Japanese Interview Questions & Answers

with Taka

13 Sept 202113:16

Summary

TLDRThe script is focused on preparing for a Japanese job interview, specifically addressing the common question about motivation for applying, or '志望動機' (shibou douki). It offers advice on how to effectively express interest in Japanese culture and language, personal discipline, and long-term career goals. The script highlights the importance of studying Japanese and suggests mentioning future plans, such as promoting Japanese culture in one's home country. The video encourages practice in natural conversation with Japanese people to improve business communication skills for working in Japan.

Takeaways

🗣️ The script is a transcript of an interview focusing on the interviewee's motivation to join a Japanese company.
🌐 The interviewee expresses a strong interest in Japanese culture and a desire to work in Japan.
📚 The interviewee has been studying Japanese for five years independently, showing dedication and self-discipline.
💡 The interviewee is motivated by a passion for Japanese culture and a wish to learn more about the country.
🏫 The interviewee mentions a relationship between their university and a university in Japan, indicating a possible exchange program.
🌟 The interviewee aspires to teach Japanese culture in their home country after gaining experience in Japan.
📈 The interviewee sees the opportunity to work in Japan as a chance to grow professionally and personally.
🌍 The interviewee wants to use the knowledge gained in Japan to promote Japanese culture globally.
📝 The script suggests that learning natural conversational Japanese is crucial for those who want to work in Japan.
🎓 The interviewee's experience could be valuable for others looking to work or study in Japan, providing insights into the process.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video transcript?
-The video discusses job interviews in Japan, specifically focusing on how to answer the common question 'What is your motivation for applying to this company?' ('志望動機は何ですか?').
What is '志望動機' (shibō dōki) and why is it important?
-'志望動機' translates to 'motivation for applying' or 'reason for wanting the job.' It is a critical question in Japanese job interviews as it helps employers understand the candidate's interest in the company and the job role.
How does the script suggest answering the question about motivation for a job?
-The script suggests a common response, such as expressing a love for Japanese culture or an interest in learning more about Japan. It highlights the importance of aligning personal interests with the company's values.
What are some key points to emphasize in a job interview according to the transcript?
-Candidates should emphasize their motivation, self-discipline, passion for the job, and their ability to contribute to the company, especially in terms of skills and cultural understanding.
How does the transcript recommend demonstrating personal strengths?
-It recommends showcasing self-discipline, perseverance, and the ability to learn independently. For example, mentioning how the candidate studied Japanese for several years by themselves highlights these traits.
What cultural aspects of Japan are mentioned as motivations for applying to a Japanese company?
-The script mentions an admiration for Japanese culture, a desire to learn more about Japan, and an interest in sharing Japanese culture with the world.
What is a common mistake candidates might make when answering the motivation question?
-A common mistake could be giving a generic or superficial answer, such as only stating 'I like Japan.' The transcript emphasizes the need for deeper and more specific reasons, like how one's skills and experience align with the company’s goals.
How does the script suggest connecting personal goals with the company's mission?
-The transcript advises candidates to link their personal aspirations, such as teaching Japanese culture or improving skills, with the company's goals and services, showing how they can contribute to the company’s global outreach.
What advice does the transcript offer for candidates preparing for interviews in Japan?
-It suggests practicing natural conversations with Japanese people and learning business-related phrases. The transcript emphasizes that candidates should not just rely on textbook learning but also engage in real-life practice.
What is the overall tone or approach suggested for answering interview questions in Japan?
-The tone suggested is respectful, thoughtful, and self-reflective. Candidates are encouraged to give answers that show genuine interest, cultural understanding, and a clear connection between their personal strengths and the company's needs.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Interview Preparation

The paragraph discusses the importance of understanding one's motivation when applying for a job. It seems to be a part of a video script where the speaker is preparing for an interview and discussing the question of motivation for joining a company. The speaker is searching for the right words to express their desire to work for a company and mentions the need to convey their passion and reasons for wanting to join. The paragraph is filled with phrases in both English and Japanese, indicating a focus on cultural understanding and the interview process.

05:02

🌏 Passion for Japanese Culture

This paragraph continues the interview preparation theme, with a specific focus on the candidate's passion for Japanese culture. The speaker expresses their love for Japan and their interest in the country, mentioning that they have been studying the Japanese language for five years. They also talk about their desire to learn more about Japan and its services, with the intention of sharing the benefits of Japanese services with the world. The paragraph highlights the candidate's motivation to work for a company that aligns with their cultural interests and their drive to promote Japanese culture internationally.

