20代こそ外資系への転職に挑戦しよう!転職成功の秘訣や必要なスキルを徹底解説Try a career change to a foreign-capitalized company in your 20s! In-depth explanation of the secrets of a successful career change and the skills you need.

Are you interested in working for a foreign-affiliated company, but feel that it would be difficult for a young person in his or her 20s to take on the challenge?

As it turns out, there are situations in which being in your 20s with potential can be advantageous for finding a job at a foreign-affiliated company.

In this article, we will explain the qualities required by foreign-affiliated companies and the key points for a successful job change to a foreign-affiliated company in one's 20s.

If you are in your 20s and interested in a foreign company, we recommend that you take action as soon as possible.
 

While it is true that skills and experience are important in foreign-capitalized companies, there are aspects of the job market that become even more challenging as you get older.
 

The following are five specific reasons why those in their 20s should try to change jobs to a foreign-capital company.
 

1. It can be too late to change jobs if you are still stuck in the Japanese-affiliated membership system.
2. Being young in your 20s can be an advantage.
3. People in their 20s can easily adapt to the culture of a foreign company.
4. There are jobs that allow you to take on challenges from no experience
5. You can develop your skills from a young age.
    

We will explain in detail in the following order.
 

1. It may be too late for you if you are too familiar with membership employment in Japanese companies.

The concept of employment differs between foreign-affiliated companies and Japanese-affiliated companies.
 

If you work for a Japanese company for many years, you may end up with a career that is far different from what is expected of you at a foreign company due to the nature of employment.
 

Specifically, foreign-affiliated companies employ people on a job basis, while Japanese-affiliated companies employ people on a membership basis.
 

Job-based employment is based on the concept of "assigning people to positions and job descriptions. The hiring criteria are based on expertise and experience that match the position.
 

Membership employment, on the other hand, is based on the concept of "assigning jobs to people. The company first hires a number of people in accordance with the growth of the company's business, and then assigns jobs that suit each individual.
 

The following is a summary of the differences between the employment approaches of foreign-affiliated and Japanese-affiliated companies.
 

2. Being young, in your 20s, can be an advantage.

Foreign-affiliated companies require more skills and experience than Japanese-affiliated companies. Therefore, it is not easy to change jobs at a foreign company in your 20s. A young career will inevitably be a bottleneck.
 

However, if you have any experience that can be an advantage, your youth can work to your advantage.
 

Imagine if a person who experienced a leadership position in his/her 20s and a person who experienced a leadership position in his/her 30s came for an interview at the same time.
 

Let's assume that the following two people come to the interview.

3. 20s can easily adapt to the culture of a foreign-capital company.

The culture of a foreign company is very different from that of a Japanese company.
 

Since the common sense of Japanese companies often does not apply, those in their 30s and 40s who are experiencing a foreign company for the first time may have a hard time adjusting.
 

The following is a summary of the cultural differences between foreign-affiliated companies and Japanese-affiliated companies.

4. Some positions are available with no experience

While skills and performance are important in foreign-capitalized companies, there are also jobs that allow you to change jobs with no experience.
 

The following table shows the number of job openings in foreign-capitalized companies on major job search websites and the number of those with no experience.

*As of January 2024
 

*Count based on keyword searches for "foreign-capitalized" and "inexperienced" or after specifying conditions.
 

Major job sites have less than 140 job openings in foreign-capitalized companies, and the percentage is less than 10%.
 

Although there are not many unexperienced jobs on job sites, you can expand your options by consulting with an agent who specializes in foreign-capitalized companies.
 

Please consult with an agent who specializes in recruiting for foreign-capital companies to expand your options.
 

5.You can develop your skills while you are still young.

By changing jobs at a foreign company while you are still in your 20s, you will gain strength while you are still young, which will give you an advantage in your career.
 

Foreign-affiliated companies are composed of multinationals, and there are many opportunities to be exposed to different cultures and business environments. By gaining international experience in a global environment, you will gain a broader perspective.
 

