Meet H-san from Vietnam: A Journey to Find a New Job in Japan
… When I used LinkedIn, I was able to find jobs really easily. What was difficult was preparing documents to get pass screening and for interviews. My career partner was very friendly, like an actual friend to me, and I felt comfortable talking with her. She gave me advice which was very useful for me.
After studying at a private university in Vietnam, H-san decided to move to Japan in late 2018, having experienced the country and its culture for six months in 2016.
We had the chance to chat with H-san about his journey and his experiences at a startup in Tokyo. His story is truly inspiring, showcasing his determination and resilience. From moving to Japan and learning Japanese from scratch to finding a job he loves, H-san has continually pushed himself to new heights.
MiaWhy did you decide to come to Japan?
When I was in university, I had the chance to go on exchange to Japan.
Because of this, I thought that I wanted to work in Japan, and entered a course at my university which allowed me to study Japanese.
Since starting full-time work, I’ve had the chance to be involved with the development of various web application projects with an offshore team from a Japanese company. Because I was interested in Japanese working style, I decided to move and work in Japan after I graduated.
MiaI see. After you came to Japan, what kind of job did you do?
As an engineer, I was involved with several IT-related projects supervised by major Japanese companies. For example, I developed several applications using Python, for real estate agencies, to be used by new residents and management staff, and also developed an API acquisition module for a general insurance company using PHP.
In addition, I’ve also done several other jobs using AWS and Docker.
MiaWhy did you decide to change jobs?
As a student, I also studied project management, so I know about the life cycle of project development. I want to apply what I studied to the real world, and in the company I’m working at now, I’m the main Technical Leader, but I want to do more, which is why I chose to move to a different company. I’m still young, so I want to study more; not just coding, but also about how to work in a team with project managers – by moving to another company, I have the chance to join in and handle earlier developmental stages.
I want to challenge myself, and since it’s a start-up company, I think I will be able to handle more work.
In addition, H-san spoke about the reason he decided to join his current company.
The reason is that in the interview, I got the feeling that the CEO was a good person and he would be able to support me in the future. When I read about the company, it was quite small meaning that if I were to join, I would have the chance to do a lot of things, and also have the chance to continue speaking with customers who are Japanese, meaning this would give me more motivation to speak in Japanese. It would push me to study more and more.
MiaWhat was difficult about changing jobs?
Actually, I received a lot of job introductions from headhunters and from company staff themselves, but it was difficult to pass the interviews.
So, when I used LinkedIn, I was able to find jobs really easily.
What was difficult was preparing for interviews; for big companies, I had to prepare a lot, for example, coding and knowledge about IT fields – this was the most difficult thing.
Upon asking how he prepared for these interviews, he said:
Actually the internet has a lot of resources. I was able to find coding tests (for free) on the internet, which is how I prepared.
MiaHow did you get to know about Jellyfish?
Yeah… how DID I get to know about Jellyfish (laughs)… Ah! Jellyfish contacted me first on LinkedIn. I don’t remember what she said exactly but the message impressed me, but from there on, I kept in contact with her, and she did her best to introduce suitable jobs to me.
MiaWhat kind of service was Jellyfish able to provide to you?
Jellyfish’ Career Partner was very friendly, like an actual friend to me, and I felt comfortable talking with her.
She would give me a list of questions in preparation for the interview, and I would prepare answers in Japanese.
In the first (practice) interview, she asked me those questions and after I answered, she gave me advice which was very useful for me.
MiaAny advice for other foreign IT engineers who are trying to change their jobs in Japan?
I think before you change your job, you have to prepare a lot – at least 3 months before. You should review what you’ve studied before, and prepare for coding tests.
I’m an engineer, but if I hadn’t prepared for the coding test, I might not have passed it. I think (other engineers) would also feel the same.
Before accepting the job offer at his new company, H-san had several concerns.
His previous company was quite large and stable, which meant he didn’t have to worry about job security or the company going bankrupt. In contrast, smaller companies can pose more risks, especially for a foreigner trying to secure a working visa. The uncertainty about receiving the necessary support for his visa application was a significant worry.
However, H-san found reassurance by discussing his concerns with current employees who were in similar situations. Their support helped alleviate his worries. For anyone considering a similar transition, remember that others have been in your shoes and are often willing to offer advice if you ask.
Although H-san has concerns for the company and the new role, we are confident that he will be a valuable contributor and excel in his projects. We wish him the best of luck in his exciting new journey!
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