Flow of Job-Hunting in Japan (Mid-Career / Career Change)

What is Mid-Career Hiring? How is it Different from New Graduate Hiring?

In Japan, mid-career recruitment is not tied to a specific hiring season.
Companies hire when they need talent — meaning you must search, gather information, and apply proactively.
Job postings change frequently, so speed and access to information are critical.

Overview — Definition of Mid-Career Hiring

Mid-career recruitment refers to hiring that happens as needed, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Companies must respond to changes such as:
・Business growth
・New business development
・Replacement due to employee resignation
To respond flexibly, companies recruit mid-career talent whenever necessary.
Unlike new-graduate hiring, there is no single hiring period.

Basic Flow of Mid-Career Job-Hunting

Application → Document Screening → Interview(s) → Offer → Joining the Company

Comparison: Mid-Career vs New Graduate Hiring

Employment Types & Visa Considerations

① Full-Time Employee (正社員)

・Visa eligibility: Yes
・Employer: Hiring company
・Work period: No fixed limit

② Contract Employee / Shokutaku (契約社員・嘱託)

・Visa eligibility: Yes
・Employer: Hiring company
・Work period: Fixed-term

③ Dispatch / Haken (派遣)

・Employer is the staffing agency, not the worksite company
・Salary is paid by the agency
・Work instructions come from the client company
・Visa eligibility: Depends on the agency (GlobalPower: Supported)
・Work period: Fixed-term

④ Part-time / Arubaito (パート・アルバイト)

・Visa eligibility: Not for work visas
・Work period: Fixed-term
・Suitable mainly for students or side work (not mid-career hiring)
Mid-career hiring covers a wide range of experienced professionals and managers,
with clear requirements for skills, experience, and qualifications.

Step-by-Step Flow of Job-Hunting (Mid-Career / Career Change)

STEP 1: Prepare Your Resume & Work History (職務経歴書)

For mid-career applicants, experience and achievements matter most.
Create a Japanese-style resume and Work History CV with measurable results when possible.

【 Download Templates】
▶日本式 履歴書を自動で作成する（auto-create）
▶日本式 職務経歴書を自動で作成する（auto-create）

STEP 2: Search for Jobs & Register

Where to find job openings:
・Job search websites
・Recruitment agencies
・Hello Work
・Company websites

STEP 3: Apply

Follow each company or platform’s application process.
Tailor your resume and PR content to match requirements —
One CV for all jobs = low success rate.

【How to Write Japanese-Style Documents】
▶ Resume for New Graduates & Mid-Career
•▽Work History for Experienced Professionals

STEP 4: Screening & Interviews

Once you pass screening, interviews begin.
Japanese interviews have unique etiquette and evaluation points — prepare well.

【 Useful Guides】
▶ Appearance for Successful Hiring
▶Interview Manners & Tips
▶ Common Questions in Japanese Interviews

STEP 5: Offer → Contract → Resignation → Joining

After you accept an offer:
You receive
・Offer Letter（内定通知書）
・Employment Conditions Letter（雇用条件通知書）

Your start date is confirmed here.
If you need to change your visa status, start the procedure now.
If you are currently employed, notify your employer after accepting the offer,
and complete handover duties politely — professionalism is highly valued in Japan.