Three out of ten jobseekers in Japan use AI tools in job search
ヘイズ調査：生成AIの普及が応募プロセスを変革

The emergence of mainstream Generative AI has not only changed the way people work, but also how they approach job applications. A poll conducted by Hays revealed that Gen AI is reshaping candidate behaviour, with a third applying for more roles.

This shift in behaviour highlights a growing divide in how individuals are adapting to AI tools. A third (32 per cent) of respondents report an increase in the number of job applications submitted since the mass-adoption of AI. Nearly half (48 per cent) say their personal habits remain unchanged. This suggests that while AI is boosting candidates’ job searches and making the process more efficient, others are more cautious or unaware of the potential benefits.

The data points to a transitional moment in the job market where digital fluency and openness to new tools could increasingly influence candidate competitiveness and visibility. Generative AI offers both opportunities and challenges in this evolving landscape. The innovation enables job seekers to streamline their application process by helping them craft tailored CVs and even simulate interview responses. This can boost confidence and efficiency, especially for those navigating competitive or unfamiliar industries.

Hays insights show that AI is gradually becoming an integral part of the job search process in Japan. 30 per cent of jobseekers are leveraging AI tools to support their applications, with the most common use being to refine CV language and manage translations (61 per cent). 55 per cent also use AI for ‘smart resume enhancements,’ tailoring their CVs to better align with specific roles.

However, there are concerns around authenticity, over-reliance on the technology, and the risk of producing generic or misleading content. Candidates who fail to personalise AI-generated materials may struggle to stand out, and employers may begin scrutinising applications more closely for signs of automation. The shift is also making it increasingly difficult for hiring managers to sift through high volumes of CVs and identify candidates with the right skills and potential. As AI becomes more embedded in recruitment, striking the right balance between tech-enabled support and genuine self-representation will be key.

Grant Torrens, Managing Director at Hays Japan comments:

“AI is changing the way candidates present themselves, but it also raises important questions about trust and transparency in recruitment. Employers want to understand the person behind the application, not just the

output of a tool. Jobseekers who rely too heavily on automation risk losing that personal connection. The key is to use AI as an aid, while ensuring your CV and responses still reflect your own voice and experience.”

“For hiring managers, this shift means being prepared to spot signs of over-automation and maintain fair evaluation processes. It’s not about rejecting technology, but creating a level playing field where genuine skills and potential shine through. As AI becomes more embedded in job searches, both candidates and employers may wish to prioritise authenticity alongside innovation.”

 

Contact

Hays Japan Marketing Team
T: 03-4565-5953
E: Natsuko.Arai@hays.co.jp

About Hays Japan

Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan KK ("Hays Japan"), established in Tokyo in 2001, is one of the largest foreign recruitment companies in Japan with three offices across the country (Tokyo Head Office, Osaka and Yokohama).

At Hays Japan, our experts provide professional services across the private sector, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles, recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), Managed Service Programmes (MSP) and IT solutions in the following 13 specialisms: Accountancy & Finance, Banking & Financial Services, Engineering, Marketing & Digital, Human Resources, Insurance, Legal, Life Sciences, Office Professionals, Property, Sales & Marketing, Supply Chain and Technology. This ensures a highly focused, fully tailored specialist recruitment service, enabling us to power the future of work by serving thousands of companies and candidates in Japan. Hays Japan is recognised as a Great Place to Work® by the esteemed Great Place to Work® Institute Japan, the global authority on workplace culture. We continue to strengthen our position in Asia with the world-leading ISO 9001:2015 certification in all our operational markets including Japan, China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

About Hays

Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in recruitment and workforce solutions. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional, and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany, and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As of 30 June 2025, the Group employed over 9,500 staff operating from 207 offices in 31 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2025:

• The Group reported net fees of £972.4 million and operating profit of £45.6 million.
• The Group placed around 46,400 candidates into permanent jobs and around 211,500 people into temporary roles.
• 12% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New Zealand, 32% in Germany, 20% in United Kingdom & Ireland and 36% in Rest of World (RoW).
• The temporary placement business represented 62% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 38% of net fees.
• Technology is the Group’s largest division, with 25% of net fees, while Accountancy & Finance (15%), Engineering (11%) and Construction & Property (11%), are the next largest.
• Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, the UK, and the USA.