In addition, foreign-affiliated companies do not have a seniority system, so there are more opportunities for growth than in Japanese-affiliated companies. In addition, foreign-affiliated companies do not have a seniority system, so there are more opportunities for growth than in Japanese-affiliated companies.
 

[Examples of growth opportunities you can experience at a foreign company]
 

• Leadership positions in your 20s
• Cross-country projects
• Exposure to the latest technology
• Global marketing strategies

According to data held by United World, the average annual salary of those who changed jobs at a foreign company in their 20s is 5.5 million yen.

the 2021 Survey of Private Sector Salaries

According to the 2021 Survey of Private Sector Salaries, the average annual salary in Japan for 20-24 year olds is 2.69 million yen, and for 25-29 year olds it is 3.71 million yen.

The average salary for all Japanese, including those aged 55-59, who earn the largest average annual salary, is 4.43 million yen. By changing jobs to a foreign-affiliated company, it is possible to exceed the average annual salary of Japanese people in your 20s.

Earning a high income from a young age will help you become financially independent faster, allowing you to have enough money for your own living expenses and future asset building. 

Another benefit is that you can not only improve your lifestyle, but also allocate resources to your own education and skill development. 

You will be able to invest in the areas you want to learn and further your personal growth and career progression.

Although foreign-affiliated companies are very attractive in terms of salary, there are also disadvantages such as strict evaluation standards, unstable employment, and lack of benefits. 

We will discuss some of the points to keep in mind when working for a foreign-affiliated company later in this article, so please consider whether the environment is right for you before changing jobs.

There are three main skills required for a career change to a foreign company.
 

1. English language skills
2. Communication skills
3. Flexibility to adapt to change
    

We will explain them in this order.
 

1.English Proficiency

English language skills are essential if you want to change jobs at a foreign company. Surprisingly few companies make English their official language, but you will certainly have more opportunities to use English than at Japanese companies.
 

If you are good at English, it will be an advantage when working for a foreign company.
 

If you are not comfortable with English, it is a tough environment because you are likely to use English on a daily basis, such as when your boss is a foreigner who cannot speak Japanese or when communicating with the head office in English.
 

As a general guideline, a TOEIC score of 800 or higher is required.
 

A score of 800 is said to be the line where you will have no problems in daily life or business.
 

Some companies use TOEIC scores as a requirement or reference for employment, but it is only a guideline. It is important to have good communication skills in English.
 

2. Communication Skills

Foreign-affiliated companies require a high level of communication skills.
 

There are three main types of communication skills required by foreign-capital companies
 

1. Skill in conveying opinions clearly and concisely
2. Cross-cultural communication skills
3. Skills to master communication tools
    

1. Skills to express opinions clearly and concisely

In meritocratic foreign companies, contribution to the company is strictly monitored, so it is necessary to express opinions clearly. Regardless of your age or position, it is important that you do not hesitate to express suggestions that are beneficial to the company.
 

Logical and straightforward speech is preferred, so even if you have a useful idea, if you cannot explain it logically, you may not be able to persuade others. Communication skills combined with logical thinking are required in foreign companies.
 

2. Cross-cultural communication skills

It is common in foreign-affiliated companies to work with employees from different countries and backgrounds.

It is important to communicate while respecting diversity of ideas, not limited to English proficiency itself.
 

3. Skills in using communication tools

Remote meetings with different locations and team members are frequent.

Effective communication through videoconferencing, e-mail, and project management tools is also important.

Especially in videoconferences, it is necessary to pay more attention to pauses and reactions than in face-to-face meetings.
 

3. Flexibility to adapt to change

Flexibility to adapt to change is required.
 

When working for a foreign company, sudden changes in policy are common. Foreign-affiliated companies operate in international markets, and market conditions and the competitive environment change rapidly.
 

The following changes can occur suddenly and at the same time.
 

[Changes that can be expected in a foreign-affiliated company]
 

• Change in top management or M&A
• A new division is suddenly established and you are appointed as a member.
• Closing of a project
   

There are times when things must be done in the face of a lack of information, but it is necessary to grasp the true meaning of the instructions given by upper management and use imagination and flexibility to overcome these challenges.
 

