Hi. I am currently in North America working remotely for a tech firm at about CAD 200K+ total compensation and also have some RSUs to be vested over 3-4 years. I will be getting an offer for an AA level position in Rakuten Tokyo, Japan soon.
I have not mentioned my current comp. Recruiter did mention usually position is offered 10M JPY. Don't know whether it is base or total. Even considering cost of living difference, quality of living difference, and low IT salaries in Japan, it seems a huge bump down.
I have a few more (finishing) rounds with execs left.
I have the following questions:
- Is there info that I can ask for in these interviews that can aid me in negotiating a better salary?
- How much are Rakuten/Japanese companies okay with salary negotiation? I have gone pretty hard in the past with NA companies. Might as well go for a higher starting compensation in Japan, considering Rakuten can cut pay based on performance (Rakuten Mobile subscriber thing), and also good data point for future companies.
- In NA companies do give compensation for new joinees coming from other companies with RSUs. Is this common in Japan? Signing bonus or starting stock + RSUs?
- Rakuten seems to be leaning heavily towards Return to Office. Since I am currently working remotely, can I negotiation on getting a bump for coming to work or get more WFH days?
- Any article or book that you might have found helpful in negotiating salary in Japan as a foreigner or local.
P.S.
- For NA companies I have followed this in the past: https://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/
- I am aware of the how asking employees to market Rakuten Mobile and how it can have potential performance assessment impact. Was Mentioned in 2 different interviews.
- I was also made aware of the Monday Asakai meetings.
- I want to move to Japan permanently, and it is difficult to get job interviews when not in Japan.
- Do have other interviews going on but total comp + perks maybe lower.
by Cute_Performance_994