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Japanese Culture - Phone interview with US subsidiary of Japanese firm
Expert: Tai Yamanaka - 11/2/2009
Question
Dear Tai,
I have a phone interview with a US subsidiary of a Japanese company and I was told that cultural fit was very important, as well as the interviewing style. I wonder if you can share some pointers on etiquette and style. For starters I'm pretty sure it's faux pas to address a Japanese person by their first name, right? Being not Japanese, should I use the title San and how? As you see, I have a lot to learn... Thank you in advance!
Answer
Hello Sophie,
Thank you for your question.
Not knowing the subject of your phone interview, I can only provide general pointers, but here goes:
1. Form of address: First names are never, ever used in Japanese business situations. Position titles are used normally, but such titles are used when the speaker and addressee know each other. Last names are used most often, and are the safest to use. Don’t use “san” if you don’t know the person well – it’ll just sound like you’re trying too hard, and pandering.
2. Formality: Japanese business if formal, meaning that there is a real separation between business life and home life. Don’t act overly friendly. Don’t talk about your personal life, even if invited to do so, especially when you don’t know the other person well.
3. Hierarchy: Japan is a Confucian society, meaning that hierarchy is everything. In a business meeting, that means that the person who does the talking is the lowest ranked member. The one who doesn’t talk, who pulls the strings and makes the decision is the one who does not talk.
4. Be honest, be patient, be cool. Discussions across cultures is always difficult. Be honest to the extent you can. That’s generally the best way of not losing. Japanese think long-term. There is no hankering for the quarterly profit. You’re at a disadvantage when you lose that perspective. Cultural differences can be trying. Don’t lose your cool.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
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