外資転職の失敗例4選!後悔を防ぐ対策と面接のポイントを解説4 examples of failures in changing jobs at a foreign company! Countermeasures to prevent regrets and interview pointers explained.

Changing jobs at a foreign company is an attractive option in terms of salary and career advancement, but it also comes with a variety of challenges.
If you do not prepare well in advance, you may face unexpected failures in such areas as annual salary, English language skills, and differences in corporate culture.
In this article, we will explain in detail the common mistakes people make when changing jobs at foreign-affiliated companies, the characteristics of foreign-affiliated companies, and the key points for a successful career change.
If you are thinking about changing jobs at a foreign company, please refer to this article.

The following are some of the most common mistakes made when changing jobs with a foreign company.

1. The annual salary was lower than expected.
    
2. Could not play an active role due to lack of English skills
    
3. Did not fit in with the company culture
    
4. Suffered at work due to lack of skills

Let's take a look at the details below.

1. Annual salary was lower than expected

Although high salary and career growth are expected when changing jobs to a foreign company, in reality, there are cases where the annual salary is not as much as expected. Especially in the case of local companies, it is often lower than expected. To be more specific, it may change by 400,000 to 500,000 yen.

Since annual salary is also affected by currency fluctuations and differences in taxation systems, it is important to conduct careful market research and understand the salary level commensurate with your experience and skills before changing jobs. It is important to note that there are cases in which you may not receive a higher salary because you do not have enough skills and therefore do not receive recognition.

2. I could not play an active role because my English was not good enough.

English is the primary language of business communication in many situations in foreign-affiliated companies. However, if English is not your native language or you are not confident in your business English skills, you will often have difficulty communicating and performing your duties.

In particular, even if you have technical or specialized knowledge, you may not be able to take advantage of it if there is a language barrier. In these cases, it is necessary to improve English skills and close communication.

To learn more about the English language skills required for a foreign company, please click here.

3. I did not fit in with the corporate culture.

One of the most common mistakes when changing jobs to a foreign company is not being able to adapt to a different corporate culture.

In general, foreign-affiliated companies are results-oriented and individualistic, and the environment demands assertiveness and independence. You may feel uncomfortable and stressed by such a different communication style and working style from that of Japanese companies.

In addition, foreign-affiliated companies often provide direct feedback from superiors and competition within teams is intense, so you may have trouble adjusting to this environment and may experience difficulties in performing your work.

You are expected to understand cultural differences and be flexible, but this is not an easy task as it requires a high degree of flexibility.

4. I suffered at work due to lack of skills.

Because foreign companies often require a high level of expertise and skills, you may suffer at work if your skills are not up to the expected level. In particular, if the skills and experience that appealed to you before you joined the company cannot be applied in actual work, you may feel pressured to keep up with the evolution of technology.

For example, lack of experience in project management can cause delays in project progress.

Continuous learning is also essential when up-to-date knowledge in your area of expertise is required. For this reason, it is important to accurately assess your skill set and strive to make up for any shortfalls.

If your skills are not sufficient, you may have to work more overtime, even if you are working for a foreign company, which is generally considered to have less overtime.

Foreign companies are characterized by the following

• Meritocratic society
   
• Annual salaries tend to be high
   
• Less overtime work than Japanese companies

Let's take a look at each of these characteristics.

Meritocracy

One of the major characteristics of foreign-affiliated companies is that a meritocracy is strongly rooted in the company. Employees who achieve results are evaluated and rewarded accordingly, while those who fail to produce results may receive harsh feedback, be demoted, and in some cases, even be fired.

A meritocratic society offers great opportunities for those who are confident in their skills and abilities. On the other hand, the pressure for results can be strong, and if you cannot withstand it, it can be a source of increased stress.

Also, you are expected to continuously prove your value in your daily work, so foreign companies are suitable for people with a strong desire for personal growth.

Annual salary tends to be high.

In general, foreign-affiliated companies tend to have higher annual salaries than Japanese-affiliated companies. In particular, foreign-affiliated companies place importance on securing excellent human resources in order to maintain competitiveness in the global market, and often set high salaries as an incentive to do so.

However, with high annual salaries come high expectations, and results are a prerequisite. In addition, although some companies offer higher base salaries, bonuses and benefits may differ from those at Japanese-affiliated companies. Therefore, it is important to understand not only the high salary but also the overall compensation system.

