STEP1 Find a Job: Self-Assessment and Research

STEP1 Find a Job: Self-Assessment and Research

The first step in finding a job is the same no matter which country you are in.
If you already know exactly what kind of job you want, you can start by researching the qualifications, skills, and companies related to that field.
However, not everyone has a clear career goal from the beginning. In fact, many people are unsure about what they really want to do.
That is why the first step is to understand yourself and analyze your strengths, interests, and potential.
Once you have a better understanding of yourself, you can start exploring industries and companies that may be a good fit for you.

How Do People Analyze Themselves?

If you browse Japanese job-hunting websites or books for students, you will often come across the term self-analysis.
So, how do people actually do it?
There is no single correct method.
Some people write down their strengths and weaknesses. Others reflect on how friends and colleagues see them. Some take personality tests online. Everyone has their own approach.

There are many self-assessment tools available, but one that I personally recommend is 16Personalities.

It is widely used among Japanese students and can help you objectively understand your strengths, values, and personality traits.
Although companies do not use it as part of their hiring process, it can be a useful tool for gaining self-awareness.

However, remember that the results are only a reference. Personality tests should not determine your career choice. Instead, they should help you better understand yourself.

Other self-assessment tools include the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Vocational Aptitude Test (G-Test), the Rikunabi Aptitude Assessment, and the MyNavi Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment.

So why do people spend time on self-analysis?

Because it helps them reconsider who they are.
As you reflect on your experiences, you may begin to notice things such as:
“Maybe I enjoy interacting with different people and would be suited for sales.”
These discoveries are the true purpose of self-analysis.
Think about the things you enjoy.
What clubs, sports, or activities have you participated in?
Why were you able to continue them for so many years?
Simply looking back on your personal history can be a valuable form of self-analysis.

How Can You Research Industries?

If you want to gain a broad understanding of Japanese industries, I recommend Kaisha Shikiho Industry Map, published by Toyo Keizai.
This annual publication provides useful information about industry size, trends, and major companies.
Several Japanese graduates I know have told me that they used it extensively during their job-hunting process.
If you live outside Japan, obtaining a copy may be difficult. You may need to ask someone in Japan to send it to you. Purchasing through Amazon can sometimes be restricted depending on your location.
The online version, Shikiho Online, also offers access to industry information through a paid subscription, although availability outside Japan may vary.
Another useful publication is Nikkei Industry Map, published by Nikkei.
Both books are excellent resources for understanding Japanese industries, but they may not always be easy to access from overseas.
You can also research industries directly through company websites, business news websites, and social media.

At Your Japan Career, we also plan to publish more industry-focused articles, such as The Land of Sweets: Japan’s Confectionery Industry, to help readers better understand various sectors of the Japanese economy.

How Do People Choose Companies?

Once you begin selecting specific companies, you may wonder what criteria most people use.
Some prioritize high salaries.
Others focus on work-life balance.
In Japan, your available career options may also depend on your status of residence, or visa category.
For that reason, it is important to evaluate companies carefully based on three key factors.

Compensation and Benefits

Many Japanese companies set relatively modest base salaries.
Therefore, it is important to check whether the company offers bonuses, retirement benefits, overtime pay, housing allowances, transportation allowances, and other forms of compensation.

Work Environment

You should also examine indicators related to work-life balance, such as annual holidays, paid leave utilization rates, and overall workplace conditions.

Future Potential and Company Culture

This is perhaps one of the most important factors.
Working for a growing company can significantly accelerate your career development.
At the same time, understanding a company’s culture is essential because it is often the area where new employees experience the greatest gap between expectations and reality.

For more information, please read:

Are You Choosing the Right Company to Work For?

What Jobs Are Popular in Japan?

Which industries are most popular in Japan?
Let’s take a look at the top industries preferred by both international students and Japanese students.

Based on Career-tasu: Survey Report on Job Hunting Activities of International Students, 2025.

Among humanities and business majors, popular industries for international students include general trading companies, specialized trading companies, IT, software, and internet services.
Among science and engineering majors, popular industries include IT, software, internet services, automobiles, electronics, and research and development.
IT engineering remains one of the most popular career choices among international students. One reason is that major companies such as Rakuten and Mercari actively recruit international engineers.

On the other hand, Japanese students tend to prefer industries that offer stability.
Now, let’s look at the top five popular companies among Japanese students in the trading company and IT/software sectors.

Based on Toyo Keizai: Industry-Specific Employment Popularity Ranking Chosen by Job-Hunting Students, April 6, 2026.

Many of the most popular companies are large corporations that you may have heard of before.
Amazon Japan ranks 17th among IT and software companies, while Rakuten Group ranks 15th and LINE Yahoo ranks 20th.

However, some of the most exciting opportunities can also be found in Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
SMEs account for approximately 99% of all Japanese companies, and many of them are innovative, rapidly growing businesses that offer excellent career opportunities.

Summary

Looking back on yourself is the first step in choosing the right job.
Some industries facing labor shortages in Japan actively recruit workers through the Specified Skilled Worker program.
However, if you want broader career options and hope to build a long-term professional career in Japan, you will likely pursue employment under a status of residence such as the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa.
In that case, gathering accurate information becomes even more important.
When researching Japan from overseas, it is easy to rely too heavily on information from only a few companies or websites.

For that reason, I strongly recommend two approaches:

• Participate in internship programs
• Visit Japan on a short-term visa and conduct your own research

Experiencing Japan firsthand can provide valuable insights and help you make better decisions about your future.

Trust your own eyes and ears, and explore as many opportunities as possible.

By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC

Next Read:

• Are You Choosing the Right Company to Work For?
• Join the Internship Program in Japan!
• The Land of Sweets: Japan’s Confectionery Industry