How has the job hunting behavior of University of Tokyo students changed?

The Sankei Shimbun and HR consulting firm Works Japan have conducted a survey on job preferences among university and graduate students. This article utilizes data from three years: the 'Class of 2025 survey,' 'Class of 2026 survey,' and 'Class of 2027 survey.' The analysis focuses on responses from University of Tokyo students (97 for 2025, 99 for 2026, 86 for 2027). Amidst intensifying competition for new graduates, many recruiters struggle to attract top talent. There is a common perception that students from top universities like UTokyo gravitate toward trading companies, consulting firms, and foreign-owned enterprises. However, data from Works Japan shows a shift in this image. This article provides insights into recruitment strategies by examining changes in popular company rankings, shifts in reasons for applying, and changes in job-hunting awareness. While Mitsubishi Corporation has maintained the top spot for three consecutive years, the Class of 2027 shows a diversification of career paths, with pharmaceutical, real estate, and heavy industry companies entering the top 10. Regarding reasons for applying, 'business stability' rose to 18.6% for the Class of 2027, a 3.6-fold increase from 5.2% for the Class of 2025. Furthermore, in terms of job-hunting mindset, the desire to 'secure an offer from a first-choice company' has declined, while an exploratory style of 'looking at various companies without narrowing down the industry' has become mainstream. Recruiters are urged to pivot their strategies toward articulating stability, designing information that does not assume industry knowledge, and prioritizing the cultivation of conviction among candidates.