Increased Prank Applications Prompt Warning from Souken Holdings

In a startling turn of events, Souken Holdings, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has issued a public warning regarding the spike in prank job applications following the launch of their unique hiring initiative known as the "Instant Hiring Button". This unusual method is intended to streamline the hiring process but has brought about unintended consequences for the company’s recruiting team.

The Instant Hiring Button Explained

The Instant Hiring Button system enables potential employees to input their desired month of joining and a phone number through a dedicated portal on their website. With just a click of the button, candidates can theoretically secure their job offers with Souken Holdings. This innovative approach was introduced to capture the interest of new graduates amid disappointing initial recruitment results in 2016, during which the company recorded zero entries in its first year. By simplifying the application process, they aimed to eliminate unnecessary hurdles while still attracting talent.

To complement the Instant Hiring Button, Souken Holdings has also introduced a "trials for applicants" program. This initiative allows candidates to work alongside employees to experience the company culture firsthand. The strategy proved effective, helping the company hire 16 students in the subsequent year.

Surge in Prank Applications

The media's coverage of the Instant Hiring Button, particularly appearances on NHK’s Tokoro-san! Jiken desu yo on May 24 and Murakami Nobu-kun to Keizai-kun on June 21, led to a substantial increase in applications. However, this newfound interest also coincided with a troubling rise in prank submissions. One of the two recruiters has borne the brunt of this influx, resulting in significant mental stress. In a bid for respite, the overwhelmed employee took to playing tennis, only to tragically rupture their Achilles tendon during the game. Although they have undergone successful surgery, recovery has been slow and they remain unable to fully resume their daily routine, leaving the remaining recruiter to shoulder the increased workload.

Additionally, the recruitment staff member faced another setback when they broke a front tooth while munching on dried mango soon after their operation. Such incidents exemplify the real dangers posed by frivolous applications.

Unsurprisingly, the applications included not only fictional phone numbers but also the actual numbers of unrelated individuals, prompting the company to call for an end to these foolish pranks.

A Cautionary Note for Other Companies

Following the media coverage, other companies have reached out seeking permission to replicate the Instant Hiring Button system. However, given the potential risks associated with receiving prank applications, Souken Holdings has put their responses on hold for the time being.

About Souken Holdings

Founded on March 18, 2016, Souken Holdings is the parent company overseeing various ventures, including real estate and housing reform businesses through subsidiaries such as Protimes Souken Lab (operating under the brand name YaneKabe) and Uchikomi, which focuses on real estate. The company aims to manage and orchestrate diverse business initiatives effectively.

- Founded: March 18, 2016
- Company Name: Souken Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Location: Shinjuku Green Tower Building 18F, Nishi-Shinjuku 6, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Representative: Ken'yu Otomo
- Business: It specializes in real estate and housing renovation among other ventures.
- Website: Souken Holdings

Through this cautionary tale, Souken Holdings highlights the importance of responsible application practices, as they navigate the complexities of modern recruitment amidst a landscape that is often unpredictable.