In today's globalized world, many professionals who've built their careers in domestic companies are considering foreign companies as their next step. On the other hand, the 2022 Bizmates Co., Ltd. survey found that 87.3% of Japanese company employees feel there are hurdles to working at a foreign company. The top concerns were:Lack of English fluency (83.3%)Missing specialized skills or knowledge (55.6%)Difficulty communicating with international colleagues (42.2%)In this article, we will explore the differences between foreign and domestic companies, and identify the types of people who excel in a foreign company.
There's no single definition, but generally, a company whose management decisions are made by an overseas entity (foreign company or individual) can be considered "foreign." Here's a breakdown based on the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 2020 "Survey on trends in foreign-affiliated companies":Companies with at least 33% foreign ownership (shares or ownership interests)Joint ventures with at least 33% foreign ownership and investment from Japanese companiesThis means there's a mix of 100% foreign-owned companies and joint ventures. Additionally, some companies may have been acquired by or partnered with foreign companies (foreign-affiliated companies). Each type of company will have its own corporate culture, language needs, and required skill sets.
Foreign companies often have these characteristics compared to domestic companies:Specialist over generalist: While Japanese companies traditionally encourage employees to be generalists with a broad range of skills, foreign companies value specialists who excel in a specific field. This aligns with the growing trend of "job-based employment" where roles are clearly defined based on skills and responsibilities. Here, employees can hone their expertise and build successful careers as specialists.
Related Article: What is a Job-Based Employment System? Exploring the Impact on HR and Recruitment StrategiesPerformance-based evaluation: Foreign companies often emphasize performance-based evaluations over seniority. This means young, motivated professionals with strong skills can thrive in this environment. Career advancement is based on results, not just age or years spent at the company.Focus on immediate results: Unlike Japan's emphasis on new graduate hires and extensive training, foreign companies often prioritize immediate contributions. This means they actively recruit experienced professionals who can hit the ground running.
Multicultural work environment: Foreign companies typically have a diverse workforce with employees from all over the world. This creates a dynamic and multicultural environment. While English may be the official language in some companies, many branches in places like Japan may require both Japanese proficiency as well as English. Communication and the ability to work effectively with a global team are crucial.Work-life balance: Many foreign companies tend to value work-life balance for their employees, often offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and generous vacation policies to ensure that employees can maintain a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives.
Here's a breakdown of the qualities that make someone a good fit for a foreign company:Proactive and self-directed
People who excel in foreign companies take initiative to advance their careers and market value. Unlike Japanese companies that often have structured development programs, foreign companies empower their employees with a lot of autonomy. This means you'll be expected to take ownership of your work, develop it independently, and drive things forward. You'll need to make decisions, get buy-in from colleagues, and actively work towards achieving goals. Think leadership, but not necessarily in the traditional team management sense.
Related: Tips on management and leadershipStrong self-advocacy skills
In a performance-driven foreign company, getting recognized for your achievements is key. Japanese workplaces often emphasize teamwork and achieving results collaboratively. Foreign companies, on the other hand, also value individual contributions. You'll need to clearly communicate your ideas, approach, unique skills, and values on the job to your supervisors and colleagues. If you're comfortable advocating for yourself, you'll do well in a foreign company.English proficiency and communication skills
Many foreign companies require a certain level of English proficiency in the workplace. This means you need to be able to clearly explain your ideas and understand others in English. While technical jargon is important, the focus is on clear and logical communication, even with simple English.
Just as important is actively listening and grasping the intent behind what others are saying. Strong communication skills will help you collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds even if your English is not perfect.Passion for your expertise
If you have a specialized skillset and want to keep developing your expertise, a foreign company might be a great fit. These workplaces value specialists who excel in their specific field. You'll be expected to continuously improve your skills and knowledge in your area of expertise. So, if you're driven to be a top performer in your field, a foreign company can provide a supportive environment for career development.Adaptability and flexibility
Foreign companies are often influenced by their overseas headquarters, and business decisions made abroad can have a big impact on local branches. Sometimes, this means needing to adapt to new situations or approaches that might go against what you were previously used to. The key is to be flexible and open-minded. Being able to see things from different perspectives and adjust your work style or approach as needed is crucial in a fast-paced foreign company environment.
Thinking about a foreign company job? Research is your best friend. Learn about different companies and find one whose culture and values align with your own career goals. Consider working with a recruitment agency specializing in foreign companies. They can connect you with relevant opportunities and provide valuable guidance.Another great tool for networking and career development is LinkedIn. Create a strong profile to get noticed by potential employers.Related:Mastering LinkedIn: A comprehensive guide to building an effective profile
There are many differences between foreign and Japanese companies in terms of work culture and values. Working for a foreign company can open doors to exciting global opportunities, but it also means competing with a wider talent pool.The key is to honestly assess your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals to find the right fit. Don't hesitate to seek help from experienced recruitment agencies to support your job search and learn more about specific companies.Ready to explore your options? Robert Half connects talented professionals with exciting opportunities at foreign companies. Submit your resume to consult with our recruiters.
