Today we met with Miho, the HR representative of UNINEST! We asked the deets about her job as an HR personl, what she’s looking for in a recruitment interview, and what kind of people she wants for UNINEST.
HR：Miho (joined 2019)
UNINEST：Hello! Miho, you do such a great job of running our HR that it’s hard to believe you’re actually our first internal HR person...!
Had you worked in HR before?
MIHO：No, I’d never worked in HR before. My main role here at UNINEST is currently recruitment, so to interview job candidates.
I’m also working on building out the internal process for new starters, performance reviews, workplace regulations etc.
UNINEST：You’re so considerate of others, we really appreciate it, Miho!!
MIHO：Haha, thank you. Oh, also introducing new HR management systems and overseeing the operation of these is a part of my job.
UNINEST：So, you came to this role with no experience in HR, and there were no precedents to follow. What was that like?
MIHO：It’s that sense of creating something from scratch. I actually started working here as a Community Ambassador at the front desk, before moving over to HR.
〜Miho’s career change〜
June 2019: Joined the company
- Supporting students as a Community Ambassador.
July 2019: Started working in HR
- Balancing work as an HR person alongside that of a Community Ambassador.
October 2019: Shifted completely to HR!
- Mainly interviewing candidates while managing current employees.
UNINEST：I’m amazed at how quickly you were able to change your career...
MIHO：Well, I had a meeting with the managers early on after joining the company, and they asked, “Is there anything else you want to do at UNINEST?” So, I said HR, because I’ve always been interested in it.
At that time, the company was proceeding with plans for the opening a second residence and we needed new employees, so they let me try! Foreign affiliated firms are really quick at making decisions.
My workplace is generally the 1F Lounge at one of our residences. Everyone works here while listening to music!
There’s a comfortable atmosphere and in surrounded by stylish furniture.
UNINEST：So only a year or so since opening our flagship HAKUSAN HOUSE, we are already opening our second student accommodation, KAMIKITA HOUSE.
You must be putting a great deal of effort into recruitment. How many applications have you gotten so far?
MIHO：Er... Since summer of 2019, we’ve had about 800 applications over six months.
UNINEST：WOW. That’s a lot!!! So, of all those applicants, what type of person makes an impression on you?
MIHO：Well our company is based in the hospitality industry, so someone who is energetic, cheerful and has a great smile.
As a Community Ambassador here, you sometimes have to work alone at the front desk, so someone who monitors their surroundings effectively, and can prioritize things well is key. So basically, a person who is independent, proactive and flexible.
〜How to make a good impression on the UNINEST interviewer - 2020 edition -〜
１. An amiable person with a wonderful smile!
２. An energetic, high-spirited person!
３. An entertainer with a great sense of humor!
MIHO：Does this make sense? It sounds challenging. lol I try to imagine whether the candidate would fit well with our team or not during the interview too.
UNINEST：But if there’s over 800 applicants, isn’t it difficult to make a decision?
MIHO：Mmmmm... Not really? I can actually tell once away when I meet them.
UNINEST：So, first you look over their resume and CV, and then decide whether you want to meet them for an initial interview?
MIHO：Yes. I have a one-on-one interview with them first. But... usually 90% of them fail this stage.
UNINEST：Whaaaaaaaaaat!? That’s scary... And, for a so-called “Japanese company” candidate would normally head to an interview with a nice suit on, no? What’s it like here?
MIHO：Our interviewees have the freedom to wear whatever they like! I mean, a suit is okay... but it might seem out of place... I’m looking more at their personality, not attire.
UNINEST：How do candidates pass the first interview?
MIHO：I really do think that first impressions are important. Interviews are only about an hour long, but if during that hour you can’t be your best self, then it’ll be super hard to pass.
Candidates I take through to the second interview are the ones I genuinely think are just great. I would love it if everyone could show me their true best self at interview.
UNINEST：Well, interviews ARE a form of communication.
MIHO：Yes, exactly. Though, I’ve had candidates who were able to show me their genuine selves at the first interview, but then got super nervous at the second interview because it’s with three people.
It’s such a shame!!! I’d still want people to be able to present themselves well, even in those high pressure situations.
UNINEST：By the way, here at the residence I hear lots of languages spoken. How skillful do you need to be in terms of languages?
MIHO：You don’t need to be super skilled, as long as you’re not reluctant to communicate in English. Nationality doesn’t matter either. Anyone and everyone is welcome!
UNINEST：You have been hiring lots of non-Japanese people too! What level does their Japanese proficiency need to be?
