Most of the job seekers in Japan had to face the situation when they have been asked to make a Japanese resume, called “Rirekisho” 履歴書. We also ask 90% of the candidates to send a Japanese version resume.
Japanese style resume is different than any other resume types. It has two different sheets called Rirekisho and Shokumu-Keirekisho. Rirekisyo is a general working history without details of your education or career. But Japanese usually check it for a quick summary of your career. Shokumu-Keirekisho is the sheet where you put all the details of your work experience and part-time or freelance jobs information. Japanese mostly pay attention to only Full-Time experience. But in some cases, Freelance experience plays a big role for such positions as translator, interpreter, social media marketing specialist, developer and etc.
Recently it’s absolutely common to send a Japanese resume by email to the potential employer or recruiter. But some years ago you were supposed to bring a fresh written Japanese resume to the actual interview. You would ask how to apply? The candidate used to send Handwritten resume by post to the company he wanted to apply. Nowadays only a few companies would ask you to bring a Handwritten resume to the interview. But you should be ready to do that and practice your Japanese handwriting. It takes time to write a Japanese resume because you will have to write every Kanji Character and all the details in Shokumu-Keirekisho.
Here are some tips on how to make a Japanese resume.
1. Get a Japanese resume form (download or buy in the convenient store)
2. It is always better to have a digital copy of your Rirekisho even if you have to bring a handwritten resume.
3. Make sure the dates are in the same style (Japanese Calendar or Christian era/Western Calendar)
4. Make sure your name is written correctly
5. Always update the date on the top of your resume
6. Make sure the information you write is correct
7. Start from your education and divide the education with the career
8. It is important to mention your certifications in the resume
9. Put the information about the languages you speak
10. When you write about your education or career always put it in two lines with the start and end dates
11. Make sure you circled all necessary spots.
The forms for Rirekiho and Shokumu-Keirekisho can be also found on our website.
Don’t forget to attach a picture to your resume as in Japan it’s common.