Understanding the Challenges of Hiring in Japan

With almost 20 years of experience in or on Japan, I am often asked about the challenges of hiring in Japan.

Why Hiring High Performers in Japan Feels More Difficult

There is a simple answer; TIME

In Japan, a much smaller % of the working population consider changing companies than is experienced in other countries. It is changing, but very, very slowly.

As a result, the time required to invest for a truly successful strategy (not just filling the role) is so much more than probably anywhere else as is the expense involved.

The Time Investment

This 'time' can be in many forms AND may well have been 'invested in' many, many years before the particular search;

• the years it takes to build relationships that lead to the 'unreachable' candidates
• the time it takes to maintain relationships where there is zero interest (at face value)
• the research time required with less accessible data (in general)
• the many face-to-face meetings, dinners and coffees etc.. to really understand what needed for there to be any interest
• ensuring a recruitment process with the client that is not 'too' fast, not 'too' slow (iykyn)
• making sure that the family are on board with any potential company change

etc.. etc..

Why Japanese Professionals Don't Change Jobs Often

"Wow! They have so many opportunities available to them, they must be changing jobs all the time"!!

......................................................many people from outside Japan would think this about bilingual, Japanese professionals.

Many Japanese candidates, if they are on Linkedin, or visible elsewhere, have inboxes FULL of in-mails and approaches from internal and external recruiters.

From a Western perspective, this huge number of opportunities creates incredible security of employment that would inspire confidence to change jobs more often and look to advance in position and compensation more quickly.......ESPECIALLY in a country where promotions and pay rise often take time and (until recently) are a lot smaller than expected.

However, in Japan, for many Japanese the perspective can be very different.

• Loyalty to an employer can be very strong, even when that employer may not reward so well for many hours of commitment.
• Changing jobs is seen as high risk, even when the financial compensation can be A LOT higher than current and even when there are so many opportunities open to many bilingual professionals.
• The 'perceived' risk and the fear that a decision to move might not work out, holds so many back from taking advantage of the many opportunities available to them.

The Common Shortcut

It can be a lot easier (and cheaper) to just fill the role from a linkedin applicant, or even someone that will respond to outreach and is active in the market.......however, this eliminates A LOT of the target market that just will not be visible if you have not invested the 'time'.

Many companies take the easier route where the hiring manager is forced to select from 'the best they have been presented with' rather than really knowing who might be interested in their role that might take more 'time' and effort to engage.

So often, we have seen at Elite Group Asia the successful candidate was not considering a company change and did not even know about the open role until we engaged.

The Employer Perspective

Many employers from outside Japan feel that it is 'difficult to hire' in Japan, however, often it is just expecting candidates in Japan to act and make decisions they would expect from their own market in USA, Europe or elsewhere.

If you want to discuss about hiring in Japan, feel free to reach out directly to me at anytime!

Are you truly bringing in the level of talent you expect? Or are you merely fishing in the same shallow waters, waiting for passive candidates to stumble upon your job posting?

At Elite Group Asia, we believe that the length of our guarantee isn't just a number. It's a promise — a commitment to reducing risk and enhancing your recruitment process. Let's talk about how we can craft a tailored recruitment solution that aligns with your needs. Reach out today!

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