Using a Search Firm

Veritas Executive Search has been performing executive searches in Japan for eleven years and in Seattle for the last three. It has filled over 600 positions, from presidents and country managers to key middle managers in foreign capital companies representing a wide range of industries. President Yoshiaki Sahoda offered Hilary Hinds Kitasei some of his advice to those looking for such positions.

How would you advise a foreigner planning a long-term career in Japan?
First, try to make an effort to master Japanese language skills. A criteria for this widely accepted by the hiring managers in Japan is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level II Certificate. Second, expand your own personal business network in different industries. Third, try to gain experience and develop your career in a company with leading edge technologies, such as Internet, e-commerce and telecommunication.

Foreign candidates often have to face Japanese human resources directors, even in a foreign capital firm. What is most likely to turn them off?
Many foreign applicants are not bilingual and bicultural, meaning they are not familiar with the culture-specific professional and personal expectations from peers, juniors and superiors in the workplace. They may also require work visa sponsorship from the hiring company which would want to avoid the additional legal procedure. Their long-term plans regarding their stay and career-building in Japan are uncertain.

How would you advise a Japanese planning a long-term international career?
Review your past work style and try to adapt it so that it suits your next work style. Brush up your language skills. Try to develop your career with a focus on a specific area of industry (thus attaining the status of a specialist). Try to continue with a job for at least three years instead of changing jobs quickly.

How should an individual choose a search firm?
Choose a couple of search firms (and not have your resume float around the market with every other recruiter) to discuss your career plans with. Speak with consultants and try to assess which search firm would best fit your requirements. Select a local search firm that is well established within the local market. Call directly and find out about their process and procedures. Search firms should always discuss each opportunity with you in detail and provide you with a complete company profile and job description. They should maintain the strictest confidence. The search firm should submit your resume to the client only after securing your permission to do so.

What differentiates Veritas from its competitors?
We are bilingual and bicultural, which positions us well to bridge the gap between foreign companies and the local labor market. This gives us a great advantage as a reliable consulting partner for the expatriate top management of foreign capital companies. Our commitment to a long-term relationship and to maintaining strict confidentiality of both the clients and the candidates is what makes us different from our competitors in this market. In addition, our firm is small by design and our teamwork, professionalism and thoroughness have helped us to win and retain many major foreign clients. Our corporate clients range from foreign start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in a broad base of industries such as consumer goods, telecommunications, Internet/e-commerce, multimedia, high-technology, advertising/PR, medical and financial services. The primary reason for our successful track record is the effort we put into understanding the clients' businesses and their people.

Companies and individuals interested in learning more about the services of Veritas are invited to contact them by telephone (03-3481-5931) or or visit their website http://www.veritas-executive.com/.

Metropolis is Japan's No 1 English magazine, http://www.metropolis.co.jp/