Part-Time Job Interview in Japan: Common Questions and How to Answer
After your rirekisho comes the interview. The questions arubaito managers actually ask — availability, reason for applying, Japanese level — with honest, simple ways to answer in Japanese.
A part-time interview in Japan is usually short, friendly, and practical. The manager mainly wants to know that you are reliable, available when they need you, and easy to work with. You do not need perfect Japanese — clear, honest answers in polite language go a long way. Here are the questions that come up almost every time.
“When can you work?” (シフト)
This is the most important question for arubaito. Know your real availability before you go, and answer concretely: 「平日は17時以降、土日は終日働けます。週4日希望です。」 Match the availability you wrote in your 本人希望記入欄. If you are a student, be ready to mention the 28-hour limit.
“Why did you apply here?” (志望動機)
A short, honest reason is fine — proximity, interest in the work, wanting to improve your Japanese. 「家から近く、長く続けられると思い応募しました。」 If you prepared a written 志望動機, just say it naturally rather than reciting it word for word.
“How is your Japanese?”
Answer plainly and positively: 「日常会話は問題ありません。難しい言葉はまだ勉強中です。」 Honesty here builds trust; overstating it backfires on day one. See JLPT levels and what they mean.
Other common questions
- いつから働けますか — when can you start? Give a date.
- 通勤時間は — how long is your commute? Closer is better for shift work.
- 他にアルバイトをしていますか — do you have other jobs? (Relevant to the 28-hour limit.)
- 長く続けられますか — can you stay long-term? Managers value continuity.
If you do not understand a question
It will happen, and it is not a problem if you handle it calmly. Ask the interviewer to repeat or slow down: 「すみません、もう一度ゆっくりお願いできますか。」 If a particular word is the issue, repeat it back: 「○○というのは、どういう意味でしょうか。」 Managers hiring foreign staff are judging whether you can communicate on the shop floor, and asking for clarification is exactly what they want you to do there. Guessing and giving an unrelated answer is far worse than asking.
Questions you can ask them (逆質問)
Near the end most interviewers ask 「何か質問はありますか」. Having one or two questions shows interest. Good, practical ones for part-time work:
- 「研修期間はどのくらいですか。」 — How long is the training period?
- 「シフトはいつまでに提出しますか。」 — When do I submit my shift preferences?
- 「交通費は支給されますか。」 — Is transport paid? (Fine to ask if the ad didn't say.)
- 「外国人のスタッフの方もいますか。」 — Are there other foreign staff?
Save questions about raises for later. If the ad already answered a question, don't ask it — it shows you didn't read it.
Online and phone interviews
Some chains hold first interviews by video call. The same manners apply: sit somewhere quiet with a plain background, test your camera and microphone beforehand, dress as you would in person, and join one or two minutes early. Look at the camera, not the screen, when you speak. Keep your rirekisho open beside you so your answers match what you wrote.
After the interview
Most part-time employers tell you the result within about a week, often by phone, so answer calls from unknown numbers during that time. If you are offered the job and accept, confirm your start date and what to bring. If the deadline passes with no news, one polite call is fine. When you get the job, our guide to your first day covers the documents and greetings.
Etiquette on the day
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early, dressed neatly and conservatively.
- Bring your printed rirekisho in a clear file inside a white envelope, even if you emailed it.
- Greet with 「本日はよろしくお願いいたします」 and close with 「ありがとうございました」.
- Turn your phone off, not just silent.
Walk in prepared by getting the resume right first — build it in the editor, and if you have not applied yet, our phone script covers the call before the interview.