Majority of Companies Conduct Casual Interviews for Mid-Career Hiring; 85.1% of Job Seekers in Their 20s Want to Participate. 80% Aim to Prevent Mismatches [Survey of Companies and Job Seekers]

Gakujo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) conducted an online survey targeting HR professionals and job seekers in their 20s regarding 'casual interviews'—a practice designed to deepen mutual understanding without the pressure of formal selection or evaluation. The survey found that over half of companies currently conduct casual interviews for mid-career hiring, with over 20% expressing interest in future implementation. 80% of companies cited 'preventing mismatches' as the expected benefit. Meanwhile, 85.1% of job seekers in their 20s expressed a desire to participate. Both companies and job seekers prioritize creating a relaxed atmosphere, with 'reducing tension' and 'avoiding a formal interview-like setting' being the top two priorities for both sides. This highlights a shared desire for honest communication in a stress-free environment. The survey also covered the background of this trend, noting that as traditional mass hiring of new graduates becomes more difficult, companies are strengthening mid-career recruitment, making casual interviews an increasingly vital tool.