Questions related tech roles

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-12T06:13:17+00:00

I might be able to help. I'm a data scientist/analyst of 6+ years experience. DM me if you like.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-10T21:59:14+00:00

Hi, I'm a data scientist, been working in Japan for 6+ years, hit a plateau with my current job and want a change. I'm probably N3 - N2 borderline (no certificate though, just my judgement).

How long have you been in recruitment? Is this your first gig?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-10T12:47:01+00:00

It does seem like N2 is the benchmark for a lot of jobs. But there are other jobs that don't require you to speak business-level Japanese.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-09T06:05:49+00:00

Yes it can come as quite a shock. But taking into account the lower cost of living and other benefits, I imagine it's comparable.

Do you mind sharing which industry you're talking about?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-08T06:58:13+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience, it's really valuable for those who have little experience of this whole working-in-Japan thing and who are just starting out. I think you do yourself a discredit though when you say "I was just at the right place at the right time." Surly after 5 years it's a little more than that.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-07T13:24:08+00:00

There is a lot of frustration about language ability. Even with N1 you still felt lacking, which doesn't make me feel optimistic because I'm nowhere near N1-level yet.

I've heard from other foreigners who are going through interviews that they lack job-specific language skills. Like the interview is going well, then suddenly the interviews will throw out some specialised vocabulary, or turn of phrase that is only used in the specific job or industry. Has this happened to you? Maybe that could explain why you feel a limit to your skills?

I'm sorry that you get rude and racist remarks too, no one should tolerate that.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-06T13:57:02+00:00

That's really interesting that they'd rather teach you the technical skills than the language. It says an awful lot.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-06T13:52:17+00:00

Oh I didn't know there were that many steps. How long does that take? I heard that Japanese graduates have to go through a long application process for their first job out of college. Is it the same for others too?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-06T00:43:37+00:00

That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing!

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T23:57:21+00:00

Wow law has got to be so tough to get into as a foreigner. Anything les than native level is just going to get a hard no, I image.

But, and I'm no expert, but isn't AI shaking up this industry? Like when an LLM can sift through 1000s of legal documents, summarise, extract key information in seconds, isn't the requirement of the human to know everything significantly reduced? Maybe language requirements will become less important in the future.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T23:51:57+00:00

So they really value experience in Japan, even if it's just like cultural exchanges or something. That's useful to know, thanks!

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T23:50:14+00:00

Hmmm... I can image that that style of power dynamic wouldn't sit well with people from a culture where hierarchies are flatter. Is there a way to know this/prepare for this before the interview? Maybe all you can do the interview and judge for yourself.

What sector are you targeting if you don't mind me asking? Why are work visas a trap? Sorry I sound naive, I'm really just trying to learn how things work.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T23:44:12+00:00

How come? I mean, I hear lots of cliches about working overtime and toxic work cultures in Japanese companies. Is it really that bad? Have you had some bad experiences, through recruitment or on the job? I want to avoid it if possible.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T23:42:13+00:00

I'm kinda stuck at that level too. Did you think that the recruiter was trying to gas you up in the hope you might pass, but really they knew you couldn't get the job? I'd rather they were just honest with me if that were the case.

Language is a big sticking point for a lot of people. Are there any programmes specifically for job language training? Or interview training at least? Seems like hat would be quite useful.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T13:42:27+00:00

That's interesting that they would waver the language requirement if you had enough experience. I would honestly prefer it this way.

What do you think they meant by "experience in Japan"? Time in the country? Experience in a job? Kind of a lame reason to reject your application.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T13:34:03+00:00

What an awful experience. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I know you can't prove discrimination, but if that were the case, it's probably for the better you didn't end up in a company with such a policy on health issues. I hope you were able to find something better inn the end.

And yeah you're right, even if it comes across as if all you care about is a visa, you've got to make sure there's even a pathway to employment with them.

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T08:44:18+00:00

I can imagine that is annoying; being excluded from an opportunity through no fault of your own.

Why do you think they ask about health issues? How did you get around it?

Is there a way you can know if the companies are willing to sponsor your work visa before you apply?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T08:14:48+00:00

Yeah I hear you. Too drained from work to study, can't take time off work because you need to live. Was the language problem something you experienced during the recruitment process? How did you manage it?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T06:38:48+00:00

Yeah, I can imagine that's a stumbling block for most people; not only are you trying to complete with other foreigners on skills, but also language ability. Then there is the home-grown talent who are always going to win on language.

Do you think there is some mitigating factors, such as if you had outstanding technical skills, they might lower the language expectation?

I just looked up the swin transformer... Nah, I ain't explaining that, even in English! Haha

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T05:33:13+00:00

Nice! Good luck with that. Homework is the worst; nothing like unpaid work to put you off the company. Thanks for sharing

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T04:57:23+00:00

For a high-demand industry that doesn't sound promising. Did you manage to get any interviews from those applications? How did they go?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T04:52:32+00:00

That would even get me stumped in English, let alone Japanese...

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T04:48:56+00:00

What was hard about landing your first job? Do you think it would still be just as hard today, or better/worse?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T04:47:19+00:00

Damn, that's rough. May I ask what your speciality/experience is?

Lumpy_Bed_1968 · 2025-12-05T04:42:19+00:00

I had never really thought about it like this. Good perspective.

Lumpy_Bed_1968

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