MIHO：At least N2. But even if they’re not certified in terms of Japanese proficiency, it’s okay as long as they can have an effective conversation.
We are contemplating how we should develop our recruiting website. Maybe changing to a bilingual site.
UNINEST：I heard you’ve recently showed interest in people that are a part of the 「JET （The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme）」Program?
MIHO：Yes, recently I went to the JET Career Fair and there were so many great candidates... I was totally enthralled by everyone’s smiles and great vibe.
They all had very interesting backgrounds and were strong-willed, independent individuals. I can tell they’re working really hard in Japan and I admired them for that.
UNINEST：Well, I can’t wait to see what kind of people will come to our interviews in future!
MIHO：Mmhm, it’s really exciting when the puzzle pieces match!
〜Hints for passing a UNINEST interview〜
・Come in an attire that represents who you are and don’t forget to show your best smile!
・Be ready to promote your true self in any situation!
・It’s okay to be nervous. Just don’t let that get to you!
MIHO：If you’re nervous, just tell me honestly! I’ll try my best to break the ice! Lol
I’m actually interested to see how she does that.
UNINEST： Maybe you’re better off just following Miho’s lead at the interview. Haha!
UNINEST：Not a lot of time has passed since UNINEST established itself in Japan. So, I guess that’s one of the reasons why career changes can happen here so fast.
MIHO：Most people here start off as a Community Ambassador. From there, we have people who have gone into Marketing, as well as Sales, specifically targeting the Chinese market.
A photo with one of our front staff. Such great smiles!
UNINEST：How does the company support those who want to challenge themselves in a completely new role?
MIHO：Nurturing this culture is something we really want to put more effort into!
Just like GLOBIS’ MBA, we want to take a didactic approach that offer assistance and lectures-esque resources for employees. We working on creating a “Uninest University” that brings on board professors and teachers that run seminars or workshops for staff.
We want to support those who want to learn about HR, Marketing, Business Management etc.
UNINEST：It’s nice that the company doesn’t force everyone to train in specific content by default.
MIHO：UNINEST’s management style is to make the best of everyone’s strengths. We’re not trying to “fix” their weak points. I want to hire you if you have the willingness to keep learning.
Once we were able to make more time to train newcomers and to develop a robust learning system, I will be able to hire so many different types of people. But unfortunately, that’s not the case quite yet.
UNINEST：Oooh... That sounds frustrating.
MIHO：UNINEST will continue growing, so we want people who can keep up with that. Hence, we prefer those who are flexible in their approach.
UNINEST：Ah, so someone who can stay calm in any situation.
MIHO：If you love rules, and want everything does according to manuals, then this environment might be stressful.
But if you can enjoy change then I think we are the perfect fit. We cultivate an environment where everyone respects each other and can head in the same direction as a company.
UNINEST：Miho, you are in the midst of challenging yourself as an HR representative. Do you find yourself doing lots of additional work outside of work hours?
MIHO：No way. When I’m off, I’m off.
UNINEST：Haha. What if you need to relieve stress during work hours?
MIHO：When it’s nice out, I go to the rooftop to eat lunch or take a nap!
This is the rooftop at HAKUSAN HOUSE. It gets a lot of sun, and the grass feels so nice!!!
UNINEST：You’re enjoying this place just as much as the students are! Haha. From your perspective, what are the students living here like?
MIHO：They’re so energetic! They give me a lot of motivation to work hard. Seriously, they are so important to me. Oh hey, welcome home!!
Interacting with a student that just got back home.
UNINEST：You can probably understand what all these students are going through since you yourself traveled around the world.
MIHO：When I went abroad, a lot of people helped me out. I have various second homes abroad too, because so many people treated me like family.
I would really like to make UNINEST such a place for overseas students coming to Japan and in order to do that I need to find the best people!
UNINEST：I can’t wait to meet more interesting people here! Thank you so much for this interview!!!
If you’re interested in working with us, pleaseclick here.
Interview articles
The multicultural life to studying abroad in the UK
If you’re a movie lover, then our cinema rooms are a perfect fit!
Located on the first floor of each of our residences, you can enjoy movies with your friends on the big screen (for free)!
Just imagine: you’re munching on popcorn while nestling down into our bean cushions and gushing over your favorite movie. Doesn’t that sound awesome?
One of our long-term residents, Wakana, commented that the phrase she’s heard most since living with us is...
「Movie tonight!」
Apparently, it’s secret code among our movie-loving residents, employed to rally everyone to gather at the cinema room once it’s dark out.
