The Japanese labor force is shrinking due to an aging population and low birth rate. This has fueled a Candidate-driven market with multinational and domestic companies vying for the same top talent.
The lifetime employment system is still common in Japan. On average, Japanese employees work for 2.2 companies over the course of their career.
Many Japanese employees lack experience interviewing due to lifetime employment. The inability to articulate skills and accomplishments can come across as unqualified and unprepared.
Business English communication ability is lower than most other developed nations. TOEIC test takers ranked 40 out of 48 countries.
Apex has spent over 10 years developing relationships with tens of thousands of Japan's most talented Candidates, many of which are experienced in leading market entry efforts for foreign multinational businesses and startups.
Apex Consultants are experts in headhunting passive Candidates. Over 200 Director to C-level Candidates have been placed at key roles since 2010.
Apex prepares Candidates for each step of the interview process by going over both general interview preparation and specific advice relative to the Client, local market, and products or services.
Apex specializes in the recruitment of bilingual professionals for the Japan market. Approximately 8 out of 10 met Candidates meet or exceed business-level English standards.
Kickoff meeting with HR and/or hiring manager. Discuss position specs, updated stakeholder expectations, business plans and all timelines.
Research & market mapping. Apex creates a target long list of companies and Candidates. This becomes our working list with the Client.
Consensus meeting with Client on priority targets, deduction to short list. Additional market insights discussed and assigned at client request.
Apex finalizes Candidate assessment on qualifications, and prepares assessment and CVs to be sent to client.
All necessary rounds of interviews will be held. Client to provide initial feedback within 48 hours of interview unless otherwise agreed upon.
Offer and reference check. Apex to manage the process.
Offer accepted. Ongoing assistance to Client and Candidate to ensure success moving forward.