A Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals on How to Find a Job at Hello Work

For foreign nationals looking for work in Japan, Hello Work is an invaluable resource. As Japan’s public employment security offices, they are located nationwide and offer free services, including career counseling and job placements. This guide will walk you through the specific steps to find a job using Hello Work, from in-person consultations to online searches.

Before You Start: Check Your Residence Status

To receive job placement services at Hello Work, you must hold a residence status (visa) that permits you to work in Japan. Please confirm in advance that your residence status—such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Specified Skilled Worker,” “Permanent Resident,” or “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”—allows you to work and that there are no restrictions on your activities.

Two Main Ways to Find a Job

There are two primary methods for searching for a job through Hello Work:

Consulting with staff at a Hello Work office
Using the Hello Work Internet Service

Choose the method that best suits your Japanese language ability and personal situation.

1. Visiting a Hello Work Office in Person

This method is recommended for those who prefer to search for a job while consulting directly with a staff member. It is especially helpful if you are not confident in your Japanese skills or if you want professional advice, as some offices have interpreters available.

Step 1: Find Your Local Hello Work Office First, locate the Hello Work office that serves your residential area.

Step 2: Register as a Job Seeker Visit the office and fill out a “Job Application Form” (求職申込書, kyūshoku mōshikomisho) with your desired job type, working hours, salary, and other conditions. You will be asked to present your Residence Card, so be sure to bring it with you.

Step 3: Consultation and Job Introduction Once your registration is complete, you can discuss your job preferences with a counselor at the counter. The staff will search for and introduce you to jobs that match your hopes and skills. If you find a job you’re interested in, you will receive a job posting sheet (求人票, kyūjinhyō) with detailed information.

Step 4: Apply and Interview When you decide on a company you want to apply to, Hello Work will issue a “Letter of Introduction” (紹介状, shōkaijō). You will take this letter with you to the company interview. In some cases, the Hello Work staff can also help you schedule the interview.

Utilize Specialized Service Desks for Foreign Nationals! For more dedicated support, we highly recommend using the following specialized counters:

Employment Service Center/Corner for Foreigners: These centers have interpreters who can assist you in multiple languages, such as English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Specialized counselors are available to help you find a job that matches your residence status. Major centers are located in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

2. Using the Hello Work Internet Service

This is a convenient service that allows you to search for job postings 24/7 from your computer or smartphone at home.

Step 1: Access the “Hello Work Internet Service” First, visit the Hello Work Internet Service top page.

Step 2: Select Your Language and Search for Jobs At the top of the page, you can select your preferred language, such as “Japanese,” “English,” or “中文” (Chinese). After choosing your language, click the “Job Search” button.

Step 3: Enter Your Desired Conditions to Search On the search screen, you can filter jobs using various criteria.

Search Field	Example Input
Work Location	Select the prefecture or city where you want to work. Ex: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Job Category	Select or enter the type of job you are looking for. Ex: IT, caregiver, interpreter/translator
Free Keyword	Search with relevant keywords like “English-speaking environment” or “foreigners welcome.”
Detailed Search	You can also use the “Required Language Skills” field to find jobs matching your language proficiency.

Step 4: Check the Job Details and Go to Hello Work When you find a job you are interested in, be sure to note the “Job Number” (求人番号, kyūjin bangō). To apply for that job, you must visit your local Hello Work office, provide the job number, and receive a “Letter of Introduction.”

Make It Even More Convenient with “Job Seeker My Page”! By creating a “Job Seeker My Page” (求職者マイページ) on the Hello Work Internet Service, you can make your job search even more efficient. This feature allows you to save your search criteria, create a list of interesting job postings, and even apply for some jobs online (online self-application).