Movies aren’t just for entertainment, they’re also a fantastic way to study languages! So let’s make the most of these rooms and study in a more creative way!
Speaking of movie lovers, our staff also love movies! Let’s hear their top movie recommendations.
Definitely recommend the first one. It’s so popular that “Everyone in the English-speaking world knows that movie” – Damian. Without even realizing it, we find ourselves quoting from the film in daily conversation! It’s about a girl who was home-schooled in Africa up until the point she returns to the U.S and has to enroll at a public high school. As if by accident, she randomly joins a girl gang called “The Plastics”. She starts out as a sweet young woman, but slowly changes into a mean girl! Some parts really depicted my high school years in America! （Female, front staff 20’s）
The setting for this movie is John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. It’s a drama about a man who gets stuck at the airport and so decides to live there permanently. I’ve always liked airports and airplanes to begin with, so I love the movie. It’s just interesting how so many different stories can branch off from one setting, the airport. I think I’ve seen it at least three times already. (Male, Project manager 20’s)
Set in the 70’s, it’s a documentary about a mother and a daughter who live together in East Hampton, New York, both named Edith Beale. They reside in a house surrounded by overgrown plants and semi wild animals, and their character is just super unique! The way the directors (who are brothers) depiction their oddly intimate relationship one screen is fascinating. Be sure to check out their unique approach to 70’s fashion, too!(Female, General Manager 30’s)
A biography of legend Freddy Mercury, hailing from England’s most famous rock band, QUEEN. Just watch it. The story’s great. The MUSIC is awesome. It stirred so many emotions. Of course, it’s best to watch it one big screen, but if you’re going to watch it at home, I want you to at least use the right sound system. (Female, Front staff 20’s)
This is an astonishing digital work created by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. His outlook on the world and the characters he creates made this movie a masterpiece! At first glance it appears to be a horror movie, but it’s just a plain and simple realization of one innocent girl’s inner mind! (Male, Marketing 30’s)
I first saw this movie when I was a uni student. When I traveled to Canada, a friend recommended it to me, so we watched it together. The title includes the word “fight”, but it’s not just about fighting; it tells a profound story.I don’t think anyone can understand the movie fully just by watching it once. (Male, Front staff 20’s)
A bunch of university students who are members of a Sci-Fi club randomly come across a time machine during their summer vacation. They go back and forth between yesterday and today, but their reasoning is soooooo dumb… It’s just hilarious! On first glance you’d think it’s a brainless comedy, but it actually has a bit of mystery too. The more you watch it, the better it gets. (Female, Marketing 30’s)
Of course, it’s fun just watching movies on your own, but it’s even better if you can share your thoughts on them with your friends!
You might discover another side to your friend too...?
This said, if you’re the stoic type who likes only to watch movies solo, you are still welcome to use our theater rooms!
There no limitations! Both HAKUSAN HOUSE and KAMIKITA HOUSE have these rooms, so whichever accommodation you choose,
you’ll be able to enjoy watching movies in ways you wouldn’t at a regular theater!
Life style articles
What’s the culture around food like in an international dorm?
At Uninest HAKUSAN HOUSE, we have peninsula kitchens with ample cooking space. Looks nice, right?
Taiga has been living with us since day one of HAKUSAN HOUSE. He is the first to experience our slogan, “student life isn’t just about hitting the books”. His next step is to study abroad in the UK. We wanted to hear stories of how he learned about us and where he is at now.
UNINEST：Hello Taiga! Thank you so much for making time for us! I know how busy you are with all the packing!
TAIGA：No worries! Thanks for having me!
UNINEST：Okay so let’s get started. Could you please tell me where you’re from and the school you are currently going to?
TAIGA：I’m from Takahagi city in Ibaragi, it’s surrounded by mountains and beaches. I’m currently a junior at Toyo University and I’m studying International Communications.
UNINEST：International Communications!? That’s exactly the lifestyle you can experience at Uninest!
TAIGA：Yep, exactly!
UNINEST：How did you hear about us?
TAIGA：Well, when I first came to Tokyo I lived alone in an apartment. But it was so small and in the back of my mind I had a thought of living in a share house. Then during my sophomore year, I stumbled across HAKUSAN HOUSE by chance. I walked in through the entrance and the front staff welcomed me so cheerfully. Of course, I didn’t make any reservations to view the dorm, but they asked me if I wanted to look around. And I knew instantly that I wanted to live here!
