Are you an exchange student looking to score a part-time job (or “アルバイト” arubaito) in Japan? Whether you're applying to a café, convenience store, or any other part-time position, there are common questions and phrases that you'll need to prepare for. In this post, we’ll break down a typical Japanese part-time job interview, give you useful vocabulary, grammar points, and even some handy phrases to help you make the best impression possible!

1. Introduction to Japanese Part-Time Job Interviews

In Japan, part-time job interviews (or “面接”, mensetsu) are more straightforward compared to full-time job interviews. Expect questions about your availability, why you want the job, and your Japanese skills. These interviews are typically conducted in polite Japanese, but don’t worry if you’re not yet fluent—you can still make a great impression with the right preparation!

Let’s go over some of the most common questions and answers to help you prepare.

2. Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Here are some common questions you might encounter during a part-time job interview in Japan. We’ll provide a few sample answers, along with translations and romaji.

2.1 自己紹介をしてください (Jiko shoukai wo shite kudasai)

Translation: Please introduce yourself.

• Answer Example:
  • インドネシアから来ました。バンバンと申します。今は新宿大学経済学部経営学科の二年生です。
  • Indoneshia kara kimashita. Banban to moushimasu. Ima wa Shinjuku daigaku keizaigakubu keieigakka no ninensei desu.
  • Translation: I’m from Indonesia. My name is Banban. I’m currently a second-year student in the Management Department of Shinjuku University.

2.2 日本で労働したい理由は何ですか (Nihon de roudou shitai riyuu wa nan desu ka?)

Translation: Why do you want to work in Japan?

• Answer Example:
  • 日本人とお話しをすることで日本語スキルをアップしたいと思っているからです。
  • Nihonjin to ohanashi wo suru koto de nihongo sukiru wo appu shitai to omotteiru kara desu.
  • Translation: I want to improve my Japanese skills by speaking with Japanese people.

2.3 しまいは近くですか (Sumai wa chikaku desu ka?)

Translation: Do you live nearby?

• Answer Example:
  • はい、電車で十五分くらいです。
  • Hai, densha de juugo-fun kurai desu.
  • Translation: Yes, it’s about 15 minutes by train.

3. Common Phrases Table

Here’s a quick-reference table for some common phrases you might need during an interview. Practice these with a friend or teacher!

4. Vocabulary to Know

Here are some important words to know before your interview:

• 引継 (Hikitsugi): Handing over, transitioning.
• 用意 (Youi): Preparation.
• 休日 (Kyuujitsu): Day off.
• 自己紹介 (Jikoshoukai): Self-introduction.

5. Grammar Points to Practice

• からです (kara desu): Used to explain reasons, e.g., “どうして学んでいますか? 日本語が好きだからです」 (Why are you studying? Because I like Japanese).
• よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu): A very versatile phrase used when meeting people or requesting something. It conveys goodwill.
• しています (shiteimasu): Present continuous form. Useful for explaining what you’re doing now, e.g., “日本で学んでいます” (I’m studying in Japan).

6. Tips for Success

• Be Polite: Use polite language (豊かな日本語) and smile! Showing politeness can make a huge difference.
• Body Language: Bow slightly when greeting and saying goodbye. It’s very common in Japan to show respect this way.
• Prepare Questions: You can ask about work schedules or tasks, e.g., “この店で仕事はどんなことをしますか?” (Kono mise de shigoto wa donna koto wo shimasu ka? — What kind of work will I do here?).

7. Wrapping Up

Interviewing for a part-time job in Japan can be intimidating, but with a little preparation, you’ll feel much more confident. Practice introducing yourself, explaining why you want to work, and prepare answers to common questions. You’ve got this—ganbatte kudasai!

For more practice, try role-playing an interview with a friend or tutor. This will help you get used to the questions and sound more natural during the real interview. Good luck!

またね！ (See you soon!)