The hiring process at Rakuten takes an average of 14 days when considering 2 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Administrativo had the quickest hiring process (on average 14 days), whereas Administrativo roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 14 days).
The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Rakuten in Jun 2011
Interview
Interview was very smooth, both over phone and one on on. People were very communicative and open to explain company culture. There were some challenging questions, but very reasonable and nothing too difficult. Communication with company was very smooth, between emails and phone calls with HR to employees. Interviews were casual as well, conversational and not too demanding.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses and how could these affect your work?
I applied online. The process took 5 days. I interviewed at Rakuten (Boston, MA) in Jun 2011
Interview
Interview process was very informational, detailed and well structured. I talked with 4 individuals throughout the process and after my talks I had a strong understanding of the role, challenges and opportunities. Was able to get a good feel for the culture and was provided all the necessary benefit and compensation information needed to make an educated decision. The process moved quickly and I was very pleased with the constant communication from the company during the entire interview process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I was asked to provide a plan of action if I were to join the company. While not expected it was a great resource for wrapping my head around the steps I would take should I join the organization. Highly effective.
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Rakuten (Tokio) in Apr 2011
Interview
For new graduates, you submit your information through their website and receive an account for future application-related news/correspondence. Next step is submitting more information and answering a couple generic questions (Why Rakuten?, etc). After that is an IQ type test with three sections: English, Math, and Reasoning (with diagrams). I found the diagram test to be pretty difficult. Finally, there is a one-to-one interview (through Skype for those outside of Japan). This whole process spans a couple of weeks.
If you are in Japan, you might be able to attend a hiring seminar about the company. Otherwise, there will likely be an online video to watch.
I think it's probably best to speak Japanese at the interview, if you can. Otherwise you might have to talk to an unattractive, young American man who has at least JLPT N1 ability. You will be asked a lot of generic interview questions. You should be knowledgable about web services and the like.
According to the American interviewer, he was part of one of the first large groups of foreigners to enter the company, starting last year. Also, may be of interest, he graduated from USC.
On their CV form they ask about your college activities and clubs. And, as all standard Japanese resumes tend to require, you will need to include a recent picture of yourself. Otherwise, nothing remarkably different about the hiring process verses a large American company.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Describe a time that you (with a group of people) used analytical thinking to overcome a problem/situation?