UNINEST：Wow! That’s so great to hear! What about HAKUSAN HOUSE appealed to you?
TAIGA：Well, I originally wanted to learn English through everyday life so being able to live in an atmosphere that gave the vibe of studying abroad attracted me the most. Hm, also I really liked the common areas because I wouldn’t be able to experience that living alone.
There are so many people with a different cultural background and they all gather around talking or studying in the lounge, the theater room, and the best of all was the rooftop!
I traveled around the world as a backpacker before I started living in HAKUSAN HOUSE, so I was super excited to use real English, not textbook English.
UNINEST：Haha! Especially since when you came into the dorm, there were more than 100 people living here, but only a few Japanese people!
TAIGA：Yeah seriously! It really felt like I was studying abroad. In the morning, when I woke up in the 6 people room, I heard French and English jumping around the room. And I kept thinking to myself, “wait… Which country am I in right now?”
UNINEST：How was it like living here after a year?
TAIGA：Well, first and foremost, my English-speaking skills went up. In the beginning I was cooking in the kitchen and I was the only Japanese person there. I couldn’t understand anything they were saying…
Being in an atmosphere where English is flying around nonstop is not something you can experience in class. It was so difficult to keep up with their conversations… But now I can finally understand most of what they’re saying and say what I want!
UNINEST：That’s amazing! Using English in your daily life as a non-English speaker seems very difficult but having the motivation of wanting to speak with your friends is incredible!
TAIGA：Also living in a diverse environment! Anyway, I learned to have a broader mind and learned to accept different ways of thinking. Being in an atmosphere of people from different countries, schools, ages; they all have or are searching for their own future vision. It was so inspiring to know that there are so many different perspectives, pathways, and possibilities. It was a great way to reflect on myself and think of my future again too.
As I went out with these people, I firmly believed that everyone is different and everyone knows that about one another. I know it may be obvious to some people, but that was a discovery for me. Before I used to overthink what the other person would think of me, so I hesitated to go and talk to new people. But in the end, I gained enough confidence to be able to talk to new people right away, leading me to make lots of new friends! I learned to understand many differences amongst people.
UNINEST：Well, now whenever we have new students coming in, you’re the one who welcomes them into our community. You’re pretty much the center of it all! We really value community, so we appreciate what you’re doing here, Taiga!
UNINEST：Well, Taiga, you work here as an RA, helping out the staff run this dorm. How was your job as an RA? How did you feel about it?
TAIGA：It’s so difficult to find a job where you can use both English and Japanese, especially as a student, so it was such a valuable experience! Plus, it’s a 30 second commute! Lol. Of course, we get to experience the real world and there were responsibilities too. But I liked how the main staff would actually put my ideas into use too.
Being able to experience planning events and running them was the best experience as an RA. I learned so much on how plans are actually put into effect, and it was so difficult to think of ways that everyone from all over the world would actually enjoy. When an event was successful, my heart was filled with joy!!!
UNINEST：So, you’ve lived in HAKUSAN HOUSE for a year, and now you’re heading off to the UK, why is that?
TAIGA：Hmmm, I guess you can say that I found the right pathway for me? This whole time, I’ve been wanting to live abroad, but I didn’t understand English at all. So I thought maybe I should go study abroad.
But as I lived here, I realized I naturally acquired English already. So, then I thought to myself, *wait a minute… What’s my purpose of studying abroad? It’s not for English anymore… So what’s my next step?”
I knew I wanted to keep living in a diverse environment and from my job as an RA, I got interested in the world of business. I then found the perfect uni in the UK, so that was it!
And a lot of the friends I made in HAKUSAN HOUSE live in Europe now, THAT’S the icing on the cake. I’m definitely going on a trip around Europe to see them. Not a lot of people get to experience having friends all over the world!
UNINEST：Okay, well, last but not least, please give a message to those who are reading this interview!
TAIGA：Well, a lot of people, including myself, think that in order to master English, you need to go abroad to America, Australia or Canada.
But I now think that you can start by looking for a place in Tokyo to experience “studying abroad”.
This allows us to find a different purpose to studying abroad - not just for acquiring English.
UNINEST：That’s such a wonderful message! Experiencing the ultimate student life, and then moving forward. We will also work really hard for this place to be more appealing so we can confidently root for you to move up another step.
Taiga, thank you so, so much! We are excited to hear your experiences when you get back from the UK!
TAIGA：Thank YOU so much. I will definitely keep you updated on my life in the UK!
UNINEST & TAIGA：“HUG”
