"The culture fit is spot on."

When it comes to work, Natalia has always considered finding the ‘right culture fit’ of utmost importance. Hailing from Australia, Natalia is now a seasoned PR and marketing professional in Japan and works as a Senior Account Executive at Havas Japan, a leading advertising & communications firm in central Tokyo. But, there’s an unlikely story as to how she landed a job there.

“I was looking for a new challenge to leverage my marketing and PR skills in a new role in Tokyo,” shares Natalia. 

Finding a place to work that fit (i.e. being diverse, flexible, global, open-minded, etc.) was really key for me.

I had been approached by several recruiters with new roles but the way they were describing the companies and roles just didn’t really resonate with me.”

Natalia’s search turned into weeks, which turned into months and she had just about given up hope. Until Stephanie got in touch…

“Then Stephanie Pham from Robert Walters Japan reached out to me with an opportunity in a global advertising and communications firm.” When Natalia heard the name of the company, she realised it was the same one that other recruiters had introduced to her. As she was about to brush it aside, Natalia decided to listen to Stephanie. “The way she approached me was different. She actually listened and got to know me and not just my CV and asked me all the right questions. She took the time to explain what the company was about and how it was a perfect culture fit for me, which sounded just like what I was looking for.”

Natalia knew she was in her element the moment she stepped foot at Havas and clicked instantly with the company’s CEO at her first interview and again at her second ‘one hour’ interview which ended up being three hours after she had so much to talk about with their staff. It was exactly how Stephanie had described to her. As the company greatly warmed to Natalia, too, it was no surprise she was offered the role and she gladly accepted.

“I am incredibly thankful to Stephanie for taking the time to listen to me and for seeing how this company is a perfect fit for me; one where the employees are like working alongside ‘excellent friends’. It’s refreshing to know that there are recruitment firms out there like Robert Walters that actually get to know both their clients and candidates well enough to create win-win situations like these.”

Natalia Panjak, Senior Account Executive, Havas Japan