Japan Jobs: Guide for Students
For international students in Japan looking for part-time jobs where they can use English: This article is a must-read! Providing useful information for foreign students seeking work.
1）Benefits of Part-Time Jobs for International Students
Part-time jobs offer many benefits that can make your study abroad life in Japan even more enjoyable.
・Making friends
At your part-time job, you can meet people of various ages, nationalities, and perspectives.
Being in the same workplace gives you common ground and goals, which makes it easy to start conversations and form friendships.
・Improving Japanese language skills
By talking with your coworkers and customers at the establishment, you can learn real Japanese and Japanese culture that you can't grasp just from studying at school.
If you make an effort to talk a lot, your Japanese will improve even more.
・Earning money for living expenses
You'll likely need a lot of money for your study abroad life. By working part-time, you can earn money for school fees and daily living expenses.
If you have more financial leeway, you'll be able to do more during your time studying abroad.
・Gaining experience
Having a part-time job in Japan is excellent preparation for your future.
Learning how to work in a Japanese company, including its unique manners, will contribute to your professional development and prepare you for work in international environments.
2）Important Points for International Students When Working Part-Time
There are several important points to keep in mind when international students work part-time in Japan.
・About special permit “資格外活動許可(しかくがいかつどうきょか)”
In order for international students to work part-time in Japan, they need a special permit called ”資格外活動許可(しかくがいかつどうきょか)” or "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted".
Working without this permit can result in penalties under the law.
You can find detailed information about this special permit here:
Ministry of Justice’s Guide About ”資格外活動許可(しかくがいかつどうきょか)”
・Rules regarding working hours
There are rules regarding the number of hours international students can work.
✓Up to 8 hours per day
✓Up to 28 hours per week
However, during long holidays, you can work up to 8 hours per day and up to 40 hours per week.
If you have multiple part-time jobs, the hours from all jobs are counted together.
・About taxes
Just like Japanese citizens, you need to pay taxes depending on the income you earn.
This is a standard rule in Japan for any income earned within the country.
However, there's no need to worry! Your employer will typically handle the majority of the complex tax procedures on your behalf.
3）Recommended Part-Time Jobs for International Students Who Want to Use English
Even if you're not yet confident in your Japanese level, it's okay!
There are many part-time jobs recommended for international students where you can use English.
・Restaurants
At restaurants and cafes with many foreign customers, you'll often use English.
These are easy part-time jobs to start because you can work without special qualifications.
You can often easily set your own working hours, and you might get a discount on the menu items.
・Stores
Your English communication skills are valuable at duty-free shops and stores in tourist areas.
These roles also offer the chance to learn about special items unique to Japan, providing an experience of Japanese culture.
・Hotels
Hotel positions like front desk or bell staff offer opportunities to use your English skill.
You can also perfect your Japanese skill and etiquette.
Hotel work also typically provides higher pay.
・Leisure Facilities
Working at places like theme parks or leisure facilities lets you use your English to guide international guests.
There are jobs where your accommodation is included, which helps you save a lot of money.
Search for Leisure Facility Jobs
Interested in other jobs?
Search for Jobs Welcoming International Students
4）How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Japan
There are several ways to find part-time jobs in Japan.
Methods for Finding Jobs, According to Foreigners Living in Japan
※Multiple responses allowed
※Research method: Online survey
※Respondents: YOLO JAPAN users
※Number of respondents: 116
The methods frequently used for finding jobs were:
・Referrals from friends and acquaintances
Getting a referral from a friend or acquaintance who is already working in Japan is a reassuring method.
You can ask about the work environment and the type of work involved before you start.
・Job placement services such as “ハローワーク”
”ハローワーク” is a government-operated service that introduces jobs.
Using a job consultation service allows you to search for work while receiving advice from specialists.
・Social media
You can find new information on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Recently, more and more businesses are directly recruiting for part-time jobs on social media.
・Job search websites
Job search websites have a lot of part-time job information.
You can search for jobs based on your desired work conditions (salary, work location, hours, job description, etc.).
5）Tips for Successfully Finding a Part-Time Job
Preparation is essential for successfully finding a part-time job.
・Summarizing your preferences and conditions
Before searching for a part-time job, clarify your preferences and requirements.
✓Salary: How much money do you want to earn?
✓Work location: Is it close to your home or easy to commute to from school?
✓Work hours: What are your preferred days and times?
✓Job description: What kind of work are you interested in?
etc.
・Deciding on the jobs to apply for
Gather information about companies and stores you're interested in, and narrow down the jobs you want to apply for.
It's also important to check the work environment and job description on the company's website or social media.
・Writing a resume
Japanese resumes have specific formats and etiquette. Write it carefully.
How to write a part-time job resume
・Common interview questions
During the interview, the employer will ask various questions to get to know you.
Preparing answers to common questions in advance will make you less nervous.
・After getting hired
Confirm the working conditions and ask questions if you have any.
✓Salary: Hourly or daily wage, payment method, payment date
✓Hours: Working hours, break times, number of working days per week, how shifts are determined (if applicable)
✓Days off: Fixed days off or shift system, long holidays (New Year's, Obon, etc.)
✓Transportation expenses: Whether or not transportation expenses are provided, and how much
etc.
6）Summary
This article provides essential information for international students looking to start part-time jobs in Japan with confidence.
Part-time work is an opportunity to enrich your life in Japan.
Use the information we've shared today to find the perfect part-time job and have an even more enjoyable life in Japan.
YOLO JAPAN supports your challenges!
Job Search Website for International Students: YOLO JAPAN
YOLO JAPAN is a website that provides job information for foreigners living in Japan.
Leave your part-time job search in Japan to YOLO JAPAN!
✓Supports English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese
✓No resume required when applying for jobs
✓Scout function for efficient job searching
✓Jobs searchable by Japanese language level
✓Free membership registration
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