In an increasingly globalized business environment, moving to an executive position at a foreign company is an important topic for middle- and senior-level people in their 40s and 50s who are looking for further career advancement and new challenges. However, changing jobs for executives has many elements that are significantly different from general job search, and careful preparation and strategy are essential for success.
In this article, we will explain the important points to keep in mind when aiming for an executive position, mainly in international companies, and how GCI (Global Career Incubator), a professional global career support company, can help. This book is filled with tips for those in their 40s and 50s who have had some experience changing jobs with international companies to demonstrate their abilities at a new stage. Please read until the end and use this information as a guide to your next career challenge.
1. Characteristics of executive career move
1-1. Selection process becomes strict and multi-stage
When recruiting for executive positions, companies have extremely high requirements, and the selection process often involves multiple stages compared to general positions. Application screening, first interview, second interview, executive interview, etc. are followed, and in many cases, the final interview is with a decision maker at the global headquarters or overseas base. Since you will be joining the top ranks of a company, you will be judged not only on your background and achievements, but also on your personality, leadership, and compatibility with the company's culture.
1-2. Often proceeds in secret
Unlike job openings for mid-level and general employees, recruitment for executive positions is often not announced outside the company, and the recruitment process itself is often conducted in secret. Since this is an important position related to business strategy, companies must take care not to leak information to outside parties. Therefore, it is common for undisclosed job openings discovered through the networks of career move agents and headhunters to be the key.
1-3. Annual income range and treatment vary greatly
At the executive level, annual salary and benefits can vary greatly depending on the candidate's track record, the size of the company, and the degree of performance-based performance. In some cases, you may be offered incentives other than a fixed salary, such as stock options or performance bonuses. Depending on the negotiations, you may be able to increase your annual salary and also work out specific conditions, such as “how much should you improve your performance to receive a bonus?”
2. Attractiveness of foreign executive positions
2-1. Business development on a global scale
international companies are characterized by the fact that they often have overseas headquarters and conduct business internationally. If you join us as an executive, you will have the opportunity to be involved in large-scale projects that transcend national and regional boundaries. Your decisions will have an impact on overseas locations, so this job will be very rewarding for those looking for a dynamic job.
2-2. Results-based system and flat organizational culture
Most international companies have a clear performance system, and career advancement and compensation can change rapidly depending on performance. Another characteristic of these companies is that they often have a flat communication culture that allows opinions to be quickly reflected to management, rather than the hierarchical structure found in Japanese companies. As an executive, you have a great deal of discretion and authority, and your sense of responsibility and decisiveness commensurate with your position will be tested.
2-3. Abundant resources and advanced management methods
The appeal of being an executive is that you can make the most of the strengths unique to international companies, such as the know-how and technology accumulated by overseas headquarters and the network that expands globally. In particular, it is easy to incorporate new management methods and technologies that have not yet been introduced in the Japanese market, expanding the scope of your role as a promoter of innovation.
3. Basic strategies for a successful executive career move
3-1. Clarification of career vision
When participating in a foreign company as an executive, it is important to have a clear career vision from a long-term perspective, such as “What kind of management and organizational management do you want to achieve” and “What kind of business model do you aim to build?” Rather than setting vague goals, by delving deeply into numbers, skill sets, and specific leadership images and verbalizing them, companies can recognize that this person has solid goals and strategies.
3-2. Research on industry and corporate culture
When hiring executive positions, compatibility with the company's culture and management philosophy is examined more severely than for general positions. Thoroughly research whether the job responsibilities and management policies offered at your new job match your values and whether they resonate with you. It's a good idea to regularly check industry publications, online media, company press releases, and IR information to understand management's messages and strategies.
3-3. Creating points of contact with insiders and stakeholders
Deepening interactions with people in leadership positions within the industry and with company stakeholders is a great weapon in obtaining information regarding executive recruitment. Attend business conferences, industry seminars, and networking events and actively exchange business cards and information. There is a high possibility that these on-site connections and evaluations will lead to future headhunts and recommendations.
4. Skills and leadership required of executives
4-1. Strategic thinking and business management skills
Executives working at the top level of a company are required not only to manage day-to-day operations, but also to draw up a long-term vision and strategy and lead the organization. Particularly in international companies, they are often responsible for coordinating with overseas headquarters and localizing global strategies, so it is important to have strategic design from a business perspective and management knowledge in terms of finance and human resources.
