Hello, my name is Nodoka and it’s been just three months since I joined Cogs Japan as a recruiter in Japan for digital careers. A short period of time, but incredibly rich in experience.
Going from a confused candidate to a recruiter in Japan for digital careers has shifted the way I think about work, both for others and for myself.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many recruiters. During my job hunt as a new graduate and through various career stages, recruiters introduced me to companies I’d never have found on my own. I received plenty of suggestions and offers, but honestly, I often felt something was missing.
Sometimes the salary or brand name sounded great, but the job didn’t match my skills or interests. Other times, I’d be told a company was “international,” only to find it had a very traditional Japanese work culture. That left me wondering, “Is this really the right role for me?”
I now realise that those experiences weren’t just about individual recruiters — they reflected how fast-paced and transactional the industry can be. It’s hard to deeply connect with every candidate when you’re under pressure to move quickly. And today, from the inside, I understand and respect those challenges.
Redefining the Role: What It Means to Be a Recruiter in Japan for Digital Careers
Joining Cogs has completely changed the way I see this profession. Cogs is a boutique firm that specialises in bilingual talent for digital and marketing roles. Because of this focus, we’re able to dive deep into client needs and industry trends. I’m learning something new every day.
When we meet candidates, we start by listening. Over 80% of a typical conversation is spent exploring the candidate’s experiences, values, and career goals. That might sound obvious, but in this industry, the focus is often on “how to sell the role.” Cogs does it differently — and it’s refreshing.
Coming from a marketing background myself, I’m genuinely interested in each person’s career story. Sometimes, during a conversation, a candidate will suddenly say, “I think this is the kind of work I’ve always wanted to do.” Being part of those moments is one of the best parts of being a recruiter in Japan for digital careers.
Why Trust and Honesty Matter
One thing that stands out at Cogs is how much we value transparency. If we feel a job isn’t right for someone, we’ll say so, respectfully and honestly. Our priority isn’t to just “fill a role,” but to build long-term, trusted relationships.
Even when we don’t have a perfect match at the moment, we stay in touch with candidates and check in when the timing feels right. That kind of ongoing connection is key when you’re working as a recruiter in Japan for digital careers, the landscape changes fast, and being ready matters.
Everyone on our team takes pride in connecting companies and people. Many of us have experience in marketing or as advisors, so we talk closely with clients and really get to know their culture and team dynamics. We don’t just pass along job descriptions, we share context, personality, and the behind-the-scenes reality of the role.
A Boutique Approach That Puts People First
Cogs is still a small company. We don’t have hundreds of roles like the big firms. But that’s exactly why we take time with every conversation. Our boutique, human-first approach feels right for the kind of world we’re in today.
Choosing a recruiter is like choosing a partner — you want someone who fits your style. I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing recruiters in the past. Just before moving to Germany, I was interviewing with a company, but ended up turning down the offer. Even so, the recruiter stayed kind, supportive, and encouraging to the very end. I’ll always be grateful for that.
There are lots of great recruiters out there. I encourage you to speak with a few and find someone who makes you feel heard, understood, and hopeful. And if you’re looking for a recruiter in Japan for digital careers, feel free to reach out to anyone on the Cogs Japan team.
Thank you for reading and I’d love to chat and support your next move. If you’re looking for a recruiter in Japan for digital careers, feel free to reach out to me or anyone on the Cogs Japan team.
Nodoka Shinohara
Cogs is an executive search and recruitment agency specialising in connecting creative-minded individuals with global career opportunities.
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