How to Use Job Fairs to Practice Japanese

Attending job fairs in Japan is a smart, hands-on way to practice Japanese in a professional setting, especially if you’re looking to improve your business communication skills while exploring career opportunities. These events—often called “career forums” or “job hunting events” (就職イベント or キャリアフォーラム)—provide a low-risk environment to engage with recruiters, try out Japanese workplace expressions, and build your network. By approaching a job fair as both a language-learning opportunity and a networking event, you’ll gain valuable experience in speaking Japanese in a structured, real-world context while boosting your chances of connecting with potential employers. Here’s a guide to help you use job fairs effectively for language practice and career growth.

1. Prepare Targeted Phrases and Vocabulary

Before attending a job fair, familiarize yourself with common Japanese phrases used in interviews, introductions, and formal greetings. Here’s a quick list to get you started:

• 自己紹介 (Jiko shoukai) – Self-introduction
• 御社についてもう少し教えていただけますか？(Onsha ni tsuite mousukoshi oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – Could you tell me a little more about your company?
• 御社の求める人物像はどのような人ですか？ (Onsha no motomeru jinbutsu zou wa dono youna hito desu ka?) – What kind of person is your company looking for?
• 御社に興味があり、是非お話をお聞きしたいと思っております (Onsha ni kyoumi ga ari, zehi ohanashi o okiki shitai to omotte orimasu) – I’m interested in your company and would like to hear more about it.

Knowing a few set phrases for key scenarios will help you build confidence as you engage with company representatives and recruiters.

2. Practice Your Self-Introduction in Japanese

A well-prepared self-introduction is essential at any job fair, but it’s also a great opportunity to work on speaking Japanese under a bit of pressure. In Japan, a self-introduction (自己紹介) typically follows a specific format and includes:

• Your name
• Where you’re from
• Your educational background or relevant work experience
• Why you’re interested in the company or industry

For example:

“初めまして、ジョン・スミスと申します。アメリカ出身で、現在、日本語を学びながらIT業界での仕事を探しております。御社の技術に大変興味を持ち、ぜひお話を伺いたいと考えています。”

(Hajimemashite, Jon Sumisu to moushimasu. Amerika shusshin de, genzai nihongo o manabi nagara IT gyoukai de no shigoto o sagashite orimasu. Onsha no gijutsu ni taihen kyoumi o mochi, zehi ohanashi o ukagai tai to kangaeteimasu.)

Practicing your self-introduction helps you become comfortable with the flow and rhythm of Japanese, allowing you to focus on the conversation rather than searching for words in the moment.

3. Engage in Active Listening and Note-taking

Job fairs are an excellent place to practice listening to spoken Japanese in a structured environment. Recruiters will often discuss their company culture, job roles, and expectations, using vocabulary that is both practical and industry-specific. By actively listening, you’ll improve your understanding of professional Japanese in context. To make the most of this:

• Ask follow-up questions if you don’t fully understand something. For example, “すみません、もう一度説明していただけますか？” (Sumimasen, mou ichido setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please explain that again?”
• Take notes on new words, phrases, and any company-specific jargon. This can serve as vocabulary study material for later.

4. Use Non-Verbal Communication as a Safety Net

If you’re nervous about making mistakes, remember that Japanese communication places a high value on body language, nodding, and other non-verbal cues. These can help you convey interest and attentiveness, even if your language skills feel limited. Nodding, using polite gestures, and keeping eye contact will help you come across as engaged, even if you miss a few words here and there.

5. Attend the Q&A Sessions and Company Presentations

Many job fairs in Japan have company presentations, followed by Q&A sessions. These are fantastic opportunities to practice listening to longer, formal explanations in Japanese, as well as to learn about industry-specific vocabulary. Use this time to jot down key phrases, company missions, and any terms you don’t understand so you can research them later. During Q&A sessions, if you feel confident, try asking a question in Japanese to engage with the speaker and gain experience speaking in a public setting.

6. Experiment with Different Levels of Formality

In Japanese, language formality is a big deal, especially in business settings. Job fairs are an ideal environment to practice using keigo (敬語) — polite or honorific language — in a structured way. Start with teinei-go (丁寧語), the polite form of Japanese most learners start with, and try to work in some sonkei-go (尊敬語, respectful language) and kenjou-go (謙譲語, humble language) as well. Here’s an example of humble language:

• Instead of saying, “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you), try “感謝申し上げます” (Kansha moushiagemasu) for a more formal tone.

You don’t need to be perfect, but practicing keigo in these settings can significantly boost your language skills and demonstrate cultural respect.

7. Network and Follow Up in Japanese

After the fair, make an effort to follow up with the representatives you met. Sending a quick thank-you email in Japanese will help you practice written business Japanese and reinforce the connection. In your email, keep it simple, polite, and to the point. Here’s a sample template:

Subject: Thank you for attending [Event name] Dear

[Company name]

Recruiter, Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you at [Event name]. I am excited to explore a career with your company and look forward to meeting you again. I look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you for your continued support.

[Your Name]

This helps solidify your learning and gives you an extra edge as you practice using written formal Japanese.

8. Reflect and Refine for Next Time

After the event, review any new vocabulary or phrases you learned. Reflect on what went well and where you struggled, and note down a few goals for improvement. If you’re planning to attend another job fair, this process of reviewing and refining will help you go in feeling even more prepared.

Final Thoughts

Using job fairs to practice Japanese requires a proactive approach, but it’s a highly effective method for building confidence in a professional setting. Not only will you get practical Japanese practice, but you’ll also gain insights into Japanese workplace culture and expand your network. Embrace the process, be open to making a few mistakes, and remember: even if you’re not perfectly fluent, your effort to use Japanese will likely be appreciated by those you interact with.