This can be a tough environment for those who prefer to work quietly and without thinking, or for those who find it stressful to work under uncertain conditions.

What kind of person is suitable for a foreign company?
Here are four characteristics of people who are suited to work for a foreign-affiliated company.
 

1. Have a strong background in one area.
2. Do not get upset by unexpected changes
3. Able to clearly express their opinions and results
4. Want to achieve work-life balance
    

I will explain them in this order.
 

1. You have a career history that is one of your strengths.

As explained in the chapter "4 Reasons Why You Should Try a Career Change to a Foreign Company in Your 20s," if you have one career that stands out for its age, you have the qualities to be successful in a foreign company.
 

[Examples of experience that can be used as a weapon in a career change at a foreign company]
 

• Management experience
• Specific contribution to sales
• Track record of shortening deadlines
• English language skills
• Cross-cultural communication experience
• Data analysis and decision-making skills
   

When you have achieved results at a young age and have the ability to verbalize them in an easy-to-understand manner, there is a good chance that you will be evaluated by a foreign company.
 

It will be smoother if you start your job search at a time when you have achieved results in some field at a Japanese company and you want to hone your expertise in that field. You will be able to shift to job-based employment at a foreign company and build your career.
 

2. Undeterred by unexpected changes

The ideal candidate is someone who can respond flexibly and efficiently to unexpected changes.
 

Decision-making at foreign-affiliated companies is fast-paced.
 

In addition, especially when the management is led by the overseas headquarters, instructions are given to the Japanese branch office after they are finalized, so it is not uncommon to feel as if a major change has suddenly fallen upon you.
 

[Examples of changes you should be prepared for]
 

• Sudden organizational changes that result in the loss of the department itself.
• Projects are brought forward due to changes in the international market.
• A project is cancelled without detailed explanation
   

3. Able to clearly assert one's opinions and accomplishments

People who can clearly assert their own achievements are suited to work for a foreign company.
 

In addition to a performance-based salary system, many foreign-capital companies have a system in which evaluations from colleagues and subordinates are also reflected.
 

When the time for evaluation approaches, the company asks about 10 colleagues and other employees who are involved in the company's business to write down their own evaluations.
 

In order to receive good evaluations from the employees around you, it is important to speak up on a regular basis and assert your achievements.
 

If you are quiet, you may be buried and not be evaluated fairly.
 

4. Want to achieve work-life balance

People who want to achieve work-life balance are also suited to foreign-capitalized companies.
 

At foreign-affiliated companies, where individual roles are clearly defined, employees are able to switch between on- and off-duty work and achieve a balanced work style. Because of the emphasis on efficiency, there is no atmosphere in which employees are not allowed to leave on time.
 

Welcome and farewell parties are generally held during lunch time.
 

In companies where a team building system is in place, the budget for these lunchtime events is provided by the company.
 

There is no socializing outside of work hours, which is ideal for those who are not particularly fond of drinking.
 

The high rate of paid work is also attractive. The paid vacation rate at Japanese companies is 62.1%, whereas at foreign-affiliated companies it is almost 100%.
 

Summary of the 2023 Comprehensive Survey of Working Conditions - Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

Here are four stories of people in their 20s who have changed jobs at foreign companies.
Please use them as a reference when considering whether to change jobs.

Mr. A

An ideal environment that fosters independence and self-management.
Regardless of age or length of employment, active expression of opinions is welcomed and plenty of opportunities for new learning are provided, so being true to your ambition and desire for knowledge is highly valued.
However, of course, this does not apply to all "foreign-affiliated" companies, and each company has its own diverse culture and style.

Therefore, research to understand the culture of each company is essential before changing jobs, but choosing the right company can lead to a great leap forward in your career and skills.

For those who are willing to express themselves and learn, we feel that foreign-capitalized companies offer a wide range of opportunities and possibilities.

With opportunities for growth regardless of age, foreign-affiliated companies are the perfect environment for ambitious individuals.

Mr. B

It is a very global workplace with about 400 employees, 90% of whom are foreign nationals, and the corporate culture is very communicative.