Less overtime work than at Japanese-affiliated companies

Foreign-affiliated companies have a pervasive culture that emphasizes a balance between work and private life, and tend to have less overtime work than Japanese-affiliated companies. This is due to a culture that encourages employees to perform their work efficiently and leave the office on time. According to a survey by Recruit Agent, the average overtime hours for general employment is 11.5 hours. Overtime hours at foreign-affiliated companies are estimated to be 9 to 10 hours. Many foreign-affiliated companies offer flexibility in working hours and location as long as results are achieved, making it an attractive environment for those who value work-life balance.

There are exceptions, however, depending on the industry and the type of work, and depending on the progress of the project or the client's requirements, longer hours may be necessary.

Here are some ways to avoid making mistakes when changing jobs with a foreign company

• Use a recruitment agent
   
• Understand the culture and climate of the foreign company
   
• Improve your English skills.
   
• Prepare carefully for the interview.

The following is an explanation of each method.

Using a recruitment agent

The use of a recruitment agent is a very effective way to successfully change jobs at a foreign company. Agents are well versed in the inner workings of companies and industry trends, and they can not only introduce you to jobs that match your skills and experience, but they can also help you prepare for interviews and negotiate terms and conditions.

Especially for foreign-affiliated companies, the skills and experience required are often high, so the advice of an agent with specialized knowledge can be very helpful.

Agents also have access to private job postings, so you may be able to find a job with favorable conditions that are not generally known to the public.

We strongly recommend that you seek the help of a recruitment agent to ensure that your job search proceeds efficiently and that you make a choice you will not regret.

Understanding the culture and climate of a foreign company

When considering changing jobs at a foreign company, it is important to have a deep understanding of the culture and climate of the company. Foreign-affiliated companies often have different work styles and values than Japanese companies, and many people are confused by the gap.

For example, foreign-affiliated companies have different work procedures and communication styles, and if you cannot adapt to these, you may experience increased stress at work.

Therefore, before changing jobs, it is important to research the culture and work style of the company you are applying for to see if they match your values and work style. You can get an idea of the culture and work style of the company you want to apply for by looking at the job posting as well as the company's website and review sites.

Improve your English skills.

English language skills are essential for working at a foreign company. Many foreign-affiliated companies require a high level of English proficiency, as English is the common language used on the job. Specifically, there are many situations in which English is used on a daily basis, such as exchanging e-mails, speaking at meetings, and making presentations.

Therefore, it is important to polish your English skills before changing jobs to avoid any regrets.

If you have no work experience in English, you may consider acquiring practical skills through volunteer work or internships.

Prepare carefully for the interview.

In addition to general questions, interviews at foreign companies often include detailed questions about specific skills and experience related to the job. Therefore, careful interview preparation is necessary. Interviews at foreign-capital companies may include questions in English and case studies, so advance preparation is essential.

First, organize your work history and be prepared to explain your past achievements and accomplishments in detail.

It is also important to understand the culture of the company and the type of person they are looking for, and to think about your personal PR and motivation for applying. In addition, you can identify and improve your weaknesses by conducting mock interviews and receiving feedback from a third party.

Since foreign companies expect you to answer questions logically and concretely, it is a good idea to build your own story based on your past experiences.

In order to succeed in finding a new job at a foreign company, it is essential to prepare well for the interview. By understanding the interview style and questions that differ from those of Japanese companies, you will be able to approach the interview with confidence.

First, be prepared to smoothly answer basic questions in English, such as introducing yourself, explaining your work history, and explaining your reasons for applying for the position.

It is also important to check English expressions related to industry-specific terms and your field of expertise. If this is your first interview in English, you should conduct a mock interview. Receiving feedback will help you develop practical skills.

If you want to prepare for a full-fledged interview, you can use a recruitment agent. A recruitment agency that specializes in foreign-capital companies will be able to provide you with practical interview practice.

Here are some characteristics of people who are suited and unsuited for foreign-affiliated companies.

People who are suited for foreign-affiliated companies

The first type of person who is suited for a foreign-affiliated company is one who is “assertive. In a foreign-affiliated company, you must be able to clearly express your opinions and thoughts and link them to results. Those who can confidently express their opinions in discussions and presentations with superiors and colleagues will have an easier time making their mark.

People who “prefer a results-oriented approach” are also suited to foreign-affiliated companies. In foreign-affiliated companies, results tend to be more important than effort and process, and rewards and promotions are determined according to the goals achieved. Therefore, those who are willing to continuously improve themselves to achieve their goals will find this a very rewarding workplace.

