This blog is about how to get part-time jobs, what to expect from them and what are the most common apps and sites to apply for part-time jobs.
If you are visiting Japan for the first time, I can understand that it can be difficult to find a job that best suits your needs. I went through that phase once. I went to Japan thinking that it won't be so difficult. But, it is. Well, for me it was, because I was looking for something specific. My school was not of much help because although they did put information on the notice board, it did not have what I was looking for.
This will of course be easier for you if you are open to all kinds of jobs like cleaning, making beds, washing dishes, working as a staff in a supermarket etc. In this case, your school will be of great help. They will arrange an interview for you and even if you can't speak much Japanese you probably will be hired (only true for jobs like cleaning the floor, making beds, doing the dishes, or factory work like carrying boxes etc). The average 時給 (jikyuu- meaning pay per hour) in Osaka is 990-1000 Yen and in Tokyo 1000-1100 Yen. But don't get too excited yet. There is a limitation on the number of hours you can work if you are on a student visa. When you get your residence card, the officer will clearly write and also point out to you that since you are on student visa YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED 28 HOURS OF PART-TIME WORK IN A WEEK (you will find people who will allow you to work beyond this limit but I would suggest that don't fall for such things as it is clearly illegal).
Honestly, I don't have a lot of experience in part-time jobs. But, I have helped a looooot of people get one. My first バイト (short for アルバイト meaning part-time job) was at an Indian restaurant. One night I was craving for some curry and naan, I looked up the internet and found an Indian restaurant nearby. It took me about 10 mins to reach and I wasn't surprised that it was run by a Nepali gentleman. I asked him if he knew of any jobs (I actually meant teaching jobs), we exchanged line ID and the next day he offered me one at his restaurant. And just like that, without any interview, I had my first part-time job in Japan. I worked there for only a few days and explained to the owner how I was looking for something else. My second バイト was at a pre-school. There too, I worked for only a few days since again it was not what I was looking for (it was actually a baby sitting job and it was cute at first but it did not fit my job description).
Part time work in Japan is, like any other thing, quite well organised. The steps would be
🌸You apply for the job
🌸You will get a call. They will ask you various questions including if you can speak Japanese or not
🌸They will call you for an interview (in most cases they would ask you to wait for a week at least, but of course exceptions are always there)
🌸You will be called again (if you are selected of course) to discuss things like work timings, day offs etc.
If you are not selected, they will call, text or email you stating the same.
I would suggest that go for a job that really interests you and not just for money ( although most students are just looking for money). Why I say this is : First, these jobs will exhaust you. Second, it is better to make a plan. For example, you want a permanent teaching job in Japan. In this case, look for something similar as part-time work. This will add to your experience and your employers would know that you are really focused.
There are a number of places where you can look for a バイト of your choice :
Craigslist (don't be surprised)
Many apps like Baitoru バイトル、Mainabi baito マイナビバイト etc
Through your school
Ask a friend !
Magazines and news papers available for free on stations (would require good Japanese to read these)
Be like me, visit a restaurant (a convenience store or a super market) and ask for a job 🤣
That's it !
I do have a lot of stories to tell but I don't want to bore y'all!
Anyway, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
Till next time
Indu
🌸🌸🌸
How to study in Japan