5 Skills to Acquire to Advance Your Career in Japan

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, many individuals aiming for career advancement are considering acquiring new skills. However, deciding which skills to learn can be challenging. In this blog, we present the results of a survey conducted by Bis Hits involving 500 individuals with job change experience, ranking which skills were the most useful for job changes. This information is based on the voices of those who have successfully changed jobs and aims to provide insights into selecting important skills for job hunting.

Top 5 Popular Skills for Career Advancement

1. Office Automation
2. Communication
3. Language
4. Accounting
5. Creative

1. Office Automation Skills

Office Automation skills were mentioned by 127 out of 500 respondents, indicating its importance in many workplaces.

Particularly when aiming for a transition to administrative roles, PC input is almost a prerequisite in any industry, and skills related to basic computer operations and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are often required. Additionally, obtaining a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification can be advantageous. Not only does the certification itself contribute directly to job performance, but the ambition demonstrated through obtaining such qualifications is often appreciated during interviews. These skills can possibly help you advance your career, for example, allowing you to transition from a customer service position to an administrative role. Practical experience with Excel and PowerPoint will be recognized as immediate value. These skills are particularly useful in aggregation tasks and inter-departmental coordination, making them highly sought after.

2. Communication Skills

Ranked second among useful skills is communication. Many respondents noted that they were able to effectively converse with interviewers and demonstrate their ability to maintain smooth communication post-hire.

In actual work scenarios, those with excellent communications skills are often valued and entrusted with tasks close to sales administration. In addition, these skills are necessary in coordinating negotiations with superiors and clients. Communication skills are fundamental abilities required across all industries and positions, particularly highlighting their importance in roles involving interpersonal interactions.

These skills not only directly aid in performing tasks but also serve as a foundation for fostering healthy workplace relationships, making them invaluable regardless of the job type. Therefore, striving to improve communication skills is beneficial for anyone considering career advancement.

3. Language Skills

Language skills are also cited as extremely useful for job changes. Particularly when aiming for positions in foreign companies, having language qualifications can be beneficial when transitioning careers. Even if English isn't mandatory at your workplace, language abilities can help expand your career options and may help you greatly during potential future job changes.

In addition to English, there are instances where individuals utilized Chinese or Korean language skills during their transitions. Given the increasing demand for these languages in Asian business contexts, acquiring these language skills is effective.

For those looking to enhance their language proficiency, achieving scores on exams like TOEIC can provide advantages during job searches; studying abroad can also be highly effective in improving language skills.

4. Accounting Qualifications and Skills

Accounting qualifications and skills are also considered very useful for job changes. Specifically, bookkeeping certifications (levels 1-3) can provide significant advantages during transitions. Even in roles not directly requiring bookkeeping qualifications, knowledge of accounting canbe beneficial. For example, having an understanding of cash flow can allow you contribute to discussions about company strategy.

This understanding deepens insight into overall management and operations within a company, potentially benefiting various roles.

For those targeting accounting positions or seeking transitions into finance-related fields or sales roles at accounting firms or tax offices, obtaining bookkeeping qualifications is highly recommended—especially achieving level 2 or higher can enhance competitiveness in the job market.

5. Creative Skills

Creative skills are another skill set that is highly valued during job changes. Many individuals have successfully transitioned due to experience with design tools like Photoshop or Illustrator and design capabilities overall. These skills are particularly sought after in advertising, media, and design sectors because they allow candidates to showcase their work through portfolios effectively.

Additionally, writing and proofreading abilities are also highly regarded within creative industries. Leveraging these skills can facilitate transitions into publishing or content creation-related positions. For those aspiring towards creative roles, gaining practical experience and honing relevant skills is crucial; starting from scratch may warrant consideration of vocational schools or training programs where foundational skills can be learned—providing concrete outcomes that demonstrate capabilities during job searches.

Conclusion

To enhance competitiveness in the job market, acquiring new skills is essential. Various methods exist for skill acquisition including self-study, attending specialized schools, or obtaining certifications. By developing these skills, individuals can advance their careers more effectively during job searches while establishing a solid foundation for future opportunities.

However, if newly acquired skills aren't utilized fully, their value diminishes significantly. Identifying necessary skills requires understanding personal career goals and industry demands; consulting with recruitment agents can provide specialized advice and concrete support regarding appropriate skill selection and effective strategies for navigating job searches.