The JLPT: Do You Need It For A Job? (U.S. version)

This is the third blog post in the series about the JLPT, and this time we will discuss whether you need it for a job in the US.

Spoiler alert: The answer is YES, but I have mixed feelings on this topic.

Be sure to check out the rest!

Part 1: Preparing For the JLPT: Do You Need It For A Job In Japan?

Part 2: JLPT Online Training Programs

Part 4:The JLPT Got The Coronavirus

Part 5: Stop Interviewing & Hiring Based Solely On the JLPT

JLPT Benefits

Personally, I believe that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test is EXCELLENT for the following reasons:

It makes you study Japanese very, very diligently. (There is no exaggeration here!)
With each passing level, it proves that you studied grammar, kanji, sentence structure, etc.
It takes a lot of time to prepare for this, and I would say it is practically impossible to take it sans prep even if you think you’re “fluent.” Every test has its characteristics, and you need to be familiar with each section.

(Funny story: I took the TOEIC in 2003 when I lived in Japan because so many employers couldn’t confirm whether I actually spoke English. That test ended up being extremely difficult, mainly because I was completely unfamiliar with the testing structure AND because my high school Honors English class brushed over grammar. Miraculously, I passed, and ended up bumping up my university’s average score up quite a few points 🙂 )

JLPT Mixed Feelings

With all due respect to the JLPT organizers and participants the world over, the following reasons are why I have mixed feelings about solely using the JLPT as a measure of your Japanese language skills when finding a job in the US:

Not every employer, especially outside Japan, understands what the JLPT is or what it tests.
The JLPT does not test speaking skills.
The JLPT doesn’t necessarily mean that you are equipped for business-level Japanese. (For this, I recommend the Business Japanese Test more than the JLPT, even though it is not as well-known.)

That said, I still want everyone to take this test! (And no, I am not affiliated with the JPLT.)

Recommendations to Job Seekers

Take the JLPT! It will show that you have grit, patience and the ability to study nihongo very conscientiously.
Find other ways to learn business Japanese, whether it is the BJT or some of the resources I listed in last week’s blog post.
Don’t forget to practice speaking! This includes listening to normal conversations, not just sentences created for a test that are meant to confuse you with their difficult grammatical patterns.

Recommendations to Employers:

Don’t discount candidates who haven’t taken the JLPT, especially if they have experience working at a company using their Japanese. On-the-job training could be much more valuable than having taken a test.
Be impressed if candidates have taken the JLPT, especially the lower the number (N1 = best). They have studied thousands of hours and potentially shed many tears to get there.
Regardless if the candidate has or has not taken the JLPT, have a native or advanced Japanese speaker check that the applicant’s speaking and listening comprehension, as well as written business levels, are up to speed. [Shameless plug: you may also contact me for this service.]
Read an in-depth article written specifically for employers about how to Stop Interviewing & Hiring Based Solely On the JLPT.

Final Thoughts

The JLPT does not have to be the perfect nor only solution to testing one’s level of Japanese language ability. It is a great standard to measure up against, but just because you don’t have it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply for a job.

Do you agree? Let me know your thoughts!