Did you get contacted by us?

We apologize for the sudden contact from our consultant and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this page. We understand that you may have various concerns, such as whether we are a reliable company and why we contacted you, since you probably have no intention of changing jobs at this time. In this section, you will find the background to our contact and some of the questions we often receive. We hope that this will help clear up any doubts or concerns you may have as we would be very happy to meet and learn more about you.

Background of Our Inquiry

Our company is mainly engaged in headhunting for foreign companies and global Japanese companies. We are looking for a talented person for a client, became aware of your profile and contacted you. We believe that this dialogue and information will be a positive experience for you. We are convinced from our experience that in today’s rapidly changing world, having more career options is the best way to hedge risks for the future.

We would like to share with you information about the company that requested this recruitment and why they are looking for a person with your background and skills. This company may be a competitor of yours, or it may be a company you never imagined.

The job title may be similar to your current one or something completely new. Also, the income and working environment may be different from what you are used to. For a new future of possibilities and opportunities, why not take advantage of our career consulting and sharing information? We are here to help you achieve your long-term career goals. Please be assured that your contact with us will be completely confidential.

Q&A

About Our Contact

Why did you contact me?

Our company is an executive search recruitment service, and we receive requests from our clients, foreign-affiliated companies, to find and assist in hiring professionals. Our client company requested us to help hire an excellent person like you, so we approach people on their behalf. We would like to share with you the background of our contact with you. Please feel free to contact us so that we can provide you with some suggestions about your career growth potential and your upcoming career path.

I’m not thinking about changing jobs right now, can I just talk to you?

Of course you can. Many of the people who are currently working are satisfied with their current jobs in terms of job content, compensation, and working environment. Therefore, most of them are not thinking about changing jobs right now. We would be happy if you refer to this as one of your future possibilities and options.

Are my skills and expertise in demand by other companies?

Yes, there are companies out there that you have probably never considered, or even heard about, that are looking for someone with your skills and experience. Many people do not know their value in the job market, yet like many of the people we contact they have very valuable experience and expertise. It’s okay if you don’t have the intention to change your job soon, all you need to do is be open for a 10 or 15 minute call and you may discover some unexpected opportunities for your career.

Can you tell me the name of the company, the position, the salary, etc. of the position I was contacted about?

Yes, however in many cases we work on confidential positions with very specific requirements and it will be necessary for us to talk with you first. We will disclose the company and position after confirming that the position is suitable for your career. This is especially the case for management-level positions and new businesses that do not want to disclose information publicly on recruitment or company websites. Since we deal with confidential hiring processes, it is necessary for us to be very careful with information. We appreciate your understanding as this confidentiality is meant to benefit everyone involved.

How did you find out about me?

We are constantly researching candidates to find the best candidates. Examples of research methods: Referrals from current or past superiors, subordinates, colleagues, business partners, friends, acquaintances, etc. (In the case of referrals, we will not be able to tell you who the referrer is without their explicit consent). We have our own network and information network of consultants who are experienced in headhunting. We use information gathered from the Internet and other public sources. As a result of our research, we will contact those who we believe have outstanding track records.

About Meetings

How long will the meeting take?

We plan to take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Where is the meeting with the consultant held?

We will come to a location that is convenient for you. Most of our meetings are online these days, but you can meet with us at a hotel lounge, a private club, a cafe or restaurant near a train station. You can also come to our office to meet with us. Please let our consultant know what is convenient for you.

How will the meeting take place?

One or two of our consultants will meet with you and explain the background of the client and why they are looking for a candidate like you. Our experienced consultant will also talk about your past experience and future career vision, as well as the possibilities for career advancement and the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs. Our experienced consultants will also provide you with a variety of information to help you visualize your future career path, such as your job description, company culture, income, benefits, and career path if you were to change jobs at the client company.

What does a company look for in me when I have a meeting with them?

The most important thing is that you have the relevant work experience, skills or expertise for their position.

In addition, they will want to understand your motivation and interest in their company and the position. They will also want to know about you personally to match their company culture and working conditions. They may also inquire about your salary expectations.

Is it guaranteed that I will be hired after meeting with a company?

No, not necessarily. Companies are very careful in selecting candidates, so they usually interview several candidates.

About Our Service

What are the advantages of working with Ryze?

