Excerpted from the Japan Career Guide
Before an interview, you should do several things. First, get a map in both
Japanese and English, showing the address for the meeting, so that neither
you nor a taxi driver will get lost. Second, plan your day so that you will
arrive early for the meeting. Third, dress conservatively. Men normally
wear dark gray or blue suits; women wear suits with smart accessories. Fourth,
do not forget your business cards. Business cards or "meishi"
are important in identifying the status of those present.
· During the interview, if you are not fluent in Japanese, speak slowly and clearly.
· Be respectful. Japanese society is traditional and hierarchical.
· Because hiring is a group decision, expect a number of people to be involved in the interview process.
· It is considered rude to interrupt. Be patient and always wait for the interviewer to finish speaking.
· The Japanese will not hesitate to ask personal questions about you and your family. Answer courteously and briefly.
· Never overstate or make boastful comments about your accomplishments.
· Since a major purpose of the interview is to see if you will fit into the company, you should demonstrate that you are a hard worker and a team player.
This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete guide.
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