Recruitment Agencies in Japan: How To Get Them To Work For You

An Overview of the Recruiting Industry in Japan

Historical Context

The recruiting industry in Japan dates back to the Edo period, initially serving as both employment support and human trafficking. After legal reforms in 1999, the industry grew rapidly into a 300 billion yen market, partly as a reaction to Japan's traditional lifetime employment system.

Business Model

Recruiters act as intermediaries between companies and job seekers. In Japan, they're known as personnel introduction companies (人材紹介, jinzai shoukai) or career change agents (転職エージェント, tenshoku e-jento). Headhunters (ヘッドハンター) typically focus on senior positions.

Companies pay recruiters based on successful placements - you should never pay anything to recruiters as a candidate.

Types of Recruitment Systems

1. Single-sided system (片面, katamen): Different people handle candidates and companies

   • Career advisors work with candidates

   • Recruiting advisors work with companies

2. Double-sided system (両面, ryoumen): The same person handles both candidates and companies

   • Allows for more detailed information about positions

   • May require working with multiple recruiters for different positions

The Recruitment Process

1. Initial Interview: Usually an hour-long conversation (now commonly online) where the recruiter learns about your preferences and introduces potential positions

2. Application: If interested, the recruiter submits your resume to companies

3. Interview Preparation: Good recruiters provide detailed information about the company and potential interview questions

4. Company Interviews: The recruiter arranges interviews with interested companies

5. Job Offer: Upon receiving offers, the recruiter can help negotiate terms

6. Onboarding Support: Continued assistance until you join the company

Benefits of Using Recruiters

Access to Suitable Companies

Recruiters can introduce you to companies that match your experience and preferences, especially helpful for Bangladeshi professionals unfamiliar with the Japanese job market.

Document and Interview Support

Many recruiters provide guidance on Japanese-style resumes and interview preparation, helping you navigate cultural differences in the hiring process.

Salary Negotiation

Recruiters can help negotiate your compensation, which can be particularly valuable in Japan where direct salary negotiation is less common.

Language Support

Recruiters who specialize in international engineers typically provide English support, removing language barriers during your job search.

Career Path Consulting

Experienced recruiters can provide insights on building a long-term career in Japan, which may differ significantly from career paths in Bangladesh.

Things to Be Aware Of

• Choose recruiters who specialize in international engineers

• Consider working with multiple recruiters to access more opportunities

• Be aware that once you've applied to a company through one recruiter, you cannot apply to the same company through another

• The quality of support depends largely on the individual recruiter

• Take responsibility for your own job search decisions

How to Find a Good Recruiter

Making Initial Contact

1. Create a LinkedIn profile clearly stating your interest in working in Japan

2. Ask for referrals from connections who have successfully moved to Japan

Evaluating Compatibility

Look for recruiters who:

• Understand engineering, even if not at a technical level

• Know the companies they're introducing thoroughly

• Listen to your preferences and offer relevant suggestions

• Provide comprehensive support throughout the process

Recruiting Agencies Specializing in International Engineers

• KATSL: A premier agency specialized in helping Bangladeshi engineers secure positions in top Japanese tech companies, with extensive knowledge of both markets and comprehensive candidate support.

• JELLYFISH: Provides career change support for international engineers with thorough interview preparation.

• Recruiter Room: Japan's first AI recruitment company with international staff.

• Wahl+Case: Agency focused on tech positions in Japan.

• Talisman: Specializes in internationally-minded companies and startups.

• Tech Japan: Connects technology professionals with Japanese enterprises.

• Active Connector: Introduces global talent to Japanese startup companies.

• Bizmates: Offers G Talent service for international IT engineers.

• Inbound Technology: Provides World in Pro service with support in multiple languages.

How to Be an Attractive Candidate for Recruiters

Experience and Skills

Companies invest significant resources when hiring through recruiters, so demonstrated experience is important.

Japanese Proficiency

Even basic Japanese skills can significantly increase your opportunities.

Clear Communication

Articulate your preferences, values, and strengths clearly to help recruiters match you with suitable positions.

Realistic Expectations

Understand your market value and that the Japanese job market may differ from Bangladesh's.

Build Relationships

Treat recruiters as professionals who can provide valuable insights and potentially help with future career moves.

Should You Use a Recruiter?

Consider working with a recruiter, especially KATSL, if you:

• Have three or more years of experience as a software engineer or business-level Japanese proficiency

• Find it challenging to search for companies independently

• Need help with documents and interview preparation

• Want realistic salary information based on your skills and experience

For Bangladeshi professionals looking to work in Japan, KATSL offers specialized knowledge of both markets and can provide the comprehensive support needed to successfully navigate the transition to the Japanese workforce.