As we enter the Reiwa era, Circles Inc. has closed its 12th fiscal year as of June and is now heading into its 13th!
Thanks to your support, we’ve been incredibly busy every single day, and as someone entrusted with the floor this term, I'm proud to say we’ve achieved results I can be confident about.
The entire staff and I are truly grateful for the warm support from our cycling community here in Nagoya, throughout the Tokai region, and increasingly across the entire country. Thank you so much!
Now, at this milestone, as the title suggests, I’m announcing a staff recruitment on the blog for the first time in a while! (How many years has it been?!)
Did you know that Circles’ recruiting is actually quite interesting? We’re technically always hiring.
Our style is, "If you're serious about wanting to work here, just reach out anytime."
Also, if I see someone who looks interesting, I might just try to scout them (laughs).
If you honestly feel that you want to work at Circles and change your life, wouldn’t you just show up and share your passion, regardless of whether we’re actively hiring or not? Is that not the norm?
Like, "I really want to work here! Give me a chance!" Wouldn't you do that?
That’s why I haven't gone out of my way to post a "Staff Wanted!" ad.
We’re not a chain izakaya or a convenience store, after all.
But thankfully, we’ve become so busy that we can no longer afford to take that approach, which is why I’m posting this now.
To be a bit blunt, I don’t think you’d be able to handle working at Circles unless you are truly that passionate.
Actually, yeah... it’s pretty tough here.
But there’s a good reason for that. As long as we are receiving money from customers for the work we do, we are "pros." However, I feel there was a "bad habit" in the past of labeling specialty shops that deal in niche products as "pro shops" just because they’re in the hobby world. That’s quite different from our definition of a "pro," which is why I still call us a "Nagoya bike shop."
The definition of a "pro" at Circles, as I mentioned earlier, takes a broad and grand view of the bicycle as a tool. We aim to provide professional services that can accommodate everything from the "mamachari" (city commuter bike)—the most common and widely used bike in Japan—to sports bikes used for leisure, and even the growing number of highly conscious individuals who view the bicycle as a cutting-edge, high-performance transport tool and are beginning to use it for work.
I digress, but that is why we at Circles must aim to be professionals in every conceivable field—customer service, mechanics, WebShop management, photography, and everything in between.
In terms of mindset, I believe it’s no different from a professional soccer or baseball player. The professional world is tough, right? That’s why Circles is the same. Because we are pros.
And although we are pros, we are aiming to become the world’s number one bike shop right here in Nagoya. I say this loud and clear: we are seriously aiming for it.
That means we’re no different from Real Madrid, Barcelona, or the New Zealand All Blacks in rugby. At least in terms of our mindset!
Sorry for sounding so intense and sporty. But that burning passion is truly essential. Whether you show it or keep it hidden, you can’t make it here without it.
And one very important thing: this is not for those whose ultimate goal is simply "working at Circles." I also don’t want you to think it’s "cool" to work here. Whether or not it’s cool is for others to decide, not yourself.
If you have even the slightest image of "I want to do this at Circles," then I think you’ll find this a very interesting workplace.
Also, there is an enormous amount to learn. Since this is a job, you will also be fighting against unreasonable things. And we are quite strict about poor attitudes and low motivation.
However, let me say just this: you don’t often get the chance to join a team aiming to be the best in the world. Plus, we are still a small company with about 30 employees, including our food and beverage team, so you can fight right on the front lines.
Those of you prepared to take on the world with us. Those who want to see the view from the other side alongside us. Those who can keep challenging themselves without fearing failure. And above all, those who love bicycles too much!
We are always hiring regardless of age, gender, background, or experience!
I’ve written some tough things, but rest assured, it’s definitely hundreds of times more fun.
Please, take the challenge yourself.
Students and freelancers interested in part-time work are especially welcome.
Even if it’s just from after school until closing time, that’s fine. There’s plenty to do even with limited hours.
Even two weekdays a week is fine. On the other hand, weekends are chaotic, so I might not be able to look after you much then...
And depending on your abilities, the path to becoming a full-time employee is open.
Of course, we are also always accepting applications for full-time positions, but there is an initial part-time training period.
Please contact us via email or phone using the details below. For email, you don't need a formal ID photo with a serious face; I’d love it if you attached your passionate thoughts and a fun photo of you out having a good time instead.
Of course, you’re also welcome to come to the shop in person.
The entire Circles staff is waiting for a wonderful encounter.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Circles Inc.
4-14-20 Chiyoda, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi,
Aichi 460-0012
TEL : 052-331-3232
Mail : info@circles-jp.com
HR Manager: Yanase