How to Succeed in a Video Interview in Japan
At Build+, we’ve coached thousands of candidates through online interviews.
Follow these 10 tips to make sure the reason you fail the video interview will be the interviewer’s fault! (not yours)
Here's what you need to know:
🎯 Big Picture: What Interviewers Look for in Japan
Success in a Japanese interview often comes down to a few key themes:
Professionalism – how you present yourself, even over video
Preparation – whether you took the time to get ready properly
Communication – clarity, listening, and respect for the format
Especially for international or remote roles, how you handle a video interview is seen as a reflection of how you’ll work with a distributed team.
1) 🎥 Turn Your Camera On
Your camera should be on the entire time.
Turning it off may come across as disengaged or unprofessional in a Japanese setting.
Seeing your face helps build connection, trust, and a sense of presence.
2) 🖥️ Join from a Computer, Not Your Phone
Join the call from a laptop or desktop.
It's stable, easier to manage documents or screen sharing, and gives a stronger overall impression.
Joining from your phone may signal a lack of preparation or seriousness, especially if you're walking, driving, or outside.
If you do not have a computer that can be used, join from your phone, but be sure to follow the other tips!
3) 🏠 Join from Home (or Somewhere Private and Quiet)
Aim for a private, indoor space with minimal distractions.
Public areas, cafés, or coworking spaces are noisy and unpredictable.
The ideal location is somewhere you can control lighting, sound, and connection.
Where is that? Your place of residence.
4) 🌐 Test Your Link Early and Check Your Tech
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Log in 10 minutes early to:
Make sure the link works
Test your mic and camera
Adjust your audio levels
Confirm your display name is correct
The interviewer will understand that it is not your fault, but it will reflect poorly on your preparation.
It gives the impression that you are inexperienced or not taking the interview seriously.
Many interviewees fail because of tech issues.
5) 🔇 Be Mindful of Background Noise
Noisy fans, construction, pets, or other people in the house distract you and the interviewer.
Use headphones with a mic and mute yourself when you're not speaking.
6) 🧑💼 Wear Business Clothes
Even though it’s online, dress like it’s in-person.
For most interviews in Japan, this means a smart shirt or blouse.
If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, err on the side of being slightly overdressed.
It shows respect for the process and the company.
7)💡 Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting plays a big role in how professional you appear on screen.
Natural light from in front of you is best.
If that’s not available, use a lamp or ring light to brighten your face. You can get one at Daiso.
Avoid sitting with a window or bright light behind you. This will silhouette you, making your face impossible to see.
8) 🧼 Keep Your Background Clean and Simple
Your background doesn't need to be fancy—just neutral and tidy.
A plain wall, bookshelf, or curtain works well.
Avoid anything that distracts from what you’re saying.
9) 🎧 Be Mindful of Sound
Speak clearly and at a measured pace, especially if you’re not using a headset.
Pause slightly between responses, as audio lag makes it easy to talk over someone.
10) 🧘 Stay Calm if Something Goes Wrong
Tech issues happen. The key is how you respond.
If your connection drops or your mic stops working, apologize briefly, try to fix it calmly, and keep your composure.
Employers won’t hold minor problems against you if you show you're flexible and solution-oriented.
(Optional) 🙈 Turn Off Self-View OR Pin your video
There are two opposing viewpoints on this at Build+.
Option 1: Turn off your face
If you find yourself getting distracted by your own face on the screen, many video platforms allow you to hide your self-view.
This can help you focus on the conversation and not on how you look.
Option 2: Pin Your Face
Alternatively, pinning your video allows you to look at yourself without the other person noticing.
You will be able to check your expressions to make sure you are conveying the proper emotions.
As one of our technical recruiters said, “I like looking at myself, especially if I look good.” * finger guns *
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Joining from a phone while on the move
Turning your camera off without explanation
Logging in late because of technical issues
Sitting in a dark, messy, or noisy environment
Wearing pajamas or casual clothes
Forgetting who you’re speaking to or the company name
Not preparing your pitch or questions
❓ FAQ: Video Interviews in Japan
Do I really need to dress up for a video interview?
Yes—especially for jobs in Japan. Even if the company is casual internally, most expect candidates to appear polished and professional in interviews. A clean, button-up shirt or blouse is usually a safe bet.
Is it OK to join from my phone if I don’t have a computer?
If it’s your only option, yes—but it’s not ideal. Be sure to hold your phone steady, join from a quiet and private location, and test everything beforehand. Mention this to your recruiter or interviewer ahead of time if possible.
What should I do if my internet cuts out during the interview?
Stay calm and try to rejoin immediately. If you can’t, email your recruiter or the interviewer right away to explain. Most people will understand—as long as you communicate and stay professional.
Should I blur my background or use a virtual one?
If your real background is distracting or messy, a blurred background is usually better than a virtual one (which can glitch). But a neutral real space is always best when possible.
What if I accidentally talk over the interviewer because of lag?
It happens. Just pause, apologize briefly, and let them continue. Speaking slightly more slowly and pausing before replying helps reduce overlap.
Is it OK to take notes during the interview?
Absolutely. Just let the interviewer know at the start:
"I may take a few notes during the conversation—just to make sure I don’t forget anything."
This shows you’re engaged and thoughtful.
Do Japanese companies expect me to speak in Japanese during video interviews?
That depends on the role. Many international or tech-focused companies will conduct interviews in English, but some may switch between languages. Ask your recruiter ahead of time what to expect so you can prepare accordingly.
