1.
mid-career hiring; experienced hire
Hiring someone who has prior work experience, as opposed to recruiting fresh graduates (新卒採用). A significant concept in Japanese employment culture, where the traditional model emphasizes hiring new graduates.
Usage
中途採用 is contrasted with 新卒採用 (hiring of new graduates), which has traditionally been the dominant hiring model in Japan. As the labor market evolves, 中途採用 has become increasingly common.
Common collocations
- 中途採用枠 (mid-career hiring slot)
- 中途採用面接 (mid-career interview)
- 中途採用で入社する (to join via mid-career hiring)
Cultural note
Traditionally, Japanese companies hired almost exclusively from new graduates (新卒一括採用). 中途採用 was once seen as less prestigious, but this perception has changed significantly.