The job search season comes in full swing in December during your third year (if you're doing your undergraduate studies) so prepping would probably begin sometime during October. I actually started my job hunt a tad late because I had personal matters to attend to.
Preparation
1. Financially
Start saving a few months before you plan to start your job search. You will be travelling a lot whether to company briefings(会社説明会), job expos or interviews. All of this might not cost as much if you happen to live a stone's throw away from huge cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, where most of the aforementioned things take place. Take into account the travel expenses(交通費) and accommodation, should it be necessary. Companies usually(though not always) only pay for your travel and accommodation expenses during the final interviews. I think I spent close to ￥100,000 altogether, maybe more actually.
2. Mentally
2.1 SPI (Synthetic Personality Inventory) Tests
Most companies have tests as one of the first hurdles you have to overcome. These tests are usually the SPI Test, although some companies might have their own version of the test but it is very similar to the SPI Test. You can buy books that will help you prepare. Make sure you buy the most recent edition because the tests have undergone changes quite a few times over the years. Some websites offer free SPI practice questions. Google it.
2.2 Language
If it isn't obvious enough, you will be doing a lot of talking and writing during your job search. Having a strong grasp on the Japanese language will be a great advantage. Make a great impression on the interviewers with your communication skills and fluent Japanese. When filling out your forms, have a teacher or Japanese friend help you out. Get their input on your grammar and content.
2.3 TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) and JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
When filling in your forms, they will usually ask for your TOEIC scores too. If you haven't already taken the TOEIC then do so a few months before you start your job search because it will take a month for the results to come out. Oh yeah, TOEIC-IP ( the ones you did at college/university that was administered by your college/university) cannot be used.
Regarding the JLPT, some companies will insist that you take it while some won't. Because the JLPT only takes place twice a year I would recommend taking it just in case, anyway. Having an N1 level JLPT will further reassure your future employers that you have a strong command of the language and will be able to adapt and assimilate seamlessly into the company.
3. Documents
If you're a transfer student (編入生), some companies will also ask for exam results during your college (高専) years so have those ready too. I asked for 4 copies of my exam results and subject credits when I graduated from college because my college and my university are quite far from each other and I didn't want to go all the way to Ibaraki from Gifu for a slip of paper (-.-")
Personally, I have yet to come across a company that also wanted my SPM results, but having them on hand would be safer, just in case, you know.
Also, talk with your seniors about their own experiences and learn as much as you can from them. Now would also be a good time for you to start thinking about what kind of company you want to work with, what jobs you would be interested to do and where, geographically, you would want to work.
If there are any other preparation tips that you would like to add, please feel free to comment down below.
ps/ Below is the schedule for job hunting during 2014/2015 for 2016 graduates. It seems they've made more room for students to participate in internships, club activities etc by delaying the company briefing. Take that as a hint to use that given gap of time to brighten your resume with some extra-curricular activities.
Photo from MyNavi
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