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.
job searching (general, career)
Formal and standard term for job hunting, especially for new graduates or career changes.
job searching (part-time, non-career)
General term for looking for any job, often part-time or temporary.
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.
I plan to start job searching next year.
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.
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.
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.
I'm looking for a part-time job for summer vacation.
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.
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.
Job searching isn't going well.
Describing the state or process of job searching, often with verbs like 'doing' or 'continuing'.
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.
Fourth-year university students are busy with job hunting.
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.
Use a job search site. (acceptable in tech context)
Job hunting is tough, but I'll do my best.
就活のため、東京に行きます。
I'm going to Tokyo for job hunting.
I attended a seminar for job-hunting students.