IT Career Consulting: The IT job market
- by the Editors -
|
Computing Japan asks CDS Consulting, an executive search firm specializing in the high-tech markets, about opportunities in the IT job market in Japan
Q: What kinds of IT (information technology) positions are available in Japan? A: Hundreds of IT positions are open on any given day. Specialist IT positions within non-high-tech institutions, such as banks and security houses, are always available; these organizations seek the usual potpourri of dBase knowledge and NT, Unix, C++, or LAN/WAN skills, and will often consider non-Japanese speaking foreigners. Many other exciting positions that deal with cutting-edge technology are open as well. The rapid advancement of information technologies, and the business potential of making these technologies available in Japan, has many companies scrambling to enter the market, either via direct entry or through a partnership. In particular, many Internet/intranet and e-commerce technologies are making their way into the marketplace. Positions are open mainly within the sales/marketing and technical functions.
Q: What skill sets are most sought after in today's job market? A: Persons with a deep knowledge base of the Internet and its related technologies are commanding pretty healthy compensation packages these days. Also, ERP, SCM, BPR, and their related supporting technologies are still going through a "hot" period; the need for competent individuals on both the technical and business sides is endless. Further, with new fiber channel technology, the storage market is also picking up steam again. Japanese language skills are a major plus. Most foreign capital companies will open positions to foreigners who can communicate in Japanese effectively and who can demonstrate a commitment to Japan.
Q: How much can I expect to earn? A: That really depends on your age, skills, experience, previous salary, and the employer's current salary systems. Don't set your hopes too high, though; lucrative expat packages are becoming a thing of the past except for staff sent over from head office. Today, local (Japanese) hires have a much better understanding of English and the West in general and can more easily assimilate into foreign companies than their predecessors. On the sales side, a good salesperson will benefit if the employer truly rewards for performance. We're starting to see a shift from the usual 90:10 or 80:20 base:incentive splits to the more aggressive US-based systems of 70:30 or 60:40, with generous accelerators for over-target performance levels, plus stock options. On the technical side, staff in financial-related firms' back and middle offices can expect pay 20% to 30% higher than their counterparts within IT firms. But IT firms can offer payoffs in other areas; while you are struggling to fix and maintain an antiquated mainframe in a financial firm, your counterpart in an IT firm may be implementing fiber channel storage solutions into an NT-based system.
Q: What are the keys to a successful interview? A: If you've been asked to come in for an interview, you've already passed the preliminary screening for relevant experience, technical skills, education, etc. So what you have to do is show the interviewer that you are as good or better in person. The first two minutes, during which time the interviewer assesses your appearance, mannerisms, and self-confidence, is crucial. In many cases, this is when interviews are won or lost. You should dress to impress, with your interview attire and general appearance conveying the message that you are sharp and focused, and that you care about the image you portray (which translates to the image of the hiring company. Many of the foreign capital high-technology companies in Japan are sales offices rather than manufacturing bases, so you will have to face customers and prospects). If your general appearance, mannerisms, or confidence level let you down, it is unlikely that you'll be hired no matter how qualified you seem on paper. The best way to appear confident and relaxed is to prepare. Try to put yourself in the mind of the interviewer when he sits in front of you with your resume in hand. Are there nagging gaps in your career that need explaining, frequent job moves, overseas training, a mid-career educational qualification or change in responsibility, a downward move or a rapid promotion? Practicing sensible and convincing responses to the questions that are likely to be asked will help settle you down and make you appear focused and confident.
Q: Any other tips?
A: Don't fail to do your research about the company, the position, and (if possible) the person who will interview you. Start by searching the Internet for the company's homepage and any relevant articles. You can use this information to develop questions that you will ask if the information doesn't come out otherwise during the course of the interview.
And don't get bogged down with questions about salary, benefits, etc. As a rule, don't even bring these issues up during the first meeting unless the interviewer asks, or if you begin to suspect the company is unlikely to meet your expectations and you want to clarify matters without wasting further time.
Q: How can an executive search firm help me in my job hunt?
A: By aligning yourself with a good executive search firm, you can avoid many of the more sensitive and probing questions, such as whether the company is stable, why the position is open, etc. Your consultant will guide you through the interview process and offer insight into the type of organization you'll be dealing with. And aside from all the essential market, corporate, and industry information, your consultant should be able to give guidance on the 'critical factors' (required personality traits) for the position. With this insight, you will be able to emphasize these traits through colorful examples from your previous work or projects.
All interviewers are looking for substance and positive personal and professional traits, such as strong leadership, initiative, motivation, a 'fire in the belly' mentality, or quantitative and qualitative skills. Careful preparation, a smart appearance, and a positive, friendly attitude can help to make you and your suitability for the position stand out from the competition.
Career consulting is a new column in Computing Japan, in which we will offer advice and guidance to those working in the technology sector. You can also check out job listings for positions in Japan at http://www.computingjapan.com/resources/classifieds/employment.html. |
