According to
the daily news, the Japanese economy is in real crisis. It would reason, then, that
skill-specific, high-paying career track positions are becoming scarcer, while the glass
ceiling many foreigners complain of becomes all the more impenetrable. Nevertheless, there
is still ample employment opportunity for professionals who want to make it in the
competitive Tokyo market. This week TC speaks to Peter Rackowe to get an
insider' advice on how to get the best "crack" at success.
Before you begin
"Before you approach the job market, assess whether or not you have the necessary
skills for the job you are going after. Here in Tokyo clients are looking for candidates
with 'cultural finesse' - those who understand Japanese business customs, have an affinity
for the culture and can speak, read and write the language in a business setting where you
must understand the subtle differences in what is considered proper when you speak with
your superiors, peers and clients. Most importantly, the candidate should possess a real
skill set that is not readily available among the average Japanese.
The resume
"Your resume should be compact and easy to understand. Age, marital status and other
information not related to your education or professional background is unnecessary. You
should outline your education and work experience clearly. Be sure to outline all of the
skills you feel the potential employer would want to know about, but be careful not to go
too far. For example, claiming you have language skills that you cannot back up in an
interview would result in failure. Always back up with substance and real experience what
you put on paper."
A winning interview
"Success in an interview usually happens in the first thirty minutes, and chemistry
has a lot to do with it. Be sure to listen to the questions the interviewer asks. Too many
people do not listen to the full question. They start formulating their answer even before
the interviewer has finished asking the question. Take a few minutes to think before you
answer. Get inside information about the company before you go and be sure to be prepared
with questions of your own besides 'What is the pay?' Don't appear too eager as some
employers are put off by people who want the position too badly. Finally, failure to pass
an interview may have nothing to do with you; it may be office politics where the
interviewer is intimidated by you and having you around may pose a real threat to their
job security."
The squeaky wheel theory
"Determination is essential for success. Always follow up every resume you send out
with a phone call. Many people don't do this all-important step. Luck also plays a part,
but if you follow up on every resume, introduction, referral and interview, your chances
for success are that much greater. Things can be very vague here, and you may not always
get a clear 'no'. Following up is the only way you can be sure of what is happening and
your enthusiasm will get you much further than the guy who didn't follow through."
Korn/Ferry International is the largest executive search firm worldwide, now celebrating
its twenty-fifth anniversary in Japan.
According to
the daily news, the Japanese economy is in real crisis. It would reason, then, that
skill-specific, high-paying career track positions are becoming scarcer, while the glass
ceiling many foreigners complain of becomes all the more impenetrable. Nevertheless, there
is still ample employment opportunity for professionals who want to make it in the
competitive Tokyo market. This week TC speaks to Peter Rackowe to get an
insider' advice on how to get the best "crack" at success.
Before you begin