Want to work as a QA Engineer in Japan?
Learning Japanese is part of that journey.
That is why I spoke with
Manthila Baduraliyage
Manthila is a Technical Recruiter working with SHIFT.
She gave insights into the language requirements, interview language checks, and tips on how to pass.
Here’s everything you need to know about language requirements for QA engineers in Japan and how you can meet them.
JLPT N2
As a QA Engineer, you will need to:
- Engage in internal discussions that may involve both technical and non-technical topics.
- Communicate effectively with clients, most of whom will expect business-level Japanese.
- Participate in interviews and professional settings where your language skills will be assessed in depth.
This means you need to understand Japanese used in everyday situations and various contexts.
Not all of your colleagues will speak English, so Japanese skills ensure you contribute meaningfully and work efficiently.
What If You Don’t Have N2?
If you haven’t yet achieved N2 but believe your Japanese skills are up to par, you can still apply, but there will be an additional language check.
This is a 15-minute phone call where you’ll answer questions like:
- A brief self-introduction.
- “Why do you want to change jobs?”
- “Why do you want to work at SHIFT?”
This call will assess if your spoken Japanese is enough to handle day-to-day tasks and professional conversations in SHIFT.
How to Apply for and Take the JLPT N2 Exam
If you’re preparing to reach N2 proficiency for a role at SHIFT, understanding the process of registering for and taking the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application and testing process:
1. Registering for the JLPT
- Visit the Official JLPT Website: The first step is to visit the JLPT official website to check the registration periods and test dates. The JLPT is typically held twice a year, in July and December.
- Create an Account: For most countries, you’ll need to create an account on the local test administration site to register. Be sure to double-check the specific registration process for your location.
- Choose Your Test Level: Select N2 as the test level during registration. Ensure that you are confident in your preparation, as this level is a significant jump from intermediate (N3) proficiency.
- Complete Your Application: Fill out the necessary details, including your contact information and preferred test center. Confirm that your information is accurate before submitting the application.
- Pay the Test Fee: The cost of the test varies by country but is typically around ￥5,500 to ￥6,500 (approximately $40-$60 USD). Payment options will be provided during the registration process.
- Receive Confirmation: Once your application is complete and payment is processed, you’ll receive a test voucher or confirmation slip. Keep this document safe as you’ll need it on the test day.
2. Preparing for the Test Day
- Bring Necessary Documents: On the test day, ensure you bring your test voucher/confirmation slip, a valid photo ID (passport or resident card), and several pencils and erasers.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the test begins to allow time for check-in and any unexpected delays.
- Follow the Rules: The JLPT has strict rules regarding test materials and conduct. Mobile phones and electronic devices must be turned off and stored away. Any form of cheating will result in disqualification.
3. Understanding the JLPT N2 Exam Format
The JLPT N2 test is divided into three main sections:
- Language Knowledge (Vocabulary and Grammar) and Reading: You’ll be tested on your ability to read and comprehend written Japanese, including articles, essays, and various forms of literature. This section also assesses your understanding of grammar and vocabulary in context.
- Listening: This section tests your ability to understand conversations, announcements, and other spoken materials in Japanese. You’ll need to comprehend main ideas, details, and implied meanings in spoken dialogues at nearly natural speed.
- Scoring: Each section is scored separately, and you must pass all sections to achieve an overall pass for the N2 level. The passing score for N2 is typically 90 out of 180, with minimum scores required in each section.
4. Taking the Test
- Multiple Choice Format: All questions on the JLPT are multiple-choice, so practice answering in this format to become comfortable.
- Time Management: The N2 test lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including breaks. Manage your time carefully to ensure you can complete each section.
- Stay Calm and Focused: The test can be challenging, but staying calm and focused will help you perform at your best. Read questions thoroughly and pace yourself.
5. After the Test
- Results: Results are typically released online about two months after the test date. You’ll receive a notification with instructions on how to check your results on the official JLPT website or your local test administration site.
- Certificate: If you pass, you’ll receive an official JLPT N2 certificate by mail. This certificate is a valuable document for demonstrating your language proficiency to employers like SHIFT.
6. Tips for Success
- Simulate Test Conditions: Practice taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build your test-taking stamina.
- Utilize Online Resources: Many websites and apps offer mock tests and practice questions similar to the actual exam.
- Join Study Groups: Connecting with others studying for the N2 exam can provide motivation, support, and helpful insights.
What to Expect in the Interview Process
The interview process at SHIFT is thorough, particularly for QA roles that require strong Japanese language skills. Here’s what you should expect:
- 1-Hour Interview in Japanese: Your interview will be entirely in Japanese, assessing both your technical knowledge and language abilities. You can ask the interviewer for clarification if needed, but if they repeat a question and you misunderstand or respond incorrectly, it could impact your evaluation.
- No Keigo Required: SHIFT doesn’t expect you to master honorifics or keigo for QA roles, but you do need to show professional and coherent language use.
- Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your past experiences with manual and automated testing, the technologies you’ve worked with, coding or scripting skills, and tools like JIRA and API testing.
The CAT Test
One unique part of SHIFT’s hiring process for QA engineers is the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), which includes a statistics test in Japanese. Although you can use browser translation tools, the content will be presented in Japanese, so your reading comprehension should be strong enough to understand complex questions.
Tips to Prepare for Your Interview
Keep Your Self-Introduction Brief
Practice your self-introduction and aim to keep it under one minute. This allows the interviewer to guide the conversation toward areas they want to explore, ensuring you don’t spend too much time on unnecessary details.
Summarize Your Work Experience
Highlight the companies you’ve worked for and your main achievements in each role. Use this structure when answering:
- Start with a concise conclusion, e.g., “I implemented an automated testing strategy that increased efficiency by 30%.”
- Follow up with the problem and your specific contributions.
- Conclude with the results, mentioning any lessons learned if the outcome wasn’t entirely positive.
Interviewers at SHIFT appreciate candidates who can express themselves clearly and directly. Avoid long-winded technical explanations unless specifically asked for more detail.
Resources
- JLPT Official Website: Check out the JLPT website for practice materials and information on test schedules.
- WaniKani: A helpful tool for improving your kanji and vocabulary.
Manthila gave this warning, if you are still learning Japanese, SHIFT is not the place for you. People get rejected for lack of Japanese skill.
Her advice is to read through this collection of articles to decide if SHIFT will be where you want to work.
Want to learn more about life at SHIFT?
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