The image you present on your resume can have a significant impact on your job opportunities in Japan – learn about best practices and mistakes to avoid.

Selecting the right photo that will accompany our resume is extremely important, and since we know that it can be stressful, we decided to help them.

In Japan there are many rules, for example, the size of the photograph, the ideal is a format of 4 cm by 3 cm, on the other hand the photo must have been taken in the last three months, so if you were thinking of using an older image, forget it! Also keep in mind that it should have a light background.

Regarding the future employee’s clothing, he should wear conservative clothing, the typical office clothes (white shirt and black jacket) would be perfect.

If we talk about the expression of the face, its features must be very light, you have to avoid that the hair covers any part of the face (it would be better to use a combed back, to the sides or if not up, it will also be a good option). Keep in mind that you can smile but you should not do it showing your teeth, you can also use a little makeup but without overdoing it. At the time of taking this photograph, they should not use any accessories such as hats.

While this type of photo can be very simple or even boring for us, these details are what is expected in Japan, so don’t hesitate and offer the most conservative photo you can.

Regardless of whether the resume is mailed or hand-delivered, the photo must be included. In the first case, it must be located at the top in the space indicated, in the second, if it is delivered by hand, the photo must be physically attached in the upper right corner of the resume.

Now that we know all the details to get ready, we are going to take a picture. If you don’t know where to take the photo for the resume, you can go to the photo booths that are located in the shopping districts or even in the train and subway stations, sometimes we can also find them near convenience stores.

If they wish, they can also attend a photographic studio since many offer the service of curricular photography, although they are more expensive than a booth they will have the professionalism of a studio and the possibility of retouching the photos if necessary.

First they will ask you what type of photo you need, make sure to select the option to resume the photo.

Don’t forget that there are limited shots, so you can probably choose between one or two photos. Choose your best photograph and wait for it to be printed.

If you are going to hand in the resume, make sure to stick the photograph well, just in case, we recommend that you write your name on the back of it in case it falls.

It is always a good idea to design the resume for the company to which they are going to apply, that is, they should personalize it, modify the necessary information to point to the desired position. This step is important for each company to which they apply. It is much better to read a personalized text than a generic one, the institutions will know how to appreciate it.

Make a physical copy of the resume because even if you have sent it online, you will need it for the interview.

So far we have covered all the details of how to prepare the ideal 履歴書 (curriculum vitae), however, if you are employees who are currently in the middle of your career, you may have to submit a 職務経歴書 in much more detail, where you must explain your position, the jobs you do and the skills developed throughout the period worked so that future employers can have a clear idea of the activities you have been doing. executing and the value they will mean for the company if they are hired.

Some companies may ask you to provide a copy of the resume in English, so don’t forget this detail and try to have it ready from the beginning.

If you have a native Japanese friend, acquaintance, or relative, don’t hesitate to ask them to review the entire document and be open to advice. Keep in mind that your cover letter must be impeccable, otherwise you will show that you are careless with official documents.

The application process can be difficult, strict, and lengthy, but let’s not forget the goal. If getting a job in Japan is what you set out to do, be patient, if you manage to get it the result will be a fruitful career.

Therefore , start your story in the best way, with a job well done and with great determination, writing and designing your resume to leave an excellent first impression.

We hope we have helped you in the first steps to get your dream job and that you have had fun in the process.