If you’re job hunting in Japan, one of the biggest challenges is using keigo (敬語) correctly during interviews. Even native Japanese speakers find business honorifics tricky—but the good news is that you don’t need perfect keigo to make a great impression.
Most interviewers simply expect polite Japanese, clear communication, and a few key keigo expressions.
This guide teaches the essential keigo phrases you should know for interviews, from greetings to self-introductions and closing remarks—explained simply and designed for learners.
🙇♂️ 1. Keigo Basics You Should Know
Before learning interview phrases, remember the three types of keigo:
① 尊敬語（そんけいご）— Respectful language
Used to elevate the interviewer.
Example: いらっしゃる、なさる
② 謙譲語（けんじょうご）— Humble language
Used to humble yourself.
Example: 申します、いたします
③ 丁寧語（ていねいご）— Polite language
The basic です・ます form.
For most interviews, 丁寧語 + a few humble expressions is enough.
👋 2. Essential Keigo for Greeting the Interviewer
① 本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。
Meaning: Thank you for giving me your time today.
Why it’s good: Shows appreciation and politeness.
② よろしくお願いいたします。
Meaning: I appreciate the opportunity / Please treat me favorably.
Use: Before and after the interview.
③ ○○と申します。
Meaning: My name is ___. (humble)
Use: At the beginning of self-introduction.
🧑💼 3. Keigo for a Strong Self-Introduction (自己紹介)
① ○○大学を卒業し、現在は△△に取り組んでおります。
“I graduated from ___ University and am currently working on ___.”
② 前職では□□の業務を担当しておりました。
“In my previous role, I was responsible for ___.”
③ 貴社の○○に魅力を感じ、応募いたしました。
“I applied because I’m very interested in your company’s ___.”
📝 4. Keigo for Explaining Skills, Strengths & Experience
① ～に携わってまいりました。
“I have been involved in ___.”
(Humble; very common in interviews)
② ～を学ばせていただきました。
“I had the opportunity to learn ___.”
③ ～に自信がございます。
“I am confident in ___.”
④ ～を心がけております。
“I always make an effort to ___.”
❓ 5. Keigo for Answering Questions Politely
① はい、承知いたしました。
“Yes, I understand.” (very polite)
② 申し訳ございませんが、もう一度お願いできますでしょうか。
“Sorry, could you please repeat that?”
Use this if you didn’t hear the question clearly.
③ 私の考えといたしましては…
“My opinion is…”
Professional way to start your answer.
🙏 6. Keigo for Asking Questions at the End
① 差し支えなければ、御社の○○についてお伺いできますでしょうか。
“If possible, may I ask about ___?”
② 今後の選考の流れについて教えていただけますでしょうか。
“Could you please tell me about the next steps in the process?”
👋 7. Keigo for Ending the Interview
① 本日は貴重なお時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございました。
“Thank you very much for your valuable time today.”
② 引き続き、よろしくお願いいたします。
“I look forward to hearing from you.”
③ 本日のお話を踏まえ、御社で働きたい気持ちがより強まりました。
“After today’s conversation, I feel even more motivated to work for your company.”
💡 8. Common Keigo Mistakes to Avoid
- Using polite forms incorrectly: × ご苦労様です → ◎ お疲れ様です
- Being too direct with refusals
- Forgetting to bow when entering/leaving
- Speaking too casually (dropping です/ます)
- Overusing keigo unnaturally
Tip: Simpler, polite keigo is better than overly complicated expressions.
🎯 Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to prepare is to practice your answers out loud and record yourself.
If you want support, our teachers can help you practice real interview scenarios using natural keigo.
👉 Join our 4 free beginner Japanese lessons!
📌 More Links for Japanese Learners
- Drinking Etiquette in Japan
- How to Write Professional Emails in Japanese
- Formal vs. Casual Styles in Emails
- How to Read Kanji Without Furigana
- JLPT N5 to N1 Kanji Guide
