Recruitment careers in Japan

Joey Latayada is a recruitment consultant at Robert Walters Japan in Tokyo, specialising in the recruitment of IT professionals for multinational businesses. Joey made the move to Japan after starting his career with our recruitment outsourcing business, Resource Solutions in Kuala Lumpur. We asked him to share his global move story and what he loves about working in Japan.    

How were you introduced to the Robert Walters Group?

I’m originally from the Philippines and I was working there, principally for American banks, when I learned that Resource Solutions was setting up in the region. I had heard a lot about Robert Walters Group and knew it had a great reputation, so I was thrilled when the opportunity came to work for the Group as part of the pioneering team in Southeast Asia. In my previous job I had a lot of direct contact with customers, giving me experience and skills that were directly transferable to my new role.

Why did you decide to move to Japan?

I had been with Resource Solutions for three years, working mainly for one international business client. I knew that the move to Japan could be a real step-up for me, giving me the chance to explore and learn about a whole new market. It was a leap of faith, but really worth it.

What are the key things you have learned about the business culture in Japan?

In Japan it’s important to maintain business relationships day-to-day, so that means regularly calling clients and meeting them out of the office, making sure that you understand their needs and assuring them that you are giving them the focused service they expect. You also have to understand and respect the difference between those clients with multinational experience and those who have a more reserved and traditional Japanese approach to business.

How is Japan’s IT sector performing?

IT is a very dynamic field here. Japan has a great history as a front-runner in new technologies, so it attracts a lot of talent from around the world and there’s a high demand for skilled candidates. That gives us a great chance to open the business up and build a good team. 

What is Robert Walters known for in Japan?

There is a real surge in demand for Japanese candidates who can speak English, as more businesses move onto the global stage. Recruiting bilingual talent is one of Robert Walters' core strengths. Businesses value the fact we have such a large database and this has helped us build a strong brand reputation here.

What is the working environment like?

My team is very collaborative and a lot of fun - it's the best team I've been part of in my career so far. We believe in working hard to hit our targets, but we also enjoy a variety of experiences and rewards. We have a lot of team activities, charity days and team-building events, and things that are especially Japanese, such as outings to the parks for the traditional hanami – enjoying the spectacular cherry blossom season.

How did Robert Walters help you make the move to Tokyo?

They helped in so many ways, including practical assistance in finding the right area to live, the right apartment, sponsoring my working visa and even arranging my flights. Tokyo is a wonderful city to live and work in, the real melting pot of Japan.

What would you say to someone considering a role in a new country with a different culture?

I would say go for it, be bold and don’t be afraid of experiencing something different. You will be surprised how getting to know a new market can really help you develop your skills and your career, while learning about a new culture at the same time. 

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