Questions for contracting

Though contracting is a rewarding and respected career choice for bilingual professionals in Japan, many misconceptions remain.

Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by job seekers below.

Q1. Do companies mainly employ contractors for low-skilled labour?

No, our contract team supports companies recruiting for skilled, professional positions often requiring bilingual Japanese and English ability. We assist blue-chip multinationals, SME companies and start-up firms staff at all levels of seniority, from group secretaries covering short-term leaves to interim managers launching business ventures in Japan.

Q2. Does contract work offer any employee benefits or job security?

Yes. Contract professionals are entitled to benefits and security similar to permanent employees. Contractors typically receive 10 days of paid holiday per year along with a full range of social, health and employment insurances. Employment contracts are also protected by law, meaning that contracts cannot be ended early without compensation.
Professionals employed on temporary contracts by Robert Walters also receive additional facilities services including subsidised hotels, language courses and consumer discounts.

Q3. Are contractors treated differently than permanent employees in an office?

Many companies have created working environments that are inclusive for both temporary and permanent staff. Contractors are well treated by their managers and colleagues, just as if there were hired on a permanent basis.

Q4. Is it better to accept a temporary position or not work at all?

Though contracting is a rewarding and respected career choice for bilingual professionals in Japan, many misconceptions remain.

Temporary work has many advantages over not working at all. Short-term assignments are a great opportunity to improve your expertise, learn new skills and even make useful connections within the company and industry.

Often overlooked is also the social inclusion of working with others. Another important factor to consider is the income you will earn during your assignment.

Q5. Will contract work on my CV be viewed negatively by prospective employers?

Absolutely not. Professional contracting is now a respected and viable career choice in Japan. Many employers also utilise temporary staff to assess the skills and fit of potential employees for their companies.

At Robert Walters Japan, approximately one in four of our temporary contractors are converted by their companies to permanent employees at the end of their contract terms.