An affective way for those wanting to work in Japan, but who are not a part of any kind of introductory network, is to consider approaching an executive search firm, or headhunter. Here are some basic tips for working with such services.
First, keep in mind you are their product. Placement firms earn their salaries from commissions paid by the company. That commission is based on your starting salary. You do not pay them, the company does. It is like a finders fee. For that reason, sometimes headhunters may not want to work with entry level people but look to more mid-level or senior level people to place. Some services though are very ready to help those with graduate degrees, especially if you can speak Japanese.
Before you approach the Executive Search firm to let them know you are looking for a job, you need to learn about the firm itself. What kinds of positions do they look for, what companies do they have as clients, what it their reputation, etc. Many answers can be found by browsing the CareerCross homepages. Just look at which firms have what kinds of openings (IT, Finance, consulting, service, etc). Also read thoroughly the search firm's homepage to find out about their style, nature, etc.
If you feel you are a match, prepare a very skills-oriented resume so they know exactly what you are able to do, and where you proved those skills. Write them a cover letter outlining what you want to do. Be as specific as possible at first so they can match you with their clients without guessing as to what you want. You may offer a salary range but be VERY reasonable and do not over price yourself. It is in their best interest to get you a high salary:: Remember they are working on commission. And you might want to leave salary considerations up to them without mentioning it. But you should know what you are worth.
If they do not have exactly what you want, they most likely will suggest related fields or positions that they do have immediately available. Or you can suggest other interests in a second round. But help them out as much as possible.
To help you understand how they work, think about this. You have a long-lost cousin coming to town, and you want to take them out for dinner to a place you know they will like. But you have not seen this cousin since you were little kids, and you have no idea what they like or dislike. So you ask, "What would you like to have for dinner?" And they reply "Oh anything is fine." That is not too helpful right? Maybe your cousin will at least say "I like Chinese food." But while that at least narrows it down, it is too broad still. But an answer like "Let's go for Chinese where they have good Peking Duck and Sweat and Sour pork at reasonable prices"
Now you know how to please your cousin for dinner. It is the same in a job hunt, especially with headhunters. If they can make match you into a good profession at the rate you want to earn, you will stay with the company longer (which is better for their reputation with the company), you will be happier in your new job, and probably should you think of changing jobs again down the road, you will ask the same executive search firm for help.
Also keep in mind the timing. Going back to our visiting cousin analogy, of course you want to know when your cousin is coming for dinner so you can get ready for the visit, and maybe even make reservations at this Chinese restaurant. But you do NOT want to order the food to early if the cousin is not ready to go eat it. So it is with headhunters. If the food is on the table, (read: there is an immediate job opening), they need you to eat it them (read:: take the job offer). So be sure they know when you are available to START work so they can look for positions that will be available when you are, and arrange interviews at appropriate timing.
So know what you want, what you are worth in that field, when you can take it, and present it well to the headhunter (a well-written and thoughtful, but short, cover letter and dynamic resume). Keep after them if you do not hear right back. The best thing to do is ask for an appointment to meet them, and find out what they can envisage for you.
Happy hunting
This article is written by Gretchen Shinoda, Director of Career Counseling and Services at the International University of Japan http://www.iuj.ac.jp/
