1. In the beginning

　This time, we will introduce the contents of interviews with three employees who joined the company in April 2023.We asked new employees to tell us about Aztec from their perspective, including what led them to apply, their impressions after joining the company, and the rewarding work they do.Additionally, Aztec has introduced a work-from-home system, and we were able to hear their honest impressions from their actual experience regarding remote training and work.

XNUMX.What led you to apply and what made you decide to join the company?

Aonuma　At my previous job, I was involved in research and development in the manufacturing industry, and in addition to researching new technologies in my daily work, I have a personality that likes new things, so I would like to do work related to patents and research. That's what I thought.I also had the opportunity to learn about business using patents, and experienced how a single patent can be used to collaborate and connect with many different companies, which made me realize once again the importance of patents.That's when I found Aztec recruitment information.I learned that there are many people who have achieved excellent results in patent search competitions, and I applied because I wanted to work in intellectual property in an environment with such people.

Ishidoya　When I was working as a civil servant, I heard someone say, ``We're now in an era where we have employees in rural areas and employees in Tokyo, and they can work without any problems at all,'' and I felt that times had changed.When I was looking at job information for her, wondering where and what kind of work she could do, Aztec caught my eye.I had originally aspired to a highly specialized job such as a technical or research job, but since I come from a liberal arts background, I had given up on it.However, I have always liked reading and studying, so I had a hunch that a job that involved reading papers and patent publications might be suitable for me, so I applied immediately.The excitement I felt when I took the Japanese and English reading comprehension tests during the recruitment process was the deciding factor in my decision to join the company.

Sawada　When I was thinking about changing jobs and wanted to do a job where I could make better use of the chemical knowledge I had learned at university, Aztec's job postings caught my eye.I liked the statement in the corporate philosophy, ``Pursuing the happiness of our employees,'' and I was asked questions like ``Do you pay attention to your health?'' during the interview, which shows that the company cares about its employees. I felt a strong desire to work there.

XNUMX.How do you feel about Aztec's corporate culture and characteristics?

Sawada　I'm probably the youngest person there, so I'm a little nervous and hesitant, but everyone is kind, so I think it's easy to ask questions.For example, when I thank someone for explaining something I don't understand, they say, ``Please feel free to ask me anytime.''I appreciate everyone's concern and support.
　What I appreciate most about the company's system is:Education support systemis.If you look at the list of books that people have purchased using the system, there is a wide variety of books, such as books on technology, work style efficiency, and qualifications.It is great that the educational support system can be used in such a wide range of areas. I thought it was really nice.

Ishidoya　I feel that the reason why the educational support system is so wide-ranging is because the company trusts its employees that they will utilize it in their work.The fact that everyone is working remotely is a sign that the company trusts its employees, and that the employees are reciprocating that trust.My impression is that the company and its employees have a good relationship.

Aonuma　I also think that the educational support system is a very good system, and I feel that the company supports skill improvement with a wide range of content.
　afterSecurity measuresI thought there would be a lot of rules about this since it's a company that handles confidential information, but the rules are clearly written and easy to understand even for new employees.Immediately after joining the company, I was introduced to the security staff and was reassured that I could ask anything I didn't understand, so I felt at ease.

XNUMX.Please tell me about your daily work flow.

XNUMX.What kind of training do you provide for new employees?

Aonuma Ishidoya Sawada　After receiving explanations and practical training on patent law, how to read publications, how to proceed with searches, how to use the system, etc., the students receive on-the-job training (OJT) to support actual cases and learn about specific searches.

XNUMX.Have you ever felt motivated or interested in new employee training or work?

Sawada　It's interesting to be exposed to various technologies.During the training on creating abstracts for publications, I learned a lot of things I didn't know about, from how to make incisions in rice cakes to patents for shooting games, which piqued my interest.

Aonuma　In the practical training for researching technology called technology trend research, I needed to summarize the content concisely and understand the main points, and I felt that knowledge from various fields was required to do this.Although it is difficult, I think the great thing about it is that you can accumulate a lot of knowledge.

Ishidoya　The most memorable thing I learned during the training was that I was taught that ``public notices are official documents.''A gazette is an official document that discloses the contents of a patent, so it is written in a way that even non-experts can understand.To be honest, during the training to read technical bulletins, I felt like I was going to give up, but once I realized that bulletins are official documents, I realized that they contain information that you can understand if you read them. I wish I could read on.It supports my heart.
　Also, when researching technology trends, I feel like I'm looking ahead to the real world, even though I'm not a researcher, and I think that's the most enjoyable part of my job.

XNUMX.How about training new employees and working remotely?

Aonuma　It was my first time working remotely, so I was a little nervous, but if I contact them, I get a response right away, and there are regular online meetings where we can exchange opinions, so I don't have any worries about communication at the moment. Almost none.Also, if I receive a notification addressed to me in a work tool or chat, I try to react immediately.

Ishidoya　I felt that the level of satisfaction with remote training was the same as with actually meeting in person.There was no training that I wish I had received directly, and I don't think there were any problems.
　What I usually try to be careful about is not to hold back as much as possible.At first, I was nervous and reserved, but if I'm reserved, I might miss the timing or not get what I want to say, so I make a conscious effort to ask questions even about the smallest details.
　Also, since I work from home, I tend to lose concentration when I work alone in my room.I haven't yet come up with a good way to self-control when I feel like I'm about to lose concentration, so I think that's my challenge.Please let me know if there is a better way.

Aonuma　I set an alarm on my work cell phone so I can mark off time.I believe that if you concentrate too much, it becomes difficult to grasp the time intervals, which can lead to you spending too much time on tasks and causing fatigue.After all, sitting for an hour or so and working stiffly can put a strain on your body, so I try to do some light stretching and move my body.

Sawada　It was my first time working remotely, and it felt strange until I got used to it, but once I got used to it, I didn't have to ride a crowded train, so I thought it was great.One thing I'm careful about is that when I'm working remotely, I can't see people's faces and movements, so it's easy to make communication errors, so I try to convey what I want to say to the other person concisely.During training, I was especially careful to clearly say ``I don't understand this'' when I didn't understand something.

XNUMX.Has your life changed since you started working remotely?

Aonuma　Since I don't have to spend time commuting, I can now use that time to do things at home and for myself and my family, and I feel grateful for that change.

Ishidoya　I'm glad I can now take time for myself.After my family goes out in the morning, I have more time to sit on the sofa, drink coffee, and read a book.Also, if I take in the laundry during my lunch break, I have time to sit next to my kids and watch them do their homework, and I feel like I'm getting closer to my ideal life little by little.

Sawada　I don't really do much about the house...If I go to work, I'll have to eat out for lunch, but when I'm at home, I can eat yesterday's leftovers, so I think it's nice to have more flexibility in my lifestyle.
　However, due to remote work, I don't have many opportunities to leave the house and have less time to walk, so I'm trying to exercise regularly.I go to the gym and do some exercise.

XNUMX.After the interview

　As a recruiter, I was very interested in hearing the honest impressions of new employees and how their work was going, and it was also a good way to reflect on my recruitment activities.This time, we have introduced the contents of the interview because we want you to feel closer to Aztec.I would be happy if those who read this could gain even the slightest interest in Aztec and patent research work.

・Recruitment activity schedule for 2023
　Recruitment activities are scheduled to begin around December 2023.Company information and interviews are held via web conference, and selection takes advantage of remote convenience.

Recruitment manager Matsumoto