Creating a resume often poses a major hurdle when looking for a job in Japan. This is not only a concern for those who lack confidence in their Japanese language skills or struggle to use them well, but it’s also a common issue for many foreigners. The reason for this is because resumes in Japan have their own unique style, with specific rules and etiquette that differ from other countries. In this article, we will introduce the differences between Japanese resumes and those from other countries, and discuss important points to keep in mind when filling them out.

Differences Between Japanese and Overseas Resumes

When creating a resume in Japan, unlike overseas, it is common to prepare a set of two documents: a resume and a job history document. It’s important to note that the culture of the cover letter, common in other countries, does not exist in Japan.

In Japan, the resume mainly contains a personal profile, while the job history document typically includes past job experiences, applicable knowledge, experiences, skills, certifications, and self-promotion. When preparing these, it is not only work history and skills that are considered important, but also the personal attributes of the job seeker. Japanese employers tend to look for self-promotion that provides insight into the individual’s personality and leaves a positive impression.

The resume typically includes the following: name, gender, birth date and age, address, contact information, educational background, work experience, qualifications, and information on dependents and marital status. I will highlight and explain a few points that require special attention in the following sections.

ID photo

In Japanese resumes, attaching a photo is a requirement. Furthermore, it is necessary that this photo is a formal identification picture taken at a photo booth or professional studio, not a casual photo taken with a smartphone or similar device.

Gender, Date of Birth and Age, Address, Number of Dependents, and Marital Status

In overseas settings, these categories are often not required or are optional, but in Japan, they are mandatory.

Two important points to note are the order of the date of birth and the address details. The order of the date in Japan is different from many other countries, being year/month/day. For the address, you need to include details down to the house number or apartment room number.

Educational Background and Work Experience

When listing your educational background and work experience, it must be written in chronological order, starting from the oldest. This stems from the fact that a resume in Japan is strongly seen as a document summarizing an individual’s history.

Job History Document

The job history document should primarily be seen as a tool for self-promotion. It should detail what kind of jobs you’ve held throughout your life, the knowledge, skills, and technologies you’ve gained, the qualifications you possess, and how you can contribute to the company using these assets. As mentioned earlier, personal qualities and character are viewed as equally important as job history in a Japanese job history document. If you are hired, it is advisable to also consider and detail how you can contribute to the company.

Conclusion

Even the term “resume” encompasses a wide variety of styles and required elements, depending on cultural differences. Adapting to the specific style of resume in Japan, as we’ve introduced in this guide, and becoming accustomed to Japanese culture and the job market may not be an overnight process. However, with effort and deepened understanding, foreign job seekers can gain the confidence to open new doors in their careers. Overcoming the barriers of a different culture is never easy, but it’s a challenge that can offer a rewarding experience.