Daijob.com is Japan's definitive job site for multilingual professionals.

—What motivated you to work in Japan? My father is Japanese, and my mother is Fillipina. I was born and raised in the Philippines and have been living in Japan for over 11 years. I initially worked as a ground attendant in an airport and also gained experience as an English teacher and finance. When I first arrived in Japan, I couldn't speak Japanese at all. I wanted to challenge myself and grow further, enriching my life. Eventually, I set a new goal to work in sales, which led me to transition into the recruitment industry. In 2023, I joined Cornerstone as a recruitment consultant, and by 2024, I became a senior consultant. Because of making various connections, learning the market, outside of the box thinking, negotiations and strategic thinking, I enjoy my work in the recruitment field.

—You have also experienced changing jobs and were promoted within about a year after joining Cornerstone. What is your secret to career advancement? Though I don't show it much, I am very ambitious. Motivation is key to career advancement. Even if you have all the necessary skills and great personality, it's hard to consistently deliver good results without motivation. You need to have a clear sense of motivation that can drive you towards your goals. I always keep my life goals in mind, and compared to 11 years ago, I have advanced my career and achieved what I set out to do. My next goal is to become a manager at Cornerstone, and I am working hard every day towards that. I also want to inspire those who are considering a job change or trying to make a great change to never give up on their career aspirations.

—Can you tell us about the characteristics of your current clients? I currently handle clients in the industrial division, and the qualities they seek in candidates usually vary. Some clients prioritize skill sets, while others value personality traits. For example, there have been cases where a candidate was hired not because their skills were perfect but because their personality was exceptional and matched the company culture. I spend a lot of time building trust with clients, so I can confidently recommend job opportunities to candidates.

—What kind of candidates are most often sought by clients? Clients generally prefer positive, energetic individuals. I also believe this is the most crucial factor. The ability to handle challenges is another key to getting hired. Especially in Japan, companies look for cooperative people who can help others, rather than being self-centered. Additionally, self-introduction and communication skills are important. Having a proactive attitude towards learning new things is ideal. If you limit yourself, you miss opportunities to learn. Those aiming to advance in global business should always keep an open mind.

—What kind of support do you provide to job seekers? When job seekers attend interviews at their desired companies, some may fear starting a new career or feel reserved. Even if they have high abilities, they might struggle to express their motivation or achievements. Therefore, I strive to deeply understand each job seeker before they proceed to the interview. To help develop their careers, highlight their strengths and I sometimes ask personal questions unrelated to work. Before they proceed to the client interview, I practice with them.

—What do you think is the most important thing for changing jobs in the industrial division? It depends on the position, but in the industrial division, having a clear skill level for the job is crucial. Additionally, in the case of bilingual candidates, it is rare to find someone suitable, perhaps one in ten. Yet, individuals with exceptional skills and language fluency have a notable chance to transition to a company offering favorable conditions. By sharing your past work experiences with me, I can fully support you in making them clear to the hiring manager.

— Are there any new initiatives at Cornerstone? My team currently consists of five members, and we are planning to expand it with the help of my manager. By increasing the team size and further specializing in each member's area of expertise, we believe we can provide even better support to our clients and job seekers. Starting from the scratch is not always easy but I enjoy the process as it offers ample learning opportunities and fosters personal growth.

— Finally, could you share a message for those considering a career change? Before transitioning into the recruitment industry, there was a time when I felt a bit pessimistic, wondering if my life would end without any change. By making changes and taking that leap of faith to reach my goals has brought me to where I am today. I don't simply want to encourage changing jobs. It's important to repeatedly ask yourself what you truly want to do and find your own goals. Then, make a plan towards your goal and take action. Pursuing what you truly desire is the way to enrich your life.

Additionally, Cornerstone provides a supportive work environment for women. With many female recruitment consultants, we have a system in place to support women who aspire to take leadership roles, so let's achieve our goals together!