【Interview】If you want to work globally, I definitely recommend Japan.

WORK’IN JAPAN

30.09.2017

Q1 : How did you come to join Pasona Inc.?

A1 : I studied economics at the university. I was especially interested in human resources management, so I wanted to find a job in HR if I had a chance. Pasona Inc. is a major company in that field, and its corporate activities are so unique that I expected from the start to be engaged in a challenging job here. Now I’m so happy to be able to make full use of what I learned at the university.

Q2 : What kind of work are you in charge of now?

A2 : I’m a sales representative for recruitment, especially global personnel. Currently, Japanese ompanies are struggling to locate and nurture personnel who can be successful in global business environments. My job is to listen carefully to the needs of Japanese companies and try to match their needs with excellent human resources from ASEAN.

Q3 : What kind of global personnel are Japanese companies looking for recently?

A3 : There are more and more Japanese companies seeking human resources from ASEAN. Above all, people who graduated from science courses are in great demand. Knowledge about information technology is also an important factor. As many Japanese companies are hoping to expand their businesses into ASEAN markets, most of them think the necessary languages are the local ASEAN languages and Japanese, rather than English. Though Japanese is difficult, I think speaking and listening are enough skills to hold a job in Japan, because computers will help us to write difficult kanji.

Q4 : Tell us about your homeland.

A4 : I’m from Hanoi. I think it’s very similar to Tokyo. Of course Tokyo is much bigger, but Hanoi is a growing big city with a vibrant atmosphere. You can find lots of places to have fun, so people, especially young people, are everywhere in the city.

Q5 : What is your impression of Japanese companies?

A5 : There are superior-subordinate relations and company rules in Japanese companies, and the employees strictly observe them. In Vietnam, superior-subordinate relations are not very important. At first I thought it was too formal, but now I’ve found that Japanese companies are well organized, and those relations and rules help. My superior colleagues teach me many things, and I’ve learned a lot about business in Japan. When I won a contract for the first time, my superior colleague congratulated me with sushi. That experience made me happy. Now I go drinking with my colleagues once a month, interacting with employees in other departments, talking about life and asking for advice from them. These are valuable experiences you can’t get in the office. I’ve gotten thoroughly used to this type of relationship. Actually I’m relying on it.

Q6 : Your image of Japan from when you were in Hanoi—did it change after you came here?

A6 : Before coming to Japan, I thought Japanese people are distant and unapproachable. For a while after I came here, I felt there was a wall between Japanese people and me. But if you open your mind and talk to them, everyone will be very kind to you. When you have a problem, they will help you. This is one thing I want to tell everyone who wants to come to Japan. Japanese are very shy people, and most of them do not talk to you first. Please just open your mind and be the first to start a conversation with them.

Q7 : What is your favorite Japanese food? Is there anything you don’t like?

A7 : My favorite food is sashimi, and especially shrimp is the best. I also like tempura. When I was a student, I used to eat gyudon every day, wondering how they can provide such a delicious and plentiful dish at such a low price. Now I enjoy having lunch at the company cafeteria. I’m amazed by the cafeteria because they provide different dishes every day. You can choose meat or fish as the main dish, and they even offer an all-you-can-eat salad bar. I can’t believe I can buy such a superb lunch for only 500 yen. It’s a lot of fun! They also provide supper for employees who work overtime at night.

Q8 : Are there any unforgettable events in your life in Japan?

A8 : When I was at my previous workplace after graduation from the university, I had the honor of being selected as the MVP of the year among new employees. I’ve heard MVP is the most excellent employee selected, according to various factors such as reputation from your boss and colleagues, and the attitude toward job training, and so on. I was so glad to be selected. Another unforgettable event was the Tet party I hosted. Tet is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and I invited 60 Vietnamese of all ages living in Japan to celebrate Tet together. We rented a space for the party and had a great time with homemade food, songs and music. I was so happy to see all the guests enjoying the party. Furthermore, the party was picked up by a newspaper. That was a memorable experience.

Q9 : Finally, do you have a message for foreign students who wish to come to Japan?

A9 : I’m realizing every day that Japan in the future will need more manpower from all over the world. The Japanese government is creating policies to match this situation. It’s not so difficult to get a visa. So don’t hesitate to take a big chance now. There’s no other country people can live in more comfortably than Japan. The food is delicious, and you can live safely. If you want to work globally, I definitely recommend Japan.