In order to get a job in Japan, the first thing you need to do is have a perfect Japanese resume. We all know that Japan stands out for its rules and instructions as well as for its order, here we tell you everything you need to so that you can introduce yourself as one of them.

Don’t miss these keys so that your resume is not quickly discarded due to basic errors and reaches the right hands, thus concretizing the long-awaited job interview.

Most people who are interested in getting a job in Japan worry about doing extremely well in job interviews, face-to-face, but they should not forget one key factor: The resume.

Without a proper and effective Rirekisho (Japanese resume) they will not be able to pass the first filter and reach the interview. Take it as a letter of introduction, so it must be designed in the best possible way, here we tell you how.

In Japan rirekisho are often handwritten, however, given current technology printed matter is becoming more and more accepted (always research the company’s preferences on this subject), usually more traditional institutions will prefer it by hand.

>Here is a PDF file with the Japanese resume for Japanese companies.

However you decide to write it, by hand or with the computer, do not forget that it must not have any errors, it is expected to be an impeccable writing.

Here’s a breakdown, part by part, of a basic Japanese resume template.

It should be located at the top left, we will start with the applicant’s contact details and add: date of birth, age, gender; an email, a phone number, and home address.

• Name: First you have to write your last name and then your first name. There should be a thin line at the top to write the furigana, i.e. how your name is read in hiragana/katakana.
• Dates: In the past, the Japanese nengo was used for both birthdays and age, but nowadays the Western style is also accepted. You should only follow one pattern, if you decided to write your birthday in the Western format, continue to write your age in the same way. However, keep in mind that if you want to apply for a job in a very traditional company, do not hesitate and opt for the nengo.
• Gender: Use a circle to choose the correct option or write as appropriate 男 (masculine) or 女 (feminine).
• Address: Start from the prefecture, continue with the district/city, and then the town and the chome (district name and block number).
• Hanko (Name Stamp): Nowadays it is no longer necessary to put a hanko in red ink next to the name, unless it is a requirement. There are sheets without the space for the hanko so you can use one of this style and not worry.
• Photo: The photo in the Japanese Resume is very important and has a lot to talk about, find out how to take the perfect photo HERE

All the academic information must be placed in this section and must be described chronologically from the oldest to the most current along with the relevant certificates and/or diplomas .

In each study item, the name of the institution, its address and the start and end date must be specified.

So, you must have two lines per establishment, namely:

• Name, location, and 入学 (enrolled)
• Name, location, and 卒業 (graduate).

If you are currently a student, when it comes time for your graduation, you can type 現在に至る on the line after including the enrollment information.

• High school
• University
• Study Abroad
• Awards (only if relevant to the job position)

To indicate that the academic section has ended, the characters “以上” must be written on the right side of the next line.

With respect to work experience, they must write the official name of the company and detail the position held during the period worked there, specifying the tasks they performed.

Again the order will be chronological from the oldest to the most current.

Know that, if there is an incongruous or underdeveloped topic that generates doubts in the resume, you will be asked about it in the interview, do not forget to be prepared.

First write the year and month you started working at the company, then the name, and then 入社 (Initial work). Next, briefly detail your tasks.

On a separate line, you should specify the date you left your job as well as the reason for your departure.

However, if you’re still working there, you need to type 現在に至る on the next line and then 以上 on the next line on the right side.

Here are several reasons and examples of abandonment of a job

• Abandonment for personal reasons (一身上のつごうにより退職)
• Resignation due to company decisions (会社都合による退職)
• Resignation due to the nature of the work, such as contracts with an already stipulated end date (契約期間満了につき退職)

Internships or part-time jobs do not need to be included as work experience unless they are relevant to the position you are applying for, or unless you are someone with little work experience, in which case, you should enter such information.

To attract the attention of potential employers, here we can describe all the achievements made throughout the professional career.

Develop all skills and certifications received that are beneficial for the position applied for.

Attaching any certification along with your date of Japanese language acquisition for foreign applicants (JLPT, NAT-TEST, BJT, etc.) is extremely important.

The personal cover letter (自己PR) and the reason for the application (志望動機) are self-explanatory.

This is the time to expand and express yourself in a different way to stand out, to stand out and get a personal interview.

You can combine both sections, put one without the other, or both separately depending on the template you choose.

They can detail why they think they would be a great fit for the role, why they would be a great addition to the company, as well as their past experiences that make them the ideal candidate.

Depending on the selected workforce, they may have a sector where they must place their hobbies, skills and general interests, as well as their weaknesses and strengths or even health conditions. They must complete it as appropriate.

They may also be asked to specify other pertinent information such as how much travel time they have from home to the office (it doesn’t matter if the position is remote, if the question is on the form they must answer it), if they have children, if they are married, and if they are the sole provider for them.

Ultimately, a sector may appear where they are allowed to write what they expect from the job, the company or what they would like to request from it (本人希望).

Here they can indicate their expectations, expected salary, working hours, the office you want to attend (in case there are multiple addresses), and any other wishes. It is also the section where they can develop and express all the doubts they have regarding the position or the company.

We recommend that you do not leave this section blank as doing so could be interpreted as a lack of interest on your part. They don’t need to go into too much detail or be very extensive, but it is important that they express their intentions as politely as possible.

On the other hand, if you don’t have any particular orders you can type 貴社規定に従います. This means that they will follow all the rules, conditions, and expectations about work that the company sets.

We hope we have helped you put together your Japanese resume and wish you the best of luck in landing your dream job in Japan.

Don’t forget, the cover letter can make all the difference.