I applied through an employee referral. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Rakuten (Tokyo) in Nov 2014
Interview
I had an initial video interview where a pre-recorded voice asks following questions:
(1) Could we have your name and the reason
why you are interested in Rakuten?
(2) Please tell us your technical background and
how you will be able to contribute to the success of the company.
(3) What is your greatest strength and
how you leverage your strength for peak performance?
Please give us an example.
(4)*This question is for only those who have worked before*
Have you ever changed your job? or are you trying to change your job?
Please tell us why.
(5) What are your career goal and career plans?
How does this job fit into your career plans?
After that, I had a second face to face interview, where the person who was taking my interview and basically asked me what are my strengths, why am i changing my job, have I ever used Rakuten services.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Basically not difficult but they were looking for someone who is native level in Japanese.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Rakuten (Tokyo) in Nov 2015
Interview
There were totally 4 rounds including 1 video round. After submitting the application, you will get shortlisted for video interview with predefined 5 questions. Result is generally given within a week. Next round was a face to face interview with a team member. Questions were based on resume, technology skills as per the job description. It lasted for 45 mins. Fairly simple. Again received the result in one week.
Next round was with a more senior member of the same department. It was more technical and in depth about Rakuten business model. Again was for 40 minutes. After clearing this round, was the final round of interview. Before appearing for final round of interview, I had to read 2 essays based on the books written by CEO. Although I do not think they are evaluated in the selection process, it is better to skim through the books and give your honest opinions.
Final interview was with the executive director, it was case based, and based on some situations to check your analytical skills. Again good to know the business model of Rakuten in detail.
Results were given after a week of final interview. Then offer meeting to negotiate for the salary and offer date. They negotiate a little so can try.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Case related to decision tree, ways Rakuten can expand to other countries
