Treating poor hiring results as simply "not having met the right candidates yet" can cause a company to overlook a more fundamental problem. Falling application numbers, rising rates of candidates withdrawing during the process, and declining offer-acceptance rates are often signs that it is time to rethink the hiring strategy itself.
- Hiring has been difficult for some time, but it is unclear what to review
- Hiring methods that used to work are no longer effective as the business grows
- More competitors are hiring for similar roles, making the same conditions less competitive than before
- Hiring relies on the intuition and experience of individual recruiters, with no repeatable process
This article explains when foreign companies should rethink their hiring strategy in Japan, and what to look at.
Signs That It Is Time to Rethink Hiring Strategy
Treating poor hiring results as simply "not having met the right candidates yet" can cause a company to overlook a more fundamental problem. Falling application numbers, rising rates of candidates withdrawing during the process, and declining offer-acceptance rates are often signs that it is time to rethink the hiring strategy itself.
During an expansion phase in particular, hiring methods and conditions that used to work often fail to keep pace with changes in the target talent pool or the positions being filled.
Areas to Check When Reviewing Hiring Strategy
The following areas are worth checking when reviewing hiring strategy.
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Target candidate profile | Whether the required experience and skills have been updated to match the current business phase |
| Recruitment channels | Whether the channels used (agencies, job boards, referrals, etc.) fit the target candidate pool |
| Compensation and conditions | Whether salary ranges and working conditions are competitive against the market and competitors |
| Selection process | Whether the speed of selection and decision-making matches candidate expectations |
| Employer branding | Whether the company clearly communicates its appeal to candidates |
Points for Putting the Review into Practice
Reviewing hiring strategy should not be left to recruiters alone; it is best done with input from leadership and the field. Reviewing compensation and conditions in particular often requires a management-level decision.
A revised hiring strategy will also lose effectiveness over time as market conditions and competitor behavior change. It is important to regularly review hiring results and adjust the strategy again as needed.
Summary
- Falling application numbers and rising withdrawal rates are often signs that it is time to rethink hiring strategy
- Review target candidate profile, recruitment channels, compensation and conditions, selection process, and employer branding
- Involve leadership when reviewing compensation and conditions
- Do not treat a hiring strategy review as one-time; adjust it periodically based on results
Contact
JBN provides one-stop support for foreign companies, from reviewing hiring strategy in Japan through to recruiting specialized talent.
To discuss reviewing your hiring strategy, please contact us.