#Japan #Tokyo #job seekers #AI Utilization #RECCOO

Insights from RECCOO on AI Utilization in the Job Market

In a rapidly evolving job market, the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business practices is becoming increasingly crucial for companies seeking to attract top talent. A recent survey conducted by RECCOO, a Tokyo-based company, has shed light on how AI utilization impacts the perceptions and preferences of graduating students from universities. The 2027 Graduation Class is unique in that they are often referred to as the 'AI Native Generation', having been schooled in an environment where AI technologies like generative AI are commonplace in their academic activities.

The study, which surveyed 827 students about their perceptions of companies based on AI usage, revealed some striking insights. Conducted between October 1 and November 16, 2025, this research focused on multiple dimensions, including company ratings for AI-related ventures, impressions of daily AI utilization, and the negative perceptions associated with companies that do not employ AI.

The Importance of AI in Recruitment Strategies

As companies strive to enhance their recruitment strategies in the face of a rapidly changing workforce landscape, their understanding of students' views on AI usage has become paramount. Given that hiring managers often find it challenging to gauge student interest, the data collected in this study is invaluable for refining hiring methodologies.

Concerns from employers highlighted the growing need for clarity regarding a company's AI usage:

• - Assessing AI's Appeal: Many hiring managers are uncertain if their AI usage attracts students positively.
• - Understanding Interest Levels: Employers are struggling to interpret the interest levels of students from top-tier universities in their organizations.
• - Prioritizing AI Features: Companies find it hard to determine which aspects of their AI usage to emphasize in recruitment materials.

The data from RECCOO’s survey aims to address these concerns directly, providing metrics that reflect students' impressions and desires regarding AI in their future workplaces.

Key Findings from the Survey

The results from the survey indicated a favorable inclination toward companies that actively utilize AI in their operations. Specifically, 80.7% of respondents reported positive impressions of businesses involved in AI-related services. Even more compellingly, 85.2% rated their perceptions of daily AI utilization as positive. This suggests that students value AI more highly when it is applied to enhance day-to-day tasks within a company.

Conversely, companies lacking AI integration were viewed less favorably. Approximately 36% of students expressed negative impressions of firms that do not utilize AI, which suggests that a lack of AI could represent a critical disadvantage in the recruitment landscape. Furthermore, the perception varied significantly among different academic cohorts, demonstrating that students from elite institutions view non-AI-utilizing companies particularly harshly.

Student Perspectives on AI Usage

Comments from students offered deeper context into this trend. Many students articulated that a company's reluctance to adopt AI suggested stagnation or a lack of innovation. They articulated concerns about operational efficiencies as vital in a world leaning toward automation and AI-enhanced workflows. Their sentiments include:

• - “The company seems slow to adapt to advancements in technology.”
• - “In an era of labor shortages and work-style reforms, efficiency driven by AI is crucial for growth.”
• - “Firms ignoring AI seem inflexible and potentially incapable of sustainable growth.”

These perspectives illustrate that students equate a company's AI implementation with future viability and workplace satisfaction.

Recommendations for Companies

In light of these findings, RECCOO advises businesses to proactively adapt their recruitment strategies to emphasize AI usage. Failure to showcase AI contributions could result in missed opportunities, especially in competitive markets for top-tier talent. Some recommended practices include:

• - Highlighting AI Success Stories: Display case studies showcasing successful AI integration and its benefits across various company departments, not just limited to tech sectors.
• - Incorporating AI in the Recruitment Process: Allow candidates to use AI tools within case interviews to demonstrate their understanding of ethical considerations and innovative thinking.

By adopting these measures, companies can better align with student expectations and improve their attractiveness as employers in a landscape increasingly dictated by technological advancements.

Conclusion

RECCOO continues to be at the forefront of research in recruitment strategies, stressing the urgent need for companies to adapt to the expectations and values of a tech-savvy workforce. The accompanying report titled '2027 Graduate Job-Seeking Trends' provides additional insights for organizations eager to refine their hiring practices. Companies can download the report here to better understand and appeal to the next generation of job seekers.

About RECCOO

Founded in 2014, RECCOO strives to cultivate individuals capable of enhancing Japan’s industrial competitiveness through innovative recruitment solutions. By addressing the deficiencies in talent distribution within Japan's workforce, the company aims to contribute significantly to economic growth and societal enrichment.