The corporate culture is very communicative. I was very satisfied with the workplace, which is based on a meritocracy, with regular salary increases and evaluations based on the amount of work done.

Teamwork is very important, and I was attracted to the open environment where I could express my opinions to the people in positions of authority.

The open corporate culture and the ease with which you can express your opinions is one of the characteristics of a foreign company.

Mr. C

Everyone was very conscious of the scope of their own work (in Japanese companies, gray areas are covered by everyone, but in the foreign company I worked for, it was clear that my work was limited to this area).
(At the foreign company I worked for, it was clear that my work was limited to this area.) 

 

Each person had a cubicle (partitioned space).

KPI's were quantified very seriously.
Everyone was welcome to speak up at any time.
Conversely, not speaking up at meetings was considered not worth being there.

Compared to Japanese-affiliated companies, foreign-affiliated companies have a strong individualistic aspect, and you need to steadily achieve results within a set range.

Mr. D

From the interview, I felt that the interview was a little different from a typical interview at a domestic company, with questions that delved deeper into personality and character, and an emphasis on the ability to respond to the atmosphere and situation.

After joining the company, I had many opportunities to talk with people from different departments, and we were basically able to exchange opinions in a casual manner, and there were also parties hosted by the company.
The company was also open to accepting managers from outside of Japan, and there was flexibility in dealing with different cultures and environments.

In terms of bonuses, each employee evaluates himself/herself and is given an amount accordingly, which reflects his/her own will as well as the evaluations of others.

In a foreign company where employees come from various backgrounds, cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability are required.

Although foreign-affiliated companies have a glamorous image, they also have disadvantages that need to be examined before changing jobs.
 

Here are five points to keep in mind when working for a foreign-affiliated company.
 

1. Depending on your evaluation, you may be forced to resign.
2. There is a risk of losing your job when the company withdraws from Japan.
3. It is easy to be swept away by the speed of the company.
4. Benefits cannot be expected
5. Surprisingly few opportunities for overseas assignments
    

I will explain in the following order.
 

Depending on your evaluation, you may be forced to resign.

Although the performance-based system is a merit of foreign-affiliated companies, you may be forced to take a pay cut depending on your evaluation.
 

In the worst case scenario, you may be fired if you continue to fail to deliver results for a long period of time.
 

However, when a company is operating in Japan, Japanese laws apply even if it is a foreign-affiliated company, so there are no extreme cases such as being suddenly told, "You don't have to come here tomorrow.
 

When you are fired at a foreign-affiliated company in Japan, the following is a specific example of the process.
 

1. Your supervisor points out your poor performance.
2. If the situation does not improve, periodic personnel interviews are set up.
3. If the situation does not change after about six months, the employee is asked to resign.
    

If you think that the person in the department next to you is having too many personnel interviews, he or she will be gone before you know it. I heard that he was fired." Such stories are heard on a daily basis when working at foreign companies.
 

In some companies, the contracts for executives are for a period of several years, and if they do not achieve a certain level of results within that period, their contracts are terminated. Sometimes, the managers suddenly disappear and are replaced by new members.
 

2. There is a risk of losing one's job when the company withdraws from Japan.

In the case of foreign-affiliated companies that have expanded into Japan, there is a risk that if their performance deteriorates, they will withdraw from Japan and their employees will lose their jobs.
 

In addition, when a foreign company merges with or acquires another company, restructuring and integration of the business are promoted. In addition, when a foreign company merges with or acquires another company, it may restructure or integrate its operations, resulting in the reduction of overlapping operations or positions, which may lead to employee unemployment.
 

[Examples of Foreign Affiliates Withdrawing from Japan]

3. Easy to be swept away by the speed of change

You may be often swept up in unexpected changes, such as policy changes and organizational changes.
 

In addition to the speed of decision-making, the reason for this is that decisions made at the overseas headquarters come down to you without informing you of the process.
 

Organizational changes and sudden project launches occur frequently. Since the Japanese branch office is physically far away from the overseas headquarters and has no discretionary authority, you will often feel as if you are being pushed around.
 

The experience of dealing with unexpected situations in a flexible manner is a factor that you will surely be able to utilize later in your career, which can be a plus from a long-term perspective.
 

4. Benefits cannot be expected.

One of the characteristics of Japanese-affiliated companies is that they offer generous benefits such as housing allowances and retirement plans.
 

This is because it is assumed that employees will work for one company for a long period of time, but this assumption does not apply to foreign-affiliated companies.
 

For this reason, foreign-affiliated companies rarely offer benefits packages.
 

Being the Japanese branch of an overseas company, offices of foreign-affiliated companies are often located in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, which have good accessibility.
 

Although you will be living in an area with high rent, you may not receive rent subsidies, which can make your life difficult, so you need to consider not only annual salary but also benefit packages.
 

One of the reasons why foreign-affiliated companies pay higher salaries than Japanese-affiliated companies is because of the lack of benefit packages.
 

5. Surprisingly few opportunities for overseas assignments

Although foreign-affiliated companies have a strong international image, there are surprisingly few opportunities for overseas postings or overseas business trips when foreign companies expand into Japan.
 

Although there are far more opportunities to interact with foreigners while in Japan compared to Japanese companies, as long as you are working at a base created by a foreign company to specialize in its business in Japan, there are few opportunities for you to go abroad yourself.
 

If you want opportunities to work overseas, it is realistic to transfer to the head office or a branch office in another country.

When changing jobs at a foreign-affiliated company, there are more things to prepare for than at a Japanese-affiliated company, and the workload during the job change process is greater.
 

There are four key points to successfully changing jobs at a foreign company in your 20s.
 

1. Show that you can be an immediate asset to the company.
2. Prepare your resume in English.
3. Prepare for interviews in English.
4. Use a recruitment agent that specializes in foreign-capitalized companies.
    

We will explain in detail in the following order.
 

Show that you can be an immediate asset to the company.

Foreign-capitalized companies, which emphasize skill-based employment, do not have the same "train the employee after hiring" mentality as Japanese companies. In order to be hired, it is important to demonstrate that you can play an active role as an immediate asset.
 

During the interview, clearly communicate your strengths and points that make you an immediate asset. Be well prepared to communicate your strengths with specific examples.
 

You need to thoroughly understand the skills required for the position for which you are applying and develop any relevant professional skills.
 

Take stock of your past work and projects and verbalize in concrete terms the results you have achieved and the ways in which you have met your goals. By citing figures and actual accomplishments, you can prove your ability to make an immediate impact.
 

For more information on how to prepare for an interview at a foreign company, please refer to this article.
 

20 Common English Questions at Gaishikei Interviews with Japanese Translation! We also explain the flow and tips!
 

2. Prepare your English resume

When applying for a job at a foreign company, you will be asked to submit your resume in English. While a resume is required when applying for a job at a Japanese company, a resume in English needs to be more concise, and the points to emphasize are slightly different, so you need to be prepared.
 

Choose a format that is concise and easy to read. Avoid excessive ornamentation or complicated designs and present information clearly.
 

You can download free English resume templates by searching online, so choose a format that is easy to write in relation to your background.
 

Use action words (e.g., perceived, managed, implemented, etc.) to emphasize your contributions and actions in your job description and accomplishments.
 

In your educational background, provide details of your study abroad and international study experience, if any. English skills are especially important, so be specific about your English proficiency and include your TOEIC or TOEFL scores and business English experience.
 

3. Prepare for the English interview.

You also need to prepare for the English interview.
 

Although it depends on the company, the selection process for foreign companies often follows the steps below.
 

1. Document screening based on your resume in English
2. First interview: Interview with on-site staff
3. Second interview: Interview with your supervisor
4. Final interview: Interview with HR or a board member
5. Negotiate the joining date and salary, and an offer is made.
    

In most cases, the final interview is in English with an employee from the overseas headquarters. In some cases, an English interview is required around the second round of interviews.
 

If your English is not as good as native English speakers, it is very important to prepare for this interview. On the other hand, even if your English is not as good as a native speaker, you can get through the interview if you prepare carefully.
 

