In 15 Seconds
- Used for landing a full-time, permanent career position.
- Combines the noun 'employment' with the verb 'to do'.
- Marks the transition from student to professional 'member of society'.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of finding and starting a permanent, full-time career position. It is the moment you officially enter the workforce as a professional member of society.
Key Examples
3 of 6Announcing a job offer to a friend
ついに、第一志望の会社に就職をすることになったよ！
I'm finally going to get a job at my top-choice company!
A parent asking about their child's future
卒業後はどこに就職をするつもりなの？
Where do you intend to get a job after graduation?
In a formal job interview
こちらの会社に就職をしたいと強く願っております。
I strongly hope to find employment at this company.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the transition from student to employee is a major rite of passage. The 'Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates' system means most students start their jobs on exactly April 1st. This creates a shared national experience of starting adulthood together.
The 'April 1st' Rule
In Japan, almost everyone starts their new job on April 1st. If you mention 'shuushoku' in March, everyone knows you're about to start your new life!
Not for Part-Timers
Never use this for a part-time job (arubaito). It sounds like you're claiming a burger-flipping gig is your lifelong career, which might confuse people.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for landing a full-time, permanent career position.
- Combines the noun 'employment' with the verb 'to do'.
- Marks the transition from student to professional 'member of society'.
What It Means
This phrase describes the big step of landing a career. It is not just about any work. It specifically refers to becoming a regular employee. In Japan, this is a major life milestone. You are transitioning from a student to a shakaijin. That word means a 'member of society.' It carries a lot of weight and pride.
How To Use It
You combine the noun shuushoku with the verb suru. To say you landed the job, use shuushoku shimashita. If you are currently looking, use shuushoku katsudou. You can also mention the industry before the phrase. For example, IT kigyou ni shuushoku suru. This means 'getting a job at an IT company.' It is a very versatile and standard collocation.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing your long-term career plans. It is perfect for graduation season in March. Use it when telling your parents you finally got hired. It works well in professional interviews too. You might use it when updating your LinkedIn profile. It sounds mature and focused on the future.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a part-time job. If you work at a cafe, use arubaito. Shuushoku implies a long-term commitment to a company. Do not use it for a side hustle. It feels too heavy for temporary or casual work. Also, do not use it for household chores. That would sound very strange to a local!
Cultural Background
Japan has a unique job-hunting culture called shuukatsu. Students start searching for jobs a year before graduating. They all wear identical black 'recruit suits.' It looks like a sea of penguins in Tokyo! Getting your first job is a massive relief. Companies often hire everyone at once in April. This creates a strong bond among new hires.
Common Variations
You will often hear the shortened version shuukatsu. This refers to the grueling process of job hunting. Shuushokusaki is another common term. It means the specific place where you found work. If you quit a job to find another, use tenshoku. Shuushoku is usually for that first big career entry.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and widely used in both daily conversation and professional settings. Just remember to use the particle 'ni' for the company and avoid using it for casual part-time work.
The 'April 1st' Rule
In Japan, almost everyone starts their new job on April 1st. If you mention 'shuushoku' in March, everyone knows you're about to start your new life!
Not for Part-Timers
Never use this for a part-time job (arubaito). It sounds like you're claiming a burger-flipping gig is your lifelong career, which might confuse people.
The 'Recruit Suit' uniform
During the 'shuushoku' process, everyone wears a specific black suit. It’s a cultural secret: wearing a navy or grey suit is sometimes seen as 'too rebellious' for a new grad!
Examples
6ついに、第一志望の会社に就職をすることになったよ！
I'm finally going to get a job at my top-choice company!
Using 'koto ni natta' makes it sound like an official decision.
卒業後はどこに就職をするつもりなの？
Where do you intend to get a job after graduation?
A common question during the final year of university.
こちらの会社に就職をしたいと強く願っております。
I strongly hope to find employment at this company.
Using 'negatte orimasu' makes the phrase very professional.
お兄ちゃん、やっと就職をしたみたいだよ。よかったね！
Looks like our big brother finally got a job. That's a relief!
Using 'mitai' indicates you heard the news from someone else.
就職をする前に、まずは朝起きる練習をしないと。
Before I get a job, I need to practice waking up in the morning.
A relatable joke about the struggle of transitioning to work life.
私たちは明日から、それぞれの場所で就職をします。
From tomorrow, we will all start our jobs in our respective places.
Reflects the bittersweet feeling of moving into adulthood.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase 'Get a job at a bank.'
銀行___就職をする。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the destination or target of the employment.
Which verb correctly completes the phrase for 'getting a job'?
来年から東京で就職を___。
The noun 'shuushoku' collocated with 'suru' (to do/make) forms the verb 'to get a job'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Finding Work
Used with friends about any work.
仕事が決まった (Shigoto ga kimatta)
Standard way to say you got a career job.
就職をする (Shuushoku o suru)
Used in interviews or business speeches.
就職を希望いたします (Shuushoku o kibou itashimasu)
When to say 'Shuushoku o suru'
University Graduation
Talking about your first real job.
Career Change
Entering a new industry entirely.
Family Dinner
Updating parents on your job hunt.
Job Interview
Stating your desire to join the firm.
Practice Bank
2 exercises銀行___就職をする。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the destination or target of the employment.
来年から東京で就職を___。
The noun 'shuushoku' collocated with 'suru' (to do/make) forms the verb 'to get a job'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsShigoto just means 'work' or 'a task.' Shuushoku specifically means the act of entering a company as a permanent employee.
No, you should use arubaito for part-time work. Shuushoku is reserved for full-time, career-track positions.
You should use the term shuushoku katsudou or the shortened shuukatsu. For example: Ima, shuukatsu-chuu desu (I'm currently job hunting).
It is neutral. You can make it formal by saying shuushoku shimasu or informal by saying shuushoku suru.
When you shuushoku, you become a shakaijin (a member of society). It implies you are now an independent adult with responsibilities.
Usually, no. For starting a business, you would use kigyou suru. Shuushoku implies being hired by someone else.
It is the plain black suit students wear during shuushoku katsudou. It is meant to show that you can follow rules and fit into a corporate culture.
While most common for 22-year-old graduates, anyone entering a new permanent career path can use shuushoku suru.
Use the particle ni. For example: Toyota ni shuushoku suru (To get a job at Toyota).
It's more natural to say shigoto o mitsukeru (find a job) or just shuushoku suru (get a job).
Related Phrases
就職活動 (shuushoku katsudou)
Job hunting (often shortened to 'shuukatsu')
転職をする (tenshoku o suru)
To change jobs/careers
内定をもらう (naitei o morau)
To receive an official job offer
社会人になる (shakaijin ni naru)
To become a working member of society
