Candidates in Japan read a job posting not only for the work itself but also for how the company plans to approach its Japan business. A literal translation of headquarters' English job description does not answer these questions well.
- The company translates headquarters' job description, but applications are not coming in
- The structure of the Japan business and the size of the office are not reaching candidates
- There is little information on pay or working style, and candidates hesitate to apply
- Too many required qualifications make the bar for applying high
This article explains how foreign companies can write job postings that attract candidates in Japan.
Why a Literal Translation Falls Short
Headquarters' job descriptions are written around headquarters' organization and evaluation systems. For candidates in Japan, the position's place in the organization and the structure of the manager and team become hard to see.
A foreign company with limited name recognition needs the job posting to make up for it with what is distinctive about the company, such as the business outlook and the degree of discretion given.
What to Include in a Job Posting
Candidates decide whether to apply more readily when information like the following is laid out clearly in the posting.
| Item | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Mission of the role | The role this position plays in the Japan business and the results expected after joining |
| Requirements | Separate required and preferred qualifications, and limit required ones to what is truly necessary |
| Pay and working style | Salary range, work location, and the approach to remote work and working hours |
| Japan office structure | Size of the office, reporting lines, and how the role relates to headquarters |
| Selection process | Number of interviews, approximate timeline, and the flow of selection |
What to Check Before Publishing
Listing too many requirements means only people who meet every one will apply. Consider widening the pool, for example by moving skills that can be developed after hiring into the preferred list.
A job posting is not finished once published; it improves by watching how applications develop. Set aside time to review application numbers and screening pass rates and adjust wording and conditions.
Summary
- Candidates in Japan read job postings for business structure and working style as well
- Do not just translate headquarters' job description; reconstruct it for Japan
- Lay out the mission, requirements, pay and working style, office structure, and selection process
- Keep reviewing wording and conditions after publishing, based on how applications develop
Contact
JBN supports foreign companies in hiring in Japan, from drafting job postings through to candidate search.
To discuss writing your job postings, please contact us.