Hey yall, I live in US and my industry is UI/UX.
I was planning on taking N2 yesterday but unfortunately, I got COVID and had to skip the test. My N2 score is around 130 – 140 and I can have a simple daily conversation and currently working on fluently speaking professionally (such as describing my portfolio, or expressing my opinions with high level vocabs). I’m Korean so Japanese isn’t a completely strange language when it comes to vocabs and grammar structure (I’m not saying it’s easy btw).
My question is, how difficult is it for a person without N2 result to get a job in Japan? (UI/UX Design field). I also heard N2 result is completely useless if you can’t speak Japanese during the interview. On the other hand, I’ve heard people with N4 or no test score getting jobs by nailing the interview because they are just good at 会話 – which makes more sense.
I am aiming for US companies in Tokyo – such as \*as an example\* Apple, Google or Rakuten (Japanese company but Americanized enough). I would like to move next year before May – if possible.
I am also working with two – three headhunters and they told me there are english only opportunities that pop up very seldomly from big companies but having n2 is definitely much better. one of my friends landed on one of those jobs and enjoying his life in Tokyo haha. Just wanted to ask non-headhunters’ opinions.
Also, when it comes to receiving the work visa, the embassy doesn’t care if you have JLPT score or not right? as long as the company accepts you and provides documents?
I am studying Japanese (from Basic to N2 level) everyday to improve my skill and I have a close Japanese friend who is down to do ‘free talking’ session everyday for me also.
If you have experienced this or have seen people who were in my situation please give me any advice!Also if you are a UI/UX designer in Tokyo, I am interested in speaking with you!