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Key Characteristics of Mid-Career Application Channels from a Recruiter’s Perspective

Career change


Are you currently considering a job change? How do you choose your application method? Whether you use a recruitment agency, register on job search websites, or apply directly through company websites, there are various methods to consider.

In this article, leveraging my experience as a former recruitment officer, I will explain the characteristics of each application channel along with their respective advantages and disadvantages!

*This article focuses on job change practices in Japan. It can be helpful for those learning English or anyone interested in understanding job application methods in Japan. Please take a look!

▼The Japanese version of this article is provided below.

Introduction

RYO
RYO

How are you finding your new job opportunities?

Ai
Ai

I’m registering on job search websites, consulting with recruitment agents, and directly checking company websites.

In fact, the method of application can sometimes influence the selection process. Through this article, you can learn about the characteristics of each application method and the advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of companies. Use this information to your advantage in your job search!

The Characteristics of Application Channels and Their Characteristics


Here, I will introduce the main application channels and their characteristics.

Main Application Channels

Job search websites
Job search websites are platforms that provide job listings. Job seekers can browse and apply for job openings for free, while companies pay a fee to post their listings.
Representative job search websites: Rikunabi NEXT, Mynavi Tenshoku, En Tenshoku


Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies offer a service in which recruitment agents facilitate connections between job seekers and companies.
Representative recruitment agencies: Recruit Agent, Doda, Mynavi Agent, JAC Recruitment


Direct application
Direct application refers to the method where job seekers apply directly to companies through the official websites of the company.

Characteristics of Each Application Channel

Application ChannelsFrom the Job Seeker’s Perspective: AdvantagesFrom the Job Seeker’s Perspective: DisadvantagesFrom the Company’s Perspective: Presence of Hiring Costs
Job search websites-Many job listings available with easy search functions.
-Scouting feature enables job seekers to receive approaches from companies.
-Intense competition for popular job listings.
Applicants must manage their applications and interview preparation independently.
-Posting fee for job listings with no additional costs for a set period.
-High cost often prioritizes cost-effectiveness despite attracting many applicants.
Recruitment agencies-Job seekers receive specialized career support.
-Salary negotiations and conditions can be handled on their behalf.
-Only listings from contracted companies.
-Support quality varies based on agent quality.
-Costs occur after accepting a job offer, usually 20% to 40% of annual salary.
-Effective for swift hiring needs in specific positions.
Direct application-High flexibility allows applicants to apply at their own pace.
-No associated costs.
-Applicants manage all aspects independently.
-Lack of interview feedback.
-Most cost-effective option with no hiring costs.
-High likelihood of attracting motivated candidates, but passive recruitment is common.

Job search websites

One notable feature of job search websites is their extensive job listings and precise search functions, allowing users to find positions tailored to their preferences. Additionally, some platforms offer anonymity and the possibility of being scouted by companies, providing numerous benefits with just a registration.

However, due to their popularity, popular job listings often face intense competition. Moreover, since there’s no support from agents, applicants need to manage their resumes, self-promotion, and interview preparation independently. Feedback from companies after interviews may not be provided, making it challenging to identify areas for improvement if rejected. Furthermore, applying to numerous positions requires time and effort for resume and cover letter preparation and application management.

From the company’s perspective, using job search websites typically incurs job posting fees. These fees vary by service but can be substantial, ranging from 2 to 3 million yen or more for premium services. However, there are usually no additional costs after posting, regardless of the number of hires, leading to improved cost-effectiveness with each successful recruitment. Additionally, higher-ranked job postings tend to have higher costs. Therefore, companies using job search websites often consider mass recruitment, with higher-ranked postings indicating a more proactive recruitment strategy.

Recruitment agencies

One of the greatest advantages of recruitment agency services is the opportunity to receive specialized career counseling and support, including assistance with resume editing and interview preparation. Additionally, these services often provide comprehensive follow-up support for negotiations regarding salary and benefits, as well as post-interview and post-offer interactions.

As for drawbacks, these services are limited to job listings from companies contracted with the agency, potentially restricting the available job opportunities. Additionally, the quality of service can vary depending on the agent, and the progress of the application process may be dictated by the agent’s schedule, making it difficult for applicants to maintain their own pace.

When companies utilize recruitment agency services, they typically adopt a performance-based recruitment cost model. The cost usually amounts to 20% to 40% of the anticipated annual salary when the job offer is accepted by the candidate. Therefore, companies only incur expenses when there is a successful match between the candidate and the company, as indicated by the candidate’s acceptance of the job offer. If a candidate is deemed unsuitable relative to the recruitment cost, the company may choose not to extend a job offer. Particularly for positions requiring specific talent or when there’s a need for swift recruitment, the benefits of using recruitment agency services are heightened. Despite the recruitment cost, the ability to select candidates without incurring expenses until the job offer and the access to detailed information provided by agents are significant advantages.

Direct application

One of the key features of direct application is the ability to interact directly with companies without the involvement of agents, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling interviews and potentially expediting the application process. Additionally, a fundamental aspect of direct application is that it is generally free of charge, unlike using recruitment agents.

However, on the negative side, the need to manage the entire application process independently can be burdensome. Since there is no agent involvement, receiving feedback after interviews or negotiating the conditions stated in job postings can be challenging. Furthermore, since many premium job listings are not publicly available, accessing them may require the use of recruitment agents.

From the perspective of companies, one significant advantage of direct application is that it incurs no recruitment costs associated with recruitment agency services or job posting fees. This results in the highest cost-effectiveness from a recruitment cost perspective. Additionally, since applicants are directly applying to specific companies, there is a higher likelihood of considering them favorably due to their strong interest. However, since information about applicants can only be obtained through application documents and interviews, the threshold for hiring specific talent is high.

Summary

Job search websites are convenient tools for accessing a wide range of job listings, but it’s important to note the intense competition and limited support they offer. On the other hand, utilizing recruitment agents can be highly effective for efficiently advancing your job search, thanks to the specialized support they provide. However, it’s essential to consider the drawbacks such as the quality of agents and the limitations of their services, and choose accordingly based on your individual situation and needs.

Job seekers can conduct more effective job searches by combining the use of job search websites and recruitment agents according to their circumstances and needs. For example, they can collect job listings widely through job search websites and directly apply to companies of interest, while also using recruitment agents to access unpublished job listings and receive specialized support.

Furthermore, gaining insight into the reality of recruitment costs for companies and which recruitment channels they use can deepen understanding of their recruitment activities and the type of talent they are seeking. Therefore, I hope this article serves as a valuable reference, helping you to conduct a meaningful job search!

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