4-2. Communication skills that unite diverse human resources
In order to demonstrate leadership as an executive, it is essential to collaborate with multinational teams and different industries. Respect for the opinions of members with different cultural backgrounds and professional abilities, and the ability to communicate smoothly toward a common goal is tested. In addition to English proficiency and logical thinking, listening and coordination skills are essential to building relationships of trust.
4-3. Flexibility to change and innovation mindset
international companies tend to undergo major changes frequently, such as organizational changes and the launch of new businesses. As an executive, you will be highly evaluated if you have the flexibility and innovation mindset to proactively respond to these changes and turn them into opportunities. This is because the decisiveness to implement new ideas without fear of risk is a position that greatly influences the growth of the entire company.
5. Key points for highlighting your resume and achievements
5-1. Presentation of quantitative results
Candidates for executive positions are rigorously asked what kind of results they have achieved to date. Let's summarize success stories that include specific numbers and indicators in an easy-to-understand manner in your resume or work history, such as increasing sales, reducing costs, or reorganizing your team. For example, facts that can be shown in numbers, such as “We increased annual sales by 30%” or “Costs were reduced by 20% for two years in a row” can be a very powerful appeal.
5-2. Strategy planning and implementation process
It is also important to show the process by which strategies and measures were considered and implemented in order to achieve results. If you can talk about not just "increasing sales," but also "what kind of analysis you did to make decisions and how you motivated your team," you can convey your true value as a leader.
5-3. Leadership examples inside and outside the company
Executives are responsible for negotiations and collaboration not only within the company but also with external parties such as stakeholders and business partners. If you have experience contributing to the success of major projects, M&A, or alliances, highlight it on your resume. When doing so, it will be easier to imagine the quality of your leadership if you include stories about how you moved your team, how you persuaded opposition from inside and outside the company, etc.
6. Points to keep in mind during the interview/selection process
6-1. Preparation for behavioral interview
At executive level interviews, you will be asked many questions that dig deeper into your past experience and actions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be prepared to explain your results logically and concisely. In particular, questions about situations in which you demonstrated leadership or anecdotes about crisis management are frequently asked, so it is important to organize them thoroughly.
6-2. Responding to questions from a management perspective
Questions from a management perspective may be asked, such as “If your company's overseas bases were underperforming, how would you rebuild them?” and “How would you make investment decisions for new businesses?” There will be situations where your overall skills as a top management person will be tested, such as how to interpret financial statements, market analysis, and competitive strategies, so be prepared to express your thoughts logically.
6-3. Confirm communication style and culture fit
Executives are the face of a company, and at the same time they are the key people in fostering organizational culture. The interviewer is trying to determine whether this person will add to the company culture and the team if they reach the top. It is important to demonstrate whether your leadership philosophy, values, and communication style match the company culture not only through your words but also through your facial expressions and demeanor.
7. Leverage networking and headhunting
7-1. Participation in a community where senior talent gather
By joining communities and membership-based networks filled with executive candidates, you'll increase your chances of gaining access to private job openings and cutting-edge industry information. By exchanging information with executives and participating in panel discussions, you will have the opportunity to promote your name and achievements.
7-2. Building relationships with headhunters
Many executives are often introduced to new positions through headhunters. Excellent headhunters have close connections with the top management of a company, and are able to quickly obtain information that is not available to the general public. The key is to regularly update your career, desired conditions, and when you can change jobs, and keep in touch with them.
7-3. Utilization of online platform
Business SNS such as LinkedIn are active in offering offers and scouting for executives. In addition to enriching your profile, it is effective to regularly update your achievements and demonstrate your expertise and leadership by posting comments on industry-related articles. By increasing your visibility both online and offline, you may be able to get unexpected headhunt opportunities.
8. How to interact with career move agents and consultants
8-1. Clearly communicate your goals and conditions
For a successful executive career move, a cooperative relationship with a reliable agent or consultant is essential. First of all, it is important to clearly verbalize and communicate such things as “what industry/position you are aiming for”, “desired annual salary and position range”, and “commitment to corporate culture”. For agents, it will be easier to introduce the most suitable job openings if the candidate's vision is clear.
8-2. Information sharing and feedback exchange
It is important for candidates to give candid feedback about company information introduced by agents and their feelings during the selection process. If you share things like “I'm interested in the company's culture” or “I have concerns that I noticed during the interview” early on, it will be easier for the agent to take the next step. If you can share information smoothly, the speed and accuracy of your overall job search will increase.
8-3. Building long-term partnership relationships
For those in the executive class, even if you have finished changing jobs, you may be able to obtain new career advancement opportunities and information on starting a business. Be aware that you will continue to work with a reliable agent or consultant as a long-term partner, rather than just changing jobs once. Various synergies may be created, such as business collaboration and introduction of junior colleagues.
9. Benefits of GCI's specialized services
GCI (Global Career Incubator) has a track record of providing a variety of coaching programs and consulting, with a focus on supporting career moves to foreign-affiliated and global companies. We also handle executive-level career moves and support candidates with our unique network and know-how.
In particular, the challenges that executives face are wide-ranging, including “in-depth discussions of business strategy and management skills,” “decision-making ability in English,” and “compatibility between corporate culture and leadership.” Based on these considerations, GCI provides branding strategies and interview preparation that will bring out your strengths to the fullest. Furthermore, the consultant in charge will provide feedback at each stage of the selection process, so you can aim for senior and specialist opportunities while making effective use of your time.
Another feature is our follow-up system after joining, including onboarding support after changing jobs and advice on long-term career development. We provide comprehensive support, including the leadership development required after joining as an executive and behavioral changes to achieve results in a new organization.
10. The world that awaits you after a successful executive career move
10-1. Responsibility and reward for moving the entire organization
If you join a new company as an executive, you will definitely feel the weight of responsibility in running the entire organization. It is extremely rewarding to know that your decisions have an impact on hundreds or thousands of employees and the global market. On the other hand, there will be many situations where your mental toughness and leadership to withstand such pressure will be tested on a daily basis.
10-2. New networks and career paths
Working as an executive is also an opportunity to greatly expand your connections with high-class people both inside and outside the industry. By staying in touch with people you have not had contact with before, such as executives at overseas headquarters or fellow managers in Japan, you may find new business opportunities or a path to a higher position. By diversifying your career options, you can envision new dreams such as becoming independent in the future or supporting startups.
10-3. Evaluation and risks as a global leader
At international companies, executives are evaluated in a short period of time, and if results are not achieved, the evaluation may be harsh. Although the risk is higher than that of Japanese companies, if they produce results, they will be recognized as an "excellent leader" throughout the industry, and it is not uncommon for them to be subject to further headhunting. It can truly be described as a world of high risk and high reward.
11. Summary: To steadily grab your next career
Changing executive jobs at international companies can be a great opportunity for people in their 40s and 50s who aim to make further progress while leveraging their past achievements and leadership. On the other hand, it is also true that more than a general career move, it is necessary to comprehensively adjust multiple factors such as information gathering, network formation, skill appeal, and compatibility with the company culture.
By clarifying your career vision and making strategic and careful preparations, you will be able to deeply commit to the management of your overseas headquarters or Japanese branch office, and seize a position as a leader who can achieve results in the global market. If you are unsure about how to proceed with preparations or the direction, one way is to consult a professional consultant or agent. Appropriate advice and information on undisclosed job openings may be a big boost for you.
Career is a major pillar of life, and decisions made by executives especially have the power to change the stage of life. That's why you should prepare steadily and without haste to shape your own style of leadership. I hope that your experience and knowledge will flourish in this new stage.
The path to executive career move is never smooth, but what lies ahead awaits you with unprecedented rewards and growth opportunities. With solid strategy and preparation, there is a good chance that you will make the most of your strengths and advance as a leader who will have a big impact on your organization and society.
Author
Global Career Incubator Co., Ltd. CEO Shinichi Ikawa
Biography: Entered the business world after working for the Ministry of Defense (National Class I) and the Australian Ministry of Defence. After working at a major real estate company, he started a real estate venture and experienced management and recruitment at a domestic fund, domestic business company, and overseas tech company before founding our company.
Developed a career accelerator program based on my experience as a corporate manager and hiring manager. We specialize in foreign-affiliated, bilingual, and senior talent, and support individual career advancement and corporate organizational strength and efficiency.