At Ryze, we value the relationship of trust between our candidates and clients, and we believe that our mission is to ensure that our candidates are successful in their new jobs and that both candidates and companies are satisfied. Our experienced consultants have more than 15 years of experience dedicated to helping you make the best career change possible. Our consultants will help you maximize your skills and appeal to the company. Our consultants will also coordinate your schedule and negotiate contracts on your behalf, saving you the unnecessary stress and hassle of dealing with employers directly. We also have an understanding of the hiring conditions of various companies in the industry, so we can provide objective information. We can provide you with objective information on the hiring conditions of various companies in your industry. This will give you more possibilities for your career path than if you were to conduct your job search on your own. Our consultants also have a thorough understanding of the business content and working environment of the hiring company, so there will be less of a gap between you and the company after you change jobs and you will be able to work smoothly in your new environment.

What are the advantages compared to doing the job search by yourself?

Our company will coordinate the schedule and negotiate the terms and conditions on your behalf, so you will spend less time on your job search than if you were to do it on your own. Also, since our consultants are familiar with the companies you are applying to, it is easier for them to prepare for the screening process and interviews, increasing your chances of success.

In addition, if you are changing jobs by yourself or by referral of a colleague, you tend to be strongly expected to accept the company’s offer of employment. Many people feel obligated by the implicit pressure, and in many cases, forcing yourself to change jobs does not result in a good career change. When you change jobs through a third party recruiting agency such as Ryze, there is absolutely no obligation to force yourself to accept a job offer. If you decide that this is not the best career change for you, just let us know and we will do our best to help.

Will the consultant strongly recommend me to change jobs?

No. We will not force you to change jobs. We would be happy to suggest possibilities for career advancement and options other than your current position, and would like you to keep this in mind as a possibility. We strive to provide you with the right information so that you can carefully make the best decision for yourself. We place great importance on the relationship of trust between the candidate and the client. We believe that our mission is to support both parties in changing jobs to their satisfaction.

Are there any fees involved?

We do not charge any fees. Our company receives fees (recruitment agency fees) from our clients, so please rest assured that we do not charge any fees to our candidates.

What level of English proficiency is required? 

Not all positions require English skill. Even at some foreign companies it is not necessary to use English and most of the business here in Japan will be conducted in Japanese. It depends upon the purpose of the position as well as the organization of the company in Japan. If it is necessary to communicate with overseas management, colleagues or clients then English skill is important. The higher the position, the more responsibility, then the higher the requirement for English communication skills. Some foreign companies do training in English, although in this case it might only be necessary to read and understand English. The standard for judging English skill is not TOEIC, but rather the ability to communicate at the appropriate level during the interview process.  We can help you prepare your resume in English and practice for interviews, so please feel free to contact us.

Do you provide support for interviews and resumes?

Of course, we can help you. We will help you revise your resume and prepare for interviews so that you can best convey your achievements and strengths to the company. Each company, each position, and each interview, from the first meeting to the interview with the chief executive officer, will have different points to appeal to. With our years of experience, we know the market position, corporate culture, and job requirements of each company, so we can provide you with the best possible support at every meeting. We are confident that you will be able to go into the interview with confidence.


About Non-Japanese Companies

I’m confident in my current job, but I’m a little concerned about my ability to survive in the tough environment of a foreign company.

Companies hire people based on their skills and experience. If you receive a job offer, it is because the company believes that your work experience, expertise, communication skills, and personality are all at the appropriate level. If your English skills are not that great but you received a job offer, it means that the company judged that you can perform the job. If you need to study technical knowledge or English, you can learn it while working after changing jobs. If you have any problems with your work after changing jobs, please consult with us.

Why do you think it is easier to advance my career at a foreign company?

First and foremost it is important to understand that your career is in your hands. It is your responsibility to have a vision where you want to go and then work to make it happen. The idea that a company creates a career path for you is very misleading. All companies are doing what is best for the company and do not have your career goals as part of their strategy. In other words, do not “out-source” your career goals.

Promotions and progression at foreign companies are performance-based. If you produce good results, you will be evaluated as such, which makes it easier to grow. In a results-oriented environment your work has a greater impact on the company, especially for a smaller company. You will acquire a variety of skills and knowledge, which ultimately leads to greater career growth based upon your ability and not dependent upon you being in a company. Your skills become transferable, scalable and valuable.

