it takes time from the moment you apply to the moment you receive the results of your application, so you need to allow plenty of time for the process. In this article, I will introduce the smoothest and most common procedure. For exceptions and details, please refer to the links provided. What you can learn from this article Required Procedures First, you need a passport and a visa to enter Japan. Then, in order to work in Japan, you need to obtain a residence card that proves your status of residence. We will explain the definitions of visa and residence status (= residence card). About Visa A visa proves validity of your passport that you present at the airport to prove that you can enter Japan. It must be issued by the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country (or the country in which the applicant is staying). The issued visa will be affixed to the passport. In principle, the visa is valid for one entry only. It is valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. And the applicant must pass an immigration inspection in Japan within this period.Reference link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Variety of Visa Apply for a working visa In order to work as an IT engineer, you will need a “working visa” for the purpose of long-term stay and employment. In the case of IT engineers, the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” category of working visa is applicable. Step 1: Apply for Authorization of Resident Eligibility In order to apply for a working visa, one of the required documents is an “Authorization of Resident Eligibility“. This is a document that proves that your activities in Japan are not false and that you meet the requirements for landing in Japan. It is necessary to apply for this certificate at the immigration office in Japan. Therefore, if you are outside of Japan and plan to work, you had better ask the staff of the company where you plan to work to apply for this certificate. Then, you need to have this certificate sent to you from Japan. Once you receive the certificate, take it to the Japanese embassy or consulate and apply for a visa. The documents required for application will vary depending on the type of company you are working for. For those who have graduated from a vocational school and have been granted the title of professional or advanced specialist, a certification is required. For more information, check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website! Note It takes one to three months for the results of the review of an application for Authorization of Resident Eligibility to be issued. It is recommended to have plenty of time for application. This certificate is valid for three months after it is issued. It is possible to apply for Authorization of Resident Eligibility by the applicant himself/herself, but it will take a long time for the application to be reviewed, so it is better to have the company employee in Japan apply on behalf of the applicant. Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents The documents required to obtain a working visa are as follows. Please take these documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. 1. Passport2. 1 copy of visa application form (2 copies required for Russians, CIS countries, and Georgians)3. 1 photo (2 photos required for Russians, CIS countries, and Georgians)4. Authorization of Resident Eligibility (original and 1 copy) For Chinese nationals, these are required in addition to the above5. A copy of the family register6. Certificate of temporary residence or certificate of residence Since you have submitted Authorization of Resident Eligibility, it is easier for the Japanese embassy or consulate general to issue your visa within the standard processing time (five working days from the day after the application is received). Reference Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Based on the above, the process for obtaining working visa for IT engineers is as follows. What is status of residence (residence card)? Status of residence is a qualification that allows you to stay in Japan legally. A resident card is a “certificate” that proves that you are a legal resident with a resident status and period of stay. Unlike a visa, it can be issued in Japan. Your name, date of birth, gender, nationality/region, place of residence, status of residence, period of stay, whether you can work, etc. are written on the residence card. If there is any change in the information on the card, you are required to report the change. Reference Link: the Immigration Services Agency of Japan How to Receive Your Resident Card If you enter Japan at one of these 7 airports: Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, New Chitose Airport, Hiroshima Airport, or Fukuoka Airport, your passport will be stamped with a seal indicating landing permission, and you will receive a resident card. If you enter the country at any of the other airports or seaports, you will receive your resident card by mail after notifying the municipal office of your residence where you plan to work. If there is a change in the place of employment, or any other change IT engineers with “Technical/Humanistic/International Services” status of residence are required to notify the director of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan within 14 days of the following changes in the contracting organization. Change in the name of the contracting organizationChange of location of the contracting organizationExtinction of the contracting organizationTermination of contract with the contracting organizationConclusion of a contract with a new contracting organization If you want to know more about the residence card, check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website! Based on the above, the process of obtaining the resident card for IT engineers and changing the description is as follows. You can obtain your residence card on the spot when you arrive at any of the 7 airports indicated above in Japan. If there are any changes to the items listed on your resident card, submit a change report to the immigration office. Summary In this article, we briefly explained about the visa and residence card required to work as an IT engineer in Japan. We hope this can be helpful to you when you are considering a career change. If you are a foreign IT engineer who wants to change jobs, you can register with GitTap, a job site for foreign IT professionals, and you may receive scouts from companies that can help you with the visa process. Start by signing up.The post Explaining the Visa and Status of Residence Required for IT Engineers Working in Japan for the First Time first appeared on GitTap BLOG.