Executive Search Japan

Our Executive Recruitment Solutions in Japan

At Keller, we believe that the right leader or business partner can make a significant difference in an organization.

The executive search service that we provide takes into consideration the nuances that can exist at any part of the search.

For instance, Japan is a country steeped in rich culture and tradition but also respects industry and economic advancement. Our consultants understand how important these elements are in the context of Japan. We also realize that there are several other things to consider, not least of all individual management characteristics and business culture.

The Japanese economy is highly developed and represents a free market, making it a sought-after destination for many businesses. As a member of both the G20 and G7, Japan offers a strong economy and an attractive job market. As such, it is important to note that salaries in Japan may exceed those of some other countries. Additionally, those who possess strong English language skills will have an advantage when competing for job opportunities within Japanese companies.

Japan is nearly the largest automobile manufacturing country in the world. Furthermore, Japan is also a substantial manufacturer of precision- and high-tech goods. Other vital Japanese market sectors are agriculture, specifically fishery, tourism, petroleum, and mining. Our HR services are available across all these and other industries.

Japanese locals value business relationships extremely highly, and it is often more important than experience and talent when it comes to management.

One of the advantages of hiring Keller as an executive search firm is that our Japanese consultants will already be familiar with essential Japanese values and customs; the rest is agreed upon through interviews with our clients.

Our Japan Headhunters

As a leading executive search firm in Japan, our team consists of high-caliber recruiters with the knowledge and skills needed to deftly navigate the complexities of Japan’s dynamic market.

Each recruiter on our team was handpicked for a wide range of reasons, including their advanced proficiency in executive talent assessment methodologies, expertise in industry-specific recruitment strategies, proficiency in cross-cultural communication and global talent acquisition, and track record in conducting confidential searches for sensitive leadership positions.

Additionally, our consultants hold strong professional and academic degrees from reputable bodies and regularly undergo professional development through executive education programs and conferences hosted by prestigious institutions.

Keller’s Standards

At Keller Japan and internationally, we have implemented standards and procedures so that our clients always receive excellent service from our executive search company. These safeguards are discussed in detail during our meeting with the organization’s executives and stakeholders.

During the search and evaluation process, our consultants consider more than experience in relevant industries and expertise from education. It is also essential that whoever is appointed works well with the existing team and understands the nuances of the local culture as well as what is expected of them in the company.

Our consultants can be contacted at any point during the recruitment process. This allows clients to get regular updates during the engagement. It will also make it easier for the client and the consultants to discuss and address any issues that may arise during the process.

In addition to being easily contacted, our consultants can contact international professionals who otherwise cannot attend face-to-face interviews.

Our Approach To Executive Search

It is our mission to empower businesses by connecting them with executives who possess the skills and experience to transform their organizations. To achieve this, we utilize a comprehensive, data-driven search methodology designed to streamline the recruiting process while ensuring our clients only get the highest-quality outcomes.

Our recruitment process begins with an in-depth discussion with the client and relevant stakeholders to understand their organizational structure, workplace culture, and specific leadership needs. During the initial stage, our team also conducts a thorough analysis of the role we need to fill, including the required skills and cultural fit factors.

Based on our meeting with the client and our analysis, we create a tailored search strategy and develop potential candidate profiles. We use this to guide us when sourcing candidates.

Keller leverages its vast network of local and global executives and employs cutting-edge search techniques to identify potential candidates. Our candidate tracking and talent analytics tools, in combination with our network, also allow us to reach passive candidates who may not be actively looking for a new career but are interested in a new job opportunity.

Candidates who meet the initial hiring requirements are rigorously assessed. Our evaluation includes:

• Background and criminal checks
• Reference checks
• Advanced psychometric testing

All professionals who pass our assessments are presented to our clients for the final interview.

Behind Our Approach

Our team developed a tailored approach to recruitment after facing setbacks from using a standard generic solution to conduct placements. Unlike our approach, a standard talent acquisition method does not take into account the client’s unique work culture and technical requirements. It also fails to take into account the nuances of the company and Japan’s dynamic job market.

Our tailored method allowed us to achieve a strong track record of successful placements and redefine the standards of headhunting in Japan. It has also allowed us to foster long-standing relationships with local clients.

Dive into our expert insights for cutting-edge candidate engagement tactics and up-to-the-minute market intelligence.

Local Expertise, Global Reach

Japanese locals value business relationships extremely highly, and it is often more important than experience and talent when it comes to leaders. Other elements that are important are things connected to the hierarchy that can be found in businesses. Greetings and titles, in particular, will be extremely important when doing business in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan.

Unlike in the West, gift giving, especially gifts of personal relevance or representative of personal culture, is honorably received. Even business cards are treated with the utmost respect. Dress codes are modest and subdued, and failure to adhere might be frowned upon.

The workforce environment in Japan is generally quite different from that in other countries. The Japanese workplace emphasizes a collectivist approach, where team members are expected to work together and be loyal to their company. This is in stark contrast to the more individualistic approach taken in the United States and some other countries.

In Japan, there is an emphasis on working hard and being diligent, and there is less of an emphasis on individual achievement. This means that employees are expected to work together to achieve the shared goals of the company. This also means that employees are expected to be loyal to their organizations, even if they disagree with certain aspects of their job.

The Japanese also place a heavy emphasis on respect for authority and hierarchy. This means that employees are expected to show respect to their superiors and follow their instructions.

Finally, the Japanese workplace often places a high value on etiquette and politeness. Employees are expected to behave in a respectful manner and to show respect to their colleagues and superiors. This can lead to a more peaceful and harmonious work environment.

When looking for prospective talent, we evaluate how well they understand the Japanese work culture and determine whether they can adapt to it. Doing so helps us ensure that the talents we present would fit in the organization.

Keller’s Global Presence

Keller’s committed team of experienced recruiters possesses a profound understanding of local markets, their current trends, and their challenges. Our team takes great effort to ensure we are up-to-date with the latest developments and findings in the field of recruitment.

We harness this extensive insight, combined with our vast international connections in the industry and our partnership with NPA Worldwide, to provide our clients with accomplished executives who can fill roles for companies around the world.

Collectively, our team boasts nearly two decades of experience in the recruitment industry, providing candidates for companies around the globe – including Japan.

Getting Started with Executive Recruitment in Japan

At Keller, we work with companies looking to fill senior roles. Our recruiting consultants work with a broad range of sectors and a variety of clients.

While we have extensive experience in industries like manufacturing, finance, supply chain management, life sciences, and healthcare, we can also provide assistance with roles in many other industries.

Keller does not solely focuses on candidates’ experience and expertise. We understand that things like personality traits and resilience are important.

Our Guarantee

Keller is committed to utilizing ethical recruitment practices and fostering diversity and inclusion in Japan’s multicultural job market. Furthermore, we prioritize protecting our client’s user data by adhering to strict ethical standards in handling sensitive information.

Our expertise is backed by a comprehensive 90-day guarantee. Should a placed candidate leave within the first 90 days of employment, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional cost to you.

Get in touch with Keller today to arrange a consultation with one of our specialists.