Sony changes rules for new graduate job hunting: Can apply within three years of graduation, suit not required, no educational background requirement

With the aim of 'changing the rules,' Sony's new graduate recruitment website is experimenting with some pretty unusual ideas.

Sony Global | New Graduate Recruitment | Sony Corporation Careers
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/Jobs/newgrads/concept/

The above site states the following:

A strong sense of purpose that never stops seeking the essence.
The result is something different from others, which creates new value.
This is how Sony has brought new products to the world.

It's easy to convince yourself with words like 'ethics,' 'customs,' and 'rules.'
It takes a lot of power to question what is taken for granted in the world and overturn the rules.
However, if the essence lies beyond that, then we just need to overcome the difficulties and move forward.

Sony will continue to pursue a truly authentic approach to recruiting.
During your job search, we want each and every one of you to demonstrate your shining individuality and honestly express who you are.
I want you to value your individual characteristics and values.
We believe that innovation is born from a diverse workforce.

In order to respect each individual's individuality, we are changing the rules of 'shukatsu,' a system unique to Japan.

Sony's message then continues over the following four pages. First, it says, ' We're changing the rules for new graduates ,' and it says it's OK to join while still a student or within three years of graduation, and 'welcome those who wish to join after graduation.'

Changing the rules for new graduates
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/Jobs/newgrads/concept/contents1.html

Freedom of occupational choice.
Freedom to choose life.

Without the label of student, you can't get on the job hunting track.
In order to continue their job hunt, some students repeat a year of school or go on to graduate school.
If you try to gain the freedom to choose your career, your life choices will become narrower.

Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?
During your student years, study hard, have fun, and think for yourself about the path you should take in life.
After graduating from school, you may be thinking, 'Study at a university abroad,' 'Start a business,'
'Internship at a company overseas,' 'Help out in the family business,' 'Travel the world.'
The choices in life are endless.

Sony wants to meet people who have made a variety of choices.
For new graduate recruitment, we are targeting students currently enrolled and those who have graduated within the last three years.
Work experience is not required, and we welcome you to pursue further training after graduation.

In the next section, 'Changing conventional selection styles ,' he writes:

Changing the conventional selection style
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/Jobs/newgrads/concept/contents2.html

There are also various selection methods.

There are many job hunting manuals and job hunting courses on the market.
Techniques for setting your character and passing the interview.
If everyone takes the same job hunting approach, everyone will end up making similar claims.

What do you think about, what do you pay attention to, what do you want to do, and what do you do in your daily life?
Sony wants to understand the everyday way each and every person thinks.
That's why, during interviews, we have traditionally listened carefully to each individual's story.
However, sometimes it is not possible to understand each individual's personality through a formal interview alone.

Sony will be offering multiple entry courses for its new graduate recruitment this time.
Workshops, project proposals, discussions on programming methods, etc.
Applicants will be able to choose their own selection method.

It's okay to have different opinions and areas of expertise. In fact, it's better to have different opinions.
When different personalities collide, it becomes a powerful force.
Diversity is what gives birth to products and services that have an impact on people's lives.

The third point, ' We're changing the rule that job hunting = suit ,' clearly states that suits are not required.

Changing the rule that job hunting means suits
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/Jobs/newgrads/concept/contents3.html

'Job hunting' ≠ suit.
I wear a suit to the interview.
The media is focusing on what is considered acceptable attire for job hunting.
In this day and age, if you ask people to dress casually for an interview, they'll mutter, 'This is a trap.'

I think suits are a symbol of the homogenous 'job hunting' we see today.
That's why Sony encourages employees to dress casually when attending recruitment events and interviews.
We ask applicants to express their thoughts in a relaxed manner.

Let's break down the stereotypes about 'job hunting' together!

You are welcome to participate in any attire.
What's important is what's inside.
Please come dressed as you normally would so that you can express your feelings honestly.
If you feel that wearing a suit makes you feel most like yourself, then go ahead and wear one.
'Job hunting' = suit. There's no need for such a rule.

The final section is 'Sony's vision,' and concludes as follows:

Sony's Vision
http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/Jobs/newgrads/concept/contents4.html

Let's build the Sony of the future together.

We do not ask for the name of the university in interviews or application documents, and aim to hire based on character, regardless of educational background.
The traditional resume has been abolished and an application form has been introduced that asks about an individual's experience and way of thinking.
A flexible career start system that allows you to choose when you join the company.

Sony once asked the world,
This was an attempt to foster mutual understanding between the applicants and Sony on an equal footing.
Since there is a relationship of choosing and being chosen, 'wanting to be equal'
It may be idealistic.

But Sony's vision is simple.
We want applicants and Sony to understand each other and be satisfied with the position before joining the company.
And I want people who love Sony to come.

Sony is a company of the future.
Let's create a new Sony together.