We've abolished the application-based document screening process and introduced "Entry Meet Recruitment," which starts with dialogue
– in-person interviews for mutual understanding will be held at 8 locations nationwide.
December 15, 2025
ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Hidetoshi Segi) will eliminate the application form-based document screening process for new graduates (university and graduate students) joining the company in April 2027, and will introduce "Entry Meet Recruitment," which makes a 15-minute conversation with a human resources representative the first step in the recruitment process.
As the initial stages of recruitment increasingly rely on document review and AI interviews, we felt there was a challenge in proceeding with the selection process without fully grasping the individuality of each student. To achieve a more reliable mutual understanding, we redesigned our recruitment process to begin with direct dialogue. "Entry Meet" will be implemented at eight locations nationwide starting January 16, 2026.
Background for implementation: Awareness of the challenges in "efficient job hunting and recruitment activities" in the era of generative AI.
At our company, we have traditionally conducted a document screening process using application forms during the initial stages of recruiting new graduates. However, with the increasing prevalence of AI-generated application forms, the content has become increasingly homogenized, and we felt that this traditional method was no longer sufficient to capture the essential individuality of each applicant.
While we recognize that AI interviews are one effective method, we felt it was necessary to re-examine whether the current recruitment process, which has been shaped by technological innovation, is truly optimal for both our company and the students. As the ease of applying increases, the number of applications also increases, but at the same time, companies pursue more efficient selection methods. Students are forced to apply to many companies, which not only increases their burden but also makes it difficult to fully understand a company due to the structure of having to go through many selection processes in a short period of time. As a result, we believe this can lead to mismatches after joining the company.
At our company, we believe that the most important factor in recruitment is whether job seekers and companies can concretely imagine a future where they work together. Rather than relying on one-way evaluations from the company side through documents and AI interviews, we decided that direct dialogue and confirming values and visions would lead to better recruitment activities for both parties, and this led to the introduction of "Entry Meet Recruitment."
Thoughts of the hiring manager
"Entry Meet Recruitment" was born out of a sense of crisis that job hunting was becoming too focused on "preparing to pass" and was turning into something like an entrance exam. There are certain entry sheet templates that are considered easy to pass, but we felt that the content alone could not capture the essential individuality of each student, and we questioned whether we were properly judging the potential of each student.
We view recruitment as "finding colleagues to build the future together." That's why, even though we understand that there are limits to the number of people we can meet and that some may be unable to participate for various reasons, we have decided to make meeting in person, even for a limited time, and confirming our values through dialogue the starting point of our recruitment process. We hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for rethinking the way job hunting is conducted and that it will lead to the realization of a society where people can work in a way that is true to themselves and promotes well-being through their job search and work. We will continue to engage with students with sincerity.
“Entry Meet recruitment” system overview
How to enter
Application period begins: December 15, 2025
How to apply: Submit the required documents through your recruitment My Page and reserve an Entry Meet slot.
Entry Meet (First Step)
Interview format: A 15-minute conversation with a human resources representative.
Attire: Casual wear is recommended.
Locations: 8 locations nationwide (Sapporo/Sendai/Tokyo/Nagoya/Kanazawa/Osaka/Hiroshima/Fukuoka)
Period: January 16, 2026 - February 8, 2026
*Entry Meet is primarily conducted in person, but online participation will be considered for those who are unable to attend in person, such as those enrolled in overseas universities.
Selection process
After the Entry Meet, candidates receive a job offer following multiple interviews and group work sessions.
Future Outlook: Rohto Pharmaceutical's Approach to Human Resources and New Graduate Recruitment
Our company values the autonomy and growth of each employee, aiming for mutual growth for both individuals and the company. In addition to systems such as the "My Vision Sheet" where employees directly communicate their vision to management once a year, internal double jobs (side jobs), External Challenge Work, and support for entrepreneurs within the company "Asuniwa project," this year we have also established new work styles such as a reskilling leave system and Beyond work (3 or 4 days a week).
In our recruitment process, we aim to conduct interviews that allow us to understand each student's individuality and vision, and to mutually envision their growth within our company. To achieve this, we encourage casual attire for interviews, conduct interviews in the office, and expand our practical internship programs. Through this matching-focused recruitment approach, we have maintained a high retention rate for new graduates three years after joining the company, with 96% for those who joined in 2021 and 93% for those who joined in 2022.
"Entry Meet Recruitment" is one of our initiatives to deepen our understanding of students' individuality and potential, and to foster their autonomous growth. Moving forward, we will continue to evolve our recruitment process to realize well-being management where both individuals and the company grow together.