Position applied for: Marketing Planning

Overall, this is a challenging job that requires frequent document translation and interpretation, providing many opportunities to improve and apply Japanese. The company also offers a perfect-attendance bonus of NT$1,000 and may provide overseas training courses. Japanese business consultants visit Taiwan regularly, and you may need to accompany them to stores to provide interpretation. When new menus are being developed, you may also need to assist with translation. Since Japanese is used frequently, this role can strengthen your language skills!

※There may be a need to assist other departments with translation and interpretation.

1. Documents that I personally considered inappropriate: After notifying me that I had been hired, the company first required me to visit the office to collect the hard copies related to the onboarding procedures. During the call, I asked whether they could send the documents electronically and explain their exact contents, but my request was declined. I was only told to ask about any questions when I arrived at the office. The next day, the HR staff first asked me to sign the “Employment Notification and Undertaking” (stating that I would report for duty on the designated date and provide the company with the documents listed below). They then explained that I would also need to sign a “Joint and Several Guarantee,” stating that it could not be signed by a family member and that I would need to ask a friend to act as guarantor. If I was unwilling to do so, I could instead make regular monthly payments to an insurance company for coverage (the guarantee must be renewed every three years). Next, I was asked to sign an “Affidavit” (some of its provisions raised concerns), and finally, I was required to sign the basic employment contract.

2. Numerous documents were required, such as a certificate of police clearance, a complete household registration transcript, a certificate of service and labor and health insurance transfer-out documents, copies of my ID card and diploma, a health examination form, and a headshot.

3. In addition to the initial and second interviews, I was later told that the supervisor wanted to conduct another interview, resulting in three interviews in total.

4. The company culture leans toward the traditional-industry model and an old-fashioned, conservative style. The company does not like communicating via email, and the official start date must be moved earlier because the company expects new employees to begin work immediately upon arrival.

5. Since this is a brand being gradually developed by a large group (with relatively few stores), its current staffing plan calls for only one person. Therefore, you should be prepared for one person to handle multiple responsibilities (including taking on tasks from other departments).

※It is understandable that the company may require employees to sign contracts and confidentiality clauses. However, if you have concerns about the content or consider certain contract or guarantee documents inappropriate, use your own judgment. Some companies believe these documents protect the company, and some job seekers may accept them. Personally, however, I believe the terms should be based on mutual trust and respect rather than being imposed without question (especially since this is neither a technology company nor a department handling money).