An interview with Arjab Dhakal, Recruitment Consultant at Johzen

You worked in several different recruitment environments before joining Johzen. What did each one teach you?

The large firms gave me training and resources. At a smaller firm, I learned to manage both client and candidate relationships. Then, as a freelancer, I had to build everything myself.

I valued the independence of freelancing, but I also missed having people around me to exchange ideas with and turn to for support. Those experiences helped me understand what I wanted next: the freedom to take responsibility for my work, alongside the stability and connection of a team.

What made Johzen feel like the right place to join?

I saw an opportunity to help a young company grow through my sourcing and business development experience. After several conversations with Brian, I had lunch with Brian and the CEO, Daisuke Hara. That gave me a better sense of the people and the environment, and I felt comfortable joining the team.

I wanted to keep the flexibility I had as a freelancer: the ability to run my own desk and decide how to work. At Johzen, I can do that without constant pressure to meet weekly activity KPIs. I also have colleagues I can ask for help and resources I would have had to arrange on my own before.

What does your desk look like today?

I work with clients in robotics, entertainment and consulting, recruiting for project management, AI, software engineering and leadership roles. Technology recruitment keeps me learning. Robotics is particularly interesting because the field is developing so quickly.

I also enjoy senior and executive searches. The conversations tend to go deeper, and they give me a chance to build lasting relationships with candidates and a broader network in the market.

How do you approach a new search?

I start by speaking with the hiring manager or someone close to the team. I want to understand what the person will actually do, how the team works and what kind of background would help them succeed.

From there, I search our database and use AI tools to support sourcing and shortlisting. I review potential matches myself before approaching anyone. When I speak with a candidate, I want to understand their longer-term goals as well as their experience. If the role aligns with what they want, I introduce them and keep them informed as the process moves forward.

Johzen does not focus on activity KPIs. How do you manage that freedom?

Freelancing taught me to create my own discipline. I set aside time for business development, candidate outreach and company research, and I set weekly goals based on the results I want to achieve.

The freedom means I can decide what needs my attention instead of working toward a fixed number of calls or messages. It also means taking responsibility for my desk. I work hard to earn the trust Johzen has placed in me.

I have been able to choose new areas to explore, too. Consulting recruitment was new to me, but when I decided to develop that area, the team shared clients and roles so I could get started while building my own relationships.

You do not speak Japanese. How has the team helped you work across that language barrier?

I am open about where I need language support, and I focus on what I can bring: understanding the role, sourcing candidates and building relationships through clear, consistent communication.

My colleagues have been very accommodating. A lot of information is available in English, and people make an effort to communicate with me in English where possible. My unit lead has shared IT roles with me and has been especially supportive as I build my desk. I am continuing to improve my Japanese so I can communicate more easily with everyone.

What has surprised you most about working at Johzen?

How understanding people are about balancing work and parenting. I work remotely most of the time and meet clients or go to the office when needed. The team trusts me to organize my time around my family responsibilities and still do good work. That practical understanding makes a real difference.

I have also appreciated how positively colleagues respond when I ask for help. Even when there is a language barrier, people make the effort.

What would you say to an experienced recruiter considering Johzen?

It is a good environment for someone who can manage their own time, take initiative and build relationships without being pushed by activity targets. You need to be comfortable deciding what matters, setting your own priorities and asking for support when you need it.

A large agency can give you training and resources. Freelancing gives you independence, but you also carry the uncertainty and have to build your own support. At Johzen, I have the freedom to run my desk, with a team behind me. That balance is what I was looking for.