It would be a very good idea to apply for jobs in Japan. This is the one experience that can give you a totally new but enriching cultural experience that can definitely make you more mature. Before preparing your papers though, you need to find some answers to a couple of crucial questions.
What kind of work is available?
Foreigners are often best employed in the fields of English education and the hospitality sector. Those who come from English speaking countries are often well paid. Do keep in mind though that acceptance and salary rate often depend on academic qualifications and additional training even if you come from a country where English is the primary language spoken. If you don’t have the right credentials, you can opt to apply for positions in bars, hotels and resorts.
Who can submit applications?
Anyone who wishes to work in Japan needs to apply for a working visa. This however is only really applicable for long term employment. For some individuals, the working holiday visa is more appropriate. This is a special document issued to individuals who are 18-30 years old and who live in Canada, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Germany, France, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Ireland. Applicants for this special arrangement are required to declare their plans primarily for a holiday. The chance to look for jobs in Japan is only a secondary benefit accorded to successful applicants.
How much can you get?
Naturally, specific salary rates would depend on which industry you are in and which company you work for. Usually, top Japanese schools pay their English teachers around 200,000 yen. Schools however usually do not offer free meals and accommodations. You may therefore get a better deal with resorts that pay 125,000 yen but provide free dorms and meals. Take note though that this free offer is often only available in winter resorts. Summer resorts and hotels may not provide the same benefit.
What are the usual work hours?
The normal hours for work are between 8-5 in the morning. Bear in mind though that some jobs in Japan have peak weeks and months. Hotels and resorts for example often get many visitors in the months of July and August. Those working in the hospitality industry typically have to put in a lot of overtime hours. In some cases, shifts may totally encompass weekends on top of weekdays. This means working seven days a week for more than twelve hours a day.
Are there some cultural adjustments required?
The most outstanding quality of Japanese culture is the value placed on respect. You will have to treat everyone with deference from your peers to top management. In a lot of cases though, the kind of respect expected will depend on who you are talking to and who or what you are referring to. There are different levels of honorific titles and language that you would have to learn. In general, this is encompassed in Keigo or Japanese honorifics.
Applying for Japan jobs and getting accepted in one is truly an enriching experience. Take note though that before you make the leap into this direction, you need to know exactly what you are getting yourself into.