First, practice a brief self-introduction. Include your name, education, work history, strengths, career goals, etc. It is important to clearly convey what appeals to you.
 

Prepare answers to common interview questions.
 

For example, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "Why did you choose our company?", "Past successes and difficulties you have overcome", etc.
 

You should understand business English and industry terminology specific to your industry and position. Read industry news reports and online articles to learn about the business you are currently in charge of and how it fits in with your job.

4. Use a recruitment agent that specializes in foreign-capitalized companies.

Changing jobs at a foreign company requires more preparation than changing jobs at a Japanese company, such as carefully taking stock of your career, preparing your resume in English, and preparing for interviews in English.
 

There is a limit to what you can do on your own, so we strongly recommend the use of a recruitment agency that specializes in foreign-capitalized companies.
 

A professional recruitment agent with a broad network can suggest suitable positions and companies based on the skills and experience of the candidate. This makes it easier to find a job where you can make the most of your strengths.
 

Another major advantage of using a recruitment agency is that you can receive free interview preparation and mock interviews.
 

In some cases, you will receive feedback from the company after the interview.

When changing jobs at a foreign-capitalized company, using a recruitment agent or website specializing in foreign-capitalized companies is a shortcut to success.
 

We recommend the following 4 recruitment agencies and websites for job seekers in their 20s who want to change jobs.
 

1. United World
2. Michael Page
3. Daijob.com
4. Linkedin
    

I will explain in order.
 

1.United World

United World is a recruitment agency that offers jobs where you can make use of your language skills and overseas experience. As of January 2024, United World has more than 700 job openings from foreign companies looking to hire talented people regardless of nationality.
 

With the motto of "A world where anyone can work anywhere", you will receive friendly one-on-one support. Since there are a relatively large number of positions available for which no experience is required, it is easy to feel comfortable discussing your needs with us.
 

Our career advisors are in close contact with companies and can provide information beyond what is written on job postings, so you can proceed with your job search with peace of mind.
 

2. Michael Page

Michael Page is a recruitment agency founded in London in 1976, and has been providing career change support in Japan since 2001.
 

The company specializes in helping people find jobs with foreign-affiliated companies, and requires an initial interview with an agent to confirm English language skills.
 

The career consultants on staff are highly professional, and are recommended for those who want to receive logical and accurate advice. The response time is extremely fast, so you can proceed with your job search smoothly.
 

3.Daijob.com

Daijob.com is a job search site specializing in foreign-capitalized and global companies.
 

It has a large number of jobs in English and other languages, and you can search for jobs by the area of the country where you want to work.
 

You can also receive scouts directly from companies to broaden your options, and you may be approached by agents who specialize in helping foreign-capitalized companies find new jobs through Daijob.
 

4.Linkedin

Linkedin is a social networking service for business, but it is also very effective as a job search tool.
 

By switching to the "Job Search" mode, you can receive scout messages from recruiters who have read your profile.
 

The "Job Searching" status is hidden from other people in the same company, so there is no need to worry about your company finding out about your job search.
 

Of course, you can also use SNS in the way it is supposed to be used: to connect with people in the same industry and gather information. This is also useful for changing jobs at foreign companies, as you can deepen your expertise in the industry by exchanging information.

It is quite possible to change jobs to a foreign company in your 20s, so we recommend that you do not hesitate to take on the challenge if the idea strikes you.

Foreign-affiliated companies are results-oriented, and people are evaluated regardless of their age, gender, or nationality. This is the perfect environment for those who want to work in a flat corporate culture with a sense of fulfillment.

The abilities and qualities required are different from those of Japanese companies, such as the need to assert one's own achievements, so it is necessary to confirm whether this is the right fit for you.

The information in this article is not necessarily applicable to all foreign-affiliated companies, so you need to determine whether a foreign-affiliated company has the environment you are looking for.
A recruitment agent that specializes in foreign-affiliated companies will be familiar with information on individual companies.
By using a recruitment agent as well, you will be able to effectively conduct your job search.