People who are not suited to work for a foreign-affiliated company

On the other hand, people who are not suited to work for foreign-affiliated companies are those who are “stability-oriented. In foreign-affiliated companies, organizational restructuring and reorganization are often carried out in response to business performance and market trends. For those who seek long-term stability, this environment can be stressful and they may not be able to concentrate on their work.

People who “wait for instructions” may also have a hard time in foreign-affiliated companies. In foreign-affiliated companies, each employee is expected to understand his or her own role and act independently. Those who do not wait for clear instructions and are unable to identify problems and take action to solve them on their own will have difficulty performing.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs at a foreign company.

Advantages of Changing Jobs with a Foreign Company

First, one of the major advantages of changing jobs at a foreign-capitalized company is the high salary level. In general, salaries at foreign-affiliated companies tend to be higher than at Japanese-affiliated companies. In particular, those with specialized skills and experience can expect to receive higher compensation, which is a major attraction for those seeking to advance their careers.

The next advantage is “career internationalization. At foreign-affiliated firms, work is conducted from a global perspective, allowing you to gain international experience. There are many opportunities to broaden your career with projects in multinational teams, overseas business trips, and even overseas transfers. Such experience will be a great asset in building an international career in the future.

Furthermore, foreign-affiliated companies have a strong culture of valuing results and rewarding hard work. By maximizing your abilities and achieving high results, you can expect to receive promotions and salary increases. This type of environment is one of the major advantages, as it is easy to maintain a sense of fulfillment and motivation.

Disadvantages of changing jobs at a foreign-affiliated company

On the other hand, you must also consider the disadvantages of changing jobs at a foreign-affiliated company.

First, there is the “high pressure to achieve results. In foreign-affiliated companies, results are everything, and if you fail to achieve your goals, you may receive harsh evaluations. This can cause stress and increase mental strain.

Next, there is the “risk of reorganization and restructuring. Foreign-affiliated companies are sensitive to fluctuations in business performance and markets, and therefore reorganization and restructuring may occur frequently. This can lead to an unstable career path for those seeking long-term stability.

Another disadvantage is the “culture and communication gap. In foreign-affiliated companies, there are corporate cultures and communication styles that differ from those of Japanese companies. If you are unable to adapt to this, you may experience problems in your relationships and work performance in the workplace. In particular, if you lack English language skills, you may not be able to communicate smoothly in your daily work and may not be able to achieve the results you want.

We recommend the following recruitment agents for changing jobs at foreign-capital companies

• United World
   
• en world
   
• Recruit Direct Scout

The following is an explanation of each agent's recommendations.

United World

United World is an agency specializing in recruitment support for foreign-capital companies, and is characterized by its high level of expertise and abundant job information. The company is particularly strong in managerial and executive-level positions, providing optimal support for those seeking to advance their careers.

United World also assigns a dedicated consultant to each applicant to provide counseling tailored to their individual needs, allowing them to proceed with their job search with peace of mind.

Furthermore, United World is well versed in the skills required by foreign companies and industry trends, and provides up-to-date information on the job market. This enables applicants to accurately assess their market value and find the position that best suits them.

en world

en world is a leading recruitment agency that provides job search support not only in Japan but also throughout Asia. We handle a particularly large number of jobs for foreign companies and global companies, covering a wide range of positions and industries.

En World has Japanese-English bilingual consultants on staff, making it easy for you to apply for positions that require English language skills.

What sets en world apart is that we go beyond mere job introductions to provide support with a view to long-term career development. We offer a full range of post-placement follow-up and career counseling services, making us a reassuring ally for those who are concerned about their career path after changing jobs.

Recruit Direct Scout

Recruit Direct Scout is an agency specializing in high-level jobs, and offers services especially suited to those seeking a career at a foreign company. It features a scout-type job search support service, where you can receive scouts directly from companies that match your skills and experience.

This service increases your chances of accessing quality jobs that you could not find on your own. RecruitmentDirectScout enables a highly accurate job search by conducting a detailed analysis of a job seeker's background and skills and matching them with companies.

While a career change to a foreign company is a great opportunity for career advancement, higher compensation, and global experience, there are also risks associated with the differences in culture and work practices. However, there are also risks associated with different cultures and work styles. Therefore, gathering and preparing information on salary, skills, and corporate culture in advance is the key to success.

In addition, by utilizing a recruitment agent and preparing well for interviews, you will be able to advance your career at a foreign company without regret.

If you want to select the right foreign-capitalized company for you and change jobs smoothly, please use “United World,” which specializes in foreign-capitalized companies.