Many IT engineers see “Open Position” on job listings and wonder, “Is this the right fit for me?”

An open position is a recruitment format where the specific role is not predefined, and the assignment is determined after the hiring process.

This trend is rapidly increasing in the IT industry. In this article, we will explain the criteria to help you decide whether to apply, as well as specific strategies to pass the selection process.

1. What is an Open Position? Basic Definition and Mechanism

This section explains the basic definition of an Open Position and why this hiring format is currently increasing. By understanding the decisive differences from regular job postings and the social background, you can build a foundation for your application decision.

Person-Centric Hiring Without Predefined Roles

Key Differences from Standard Job Postings

An Open Position differs significantly from regular job postings in that the assignment is determined “after” the hiring decision is made. While traditional recruitment follows a “fitting a person into a position” format, the Open Position is characterized by the reverse concept: “preparing a position to fit the person.

” Since the job type is unconfirmed at the time of application, the company assesses the applicant’s suitability through interviews and proposes the most suitable assignment. For example, even if applying as an IT engineer, multiple options such as infrastructure engineer or project manager—not just development roles—may be presented through dialogue during the interview process.

Differences from the English Meaning of “Open Position”

It is important to note that the original English term “Open Position” typically refers to any “vacancy” or “available job slot.” However, in Japan, it has become established uniquely as an “open-ended position = recruitment with an undefined job category.”

As it may be used with different meanings in the financial industry (e.g., unsettled positions), it is necessary to understand that the meaning varies by context.

Social Background Driving the Increase in Open Position Hiring

Labor Shortages and Recruitment Challenges

Behind the increase in Open Position hiring is a serious labor shortage. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Report on Employment Service (November 2024),” the effective job-to-applicant ratio remains high at 1.25. Companies are struggling to secure talented individuals and find that traditional recruitment limited to specific job types does not attract enough applicants.

Due to this tight labor market, companies are forced to shift from “passive” to “proactive” hiring. To avoid the risk of missing out on excellent talent by narrowing down job types, the Open Position is gaining attention as a viable option.

(Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Report on Employment Service“)

Severe Shortage of IT and DX Talent

In the IT industry specifically, the rapid pace of technological change makes it difficult to define duties in advance. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Survey on IT Human Resources Supply and Demand,” it is estimated that there will be a shortage of up to approximately 790,000 IT professionals by 2030.

As the demand for talent in new areas like AI, cloud, and security surges, recruitment focusing on potential—rather than specific tech stacks—has become necessary. The Open Position serves as a recruitment format that meets this exact need.

(Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry “Survey on IT Human Resources Supply and Demand“)

The Paradox of Job-Based Employment

Interestingly, while “job-based” employment is being promoted by the government, a situation has arisen where defining duties in practice is difficult. Especially in startups and ventures, roles are fluid, making it unrealistic to create clear job descriptions in advance.

The Open Position is positioned as a “flexible job-based” model that resolves this contradiction and is attracting attention as a new form of hiring that matches human potential with corporate needs.

2. Open Positions vs. Regular Jobs: 5 Comparison Points

This section compares the Open Position and regular job postings from five perspectives: information availability, selection process, evaluation criteria, application hurdles, and career paths.

Comparison Point 1: Disclosure of Job Roles

In regular job postings, roles and tech stacks are clearly defined, such as “Web Engineer (React).” In contrast, an Open Position is listed as “Engineering Role (Job type decided during selection).”

This difference impacts your decision-making; while regular jobs allow for instant skill-matching, an Open Position requires you to accept the uncertainty of where you will be placed.

Comparison Point 2: Differences in the Selection Process

Standard Job Selection Flow

The flow usually consists of document screening → 2–3 interviews → offer. This typically takes 1–2 months. Since the role is fixed, the evaluation criteria are clear and the process is relatively fast.

