The Shukatsu 就活

Job hunting

In the middle of their Sophomore year in college, Japanese students begin their job search. This lengthy process starts almost two years before graduation, known as Shukatsu, hoping to secure a job offer before graduation!

 

 

A process that starts early

Shûkatsu is the contraction of "shûshoku katsudô " or "job search activity." And all the Japanese will tell you that it is a demanding activity! From October of their third year (the bachelor's degree is obtained in four years in Japan), university students prepare for research since it is pretty rare to continue studies up to the master's degree. They begin by researching companies they could work for, possible internships, and attending seminars on job interviews.

Read also: The Japanese school system.

Example of a setsumeikai in which students participate

Wikipedia

Integrate company codes

From then on, the Japanese fully embrace corporate expectations by putting their individuality aside. They cut their hair, dye it black (if they've splurged before), and buy a suit of business demands. The rest of the process will put the candidate to grapple with personality and aptitude tests, group interviews, and individual interviews for each job offer!

Expectations of employers can be very pointed (and surprising!), such as apologizing twice before leaving the room or greeting the interviewer at the right time.

Read also: Holidays in Japan.

Tokyo Salaryman

Wikipedia

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