Survey Reveals 40% of Job Seekers Uncertain About Desired Positions

Insights into Job Seekers’ Uncertainty in Career Moves

In a recent survey conducted by Axxis Co., Ltd, which specializes in career support services, it was discovered that nearly 40% of job seekers registered with their career agency, "Suberai Career Agent," do not have a defined target position when beginning their career transition. This research, which analyzed more than 500 initial consultation questionnaires from February 2025 to June 2026, highlights a significant trend in the Japanese job market.

Approximately 39.8% of respondents reported their desired job role as "undecided (want to consult)," indicating a prevalent uncertainty among job seekers about their future paths. This statistic suggests that a considerable number of individuals embarking on a career change are seeking clarity about their professional direction before exploring specific job opportunities.

Further insights reveal that the second most popular reason for consulting with an agent is "self-analysis," accounting for 51.3% of responses. This is a remarkable finding, as it underscores a shift in the traditional perception that career agencies are strictly for job introductions. Instead, equal emphasis is placed on understanding oneself in this complex job market.

Overview of the Survey

- Survey Name: Preliminary Questionnaire for Suberai Career Agent Initial Consultations
- Conducted by: Axxis Co., Ltd
- Method: Data collected from registration applicants undergoing their first consultation
- Number of Valid Responses: Over 500
- Survey Period: February 2025 - June 2026

Breakdown of Job Preferences

The job preferences outlined in the survey show a clear trend: 1st place was held by those who chose "undecided" at 39.8%, while the lower-ranking preferences included roles like HR recruitment (1.7%), inside sales (1.5%), and web designer (0.2%). This suggests that many individuals are not only contemplating a career change but also struggling to identify which direction to pursue.

Understanding the Reasons Behind the Data

The data aligns with findings from the Mynavi “Turnover Trends Survey 2026 Edition,” which noted that the turnover rate for regular employees hit a record high of 7.6% in 2025. This statistic indicates an increasing tendency for professionals across all industries and age groups to change jobs. Nonetheless, it also reveals that a significant 52.6% of job changers felt stagnant in their previous roles, hinting at deeper issues in current employment trends.

Combining Axxis’s findings with this external data reveals a crucial perspective: the active job market simultaneously fosters a disconnect between the initiation of job searches and the decision-making regarding specific job roles. It appears that as more opportunities arise, individuals find themselves bewildered rather than empowered, questioning what they truly want from their careers.

The high rate of interest in self-analysis also reflects this structural change. As the options available to job seekers multiply, the challenge of discerning one's authentic desires intensifies rather than lessens. This paradox suggests that before candidates can confidently select job offers, they first need to explore their values and aspirations through self-assessment.

Expert Commentary

Yudai Suenaga, CEO of Axxis Co., Ltd., provided insights into these trends. He noted that many individuals assume they know their desired career paths yet, paradoxically, a significant percentage arrive at consultations without any clear direction. He argues that amid the increasing job options today, potential job seekers are more confused about their true aspirations than ever before.

To address this, Axxis emphasizes the importance of dialogue and self-analysis to help individuals articulate their career goals and direction before simply presenting them with job listings. According to Suenaga, this step is crucial for effectively progressing in their career search.

About Axxis Co., Ltd.

Founded in August 2012, Axxis Co., Ltd. aims to leverage both human and IT capabilities to enhance the happiness of every individual in the workplace. Their operations include career coaching, media management, and specialized job placement services.

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With these insights, it’s evident that a grounded approach to understanding oneself is becoming an essential first step in navigating the evolving job market.