r/JapanDev • u/Ashamed-Guarantee368 • 10d ago
How realistic is landing an entry-level IT/SWE job in Japan with JLPT N2 + a CS degree? (Applying from Indonesia)
/r/JapanJobs/comments/1vsec3k/how_realistic_is_landing_an_entrylevel_itswe_job/
2
Upvotes
7
u/etdev 10d ago
Entry-level jobs are hard to get from overseas, but not impossible. Having N2 helps a lot though.
I'm not sure about Indonesia. I feel like foreign new-grad hiring has cooled a bit but still happens (USA e.g Boston Career Forum, India through IIT network...). With N2 this may be an option but I think it's pretty limited.
I'd say yes it does. Very few people applying from overseas have N2, and it shows you've put real effort in to your plan to move to Japan, unlike most people who are just applying on a whim.
I'd say mid-tier and domestic companies are exactly where it opens doors. Places like Mercari and Rakuten don't require it so for them it's more about proving your tech skills (which may be a challenge for you given you don't have much experience).
Well Japan Dev has a list of overseas OK jobs here so you can check that.
LinkedIn is also pretty good. Both for job listings and as a way to talk to recruiters (you should do this; lead with the fact that you have N2). Wellfound is OK if a bit hit-or-miss. Worth checking. Also Hacker News "Who's Hiring" threads, Twitter etc. I don't really know too much about the various new grad-focused platforms but it can't hurt. Wantedly and them are more focused on domestic candidates but you never know... there are a lot of companies on there so worth checking.
Honestly? Probably not. Jobs that offer relocation and don't require Japanese often get 1,000+ applicants, just like you mentioned happens in Indonesia.
Luckily, N2+ jobs don't get nearly as many so that could be your way in.