Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the concept of 'job searching' depends on the context, formality, and type of employment. The most common and neutral term is 就職活動 (shuushoku katsudou), often abbreviated as 就活 (shuukatsu) in casual settings. For part-time or non-career jobs, 仕事探し (shigoto sagashi) or バイト探し (baito sagashi) are used. This guide covers the main expressions and their appropriate usage.
Expressing the process of searching for a full-time, career-track position, typically by students or professionals.
The standard, formal term for job hunting, especially for new graduates or those seeking permanent employment. It encompasses the entire process from research to interviews.
来年から就職活動を始める予定です。
I plan to start job searching next year.
就職活動は大変ですが、頑張ります。
Job hunting is tough, but I'll do my best.
The abbreviated, casual form of 就職活動. Very common in everyday speech and media, but may be too informal for very formal documents.
就活のため、東京に行きます。
I'm going to Tokyo for job hunting.
就活生向けのセミナーに参加した。
I attended a seminar for job-hunting students.
A general phrase meaning 'to look for a job'. Can be used for any type of job, but is less specific than 就職活動. Often used when the job type is not specified or is non-career.
今、仕事を探しています。
I'm currently looking for a job.
Expressing the search for part-time, temporary, or non-career jobs (e.g., arubaito, part-time work).
The most common way to say 'looking for a part-time job'. バイト is short for アルバイト (arubaito), meaning part-time work.
夏休みにバイトを探しています。
I'm looking for a part-time job for summer vacation.
いいバイトが見つからない。
I can't find a good part-time job.
The full form of バイトを探す. Slightly more formal, but still casual. Used in written ads or slightly more polite contexts.
アルバイトを探している学生が多い。
Many students are looking for part-time jobs.
A noun meaning 'job searching' in a general sense, often used for non-career jobs. Can be used in casual conversation.
仕事探しはなかなかうまくいかない。
Job searching isn't going well.
Describing the state or process of job searching, often with verbs like 'doing' or 'continuing'.
A common abbreviation meaning 'currently job hunting'. Often used in self-introductions or social media profiles.
今、就活中です。
I'm currently job hunting.
The formal version of 就活中, meaning 'in the middle of job hunting'.
ただいま就職活動中でございます。
I am currently in the process of job hunting. (very polite)
就職活動 (shuushoku katsudou) specifically refers to the formal process of seeking full-time, career employment, often with a set schedule and rituals (e.g., entry sheets, multiple interviews). 仕事探し (shigoto sagashi) is a broader term for looking for any kind of work, including part-time or temporary jobs. Use 就職活動 for professional job hunting and 仕事探し for general job searching.
大学4年生は就職活動で忙しい。
Fourth-year university students are busy with job hunting.
引っ越し先で仕事探しを始めた。
I started looking for a job in my new place.
Directly translating 'job searching' as ジョブサーチング or 仕事検索 is unnatural. Use the established terms above. ジョブサーチ might be understood in some contexts (e.g., online platforms), but it's not standard Japanese.
ジョブサーチのサイトを使う。
Use a job search site. (acceptable in tech context)