Open Position Selection Flow

The process includes document screening → personality interview → aptitude test → placement interview → role determination → offer. This takes 2–3 months, roughly a month longer than usual. It involves extra steps to determine your department, sometimes requiring meetings with multiple team leads.

Comparison Point 3: Evaluation Criteria

Priorities for Regular Jobs

Immediate technical proficiency is the priority. You are evaluated on how quickly you can deliver results based on your specific skills and years of experience.

Priorities for Open Positions

The focus shifts to personal traits (critical thinking, learning agility, cooperation) and long-term potential. Companies look for culture fit and adaptability rather than just current technical skills.

Comparison Point 4: Application Hurdles

Regular jobs often have strict requirements that may discourage applicants. An Open Position, however, has broader entry requirements like “potential as an IT engineer,” making it easier for talented individuals to apply despite the ambiguity.

Comparison Point 5: Post-Entry Career Paths

Regular jobs focus on vertical growth within a specialty. An Open Position offers higher flexibility for horizontal movement, such as transitioning from development to product management based on your discovered aptitudes.

■Related Reading

Understanding Japanese work culture is crucial when evaluating Open Position opportunities. Learn about the cultural nuances that shape hiring practices and workplace expectations.

3. What Matters Most? 5 Benefits for IT Engineers in an Open Position

Benefit 1: Discovering Unknown Aptitudes

The Value of Objective Assessment

The biggest merit of an Open Position is having experts match your skills against a wide range of internal roles. They can identify strengths you might have overlooked.

Examples for IT Engineers

• Front-end to Back-end: A candidate’s logical structuring skills lead to a proposal for architecture design.
• Dev to PM/PL: Strong communication skills lead to a leadership role rather than pure coding.
• Data Science: Mathematical thinking leads to a Machine Learning path.
• SRE: A mix of dev and ops interest leads to a specialized SRE role.

Benefit 2: Applying Without a Finalized Job Choice

The Open Position lowers the barrier for those who want to be an engineer but are unsure of their specific specialty. It is particularly effective for career changers.

Difference from “Placement Roulette”

Unlike random assignments in traditional hiring, an Open Position ensures placement based on mutual agreement and dialogue during the interview process.

Benefit 3: Optimized Placement from a Wide Range of Roles

You can explore various departments—Dev, Infra, PM, or Security—through a single selection process, making your job hunt highly efficient.

Benefit 4: High Potential for Transitioning to New Fields

Since hiring is based on potential, companies provide extensive training, mentor systems, and learning subsidies to help you grow.

Benefit 5: High Corporate Commitment to Long-Term Growth

An Open Position is a sign that a company invests in its people. They view you as a future core member rather than just a temporary resource.

■Need Expert Guidance on Open Position Applications?

BLOOMTECH Career for Global specializes in helping foreign IT engineers navigate Japan’s unique hiring processes, including Open Position opportunities. Our bilingual advisors provide personalized support to match your skills with the right companies and roles.

▼Contact BLOOMTECH Career for Global here

4. Risks and Solutions: Navigating Disadvantages in IT Transitions

Disadvantage 1: Longer Selection Periods

Additional placement steps can delay the process. To mitigate this, confirm the timeline during the first interview to coordinate with other applications.

Disadvantage 2: Risk of Unwanted Placement

To minimize the risk of being assigned to a department you dislike, clearly state your “NG” roles early and ensure the final assignment is documented in your offer letter.

Disadvantage 3: A Detour for Those with Clear Visions

If you are determined to work only with a specific language like React, an Open Position may feel like a detour. Specialist roles are a better choice in this case.

5. Is it Right for You? 6 Criteria for Open Position Suitability

3 Traits of Suitable Candidates

1. Seeking Objective Feedback: You want experts to help identify your best career path.
2. Strong Company Alignment: You care more about the company’s vision than the specific task.
3. Enjoying Flexibility: You are a generalist who enjoys solving problems in new domains.

