JLPT N1-N5 Japanese Speaking Jobs
JLPT N1-N5 Japanese Speaking Jobs
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a popular and reliable means to show your Japanese ability to potential employers. Regardless of the JLPT level, there are many jobs to use your skills. However if you know about which posts require what level of JLPT, it will be helpful for the job-searching.
In this article, we will explain JLPT and introduce three jobs for each level of JLPT respectively.
What is JLPT?
JLPT is the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test which has been offered by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (formerly Association of International Education, Japan) since 1984. The test measures the Japanese proficiency level of non-native speakers with five levels, ranging from N1 to N5. N1 level is the most advanced level of Japanese and N5 level isthe most basic level. To be certified, you need to prove the required comprehensive communicative ability including grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening. When you pass a test, you will receive a certification of JLPT.
JLPT official websites highlight that "the certificates offer various advantages, ranging from recognition as academic credit and graduation certification at schools to preferential treatment at companies and acknowledgement of the qualification in society."
JLPT N1-N2 Japanese Speaking Jobs
JLPT N1 level indicates that you have the ability to understand Japanese used in various circumstances. JLPT N2 implies that you understand Japanese in everyday situations, but you may not understand it fully in a variety of circumstance.
Read on to find three potential jobs that suit the N1 and N2 certificates holders.
Convenience store staff
Convenience store staff's primary duty is to greet and provide assistance to customers, operate the cash register, do paperwork, stock shelves and clean stores. You have many opportunities to use Japanese. If you speak Japanese well, you can quickly develop strong customer relationships to boost the service. Also, smooth communication with vendors helps to work effectively.
Sales staff
Amongst sales business, mobile phone and fashion retailers require a high level of Japanese skills. Mobile phone sales staff mainly help customers select the right mobile phone. It involves questioning customers and answering their enquiries, explaining many aspects of mobile phones such as new specifications, and take cash and credit card payment. Your excellent Japanese will be an advantage to your work performance.
Translator and Interpreter
Translator and interpreter are regarded as a language specialist. It means that your Japanese level means a lot. Higher achievers can have a greater chance to get a job. Translator and Interpreter's main responsibility is to facilitate communication by a verbal or written form of translation. Besides your language levels, some relevant experience is often required.
JLPT Level N3-N4 Japanese speaking Jobs
N3 level represents that you have the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree, while N4 level indicates the ability to understand basic Japanese.
Restaurants staff
Waitress and waiters' responsibilities include welcoming customers when they arrive, informing about daily menu specials, answering their questions, taking orders, carrying dishes and drinks from the kitchen to tables, preparing bills and processing payment.
Throughout the interaction with customers, you will develop the Japanese skills and acquire brilliant customer service skills.
Receptionists
Receptionists are a vital role for organisations as they meet and talk with customers at the front desk. It means that the customers' first impression depends on the receptionist. The primary duties are greeting a person entering an organisation, directing person to their correct destination, answering telephone and co-ordinating meetings. You will have many opportunities to use various Japanese skills as you need to deal with email and phone as well.
Carers
Carers mainly take care of people who suffer from illness, disability or frailty. They work at people's homes or nurseries for the elderly. The tasks include house cleaning, shopping, cooking meals, dressing clothing, and administering medication. Carers need to be good listeners to meet customers' demands.
JLPT Level N5 Japanese speaking jobs
If you are certified as level N5, it means that you have the ability to understand some basic Japanese.
Warehouse workers
This job is usually shift-work, as factories or warehouses operate around the clock every day. Their typical duties are loading and unloading to and from cars, taking items to storage space, keeping a record of the stock, putting a product in a container and cleaning a warehouse. A warehouse has many machines and heavy pieces of equipment so that workers are required to follow workplace health and safety rules.
Kitchen staff
Kitchen staff prepare food, store ingredients, clean dishes, workstations and kitchen equipment. You work under the guidance of a head chef or a supervisor. As it involves many manual tasks, higher Japanese level is not strictly required. However, you need to understand the direction of a head chef.
Construction workers
Construction workers work outdoor in a team. The responsibilities include preparing tools and materials, setting up scaffolding for construction, assisting machine operation, taking out debris and materials from sites. You are also required to follow all health and safety regulations.
No Japanese required job
Without any certification, you can still find a job. The good thing is that many foreigners pick up essential Japanese words and phrases during working. Immersing yourself in a Japanese environment will be a plus to learn basic Japanese.
Housekeepers
Housekeepers' primary duty is to clean commercial buildings and private residences. It involves vacuuming a carpet, washing windows, changing linens and making beds, polishing the furniture, emptying trash and tidying up rooms.
Bed makers
Bed makers are responsible for cleaning rooms, making beds and replenishing linens. They work at hotels, hospitals and private residences.
English teachers
English teachers' main duty is helping students to understand English via planning, preparing and delivering lessons, making teaching materials, assessing students' work and attending special events. Teachers teach English in English in a class. Students speak English, so, without speaking Japanese, you can progress the career in Japan.
Last Remarks
Depending on your Japanese proficiency level, why not chose the right job? Working is one of the best ways to learn Japanese language and culture. You will improve your level immediately in a business situation.