Recruiting in Japan and South Korea: the guide
Japan's graduate hiring calendar and why strategy firms move earlier, internships as a selection step, Japanese and Korean language expectations, the firms in Tokyo and Seoul, and work permits in general terms.
Facts checked against sources onWhat strong candidates can do
- Understand Japan's new-graduate calendar and the earlier timelines of strategy firms
- Know the language each office expects, and the routes in for Japanese, Korean, and overseas students
- Prepare for estimation questions and cases on aging, manufacturing, and exports
Common questions
What does the guide to recruiting in Japan and South Korea cover?
It covers Japan's graduate hiring calendar and why strategy firms move earlier, internships as a selection step, Japanese and Korean language expectations, the firms in Tokyo and Seoul, and work permits in general terms.
When do firms hire in Japan and South Korea?
It depends on the firm, the office, and whether you are a student or an experienced hire, and dates change from year to year. The lessons listed below explain the usual pattern in Japan and South Korea and where to check each firm's current dates.
What is different about interviews in Japan and South Korea?
Japan has a fixed calendar for hiring new graduates, and strategy firms tend to move earlier than it. Internships are often a selection step, and offices may expect Japanese or Korean. Prepare for estimation questions and cases on aging, manufacturing and exports.
In the full guide
- The firms, the calendar, and how hiring worksTokyo and Seoul offices, Japan's shinsotsu hiring calendar, internships, and Korea's routes in.
- Work permits, case themes, and preparationWork permits in general terms, typical case themes, and a preparation list.
Then practise on cases set in the region: Practice cases: Japan and South Korea
The full lessons, worked examples, drills and a case simulator with automated feedback are in the platform. Open the full lessons: Recruiting in Japan and South Korea or try the case simulator. No sign-up is needed to start.
Build your plan for Japan and South Korea
Your plan uses this region's recruiting season and case formats, counted down to your interview date.