Best Recruiting Agencies in Japan - How to find the right search firm?
10 Jul 2024 15:33
How to Find the Best Recruiting Agencies in Japan
Finding jobs in Japan can be a daunting task, especially for foreign professionals unfamiliar with the local job market dynamics. While there are various strategies to help tackle your job search, such as applying directly on job boards, reaching out to hiring stakeholders on LinkedIn, attending networking events to build new connections, and exploring other creative methods, one of the most common strategies to land your dream job in Japan is to solicit some search firms. This approach can be especially beneficial if you have a few years of work experience and can offer some valuable hard skills to a potential employer.
Recruiting agencies can guide you through the recruitment process, provide valuable insights, offer career coaching and help you make a strong impression during your interviews. This guide will help you understand how recruiters operate in Japan, what they can do for you, what you need to be cautious about, and how you can maximize your chances of landing the best job possible. If you’re ready to get a better understanding of how to collaborate with recruiting agents in your job search, keep reading.
Understanding Recruiting Agents (Headhunters)
What is a Recruiting Agent?
A recruiting agent, or headhunter, is a professional dedicated to assisting companies with their recruitment needs and finding the most suitable candidates in the market for their job openings. Leveraging larger networks and industry expertise, these agents excel at matching candidates with the right job opportunities and corporate environments. They also help employers streamline their hiring process by screening applicants, ensuring that the candidates they introduce possess the essential skills, work experience, and that they align well with the company culture.
Types of Recruiting Agents in Japan
In Japan, we count over 6,000 registered recruiting agencies catering to different career needs. Understanding the various types of recruiting services and specialities can help you choose the ones that best fit your career aspirations. Here are the main types:
In-House Corporate Recruiter
In-house corporate recruiters work directly for a company and are responsible for recruiting talent within their organization. Often part of the Talent Acquisition Department, they are often the first point of contact in the interview process and act as brand ambassadors. Their focus is solely on filling roles within their organization, and they are expected to have a deep understanding of the business, company culture, and specific hiring needs.
Contingency Agency Recruiter
Contingency agency recruiters are external recruiters working for an external recruiting agency or search firm. They support their clients (hiring companies) in identifying top talent. They earn a fee ONLY IF the candidate they introduce is successfully placed in a job. Agency recruiters are motivated to find the best match for both the candidate and the company, as their income depends on making successful placements. In Japan, placement fees can reach a range between 30% and 40% of the candidate's annual salary, making them some of the most expensive fees in the world.
Retainer Agency Recruiter
Retainer agency recruiters are paid upfront to conduct a particular search for their clients, regardless of the outcome. This model is often used for higher-level or executive positions, where the search is more specialized, time-consuming, and confidential. Payment schemes may vary but typically consist of one-third of the fee upfront, one-third at the halfway point, and one-third upon completion of the placement.
Executive Search Recruiter
Executive search recruiters specialize in filling high-level executive and management positions. These recruiters often have deep industry connections and a thorough understanding of leadership roles, making them ideal for identifying and recruiting top-level talent.
Specialized Recruiter
Specialized recruiters focus on specific industries, business functions, or roles. They bring niche expertise and a specialized network, which can be highly beneficial for job seekers in specialized fields.
Outplacement Recruiter
Outplacement recruiters assist companies in managing employee transitions during downsizing. They help laid-off employees find new jobs, often providing career counseling and job search assistance to support their transition.
Haken Staffing Recruiter
Haken staffing recruiters focus on making temporary staff placements for short-term assignments and projects. This type of recruiter is useful for job seekers looking for flexible or temporary work opportunities.
Other Types of Recruiters
Various other types of recruiters may focus on particular employment categories or job levels, tailoring their services to specific market needs. Understanding these nuances can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a recruiter.
Find Work in Japan - Search Job Opportunities in Japan
Why Use a Recruiting Agency in Japan?
Cultural Preference
In Japan, cultural and demographic factors contribute to the heavy reliance on recruiting agencies and talent scouts, especially for mid-career hiring. The aging population and the growing challenge of finding qualified talent necessitate this reliance. One key cultural preference is the convenience of avoiding direct negotiations. Agencies provide trusted networks and act as mediators, ensuring smooth interactions and maintaining harmony, which is highly valued in Japanese society. Unlike many other countries where direct hiring and job boards dominate, Japan sees significant recruitment through agencies. This practice helps navigate the intricate social and professional norms prevalent in Japanese society.
Even global brands operating in Japan rely on agencies, though there has been a growing effort among their talent acquisition teams to reduce dependency on agencies. These companies are building their own recruiting teams to conduct direct sourcing and placements, aiming to reduce their annual recruitment costs.
