Drawing from Titan Business Innovation’s extensive experience in finding talent in UX/UI and e-commerce, we will share our insights and the latest trends in the recruitment field in the article below.
Qualifications and Background
Candidates with a degree in graphic design, digital media, marketing, or a related background are sought by employers. While educational history is advantageous, compared with other roles, companies emphasise candidates with strong design portfolios or who can demonstrate they have driven customer growth through online marketing. These fields are changing rapidly, so showing a deep understanding of the latest design and marketing trends is vital.
While the demand for UX/UI professionals is expected to surge in the Japan market, with forecasts predicting a 34% increase in job postings in 2024 compared to previous years, challenges persist. The current pool of experienced UX/UI professionals may not be adequate to meet this growing demand, especially in major cities like Tokyo. However, these challenges also present opportunities for upskilling and reskilling initiatives to bridge the skill gap and nurture a new generation of UX/UI talent.
Project and Technical Expertise
While technical skills in using the latest software and platforms are essential, the ability to learn quickly and adapt is more valued by many companies we talk to. There is a high demand for candidates who can oversee projects from conception to execution, utilizing their knowledge to enhance customer engagement and drive digital transformation. Expertise in creating intuitive, user-friendly designs is crucial for streamlining e-commerce platforms, fostering user satisfaction, and guiding strategic business decisions are valuable skills.
Analytical Proficiency
In addition to their design skills, candidates should have a solid understanding of user experience principles and the ability to analyze customer behaviour. Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Sketch is essential, while knowledge of web development languages like HTML and CSS is a significant advantage. E-commerce specialists should deeply understand online marketing strategies and digital analytics.
Let’s dive deeper into the most sought-after roles.
UX/UI Designers
Role Importance
User Experience Enhancers: UX/UI Designers are crucial to developing engaging and effective user interfaces. They play a critical role in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly, significantly impacting customer satisfaction and retention.
Brand Identity and Consistency: These designers are crucial in establishing and maintaining a consistent brand identity across digital platforms. Their work directly influences how users perceive and interact with the brand, impacting overall business success.
Recruitment Trends
Emphasis on Mobile and Responsive Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, there is a growing demand for designers skilled in creating responsive and mobile-friendly designs.
Focus on User-Centered Design: Recruiters seek candidates who prioritize user needs and behaviours, ensuring that designs are accessible, intuitive, and meet the users’ expectations. Employing technology to gather and analyze user feedback efficiently is an increasingly valued skill in today’s data-driven market.
Cater for Japanese and overseas markets: Japanese companies are increasingly looking to the overseas market for growth and looking for staff skilled able to adapt their UX/UI to new markets.
E-Commerce Specialists
Role Importance
Online Sales and Marketing Experts: E-commerce specialists drive online sales and marketing efforts. Their role is integral to developing strategies that enhance online presence, improve customer engagement, and boost sales.
Data-Driven Strategy Development: Abundant market data is available now, but many companies need help harnessing the power of this data. Professionals can use data analytics to understand customer behaviour and trends, enabling them to create targeted and effective e-commerce strategies.
Companies seeking e-commerce specialists in Japan prioritize individuals with expertise in omnichannel marketing, cross-border e-commerce, mobile commerce, and data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in Japanese and understanding of local consumer behavior are also crucial factors.
Recruitment Trends
Digital Marketing and AI: While skills in SEO and traditional online marketing like Google ads are still in demand, companies need help using AI to increase the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. For instance, skilled usage of tools like ChatGPT and Chatbots takes experience and can be very effective when used correctly.
Adaptability to Emerging Technologies: The digital marketing landscape rapidly evolves, introducing new tools to enhance everything from performance tracking to presentation quality. Candidates who are not just aware of the latest e-commerce technologies and trends but can also quickly adapt are in high demand.
Cater for Japanese and overseas markets: Japanese companies are increasingly looking to the overseas market for growth and looking for staff skilled able to adapt their UX/UI to new markets.