3 Traits of Unsuitable Candidates

1. Fixed Tech Stack: You only want to use specific tools (e.g., Python/React).
2. Urgent Job Search: You cannot afford a 3-month selection process.
3. Control Seekers: You prefer to determine 100% of your duties before joining.

■Related Reading

Before applying to Open Positions, master the interview process in Japan. This comprehensive guide covers everything from cultural expectations to technical assessments.

6. How to Succeed: 4 Practical Steps for Open Position Selection

h3: Step 1: Articulate “Why This Company”

Focus on your alignment with the company’s mission and engineering culture rather than a specific job description.

h3: Step 2: Deepen Self-Analysis

Provide the company with materials to judge your placement by organizing your past projects using the STAR method and visualizing your skills on GitHub.

h3: Step 3: Be Direct About Your Preferences

“Where is fine” is a bad answer. Be clear about what you are interested in and what you want to avoid to ensure a successful match.

h3: Step 4: Utilize Recruitment Agents

Specialized agents have internal data on previous Open Position placements, which can help you understand the actual likelihood of getting your desired role.

■Get Professional Support for Your Open Position Journey

Maximize your chances of success with expert guidance.BLOOMTECH Career for Global offers comprehensive interview preparation, cultural coaching, and strategic placement advice specifically tailored for foreign engineers pursuing Open Position opportunities in Japan.

▼Contact BLOOMTECH Career for Global here

7. Where to Find Them: Industry Trends and IT Examples

3 Industries Active in Open Position Hiring

1. IT/Web: Diverse roles and fast-moving technology require flexible hiring.
2. Trading Companies: Using these roles for DX and global business development.
3. Consulting: Roles change per project, making generalist hiring essential.

Examples in the IT Sector

• Mega Ventures: Hiring for unspecified new business projects.
• Startups: Looking for founding members who can handle any task.
• SIers: Assigning talent based on rotating project needs.

■Related Reading

Wondering which Japanese companies actively hire foreign engineers? This ranking reveals top employers with strong international recruitment programs and English-friendly environments.

8. Salaries and Conditions: Reality and Key Points

Salary Ranges by Experience

• 0–3 Years: ¥4M – ¥5.5M (Potential-based)
• 3–5 Years: ¥5.5M – ¥7.0M (Mid-level)
• 5+ Years: ¥7.0M – ¥10M+ (Lead/Senior)

3 Important Points to Check

1. Salary Differences by Department: Does the pay change if you are assigned to Infra vs. Dev?
2. Written Conditions: Do not sign until the department and salary are confirmed.
3. Review Systems: Understand how your salary will be evaluated after your first year.

■Related Reading

Salary expectations vary significantly across IT roles in Japan. Get detailed insights into compensation ranges from entry-level to senior positions in the tech industry.

9. Pre-Application Checklist: 7 Points for Success

Questions for the Company

1. What is the timeline for the final placement decision?
2. Which specific departments are currently considered candidates?
3. Can I decline the offer if the placement doesn’t match my goals?
4. What are the actual opportunities for internal rotation later?

Questions for Yourself

1. Do I believe in this company enough to work in any department for 3 years?
2. Can I handle a longer selection process financially and mentally?
3. Am I excited by the uncertainty of a new career field?

■Related Reading

Navigating Japan’s work visa process is essential before accepting any job offer. This complete guide covers requirements, documentation, and approval procedures for IT engineers.

10．Why the Open Position Matters Now

The Open Position is the ideal solution for an era where technology evolves faster than job descriptions. By choosing this path, you prioritize your long-term value over a temporary title.

Would you like me to create a comparison table of the top IT companies currently offering the best Open Position programs?

■Ready to Explore Open Position Opportunities?

Let BLOOMTECH Career for Global connect you with leading Japanese companies offering Open Position programs. We provide end-to-end support including company selection, application strategy, interview preparation, and visa assistance—all at no cost to you.

▼Contact BLOOMTECH Career for Global here