From Associate to Consultant: Kotaro's rise in Recruitment

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kotaro Shibasaki , a remarkable individual who joined RGF Professional Recruitment Japan as an Associate with a sales background but no prior recruitment experience but quickly rose through the ranks to become a Consultant within just six months. Kotaro's journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for the recruitment industry. Let's dive into his insights and experiences.

Q. Can you briefly share your professional journey before joining us at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan?

Kotaro: Certainly. I played American football through college and then embarked on my career at a specialized iron trading company after graduation. I gained valuable experience there for 2 years and 3 months before transitioning to RGF Professional Recruitment Japan.

Q. How did you become interested in the recruitment industry?

Kotaro: My interest in recruitment was sparked by several factors. Firstly, seeing my seniors from my university American football club excel in recruitment roles at Recruit intrigued me. Additionally, interactions with colleagues from my weekend American football club who were also part of this industry piqued my curiosity. Witnessing the caliber of people thriving in recruitment motivated me to pursue a career in this dynamic field.

Q. Did you explore opportunities with other companies before choosing RGF Professional Recruitment Japan?

Kotaro: I did consider other options initially, mainly in the trading sector. However, upon learning about RGF Professional Recruitment Japan from trusted sources within my network, including my seniors, my focus shifted towards this opportunity.

Q. As someone new to recruitment, what challenges did you face initially?

Kotaro: Even though I had sales experience, joining without prior experience in recruitment posed its challenges, particularly in understanding the intricacies of the industry. While I enjoy engaging with people, gauging the depth of interactions required was initially daunting. Working with experienced clients highlighted the need for deeper insights, prompting me to refine my approach continuously.

Q. Your rapid promotion to Consultant within 8 months is impressive. What factors contributed to your success?

Kotaro: I joined RGF Professional Recruitment Japan as an Associate. Wayne Ko has been my mentor since the beginning, and since he also started as an Associate, he could provide advice based on his own experiences. His advice was compelling, and I felt motivated to follow his path and aspire to be like him in the future. Wayne communicated with me daily and has achieved great success, making him someone I truly admire and view as a role model.

Moreover, the Digital team has been incredibly supportive, showing kindness and teaching me everything I needed to learn. They have taken good care of me since day one, creating a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable asking any questions. I am deeply grateful to all my team members; it's because of their support that I was able to earn this promotion.

Q. How did you familiarize yourself with the digital industry, given your initial lack of knowledge?

Kotaro: Self-study has been instrumental in bridging my knowledge gap. Engaging with candidates regularly has provided practical insights, and I make a conscious effort to expand my understanding through research and seeking guidance from knowledgeable teammates.

Q. What aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling?

Kotaro: What I appreciate most about my job is the gratitude expressed by candidates. As an Associate, a candidate once told me, "I found this company thanks to you," and "You were the one who opened this opportunity for me," which filled me with immense joy.

In my previous role at another company, such moments were rare. I used to believe that it didn't necessarily have to be me; I had never received acknowledgments like "thanks to you." This realization made me realize that such instances are not common in many sales roles.

Having experienced that gratitude firsthand, I am motivated to seek more successful experiences and relive those moments of making a positive impact on candidates' lives.

Q. How do you see yourself in the future?

Kotaro: I aspire to transition into a managerial role, drawing inspiration from mentors like Wayne and seeking to impart knowledge and guidance to others. I believe RGF's culture of recognizing effort and dedication aligns with my career goals.

Q. What skills do you believe are essential for a successful Recruitment Consultant?

Kotaro: Genuine engagement with candidates and a sincere interest in their aspirations are paramount. Understanding the impact of job transitions on individuals and their families underscores the importance of empathetic and dedicated client interactions.

Q. How did you cope with the shock of the initial offer rejection?

Kotaro: To be honest it was tough. I talked about it with my seniors in the team and I understood that even though you believe your client's company is fantastic and you wanted the candidate to join, it's challenging to change people's perceptions. Despite my optimism about the candidate's fit, they may have perceived me as the only one holding that view, leading to their decision.

This candidate believed they would be happier elsewhere, so not every scenario unfolds favorably. I may have placed too much emphasis on one candidate, but considering the vast number of job seekers globally, it's crucial to actively scout and engage with individuals who have previously registered with our service.

Reflecting on my own job search experience a year ago, I recall the stress and eagerness to secure a new opportunity swiftly. It's essential to extend the same level of support and understanding to candidates navigating similar journeys.

Q. Any advice for individuals entering the recruitment industry without prior experience in recruitment?

Kotaro: Perseverance and a genuine desire to serve the interests of candidates and clients are key. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and success will follow suit.

Kotaro's journey exemplifies the potential for growth and success in the recruitment industry, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, continuous learning, and a sincere passion for making a positive impact on others' lives. His dedication and insights serve as an inspiration for newcomers embarking on similar career paths within the dynamic realm of recruitment. If like Kotaro you have sales experience, are passionate about making a difference in people's lives and are looking to join a team dedicated to excellence, we are currently hiring at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan!