Schedule
Daily Tasks
What are your main responsibilities?
Recruiting, plain and simple. I manage the entire end-to-end process, from the initial application to the final interview.
Which tools and platforms do you use daily?
I use Slack for internal communication and Asana for managing and assigning tasks (I’m always tossing tasks around there!). I also use various job boards and platforms (like Mynavi) to bridge the gap between candidates and ZenGroup.
How do you prioritize your tasks?
Candidates are always the top priority. Even a slight delay can shift an interview date or a start date, so I always aim for high-speed responses.
Team Collaboration
What’s your team like?
I’m part of the Recruiting Team within the HR Department. Our team of four handles all hiring for the entire company. Each member takes full responsibility for everything from managing job boards to conducting interviews. As the company grows rapidly, the hiring volume has spiked, and my team saves me every single day. Huge thanks to my team mates for always having my back!
What are the unique points about your team?
The level of discretion and autonomy is a unique point. Each of us manages multiple platforms, tracks progress, and we discuss everything in our meetings. Since we are a small, elite team, we tend to knock out tasks with a very focused, “business-as-usual” efficiency.
Do you collaborate with other departments at ZenGroup?
Absolutely. Hiring requests come from every department. First, I interview the department leads to understand their “ideal persona” and draft the job description. When we exhibit at career fairs, everyone helps out. Whether it’s photos/editing for SNS or analyzing the effectiveness of job boards, I’m constantly supported by people across the company!
Learning and Development
How do you stay updated on the latest trends in your position?
I make sure never to miss the “flavor of the month.” I’m constantly catching up on the latest trends in the recruiting market and successful case studies from other companies to update our methods in an agile way. Just as ZenGroup’s cross-border EC business is in a fast-paced industry, the effective channels for recruitment and candidate values change daily. I network with other recruiters and gather info on SNS to stay ahead of new direct recruiting techniques and PR trends. If something looks good, we trial it immediately to ensure our hiring process never becomes stale.
What are you doing for self-improvement?
I don’t just stick to the internal circle; I regularly participate in external HR communities and exchange information with recruiters at other companies. Because HR tech and methods evolve so fast, I believe the shortcut to growth is getting real, first-hand information—learning from others’ actual successes and failures, not just books. My biggest fear is falling into a “routine” or becoming complacent. I also believe that to attract the right people, I need to understand the roles better than anyone. I proactively talk to hiring managers to hear the “real” details that aren’t in the job description. Oh, and I want to improve my English, so attending our internal English lessons is one of my OKRs!
Work-Life Balance
How do you manage your work-life at ZenGroup?
We have a flex-time system, so I adjust my start times based on my personal schedule. Of course, there are busy periods with overtime, but I’m good at switching “ON” and “OFF.”
How do you stay focused?
I eat something sweet or take a breather with coffee—I love coffee. We can take up to a two-hour break, so I often go outside for some fresh air to reset my mind.
Do you have any tips for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout?
I try to work at about 70% power consistently. (My boss might be mad if they read this! ). Everyone has external factors that drop their performance—maybe you don’t feel well, you had a fight with your partner, or you lost a sneaker raffle. While “full power” is the ideal, you’ll run out of gas. By aiming for a steady 70%, I ensure that no matter the environment or my mood, my performance never drops. It’s about consistency, not cutting corners.
Memorable Experiences
Can you share a memorable experience or success in your role?
When we exhibited at a career fair, several candidates traveled a long way specifically because I had reached out to them. What made it even better was that every single one of them ended up applying to the company afterward. That was incredibly rewarding.
Personal Insights
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love talking to people, so the interviews are a highlight. But generally, I believe “fun” is something you create yourself, so I find enjoyment in almost everything I do!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your position?
First, fall in love with the company. When I started, I used to get tunnel vision—focusing only on scout reply rates or scheduling. But a recruiter’s job isn’t just judging people; it’s about thinking together whether joining ZenGroup will truly be a plus for that person’s life and career. Even if it doesn’t work out, a sincere interview creates a “great company” reputation that builds our future talent pool. If you love the company, you will naturally appear attractive to candidates. So, start by liking where you work!
