This week
Jobfinder comes to the aid of professionals who are faced with many of the same
job-seeking challenges as the rest of us. We asked Leo Tyndall, of Hori
and Associates and President of the Foreign Lawyers Association of Japan, for his tips on
how to avoid being an amateur in the job market.
The market
"The ' bang'
has increased demand by foreign companies for Japanese speaking lawyers and accountants.
However, over the last year the image of a shriveled Japanese economy has been keeping
these people away, so there should be ample opportunities for those who are willing and
able. Foreign accountants are especially benefiting from the growing use of American
accounting practices in Japan."
Do you qualify?
"It is
increasingly difficult to bypass a hole in your resume in Japan these days. Japan has
woken up, and even English teachers need at least a bachelor's degree now. So, if you are
without the qualifications needed for the job you want, get them! A lot of people study
part-time, often by distance, whilst teaching. I know of several people who have done
that, got themselves work with a Japanese firm then made the step up to a large Western
firm and a job they would never have been able to get at home.
Speak the language
Foreign professionals with fluent Japanese-including being able to read and write
kanji-should have no problems getting a job and can even consider applying for positions
specified as for Japanese nationals only. Those without may have better luck trying local
firms who will have more than enough Japanese-speaking employees. Even if you don't need
it for work you should still learn Japanese. It will not look good to a future employer if
you didn't bother to learn the language whilst you were here."
Networking
"I repeat a thousand times, you cannot underestimate the power of networking in this
city. And because the professional community is so small, names get around quickly.
Networking isn't having a good time over a drink; it's showing you're professional, being
polite and getting knowledgeable direction, without being an annoyance. Contacts can point
you towards upcoming vacancies or firms they know are on the lookout. Many firms dislike
advertising in newspapers and it can be more productive to write to companies directly and
get fifteen minutes of someone's time - and then send a handwritten thank you letter. If
you come across as likable and professional, when a job does come up you are more likely
to get it. Why would a company pay a head-hunting fee if they've got someone they like who
has networked his way through their door sitting there waiting for the job? But be aware
that spreading yourself too thin so your resume is sitting on every lawyer's desk in Tokyo
can be counterproductive. Organizations such as the Foreign Lawyers Association can be
useful places to start. We publish guidance for job seekers and provide a link through
which people can make contacts and find out about vacancies. And this is not just for
foreign lawyers. We have many local members as well as accountants and businessmen who
find it useful for networking."
Leo Tyndall is a lawyer with Hori and Associates and is President of the Foreign Lawyers
Association of Japan.
This week
Jobfinder comes to the aid of professionals who are faced with many of the same
job-seeking challenges as the rest of us. We asked Leo Tyndall, of Hori
and Associates and President of the Foreign Lawyers Association of Japan, for his tips on
how to avoid being an amateur in the job market.
The market
Do you qualify?