How to Write a Japanese Resume | 日本式の履歴書の書き方 

You Don’t Actually Need a Japanese Resume to Land A Job in Japan: Just The Right Kind of Help | 日本で就職するには、日本式の履歴書が必ず必要というわけではない。

To land a job in Japan, you don’t need a Japanese resume if you sign up with an agency such as FAST OFFER International. Instead, you will need a different set of requirements which a mentor will help you tweak your profile specific to a Japanese company. A lot of Japanese companies looking to hire international talents work exclusively with agencies to help them deal with the special requirements needed by talents transitioning to a life in Japan.

Skipping Agency Assistance? Here’s How to Write a Japanese Resume On Your Own | 人材紹介を利用せず、自分で履歴書を作成する方法 

If you want to approach companies on your own as an international talent or student, know that you will be competing with other local Japanese talent. Your communication skills will be compared to native Japanese speakers and they might not be equipped to handle your visa needs. If this is the route your taking, here’s what you need to know about writing a Japanese resume.

There are two essential documents that you must prepare: the “履歴書” (rirekisho) which is your Japanese resume and the “職務経歴書” (shokumu keirekisho). 

The “履歴書” is the Japanese version of a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), but it follows a slightly different format from English CVs or resumes. To avoid confusion, let me guide you through the process of creating a Japanese-style “履歴書.” 

Why is having a Japanese-Style Resume necessary? | なぜ日本式の履歴書が必要なのか？ 

• Your profile might be ignored for not following the expected Japanese format!
• The particular style Japanese companies use for resumes help them quickly review the candidates’ backgrounds at a glance.
• To understand their gaps in employment history and educational background in order to organize the necessary information for background checks and residency permit applications.
• Human resources departments often keep them as personnel records.

Sample of a Japanese style resume | 履歴書 

How to write a Japanese resume | 日本式の履歴書の書き方   

Name 

• Write your full name as it appears on your passport. 

Furigana (Write in either katakana or hiragana) | ふりがな

• Furigana: Write in ひらがな (hiragana)
• Furigana for name: Write in カタカナ (katakana)

Photograph 

• Attach a frontal photo of your face. 

Gender 

• Leave the applicable option (Male or Female). 
• If none of the options apply or you prefer not to answer, delete both. 

Phone Number 

• Include the country code followed by your phone number (e.g., +XX XXXX XXXX). 

Email Address 

• Provide a contactable email address. 

Address 

• Include as much address information as possible. In the case of overseas addresses, include the town name and post code. 

Education  | 学歴(gakureki) 

• Start with the oldest and list them in chronological order. For example:
  • 20XX – XX Japan University, Japanese Language Department, Enrollment 入学(nyuugaku) 
  • 20XX – XX Japan University, Japanese Language Department, Graduation 卒業(sotsugyou) 

Employment History | 職歴(shokureki)

• List in chronological order, starting with the oldest. Separate the Employment and Resignation dates.  For example:  
  • 20XX – XX Japan Corporation, Employment 
  • 20XX – XX Japan Corporation, Resignation 
• No need to provide detailed job descriptions. 
• Write the company name in its official form, including “株式会社” or “Ltd., Co.”. 
• Specify if it was an internship or part-time job. For example:  
  • 20XX – XX Japan Corporation, Employment (Part-time) 
  • 20XX – XX Japan Corporation, Resignation (Part-time) 

Qualifications | 資格(shikaku)

• List in chronological order, starting with the oldest. 
• Provide the accurate name of the qualification.   For example:
  • 20XX – XX JLPT N2 Certification 

Self-Promotion (PR) | 自己PR (Jiko PR) 

• Write a concise description of your work experience, studies, etc. 
• Keep each sentence within 30 characters if possible. 
• It’s also good to mention what you want to learn and how you want to advance your career. 

Spouse | 配偶者 (haiguusha)

• For individuals recognized as spouses in Japan. 

Dependents | 扶養家族 (fuyoukazoku)

• Indicate the number of people who depend on the applicant’s salary for their livelihood. 
• This can include dependents living overseas, but proof of financial support may be required. 

Commute Time | 通勤時間 (tsuukinnjikan）

• If residing in Japan, indicate the approximate commuting time from your current residence to the potential workplace. 
• Not necessary if living overseas. 

Other (Indicate Special Information in Your Japanese Resume)

• Include reasons for your application and any information that needs to be conveyed to the company due to religious reasons, etc. For example:
  • I perform prayer five times a day. I would appreciate having approximately 20 minutes for prayer during working hours. 
  • It would be desirable to have the option of remote work twice a week due to having children. 

Now: What To Do With Your Japanese Resume? | 日本式の履歴書の活用方法は？ 

That’s all the explanation on how to create a Japanese resume. Let’s give it a try while using this as a reference.

Now where and how to submit it? FAST OFFER International can help you find the perfectly suited opportunities in Japan among the Japanese companies looking for foreign talent ASIA to JAPAN is partnered with. 

If you want to learn about how to get a job in Japan, you can check out our career guides. If self-studying is enough, you can consult with experts! Register with FAST OFFER International to get access to our Career Advisors.