Celebrating One Year of Recruiter Exchange Meetings at HR Library

The Recruiter Exchange Meeting, hosted by Trustyyle, has successfully celebrated its first anniversary after launching in May 2025. Designed for HR professionals to express their real challenges anonymously, this event has welcomed a total of 128 participants over the last year.

Background

The inception of this event catered to the commonly felt isolation of HR professionals, especially those working solo in recruitment or human resources. Many individuals in these roles often find themselves without peers to confide in, making it uncomfortable to share genuine struggles even with agents or media professionals. Recognizing this gap, Trustyyle initiated the monthly Recruiter Exchange Meeting as a safe space for these professionals to share insights and experiences.

Starting in January 2026, the meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 8 PM (JST) via Zoom, effectively creating a routine for participants to rely on.

Key Features of the Meetings

- Frequency: Once a month, with a regular schedule established in 2026.
- Method: Online meetings conducted through Zoom.
- Participation Fee: Free for HR Library members.
- Number of Participants: Typically around 15 attendees each meeting.
- Eligibility: Open to anyone involved with recruiting or HR across various roles and industries.

An Anonymous Environment

To foster a comfortable learning atmosphere, HR Library enforces an 'anonymous and flat' rule, prohibiting business card exchanges and real names. This approach creates an environment where recruiters can speak freely without the fear of judgment, thus sharing valuable lessons and candid concerns.

Participants range from dedicated recruitment professionals to hiring managers and SaaS vendors, bringing together diverse perspectives from various industry sectors. The meetings are designed for anyone involved in recruitment and HR.

Reflections on One Year of Progress

Over the course of the last year, an array of topics have been addressed, including labor issues, onboarding practices, and engagement strategies. A few participants shared their thoughts:

- "I realized I’m not alone in my frustrations, which motivates me to keep pushing forward."
- "Gaining insight into specific practices from other companies is something I'd love to apply immediately."

Moreover, several attendees have successfully implemented the learned principles into their daily operations, leading to practical improvements in their recruitment processes.

Sample Topics Discussed

While recruitment is the primary focus, discussions often branch into broader HR themes depending on participant concerns. Here are some example topics that have been covered:

- Enhancing referral recruitment strategies (such as bonus structures and targeted outreach).
- Techniques for identifying 'brilliant jerks' during interviews.
- Strategies for attracting candidates beyond salary constraints.
- The relationship between eliminating aptitude tests and selection rates.
- Designing onboarding processes that address employee retention and belonging.

Meet the Facilitator

Mαi, the Community Manager of HR Library, has 13 years of HR experience. Transitioning from a professional musical actor, Mαi has worked in web services and HR consulting, eventually serving as the HR manager for a DX support venture, where they successfully recruited 120 members over a span of six and a half years. Now, at HR Library, Mαi is dedicated to supporting members with practical insights and resources.

Upcoming Meeting Announcement

The next Recruiter Exchange Meeting will be on May 22, 2026, at 8 PM (JST) via Zoom. If you are seeking a space to discuss hiring challenges or learn from other companies’ experiences, consider joining the HR Library community. Individuals interested in the broader HR domain are also warmly welcomed.

About the HR Library

The HR Library has created a collection of practical tools for its members, with resources that can be easily copied and utilized in everyday work. This toolset was launched in February 2026. To become a member and gain access to these valuable resources, visit our website.

For detailed membership information, you can visit:

Conclusion

The HR Library, located in Chuo, Tokyo, is a co-working space and community aimed at HR professionals. Since its opening on April 1, 2024, it has been a hub for collaboration and learning, housing over 3,000 HR-related books and boasting more than 800 members. Join us to explore, connect, and shape the future together in HR.