Job Hunting in Japan

3 insightful Questions Advising Candidates from Talsiman’s Top Recruiters

If you are a candidate looking to make a career move, you may have different reasons as to why you are motivated to find a new job based on personal needs associated with benefits, job training opportunities, or simply looking to increase your income. Most candidates who need advice on this subject will take the path of least resistance, usually searching through online job listings and related advice that may or not be accurate based on misleading or biased information. To avoid some of the pitfalls of internet confusion, I interviewed Talisman’s top recruiters for helpful tips that will enable you to find the right job that will meet your needs. These tips will also help you stand out from other candidates during the competitive interview process. I asked three insightful questions that will make your job search simple and easy.

 

1. In your opinion, what aspect do most candidates overlook when seeking a new job?

I first interviewed Principal consultant, Savannah, who gave an in-depth answer that focused on the contrast between younger, and senior candidates stating the following,

“Depends on industry, background, and skill level. Younger perspective candidates primarily focus on wage, and do not focus on a career plan looking for opportunities to grow and improve their skillset. Younger candidates do not have their own opinion based on information directly from the client, which can become a misleading source of information. Senior candidates consider everything about the specific job market but are often too conservative to try new opportunities or ideas that are emerging within their industry. Senior candidates prefer working with colleagues that they have worked with in past jobs.”

I asked Associate Director, Kazuaki Kameda for his opinion, and he also noticed differences between younger and senior candidates stating,

“Younger candidates prefer going to a large recruiting company that is not as specialized, often overlooking the candidate’s personal needs. Smaller recruiting firms like Talisman Corporation can handle each step of the recruiting process, which will help the candidate with continuity and accuracy throughout the entire process. Senior candidates tend to be less flexible overlooking new possibilities and opportunities focusing on salary, and job security. Senior candidates have more marketable skills with real world work experience but sometimes expect more than what the current market offers.”

Savannah and Kameda observed that senior candidates tend to be more conservative and less flexible in their decision process, which may lead them to overlook new opportunities for growth within their industry. However, there were also some overlooked aspects from younger candidates who did not have a clear career plan, who often follow misleading information on the internet, while not considering a smaller recruiting firm like Talisman Corporation that specialize on a candidate’s personal needs.

 

2. What specific advice would you give your candidate to be more successful during the interview process?

Senior consultant, Michiya Hamaguchi replied to this question stating,

“Clients are typically very friendly so they share good advice to recruiters who are helping candidate prepare for the interview process. I think the most important aspect that is that candidates have a positive personality that will help them fit in to that work environment meeting the clients expectation.”

Hamaguchi san observed that having a positive attitude and good personality is key to becoming successful during the interview process, which is important and can be overlooked. Kameda san replied to my question from another angle stating,

“Think very deeply of why, and how. Be sure to do your own research before the interview, and to avoid being passive. Be an active participant in the planning process understanding what the client wants before the interview to make a good first impression. This step also depends on the recruiter and if they have valuable information about the hiring manager. Recruiters need to talk with the hiring manager before the interview to understand exactly what they need for the job position this is key to preparing for a successful interview.”

These two tips to having a positive personality and having valuable information as to who the hiring manager is and what exactly they are looking for before the interview process will ensure a successful outcome.

 

3. What are some recent stories or good examples of a successful candidate placement with a client?

Savannah,

“Last year I placed a software engineer that was not a top candidate that had previously been a contractor for ten years. This candidate was self-motivated researched big data and was actively pursuing his masters degree. I placed this candidate in a big internet service company. He was a good candidate because he was actively listening to advice and had strong self-determination to improve his skills with a positive attitude.” Savannah highlights two traits that made this candidate successful focusing on education outside of his work and having a positive attitude.”

Hamaguchi san responded to this question by stating,

“I was looking for and engineer candidate for a client that was bilingual. When I found the right candidate I got permission to send their information to the perspective client. From that Wednesday to the candidates interview, and placement on a Friday the process was fast and efficient with quick response from the candidate, and the client.”

Hamaguchi san cited that focusing on both speed and efficiency in communication is the best strategy for placing candidates with the right client.

When candidates are looking for a new career, remember the advice from Talisman’s top recruiters, as it will give you invaluable tips and knowledge that will help you make the right decision. Keeping a positive attitude, being open-minded, and knowing what steps need to be taken to prepare for the interview process will ensure a successful placement.

About The Author

shinya iguchi