Ben Cordier, director
Why is RGF starting a Contract Business Division?
The permanent placement business at RGF has gone from strength to strength and we are the fastest growing firm in our industry in Tokyo. In 2017, we doubled the number of our consultants and we will be 120 strong by April 2018. By starting our contract division now, we will be able to offer our clients a complete staffing solution. Our objective is to become the number one bilingual recruitment firm in Japan, and servicing our client’s contract hiring requirements will enable us to do this.
What is the state of the bilingual contract recruitment market in Japan?
It is well known that Japan is currently experiencing the most candidate-short, candidate-driven market in more than 20 years. What this means is that if you are a bilingual candidate with a specific skillset and experience, you can expect with confidence to be in demand. IT in particular is a hot area for contract recruitment, as projects such as system migrations or global roll-outs need proven technical experience. Firms that have project-based hiring need contract staff, and in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games such project-based or fixed-duration hiring needs will continue to increase.
What are the advantages of contract recruitment and contract employment?
In this candidate-short market, increasingly firms are looking to hire skilled professionals on a contractual basis as a fast, flexible hiring option without initial recruitment fees. For the hiring firm and the candidate, this provides a low-risk option for both sides to evaluate performance before potentially converting to a full-time hire. Working as a contractor is a flexible option that provides a variety of industry experience, allowing for skillsets to be developed in different sectors, as well as offering good work–life balance and often a higher rate of pay. Lifelong jobs are a thing of the past and contract recruitment is a key driver of the growing gig economy in Japan.
What attracted you to RGF?
Having worked for more than 10 years in recruitment here in Japan at both an established staffing company and as a founder member of a successful start-up staffing business, I am excited to join such a well-known company and to lead this new division. We are the bilingual arm of the Recruit Group, the fourth largest company in our industry globally with such a strong brand, network and unique candidate sources. We have the resources in place for us to make a strong impact in the contract market here.
RGF is a complete recruitment solutions provider for global and local clients. With over 50 years of history and experience, and an extensive database of qualified candidates, RGF is your one-stop partner for unparalleled recruitment solutions.
03-6422-4400
www.rgf-hragent.asia/japan