Mid-Career Hiring
Recruiting agencies play a substantial role in mid-career hiring in Japan. Even on job search websites, many advertisements are posted by recruiters rather than companies themselves. This heavy reliance on recruiters is a distinctive characteristic of job hunting in Japan. Companies prefer using agencies for mid-career hires because they offer a streamlined and efficient hiring process, ensuring that only the most qualified and well-suited candidates are presented. This approach saves time and resources for companies, allowing them to focus on their core operations while agencies handle the complexities of recruitment.
Pros and Cons of Working With a Recruiting Agency
Pros and Cons of Using a Recruiter
Pros
Extensive Network
Recruiters have connections with companies and hiring stakeholders that you might not be able to find on your own. Their extensive experience in the industry equips them with valuable knowledge and contacts that can significantly accelerate and positively impact your job search. These networks often provide access to opportunities not publicly advertised.
Recruiters can vouch for you
A good recruiter builds strong relationships with their clients, essentially offering you a referral that can help you stand out. By being your advocate, your recruiter can enhance your credibility and reputation, giving you an edge over other candidates.
Bilingual Assistance
Many recruiters from global agencies are bilingual, which can help you navigate the language and cultural nuances of the job search process in Japan. This is especially beneficial for foreign job seekers who may not be fluent in Japanese.
Process Insight
Recruiters understand their clients' hiring processes and can keep you informed about timelines and set realistic expectations, helping you navigate the application process. They offer valuable insights into what specific companies are looking for and how to present yourself most effectively.
Targeted Introductions
Recruiters can introduce you to the right stakeholders within companies, increasing your chances of landing an interview. Their deep understanding of organizational structures enables them to connect you with the appropriate decision-makers.
Interview Preparation and Coaching
Good recruiters help you prepare for interviews, especially regarding the culture fit aspect. They provide insights into the company's interview process and help you practice your responses to potential questions.
Salary Negotiation
In Japan, salary negotiation is generally uncommon, but recruiters can facilitate this process. They understand the expectations of both the company and the candidate, enabling them to find a compromise. Recruiters can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair and competitive offer.
Cons
Cost for Companies
Agency recruiting fees are high in Japan, which can be quite a turn off for some companies. For a candidate earning ¥10,000,000 per year, the hiring company will need to pay a placement fee worth between ¥3,000,000 and ¥4,000,000 (just for that placement alone). This might indirectly affect job seekers since agencies will focus on introducing you to companies they have contracts with, and therefore potentially excluding companies you are interested in but that don't use their services. Some companies avoid using recruiters due to the high costs, which might limit your opportunities if you rely solely on agencies.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Recruiters might prioritize placements that earn them higher commissions over your best interests. It's crucial to work with recruiters who have strong values and integrity. An unscrupulous recruiter might push you towards a position that isn't the best fit for you just to secure a higher commission (placement fee).
Limited Scope
Relying solely on recruiters might cause you to miss out on opportunities advertised directly by companies. It's important to use multiple job search strategies alongside working with recruiters.
Focus on Mid-Career Professionals
Most agencies focus on mid-career professionals with substantial incomes since they are compensated based on a percentage of the candidate's income. Consequently, search firms often prioritize mid to senior candidates and may rarely support junior talent in their job search process.
Build your career in Japan - How to find a job in Japan
Choosing the Right Recruiting Agency
Criteria for Evaluation
Selecting the right recruiting agency is more important than you may think. With numerous agencies available, it's essential for you to evaluate them carefully to ensure they align with your career goals and can effectively support your job search. Your recruiting agent acts as an extension of yourself, representing your interests to potential employers. To help you make an informed decision, here is a short list of key criteria you should consider when choosing the right recruiting agency.
Recruiter License
Ensure the agency is licensed to operate in Japan. This guarantees compliance with legal requirements and adherence to industry standards.
Experience
Investigate how long the agency has been in business. Established agencies with a long track record typically have more experience, more clients and a broader network.
Network Size
Evaluate the extent of their network and the types of clients they work with. A larger network means more opportunities and a higher likelihood of finding a good match for your skills and experience.
Reputation
Research the agency's reputation through reviews and social media. Look for testimonials from other job seekers and employers to gauge their credibility, values and effectiveness.
Industry Expertise
Ensure they have experience in your field. Specialized recruiters with deep industry knowledge can better match you with suitable job opportunities and reputable employers.
Values
Make sure their values align with yours and ensure they prioritize your best interests. It's important to work with recruiters who have strong integrity and who are honest, transparent, and have your long-term career goals in mind.
Additional Services
Look for agencies offering additional support such as resume consulting and interview preparation. These additional services can significantly enhance your job search efforts and improve your chances of success.
How to choose the right recruitment agencies for your job search?
What Recruiters Prefer in Candidates
Recruiting agencies can offer significant support, but it's crucial to understand that they operate with specific preferences and are inclined to prioritize candidates who match more closely to their client's requirements. If you lack certain skills or experience, you might find more success in job searching independently, as agencies tend to focus on candidates who appear more attractive on paper and who they can sell more easily.
Japanese Proficiency
For non-technical roles, having at least N2 or N1 level proficiency in Japanese is crucial. This is essential for effective communication and integration into the workplace. Agencies will almost always focus on candidates with fluent Japanese (unless you have strong technical skills).
Relevant Technical Skills and Experience
Companies pay recruiters a considerable amount of money to hire you, so you need to have skills and experience that justify this investment. Highlight clearly your relevant experience and past accomplishments to demonstrate your value on your resume.
Presence in Japan
Being based in Japan will show your commitment to working in the region. If you are a foreigner, it will also help alleviate any possible concerns the companies may have about your cultural adjustment and adaptation skills. Employers prefer candidates who have a working visa and who are already familiar with the local culture and work environment. Unless you are a Japanese native speaker, applying from overseas without any experience in Japan will most likely lead nowhere.
Values and Integrity
Employers value most candidates who align with their corporate culture and who can demonstrate strong integrity and ethical standards so, please remember to share and communicate your values, integrity, and passion, alongside your skills and experience.
Relationship-Building Skills
Demonstrate you have a strong emotional intelligence and a real ability to build strong and long term relationships. It can often make the difference in landing a job. Employers look for candidates who can collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team dynamics.
Popular Recruiting Agencies in Japan
Out of several thousand of registered recruiting agencies in Japan, here is a short list of some of the most popular and reliable search firms in Japan:
🚨 For a more detailled list of all the best recruiting agencies in Japan, please visit the HirePlanner Agency Directory.
Recruitment Agencies in Japan - Directory Listing - Top Search Firms in Japan To Help You Find a Job in Japan
Engaging with a Recruiting Agency
When engaging with a recruiting agency, you can expect the following process:
Initial Consultation
Discuss your career goals, experience, and job preferences with the recruiter. This initial conversation helps the recruiter understand your background and what you are looking for in a new job.
Resume Review
The recruiter will review your resume and provide feedback to enhance its appeal to potential employers. They can help you highlight your strengths and address any potential weaknesses.
Job Matching
The recruiter will match your profile with suitable job openings and present your resume to potential employers. They will consider your skills, experience, and career goals to find the best matches. ⚠️ It's crucial that your recruiting agent always consults with you and obtains your authorization before formally introducing you to a company and sharing your resume details. Ensure your recruiting agent is not indiscriminately sending out your resume to multiple companies, also known as a "spaghetti thrower" approach.
Interview Preparation
Recruiters can help you prepare for interviews, providing insights into what specific companies are looking for. They can offer tips on how to present yourself effectively and answer common interview questions.
Offer and Negotiation
Once you receive a job offer, the recruiter can assist with salary negotiations and other terms of employment. They can help you navigate this process to ensure you receive a fair and competitive offer.
Follow-Up
A good recruiter will follow up with you after you start your new job to ensure everything is going well and address any concerns. This ongoing support can help you adjust to your new role and ensure long-term success.
Gaishikei Jobs in Japan For Bilingual Professionals
Alternatives to Using Recruiting Agencies
If you prefer not to rely on agencies, here are a couple of other approaches to help you find work in Japan.
Apply for bobs on job sites that carefully select hiring companies ( 👉 HirePlanner job board)
Directly access job listings and apply for companies you are interested in. HirePlanner offers a wide range of job opportunities and allows you to apply directly to global companies carefully selected based on their innovative technologies, product, services, diversity, inclusion and corporate values.
Network with potential employers and industry professionals during career events organized all through out the year. Access to valuable career opportunities and meet with hiring managers and in-house recruiters to learn about job openings and the hiring companies.
Build connections that could lead to job opportunities or business opportunities. Networking events can help you expand your professional network and create new career opportunities for yourself.
Create Quality Social Media Content
Showcase your creative skills and market knowledge by publishing content online. This will help you attract the attention of recruiters and employers. Sharing your expertise and accomplishments on social media can enhance your visibility and credibility which may lead to some attracting job offers.
Finding jobs in Japan can be a complex and time consuming journey, but collaborating with the right recruiting agency can significantly increase your chances. By understanding the different types of recruiters, evaluating their services, and considering alternative job search methods, you can strategically navigate the job market and find the best fit for your career goals. Good luck with your job search in Japan!
