What Makes a Great Candidate for Startups in Japan?

Japan’s startup companies are thriving, with innovative companies disrupting industries and creating exciting opportunities. But thriving in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment requires more than technical skills. Exceptional candidates bring adaptability, creativity, and a growth mindset to the table, driving their teams and businesses forward.

At TeamFirst, we’ve seen firsthand what sets great startup candidates apart. Here’s a closer look, with real-world examples from some of Japan’s most dynamic startups.

Adaptability & Versatility

In the startup world, roles can shift as quickly as priorities. A standout candidate is one who can seamlessly move between tasks and take on cross-functional responsibilities. 

NOTHING, an innovative consumer electronics company co-founded by Carl Pei, focuses on minimalist design and cutting-edge technology. While their primary focus is on hardware like earbuds and smartphones, the fast-paced nature of their work means they value candidates who can adapt to evolving projects. At NOTHING, it’s not uncommon for team members to juggle design, marketing, and engineering tasks, demonstrating the kind of versatility that startups thrive on.

Passion for Problem-Solving

Startups often tackle challenges that require out-of-the-box thinking. Great candidates are not only problem-solvers but also proactive thinkers who seek to improve processes and question the status quo. 

SmartHR is a leading HR SaaS company revolutionizing how Japanese businesses handle employee management, from onboarding to payroll. Their rapid growth is fueled by a team of problem-solvers who aren’t just implementing software—they’re reimagining HR processes to make them more efficient and user-friendly. Passion for innovation is a must at SmartHR, where the goal is to simplify and modernize HR for companies across Japan.

Growth Mindset

Startups demand a hunger for learning. The best candidates view every challenge as an opportunity to grow and continually seek ways to expand their skills. 

A leader in AI and robotics, Preferred Networks is at the forefront of developing solutions in machine learning, automation, and autonomous driving. In such an innovative field, staying static isn’t an option. Their ideal hires are those who embrace challenges with curiosity and eagerness to learn. Candidates with a growth mindset thrive here, whether by mastering new programming languages or diving into complex algorithms.

Cultural Fit & Open Communication

In startups, collaboration is the most important part. Agility thrives when teams can communicate openly, adapt quickly, and build strong bonds. Cultural fit and the ability to work in multicultural teams are key—especially as startups expand globally.

MeetsMore is a platform connecting consumers with local service professionals, from photographers to handymen. Their fast-paced and team-oriented environment emphasizes collaboration across departments. As they build their platform and grow internationally, they seek candidates who excel in bilingual and multicultural teams, enabling seamless communication across markets.

Are you a candidate with a passion for startups or a founder looking for the perfect addition to your team? Reach out to TeamFirst today, and let’s make growth happen.