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

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.

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.

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.

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.