In Japan, a country with very high expectations from its employees, an online textile retailer last month carried out an unusual form of recruiting that reached new heights, literally as well as figuratively.
The company tested the ability of potential recruits to scale Mount Fuji, the country's highest peak. The climbers had to demonstrate perseverance to get one of four positions to be filled.
They had to prove that they could live up to their aspirations. No summit, no job—as simple as that.
The company's management, who initiated this new type of recruiting, believe that a Japanese employee who successfully climbs Mount Fuji with no problems will be a good, reliable worker.
The unemployment rate in the land of the rising sun is very low, only 4%. The pressure to be the best, in all things and at all times, is omnipresent, however.
And in the very competitive textile sector, companies must seek out hard-working, motivated employees who will not be turned off by the heavy work load.
On August 24, some twenty young hopefuls gave climbing the 3776-m-high mountain a shot.
Recruiters were awaiting the more resistant candidates at the top. Needless to say, the interview was somewhat chilly at this height!
Not everyone reached the summit. Some people lacked determination, while others unfortunately ran out of oxygen …