10:02

📚 Future Aspirations and Cultural Exchange

In this paragraph, the speaker outlines their future aspirations, which include teaching Japanese culture and language. They mention the desire to use their knowledge and experience gained from studying in Japan to educate others about the country's rich culture. The speaker also talks about the importance of cultural exchange and the potential to learn from different cultures, specifically mentioning India as a place of future learning and cultural exchange. The paragraph concludes with a summary of the key points discussed in the video, emphasizing the need for natural conversation practice for those who wish to work in Japan.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Motivation

Motivation refers to the reasons or the psychological drivers that stimulate an individual to pursue a certain goal or engage in a particular activity. In the video, motivation is discussed in the context of job interviews and personal drive. For example, the script mentions 'モチベーション' which translates to 'motivation' in English, indicating that interviewees are expected to express why they are driven to join a particular company or take on a specific role.

💡Interview

An interview is a conversation where questions are asked about someone's experiences, qualifications, and skills. It is a common method used by employers to assess job applicants. The video script frequently mentions 'インタビュー', which is 'interview' in Japanese, suggesting that the video's theme revolves around preparing for job interviews and the importance of conveying one's motivation and suitability for a role.

💡Japanese Culture

Japanese culture encompasses the way of life, traditions, customs, and values of the Japanese people. The script mentions 'japanese culture' multiple times, indicating that the video discusses the appeal of Japanese culture as a motivation for foreigners to work in Japan. It is used as an example of a compelling reason to join a Japanese company or to learn the Japanese language.

💡Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to control one's emotions and impulses and to pursue goals with determination. The script refers to 'セルフディスプリン' (self-discipline) as a key trait that helps individuals to achieve their goals, such as learning a new language or getting a job. It is highlighted as a quality that interviewers might look for in candidates.

💡Job Application

A job application is the process of applying for a job, typically involving submitting a resume and cover letter, and participating in interviews. The video script mentions 'job application' in relation to the interview process and the importance of understanding one's motivation for applying to a specific company or position.

💡Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese refers to the process of acquiring the Japanese language as a second language. The script mentions '日本語を勉強しました', indicating that learning the language is a significant theme in the video. It is presented as a means to connect with Japanese culture and as a valuable skill for job seekers interested in working in Japan.

💡Company

A company is a business organization that provides goods or services. The script uses the term 'company' to discuss the aspirations of individuals who wish to join a particular company. The video likely covers how to express one's desire to join a company and the reasons behind such a decision during job interviews.

💡Passion

Passion refers to a strong and barely controllable emotion or enthusiasm. In the context of the video, 'passion' is mentioned as a driving force behind an individual's career choices. It is suggested that expressing passion for a company's work or culture can be a compelling part of a job interview response.

💡Future Goals

Future goals are the objectives or aims that an individual plans to achieve in the future. The script touches upon 'future goals' in relation to career planning and the importance of aligning one's aspirations with the opportunities a company can offer. It is used to illustrate how candidates can convey their long-term vision during interviews.

💡Interest

Interest refers to a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone. The video script mentions 'interest' in relation to Japanese culture, suggesting that having a genuine interest in a company's culture or the country it operates in can be a strong motivator for job applicants.

💡Communication

Communication is the process of exchanging information, messages, or ideas. The script implies that 'communication' is crucial for job seekers, especially those aiming to work in Japan. It suggests that practicing natural conversational skills in Japanese can be beneficial for interviews and working in a Japanese business environment.

Highlights

The speaker introduces the discussion on motivation for becoming a teacher, and the importance of explaining reasons clearly during interviews.

The transcript emphasizes how '志望動機' (motivation) is a crucial question in job interviews, especially in Japanese companies.

It points out that having a passion for Japanese culture and language can be a strong motivational factor for wanting to work in Japan.

A common answer to the question 'Why do you want to join this company?' is 'I love Japanese culture and have a deep interest in Japan.'

The importance of self-discipline ('セルフディスプレイ') and continuous effort is highlighted as a key trait that can impress interviewers.

The speaker provides a potential interview answer stating that one has studied Japanese for five years independently, showing dedication and commitment.

The idea that learning more about Japan deepens one's desire to understand the culture and contributes to a future goal of sharing Japanese culture globally.

The transcript discusses how applicants often express a desire to use what they've learned about Japan in future roles, particularly in their home country.

The speaker advises using specific examples of skills or achievements during interviews to demonstrate readiness for the job.

There is an emphasis on showing how studying in Japan or understanding its culture could benefit not only personal growth but also future job performance.

An applicant's ability to communicate in Japanese is portrayed as a significant advantage in both personal and professional contexts.

The speaker encourages interviewees to use their motivations and experiences to explain how they can contribute to the company.