In this series, I will share my job-hunting experience in Japan, focusing on fresh-graduate hiring 新卒採用. Your comments and questions are welcome ;)
Part 1: Sign Up with Recruitment Agencies
To put it simply, when companies do not have enough resources to find suitable candidates (not enough HR staffs, no network to databases of foreign candidates, etc.), they will pay someone to take care of the process, and that "someone" is a recruitment agency. These agencies take commission directly from hiring companies, so remember that you do not have to pay a dime to use these services.
The main activities conducted by recruitment agencies include:
- Career fairs: On one day, many companies set up booths to introduce their companies and answer questions from prospective candidates. An introductory session usually lasts around 20-45 minutes. Due to a large number of companies, you should check the list of participating companies before and make a list of companies you would be interested in, as well as their booth location during an event. If you just wonder for a day, try not to take a seat during any presentation. Stand behind the chairs so you can walk away easily.
- Job-matching event: Companies take turn to introduce themselves in 5-10 minutes and then students mingle to chat with representatives from these companies. In a more serious setting, students could immediately sign up for an interview right after. There are usually 6-10 companies each event.
- Job-portals: Candidates filter companies based on several criteria and sign up to attend company’s sessions of their choice (seitsumeikai 説明会 )
- Direct Application: Under your consent, recruitment agencies would send your resume directly to companies of your interests. They will try to help you with preparation, such as resume editing, mock-interviews, etc.
Most services used to only target Japanese students but more are open to foreign students. If you sign up with these agencies, you will receive exclusive information, such as which companies are seriously seeking foreign hires or which companies offer speedy routes for international students.
Here is a list of agencies and job portals targeting international students and foreigners that I have had good experiences with:
Active Connector: An agency that sources IT and engineering positions, many of which do not require Japanese proficiency. Other business positions require at least N2. Clients include both big names and start-ups. The agencies also organize meet-up and networking events.
Asia-Link Ryu Navi: An agency that deals with direct application for Japanese small and medium enterprises (SME). They offer career consultant and preparation for interview. The flagship program is an annual job-matching event in March, in which you can talk directly with CEOs/Directors. I put strong emphasis on "culture fit" so I have learned quite a lot from these conversations.
Benesse: An agency that organizes job fairs, job-matching events, and sends out information on company's session. Their job matching events are joined by both international students and Japanese students and you can sign up for the first group interviews on a same day, which is a nice practice for your real group interview later on. Also: if you sign up using the link above and fill in my name, you will get 1500yen Amazon card (Please comment below so I will send more information).
Career Forum: A career fair for bilingual and advanced Japanese speakers. Most foreign companies will be there, trying to snatch Japanese returnees who speak fluent English and Japanese, so the competition will be really high. For people in Tokyo, pay notice to their summer career fair (June) and winter career fair (December). For applicants residing overseas, google "Boston Career Fair" for more resources.
Dai Job: A job portal for experienced roles. Mostly useless for fresh graduates
Job Haku: A career fair for international students. Companies vary from house-hold brand to farming businesses in Hokkaido, surprise!
Global Leader Navi: An agency that organizes job fairs (~15 companies per event) and various company's sessions for domestic companies. These seitsumeikai vary, some will just give you basic information, some will ask you to do SPI tests and ask you to leave, some will actually conduct first group interviews. I find these sessions helpful as I could gain real knowledge and experience before applying to my top choices.
Next In Japan: An agency that sources candidates for experienced roles. They sometimes have openings for fresh-graduate positions.
Wantedly: If you would like to work for a start-up, this site is the best resource. Using the website, you can contact start-ups directly. After that, a casual chat or company visit will be arranged, and you can decide if you want to continue with application and formal interviews.
Works Japan: An agency that organizes seitsumei kai for international students. The number of these sessions is quite limited, yet there are some big names there.
I am sure there are many other agencies are there, you just need to be active and patient.
Image source: The Japan Times
Here is a list of agencies and job portals targeting international students and foreigners that I have had good experiences with:
Active Connector: An agency that sources IT and engineering positions, many of which do not require Japanese proficiency. Other business positions require at least N2. Clients include both big names and start-ups. The agencies also organize meet-up and networking events.
Asia-Link Ryu Navi: An agency that deals with direct application for Japanese small and medium enterprises (SME). They offer career consultant and preparation for interview. The flagship program is an annual job-matching event in March, in which you can talk directly with CEOs/Directors. I put strong emphasis on "culture fit" so I have learned quite a lot from these conversations.
Benesse: An agency that organizes job fairs, job-matching events, and sends out information on company's session. Their job matching events are joined by both international students and Japanese students and you can sign up for the first group interviews on a same day, which is a nice practice for your real group interview later on. Also: if you sign up using the link above and fill in my name, you will get 1500yen Amazon card (Please comment below so I will send more information).
Career Forum: A career fair for bilingual and advanced Japanese speakers. Most foreign companies will be there, trying to snatch Japanese returnees who speak fluent English and Japanese, so the competition will be really high. For people in Tokyo, pay notice to their summer career fair (June) and winter career fair (December). For applicants residing overseas, google "Boston Career Fair" for more resources.
Dai Job: A job portal for experienced roles. Mostly useless for fresh graduates
Job Haku: A career fair for international students. Companies vary from house-hold brand to farming businesses in Hokkaido, surprise!
Global Leader Navi: An agency that organizes job fairs (~15 companies per event) and various company's sessions for domestic companies. These seitsumeikai vary, some will just give you basic information, some will ask you to do SPI tests and ask you to leave, some will actually conduct first group interviews. I find these sessions helpful as I could gain real knowledge and experience before applying to my top choices.
Next In Japan: An agency that sources candidates for experienced roles. They sometimes have openings for fresh-graduate positions.
Wantedly: If you would like to work for a start-up, this site is the best resource. Using the website, you can contact start-ups directly. After that, a casual chat or company visit will be arranged, and you can decide if you want to continue with application and formal interviews.
Works Japan: An agency that organizes seitsumei kai for international students. The number of these sessions is quite limited, yet there are some big names there.
I am sure there are many other agencies are there, you just need to be active and patient.
Image source: The Japan Times
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