Executive search in Japan is a candidate-driven market and throughout all industries, companies are looking for the similar criteria: He or she is 35-45; speaks good English; has been with the one company for several years, and has accomplished many career achievements.Recently, we met a candidate who fitted this description and he fully understood his value in the current market. He had graduated from the prestigious Kyoto University and completed a MBA from one of Britain’s top business schools. We were not surprised to discover he had a number of excellent offers.When the finance candidate told his company, a leading American pharmaceutical firm, he was planning to leave and seek outside opportunities his superiors were shocked and disappointed. Within days, the company offered him a senior finance position.

The candidate had already turned down a manufacturing company offer, which included a 20% salary increase. He knocked back the deal because the company dragged its heels. The interviewing process lasted six weeks and the offer letter arrived one week after the last interview. He thought the delay was a good indication of how the company made decisions. This slow-moving operation was not the place for him. When he met our client, a Japanese Venture Capital company, the candidate was soon impressed because within two days, the top executive cleared his busy schedule to meet him. We told our client to move fast if they were interested and they were very interested.

The candidate met the company’s key players and by the end of the meetings was given a verbal offer letter. The candidate was suitably impressed. He then had the weekend to make a decision. Would he accept the internal offer with its prestigious title and pay increase or rise to the challenge of a new start-up operation?

He joined the start-up because he was looking for a challenge and our in-demand candidate was in the ideal position to take a risk. He was offered a generous stock option package, which meant the success of the company would mean his own personal success. He was confident the deal would more than compensate the lower salary. In fact, he considered this opportunity his ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会, “one time, one meeting”), a Japanese term, which can mean “for this time only,” “never again,” or “one chance in a lifetime.” Our client felt the same way.

As the Japanese economy continues to grow, more foreign companies are entering the market and are willing to pay a high price for the best talent.

As our Japanese client company demonstrated, it was able to beat the larger foreign companies by being decisive, the senior management demonstrated passion and conviction in their business and everybody involved acted proactively.

They understood the meaning of ichi-go ichi-e.

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Why the world wants marketing experts

Morunda www.morunda.com should be your choice of recruiting partner in Japan and Asia Pacific. Why? Because we live and breathe the pharmaceutical industry in Asia and the Pacific—we’re specialists!

  • Morunda has completed over 400 managers to director-level placements since 2001.
  • A cultural understanding of what it takes to secure top talent
    Over one hundred thought leadership articles published.
  • We hold regular seminars for candidates and clients alike with industry experts.
  • We understand the market, not only today, but where it is heading in the next 12 to 18 months