Next let’s talk about interacting with the company. It’s true that the content of your ES, interview and the score of your written test will largely affect whether you are hired or not. However, those are not the only things that matter. Thinking “this is not the part of the final application process”, or “right now will not affect whether I’m hired or not” can also greatly affect your outcome. So, let me introduce to you some things that international students especially mess up, and although they don’t seem important, are in fact quite important.

・Don’t think it’s just practice:

First of all, it’s important to always keep in mind that anything may be connected to the final application process. Here are three times you should keep this in mind.

The first is during “Mendan”. The company may say “It will be a ‘Mendan’ not a ‘Mensetsu’, so relax. There is no need to prepare anything”. But “Mendan” are also a great chance to ask about the company, and to relay your ambitions to work for the company. Look up what kinds of questions you may be asked, guess what you may be asked, prepare your answers, and also prepare questions that you want to ask the interviewer.

The second is clothing. Even if the company says “any cloths is ok”, this does not mean that you may wear anything. All Japanese will wear the recruitment suit. The reason is to show the company that they are serious about the company, and they are giving their all.

Lastly, during group “Mensetsu” when others are answering, you may think about your answer, or rest your mind. But what is very important, is to show that you are listening to the others answers. Even when it is not your turn, show that you are listening to what others are saying.

・Answer the phone: While job hunting, you must make a point of answering your phone, or calling back as soon as you notice. Students don’t typically receive phone calls, so there are people that do not attend to phone calls, but some key announcements can come by phone call so this is very important. Let me explain what kind of phone calls you may get from companies, and why they are calling not sending emails.

The first is when they are giving you information on early final application. Information on early final application often comes after participating in an internship. In this case, they can’t give out this information online, and neither can they say it in public. That is why they call.

The second is when receiving contact from a recruiter. Recruiters are employees designated by the company who will cheer you on through the application process. Recruiters want to communicate with you directly, so instead of email, they will sometimes call you.

The third is when receiving results messages such as “you passed the document review”, or “you passed the interview”. There are probably many reasons for this, but sometimes they want to tell you the dates for the next interview and see if you can come. This is why you should pick up the phone or call back as soon as you can.

→Always put your best foot forward