In addition, foreign-affiliated companies provide an environment where people from diverse backgrounds, including educational and professional backgrounds, can work together comfortably and productively. The international nature of the work and the workplace culture naturally broadens one’s perspective and makes it easier to grow as a businessperson. Businesspeople in foreign-affiliated companies usually work in jobs that are close to their desired goals and they develop a clear sense of purpose regarding their career path. Many people change jobs again if they judge that the environment is no longer conducive to their career path, even if it is a well-known company. By developing their career path on their own initiative and not on the company’s convenience, they can work enthusiastically and with strong purpose. The sense of fulfillment of being in control of their own life and gaining confidence through their work may be the reason why many people are attracted to foreign-affiliated companies.

Is there a suitable time or age to change jobs from a Japanese company to a foreign company?

The culture and work style of foreign companies are usually very different from Japanese companies. If you spend many years working at a traditional Japanese company then your ability to adapt will be questioned. It can therefore be difficult to change jobs from a traditional Japanese company to a foreign company by about 40 years old. Although your skills and experience are valuable, they are also anchored to one company’s way of operating which may render you inflexible, and you will therefore probably not be hired due to cultural differences. However, if you are working in a Japanese company that is progressive and meritocratic, it will not be considered such a concern when changing jobs. The best way to raise the value of your skills and experience in the job market is to utilize them in different company environments. If you would like to know more about “strategic job changes” then please feel free to contact us.

After Receiving an Offer

How long should I wait to accept a job offer after receiving a job offer?

Generally, it takes about one week. A quick response will be welcomed by your new employer. If you have already decided your intention to join the company, there is no merit in prolonging your response.

When is the best time to report to my family?

It is very important to have the support of your family, therefore it is important to convey your thoughts to your family; why you are changing jobs and why you want to join that company, to gain their understanding and cooperation. If possible, it is best to discuss this with them during the selection process. If it is difficult to do so, consult with them immediately after receiving a job offer at the latest. If you report to your family too late in the process you may not have their support, face opposition, and may not be able to change jobs.

I can’t resign because my current employer is holding me back. How should I handle this?

The more talented you are in your current position, the more likely you are to be deterred. First of all, please recognize that this is natural behavior. If you are determined to change jobs, the most effective way is to be firm and let them know that you have made up your mind. They may offer you an attractive counter-offer (a promotion, an increase in salary, a change in job description, etc.) in order to keep you. You should not consider accepting a counter-offer. Your decision to change jobs should be final.

What is a counter-offer? Should I consider a counter-offer?

Counter-offers are very risky and only made to prevent you from leaving your company. During resignation you might be offered an attractive counter-offer such as a promotion, an increase in salary, a change in job description, etc.). However, once you inform your boss of your intention to resign, he or she will assume that you have no intention of staying in your current position for long. Some bosses feel that their loyalty has been betrayed, so the trust of the company will change. Unfortunately, there are many cases where the counter offer proposal does not actually materialize even if you stay in your current position. In fact, 70 to 80% of those who accept counter-offers resign or leave the company within a year. The reason for this is that in many cases the counter-offer is not realized, and even in those cases where it is realized, it is due to the change in the relationship with the company once the resignation is made. There are also occasionally cases where the boss who was holding you back later changes jobs. If the company is conservative about changing jobs, you may be harassed by those around you. As a result, some people regret not changing jobs and return to our consultants for advice. 

Final thoughts on resignation.

If you have the intention to change jobs, the most effective way to do so is to communicate your decision to change jobs in a firm manner. Resignation is not about asking the company for permission to leave, it is about expressing your intentions. Many people have good relationships with their current employers afterwards. Companies take the most profitable measures, but they are not responsible for each employee’s life. It is not the company or your boss that decides your future, it is you. Choose the path that is best for you. If you have questions or need help with your resignation please contact us.

Other Questions

I live overseas, can I still register?

Yes, you can. First of all, we will ask you about your experience and wishes in an online meeting or by phone. If you are hired, you can start working in your new workplace in Japan immediately after you return to your home country. We will do our best to support you in your job search while you are still overseas.

Do you have any overseas office opportunities?

Yes, we do, and we can introduce you to overseas opportunities through our overseas-based partner companies.

How do you handle personal information?

As a company licensed by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare as a fee-charging employment agency, we strive to improve our services in compliance with the standards for handling personal information. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy