how to write resume in japan

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How to write a Japanese resume: The only guide you need + Free PDF template

Are you an international job hunter looking to find new career opportunities in Japan ? Take note! One of the first things you can do to make your job application stand out in Japan is to write a good Japanese resume, also known as rirekisho (履歴書).

That’s why today we will show you exactly how to write a Japanese resume that will get you your dream job.

The global economy opens up wonderful opportunities for international employment seekers. But with it also come differences from one culture’s expectations on resumes to another.

Don’t just throw together an English resume and hope for the best when applying abroad. A Japanese resume, or rirekisho, is vastly different from an English resume. You’ll need to get ahead of the competition by brushing up on what is expected here! 

In this blog post, we’ll explain the nuances between an English-style resume and Japan’s rirekisho so you can craft yours like a pro! You can also read our  guide on the steps to start working in Japan.

The Basics of a Japanese Resume and Rirekisho

First, let’s start with the basics. An English resume is a document used to present your skills, experience, and qualifications to a potential employer in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

It typically includes sections such as personal information, education, work experience, skills, and achievements. The goal of an English resume is to highlight your strengths and accomplishments and make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

On the other hand, a rirekisho (履歴書) — which translates to “personal history sheet” — is a standardized form used in Japan. It includes personal information, education, work history, and a photograph.

The rirekisho is often accompanied by a shokumu keirekisho (職務経歴書), which is a separate document that more closely resembles an English resume as it provides a more detailed account of your work history and responsibilities.

Like an English resume, submitting a Japanese resume is the first step of the hiring process. If you pass the screening section, you will be contacted for an interview. For foreigners, this is where your potential employers see how can deliver an answer with confidence and proper Japanese.

Check out our guide to answer common Japanese job interview questions here!

Now that we’ve established the basics, let’s dive deeper into the specific differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho.

The English Resume: A Quick Breakdown

• The Japanese Rirekisho as Compared to the English Resume
• Format and Length
• Personal Information
• Work Experience
• Skills and Qualifications
• Download Free Japanese Resume Template
• Cultural Norms
• Rirekisho vs. Shokumukeirekisho

In the English-speaking world, the standard format for a resume is a one or two-page document. Here’s a brief overview of the titled resume sections:

One of the key features of the English resume is its brevity. Employers in the English-speaking world tend to prefer resumes that are concise, focused, and easy to read.

They’re looking for candidates who can distill complex information into a few key points and demonstrate their value clearly and straightforwardly.

That being said, even if you’re in Japan, there are times when you might submit an English resume instead of a Japanese rirekisho. This is particularly true if you’re applying for English-speaking jobs in Japan that don’t require a lot of Japanese, such as English teachers or recruiters .

The Japanese Resume as Compared to the English Resume

In Japan, the standard format for a resume is known as a rirekisho. Unlike the English resume, which is typically one or two pages, the rirekisho is always a two-page document that was traditionally filled out by hand.

Now, it’s common and acceptable to type resumes (that’s such a lifesaver for those of us who struggle to write kanji freehand and neatly).

Passed the screening — and moving on to the first round of interviews? Check out 10 useful phrases for a Japanese job interview.

Format and Length of Japanese Resume

One of the most notable differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho is its format. The format of an English resume is more flexible than that of a Japanese rirekisho.

Resumes can be presented in a variety of styles, including chronological, functional, and combination formats. They can also be any length, although most employers prefer resumes that are no longer than two pages.

On the other hand, the format of a rikishi is standardized and strict, and there is only one accepted format on A4-sized paper. In a rirekisho, the sections are not titled, and bullet points are not used.

Nevertheless, they are organized into clearly marked areas for personal information, education, work history, and a photograph.

1. Personal Information and Photo

Both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho require personal information, but the level of detail and what is considered important differs between the two.

In an English resume, personal information is usually limited to your name, address, phone number, and email address. In some cases, you may also include your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts.

However, it’s important to remember that you should never include personal details such as your age, marital status, or religion, as this is considered inappropriate and workplaces can be considered discriminatory for using that as criteria to assess your candidacy.

However, in a rirekisho, personal information includes:

Also, more detailed information is required such as your marital status and even your blood type may be on the rirekisho! In Japan, it is common for employers to request this information, as they believe it helps them to get a better sense of who they are as a person.

Photograph (写真・shashin)

One of the most significant differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho is the inclusion of a photograph. In Japan, it is common to include a photograph with your rirekisho, whereas it is not common to do so in an English resume.

The photograph should be a professional headshot, and it is important to dress in a nice shirt and suit jacket and present yourself in a professional manner. You should opt for normal suit colors like black, navy blue or gray.

The photograph should be recent and clearly show your face. You can either crop a photo digitally to fit the required size or you can get a photo taken and printed at photo booths all across Japan (i.e. outside of supermarkets, in convenience stores and in train stations) for 500-600 yen.

2. Education and Work Experience

Education (学歴・gakureki).

Both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho require information about your education, but there are some differences in what is expected.

In an English resume, you typically list your educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree.

You include the name of the institution, your degree, and the date you received it. You may also include any relevant coursework, awards, or honors.

In a rirekisho, you are expected to provide more detailed information about your education, including the name of the institution, the department you studied in, your major, and the dates you attended.

You may also include any relevant coursework, awards, or honors, but it is not as common as it is in an English resume.

Work Experience (職歴・shokureki)

In an English resume, work experience, or professional experience, is typically organized in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

You include the name of the company, your job title, the dates you worked there, and your key responsibilities and achievements.

It is common to use bullet points to concisely summarize key responsibilities and make them easy to read.

In a rirekisho, work experience is organized in a slightly different way. You still list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. This includes the name of the company, your job title, and the dates you worked there.

You may also include information about the size of the company (how many employees), the size of the department or team you were assigned to and the industry it operates in.

However, Japanese resumes do not include your responsibilities and achievements in previous companies.

3. Special Skills, Certifications or Licenses: 資格・免許 (Shikaku and Menkyo)

In an English resume, you typically include a section that highlights your key skills and qualifications. This section can include both technical and soft skills, as well as any relevant certifications or licenses you hold. It is important to tailor this section to the specific job you are applying for.

In a rirekisho, there is also a special skills and licenses section. Here, you’ll input the name of the license or skill and the year you acquired it. You might also include any JLPT qualifications since that can be official proof of your Japanese proficiency.

For Japanese companies, JLPT N2 or N1 is typically desirable. You can even include your driver’s license. If you don’t have anything to include in this section, you can write “特になし”.

4. Personal PR and Appeal Points (志望の動機、特技、好きな学科、アピールポイント)

This section is basically where you can list anything else that you feel is interesting about yourself and/or relevant to the job you’re applying to.

志望の動機 (shibou no douki) is “motivation for applying”, and you want to do your best to catch the employer’s eye here.

特技 (tokugi) is “special skills”, while 好きな学科 is interests or hobbies.

アピールポイント (apiiru point) is appeal points, and these are pretty similar to special skills and hobbies. If you have more to add here, just try to tie it into how these points can benefit the company.

5. Commute Time, Family Situation and Other Details

Sections 4 and 5 in other rirekisho templates you find online may differ from the ones here.

Section 5 as pictured above asks for details such as commute time (通勤時間・tsuukin jikan) and anything else you may think is relevant. While not explicitly written, you could include your family situation. Here would be some terms to include or look out for:

Spouse (配偶者 or haiguusha) : If you have a spouse, circle “yes” (有・ari). If you aren’t married, circle “no” (無・nashi)

Spouse obligation (配偶者の扶養義務 or haiguusha no fuyou jinmu) : If your spouse is supported by your income, circle “yes” (有). If not, circle “no” (無)

Number of Dependents (not including spouse): 扶養家族 (配偶者を除く) . Input how many people you support on your income. For example, if you have two children, you would write “2” or “2人” here.

6. Personal Request: 本人希望記入欄 (honnin kibou kinyuuran)

This section of your rirekisho is dedicated specify any specific requests related to your preferred salary, job type, working hours, work location, or any other preferences that you have for your ideal job. This section allows you to clearly set your expectations and preferences for potential employers.

In most cases, you might not have any specific requests or requirements. In this case, you can just write:

貴社の規定に従います。 Kisha no kitei ni shitagaimasu. Comply with company’s regulations.

Example of a Japanese Resume

Download Your Free Japanese Resume Template (with Example)

Cultural norms of japanese resume.

The differences between an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho can mostly be attributed to cultural norms. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on personal relationships and social hierarchy.

As a result, the rirekisho includes a photo of the applicant, which is not typically included in English resumes.

In Japan, it is also common for employers to place a high value on a candidate’s personality and character, which they feel is reflected in the content of the rirekisho.

In English-speaking countries, there is generally less emphasis placed on personal relationships and social hierarchy. Resumes are typically evaluated based on the applicant’s qualifications and accomplishments, rather than their personality or character.

As a result, English resumes tend to focus more on the applicant’s professional experience, education and skills.

Rirekisho vs Shokumukeirekisho

At the start of this post, I mentioned a rirekisho and a shokumukeirekisho. Both are related to job applications, but I wanted to briefly discuss their differences.

As you now know, a rirekisho is a standard Japanese resume that includes information such as the applicant’s name, contact information, education background, work experience, skills, and other personal information. It is required by most employers as part of the application process.

On the other hand, a shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) is a document that focuses specifically on an individual’s work experience and job history.

It is also used in Japan for job applications but is typically required for more specialized positions or positions that require a certain level of expertise.

A shokumukeirekisho includes details such as the applicant’s job titles, dates of employment, responsibilities and achievements, and any relevant skills or certifications.

So in summary, both rirekisho and shokumukeirekisho are used in job applications in Japan.

However, while rirekisho is a more general resume, shokumukeirekisho is a more specialized document that gets into more specific work experiences and job histories.

In conclusion, while both an English resume and a Japanese rirekisho serve the same purpose of highlighting your skills and qualifications to potential employers, they still won’t guarantee a job offer.

When applying for a job in Japan, it is important to understand the cultural expectations around a rirekisho and do well during your interview rounds.

Of course, you want to accurately showcase your experience and skills in an acceptable way to give yourself the best chance of securing the role you want! 

Hopefully, this article shed some light on how to craft a rirekisho as opposed to an English resume.

If you to look for a new job or change your career in Japan, Coto Academy offers business Japanese and advanced courses, tailored for working professionals!

We also have classes for intermediate and advanced students. If you’re interested, contact our friendly staff by filling out the form below, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible!

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Fill out this inquiry form to head to our consultation booking page.

How is Japanese resume different from English resume?

In Japan, the standard format for a resume is known as a rirekisho. Unlike the English resume, which is typically one or two pages, the rirekisho is always a two-page document that was traditionally filled out by hand but is now common and acceptable to be typed. Japanese resumes also do not include your job scope and your achievements in previous companies

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How to Write Your Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)

by Madelaine

6月 01, 2018, in basics , job search, コメントはまだありません.

Writing your first Japanese resume/CV (rirekisho, 履歴書) can be a challenge. But everyone who is hoping to find work in Japan eventually has to write one. Resumes in Japan follow their own logic, and kanji and keigo can complicate the situation, but luckily, they are incredibly uniform.

Just follow this format and remember to adapt your standard answers to really match the position and respective company.

Japanese resume template

There is no need to design your own resume, you can use a template to simply fill in. All Japanese resumes are structured into three main parts: 1) basic information 2) education and skills, and 3) motivation and personality. The whole thing is like a CV and a cover letter mixed together.

The resume template below shows what needs to be filled in where.

There are a few different resume templates in Japan. You might be using the standard resume or a company-specific version. But even if the layout is different, the contents should be almost identical. If you manage to write a Japanese CV once, all others after it will take only a fraction of the time.

You can download the standard template (Japan Industrial Standards version) for free in Word, Excel and PDF format over here (the first option on the list).

Before you get started

If furigana is written with hiragana as ふりがな in the resume form, then use hiragana, if it is written as フリガナ use katakana. Always adjust to the format.

It is standard to write dates according to the Japanese calendar as 平成3年5月29日. Use the same date format throughout the resume.

Some companies require a handwritten resume. If that happens to you, make sure you write without mistakes and in even, clean handwriting (uneven handwriting is seen as lacking attention which can lead to failing the selection).

Japanese resumes are typically written in chronological order, starting from days past and ending with your most recent activity.

Japanese resumes are generally written in keigo. So definitely use the ます-form at the end of every sentence. Use advanced keigo when possible, but rather than making a mistake, stick to more simple polite Japanese expressions.

Basic Information

Fill in the day of submission or the day before. Always write the same day as the interview, if you submit in person.

You can write your name in the order you are used to, you don’t have to adjust to the Japanese system. (They will call you by the name you write first). Leave some space between first and last names.

3. Name Stamp

When using your 印鑑 いんかん take care to stamp neatly within the box, facing in upright. Double check that the stamp is visible completely. If you do not have a name stamp, you can either put a sign here or leave the field blank (if you’re unsure, choose the latter).

Most standard rirekisho templates still contain a gender box. If this does not agree with you, leave it blank. Since December 2020, you can also buy resume templates without a gender box (according to the maker’s website, they cost 120 yen).

Write your birthday according to the Japanese calendar. In the brackets write your age on the day of submission that you wrote under #1.

Not a thing anymore in many countries, but still standard in Japan: the picture. More precisely, imagine your passport picture and add a suit.

• ✔ 2.4-3cm width, 3.6-4cm height
• ✔ taken within the last 3 months
• ✔ in color, facing the camera, clear headshot, nothing else in the picture
• ✔ business attire
• ✔ smile softly and open your eyes

You can take this one yourself in a photo booth, but remember to check your clothes, makeup and facial expression. If you want to invest for a better picture, you can book special resume photo shoots in Japan, which even come with optional hair and makeup.

READ ON　 Guide to taking resume pictures in Japan

Add your picture to the CV after you filled everything without spelling mistakes. To avoid any chance of confusion, write your name on the back of the picture.

7. Current Address

When adding your current address, write the postal code in the first line. Go from big to small, starting with the prefecture, district and working your way down to the room number.

〒 107-0052 東京都 渋谷区 道玄坂 2丁目1 日の出シェアハウス渋谷 ＃3

After the address remember to put your apartment complex’s name and room number. Remember to fill in the furigana. In you live overseas, fill it in in romaji and write it once more in Japanese script in the furigana section.

8. Phone Number

If you have a landline go ahead and fill this out, otherwise leave it blank.

9. Mobile Number

Enter your current phone number. If you don’t have a phone, consider getting one. It is likely, that HR wants to call you directly to make appointments.

Use an email address you check frequently and can access from any PC. Use a “proper” email address, not the one of your cosplay persona or the goofy one you made when you were 14.

11. Alternative Contact

Here you can put an alternative address, in case you are moving, currently still living abroad, or are out of town for an extended period of time. Just make sure the company knows where to reach you, and that you can receive any documents they may send.

Education and Work History

12. Education

If you’re applying to your first job: Start with the date you entered elementary school! (Do you still remember?) Do not abbreviate anything. For example, many Japanese people say 高校 こうこう when referring to high schools but the full, proper term is 高等学校 こうとうがっこう .

Further Secondary and Tertiary education should be written in chronological order. Don’t forget to include each twice. One line for the date you entered, and one for your graduation. If you got multiple degrees or moved schools as a kid, you might run out of space here. In that case skip your Primary Education, for the sake of your more recent education.

For university and college programs write in the following order: University name, (country if it’s abroad), faculty, department, subject. You can add your research topic or graduation thesis title if you want.

Language school or studied abroad stays do not need to be written here. You can add them when these studies lasted for more than 6 months and helped you acquire a skill that is relevant to the position you are applying to. Everything else will be considered a vacation. Also indicate it if you are enrolled in a language school or study abroad program at the time of application.

When changing jobs , it is enough to start the school history from your high school graduation. Otherwise follow the advice above.

13. Work Experience

Same as for your schools, you write everything chronologically and enter both, the date you entered and the date you left the company. Write the official company name without abbreviations and 入社 にゅうしゃ next to the date on which you entered the company. Make sure you got the company name right. Check if 株式会社 かぶしきがいしゃ comes before or after the name. If your previous company merged or otherwise changed their names write both the original name and the new one (現〇〇株式会社).

In the second line, indicate the type of company and the number of employees. Use a third line for your tasks there. If something in your work history is directly related to the hiring requirements, you can use a 4th line to emphasize those. If you changed department within a company, add that with a date in an extra line.

Next to the date you left your previous company, write the reason why in the same line. You can use the standard phrase 一身上 いっしんじょう の 都合 つごう により 退社 たいしゃ , meaning you left due to personal reasons. If you are still working there, write 現在 げんざい に 至 いた る. If you are still working but the day you leave your current company is decided, then enter it as: 平成〇〇年〇月　株式会社〇〇　退職予定

When you are done, leave some space and write 以上 right corner of a line. If you find yourself running out of space put 職務経歴書記入 しょくむけいれきしょきにゅう toward the bottom of the area, to say that you will attach the missing information.

READ ON　 Guide to the Japanese “work experience resume”

When you are done check again: are all your dates in Japanese calendar and correct?

14. Skills and Certificates

Write from the specific to the less specific: start with your licenses or permits, then onto qualifications.

Start with your driver’s license (not very common in Tokyo) if you have one.

Be sure to write all your qualifications with their official names. For example, if you mention your Japanese skills, write 日本語能力試験 and not JLPT. If you are currently studying towards a certain certificate you can also mention it here.

Make sure that everything you write here is relevant to your job. If you know Latin, for example, that’s great, just don’t write down things you have no opportunity to utilize at work.

15. Special mention

Maybe you know how to drive a car but didn’t get your Japanese license yet. Or you are studying toward the JLPT and are positive that you can pass. Here is the space to mention those skills you cannot provide any valid certificate for at the moment.

The cover letter part

The below points may not all be in your specific format, but since some of them definitely show up, I will briefly cover them here.

16. Hobbies

A short list of your hobbies without explanations is enough, whatever you do, do not leave this one blank for the sake of bringing conversation starters. Don’t write too many things so it doesn’t seem like these hobbies are your priority.

If you have hobbies that leave a good impression, even better. Do you run your own blog? Do you know Ikebana? Do you play soccer (maybe it taught you team play or leadership skills)? Write it down. If you like bungee-jumping or gambling, that might be something to skip, as it may not reflect well on your character.

17. Special Skill

Here you can show what you’re good at and bring in things you couldn’t mention in the certificates section. So you can put your Japanese or IT skills, for which you don’t have any license. Or maybe you learned something relevant to your job during your part-time work or internship.

18. Strength and Weakness

Another popular question is about your strength and weakness. When asked for both, mention one of each. Pick a strength that is relevant to the company and position you are applying to. For your weakness, write down something that doesn’t affect your work (if you are applying as an accountant, not being the most creative person on the planet will hardly be an issue).

19. Health Condition

Another odd, Japanese question. If you are healthy and don’t have any diseases write 良好 りょうこう (they are not asking for your cold). If you are really going for the robust and healthy appeal, you can also add for how long you haven’t been sick. きわめて 良好 りょうこう （ 前職 ぜんしょく では0 年間無欠勤 ねんかんむけっきん ですor0 年間病気 ねんかんびょうき をしていません.)

If you have some sort of health concern, ask yourself if it impedes your work or not. When the answer is no, do not write it down. (So you can leave out your last cold, short-term sickness, diseases that have healed, chronic diseases that you can deal with without impacting work, or occasionally occurring things like anemia, etc.)

What you have to write down are health issues that require you to see a doctor during work hours or limit what you can do at work (your rehabilitation after some broken bones does fit in here, as does having a problem lifting heavy things.) In this case, write a short explanation sentence.

20. Motivation for Application

What made you apply for this job and why do you want to work at this company? Depending on how much space your template leaves you, you don’t have to write an essay here, but your answer should be longer than one word or sentence (if your template allows for it). Keep the short text structured and easy to follow, and avoid pitfalls like writing about why you want to live in Japan.

READ ON How to write your motivation for application in Japanese

21. “Self-PR”

Here is your chance to describe what makes you the right candidate and how you can benefit the company. Length should be about the same as the motivation for application Talk about your strengths or things that you have done in the past. Don’t beat around the bush – give concrete examples and provide “proof” to make the reader really understand your strong points. Also, don’t forget to mention how you want to use your abilities during everyday work.

READ ON How to write a convincing Self-PR paragraph

22. Commute Time

How long does it take from your house to the company? Leave this one blank if you don’t live in Japan. 90min one way is considered within the normal range for commuting time. If you live more than 90min away from the company and are willing to move for the job, write 内定後速 ないていごすみ やかに 転居可能 てんきょかのう .

23. Dependents (without spouse)

If you do not have children or other dependents, write 0.

Circle 有 あり (yes) if you are married, otherwise choose 無 ない (no).

25. Spousal Support

Are you paying for the living expenses of your spouse? If you don’t have housewife or stay-at-home husband, probably you can choose 無 ない (no).

26. Requests and Wishes

Here is the place where you can put your expectations or wishes regarding your salary, position, work hours and location. Things you could write here are for instance the department you want to work at ( 勤務部署 きんむぶしょ ) or the city you want to work in ( 勤務地 きんむち ).

Pre-submission Checklist

Congratulations on your completed rirekisho! Before you hand your resume in, double check for any mistakes.

• ✔ contents revised to match position and company
• ✔ no spelling errors
• ✔ all furigana are written correctly
• ✔ every section filled in
• ✔ the picture is attached properly and straight
• ✔ no abbreviations
• ✔ all dates in the same format
• ✔ paper without any folds or stains (if you mail it, use a large enough envelope)

Good luck with your job hunt!

Need advice? Ask job-hunt experts

Today, getting a job in Japan as a foreigner is easier than ever. But if you don’t know all the ins and outs, getting the exact job you want can still be difficult.

Linguage Japanese Language school in Shinjuku specializes in a special blend of Japanese education and job hunt preparation. Their courses (both long- and short-term) teach practical Japanese that you can instantly apply in business settings. Aside from the classes themselves, you can ask teachers to look at and check your resumes and get direct advice on how to get jobs in specific industries. For more info, check our detailed article over here or directly visit the school’s homepage by clicking the button below.

Linguage Japanese Language School

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After traveling around for a while, I found my home in Tokyo. Now working in Shinjuku and discovering something new about Japan every day.

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Writing a Japanese Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

• June 3, 2022

Applying for a job means writing a resume tailored specifically for the position. Japan as a country and society has many unique aspects, and writing a Japanese resume is one of them.

Though there are two major hiring seasons , early spring and late summer, it’s never too late to start perfecting your resume.

In Japan, a resume is referred to as a ​rirekishou (履歴書). It means background information, and it’s a formal document with a strict structure that can sometimes be very different than western resumes.

Being aware of the different fundamental expectations of a ​rirekishou​ can be the difference between an unsuccessful application and an invitation to a job interview.

Rirekishou​ (Japanese resume template) can be purchased at convenience stores and stationery shops for less than 300 yen for a set of 3, including A4-sized white envelopes.

Templates can also be downloaded for free ​here ​.

There’s an unspoken rule that a ​rirekishou​ must be handwritten by hand with black or blue ink , with no use of correction tape. If any mistakes are made, the form must be re-written again. For those that cannot speak or write Japanese yet, this can be the most challenging and frustrating part of the process as many Japanese companies place importance on a handwritten resume. However, due to increased applications from foreign residents and exchange students, hiring boards have become more open to accepting ​rirekishou​ that have been typed on a computer.

Whether you handwrite your resume or type it out on a word processor, each section of the ​rirekishou has specific rules on how it should be filled out.

This comprehensive guide will take you to step by step in creating a Japanese resume that will impress future employers!

Personal Information

The first section of any ​rirekishou​ will require you to fill in details such as your name, birth date, age, gender, residential address, email added, and phone number.

It’s pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:

• Name – In Japanese, the surname comes first, then the first name follows. Unless you have a Japanese name written in Kanji, use katakana. If you’re unsure how to write your name in katakana, you can use this English-to-Japanese name converter​ to help you out.
• Dates – All dates should be written using the Japanese ​nengo​ calendar. Simply put, the nengo calendar is the name of the era named after the current Japanese emperor of that time. You can use this ​converter​ to check what your birthdate is in Japanese. Another thing to note is that Japanese dates are written opposite Western countries – Year, Month, and Day.
• Address – Often, there are two lines for writing an address, ​現住所​ (current address) and​ ​連絡先​ ​(additional contact address). The order of how addresses are written in Japanese differs entirely from how they are written in Western countries. Whether the address is Japanese or foreign, they should all have readings written above or in the space provided in hiragana or katakana. Addresses should be written in the following order: Post Code, Prefecture, Ward/City, Town, OO Choume, OO Ban, OO Go If you’re applying with a foreign residential address, think largest to smallest when writing out your address. For example, the address to Disneyland Park in Florida would be as follows: USA, CA 92802, Anaheim, 1313 Disneyland Drive.
• Phone Number – For those applicants who don’t have a Japanese phone number, you can purchase a fixed-line number on Skype as an alternative option.

In the top right section of a Japanese resume, there is always a blank square reserved for a photo. Attaching a photo to a Japanese CV is not a common practice abroad. In fact, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S, it’s often frowned upon as it can result in discrimination based on gender, skin color, appearance, etc. However, attaching a professional headshot is a compulsory part of a ​rirekishou​.

This will be the first time hiring managers will be seeing you before the interview, so put your best foot forward and make a positive first impression by dressing conservatively as if attending a job interview. Men typically wear a dark-colored suit and a tie with tidy hair. Women should ensure their make-up is natural-looking, and those with long hair should have it tied up. The headshot should be a passport-sized photo taken with a clear background.

There are photo booths throughout Japan that specialize in taking photos of just the right size for Japanese resumes and passports for less than 700 yen. Much like the ​purikura booths, they can remove any redness or blemishes on your skin and will print out a set of photos within a few minutes.

Academic Record ​学歴

Most ​rirekishou​ templates will have two separate sections for the academic and work history (​学 歴​ and 職歴​).

Some templates will combine the sections; in that case, start by writing​ 学歴​ in the top center line. Immediately below the header, you can begin writing your academic information in chronological order, from oldest to most recent. resume writing compared

It’s common to start with your high school graduation date, but if you have an extensive academic history (master’s, doctorate, second degree, etc.), you can omit it. Each school should have two lines dedicated to it, the first showing the date of enrollment and the second for graduation. Write down the country and school name. If applicable, you can also add the program title and level.

To list a graduation thesis, you should insert it ​between the enrollment and graduation lines. If necessary, a line can be inserted between the enrollment and graduation lines to list majors and minors. For tertiary education, make sure also to write down the faculty and department.

The format to use will look something like this: 学校名、学部、(学科)入学・卒業 (国)

Take note of how the date is written. In contrast to countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, etc., the date is recorded in reverse chronological order -Year, Month. The year can be written either using the Japanese ​nengo​ system or the Gregorian calendar. Try to stick with one system throughout your resume.

At the end of this section, on the right side of the following line, don’t forget to write ​以上 (end of entry).

Here’s an example of​ the education background 学歴​ ​section:

Employment history ​職歴.

Again if the academic record and employment history sections are combined, leave one line empty after the academic record entries and write ​職歴​ ​in the middle of the following line. Similar to the previous section, your employment history should also be written chronologically from oldest to newest positions. Do not include part-time jobs in this section.

Two lines should be dedicated per job, one for when you started the position and one for when you left the company. It would be best to write a concise description of your previous roles. You don’t need to elaborate on the duties and responsibilities of your previous jobs, as they are often discussed during the interview stage. However, it’s essential to state the reasons for leaving a previous position.

Here are three practical and commonly used expressions for explaining them:

• 一身上の都合により退職 (left for personal reasons)
• 契約期間満了につき退社 (contract ended)
• 会社都合により退社 (left for company reasons)

But if you are still currently working at that company, write​ 現在に至る​. If you have no work experience, you can write​ 無し​. Unlike most English-speaking countries abroad, having no experience can be a disadvantage, but traditional Japanese companies tend to favor those applicants without any previous experience. This makes it easier for the company to train potential employees in its ways and culture. Grad students and entry-level applicants can use this section to demonstrate any relevant internships or voluntary activities they have been involved in which may benefit the open position. There’s no need to write a reason for leaving or quitting such programs.

To end this section, write ​以上​ (end of entry) on the following line.

Here’s an example of ​the employment history 職歴​ ​section:

Be sure to use the company’s official name and not its commercial name. If you are unsure, you can check it out on the company website or Wikipedia if it’s a well-known company.

Be prepared to answer any questions regarding why you left any previous position during the interview stage. Regardless of your reasons, do not badmouth previous employers . Japanese companies will not see this in a favorable light.

Qualifications and Licenses​ 免許・資格

This section lists any qualifications, licenses, or certificates you have accumulated in your professional career. It’s recommended to mention only those that are relevant and practical to the position you’re applying for. Foreign applicants can take advantage of this section by mentioning their JLPT certification, Kanji Kanken level, or Japanese driving license .

Japanese companies will be impressed by the effort the applicant has put into their education to improve their career.

The only exception is that your university degree should not be listed here.

Reason for application ​志望動機

This is the most critical part of the ​rirekishou​ and can make or break your application. In this section, there’s more room for creativity and showing your personal interests and special skills.

To make the best impression on the hiring manager, keep these three main points in mind while writing your reasons for applying for the position.

• Be sure to add details specific to the position you are applying for, connecting them to your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments.
• Express how your career has developed over time and where you hope to take it. Recruiters are interested in applicants that will stay with the company and fully engage in company projects and goals.
• Try to talk about the characteristics of the company and how you would fit in well within the company. You can find out more about the company by looking at the job description or the company website.

When writing your reasons for applying, try to be aware of how you come off to the hiring manager. If you mention wanting to gain specific skills at the company, it can give off the impression that you’re simply using the company as a step-up for your career.

Traditional Japanese companies with long histories, in particular, do not like it when their employees use them as a stepping stone for a better position offered in another company. These companies prefer to hire employees who will stay working for them for the rest of their natural lives.

If you’re applying for a specific position, look closely at the information provided about the job opening. They will often mention what makes the ideal candidate.

You should try to include these qualities in your application to stand out amongst a sea of applicants.

Requests and Miscellaneous Information

There are various Japanese resume templates, some emphasizing skills or work history, but all will include a custom section where you can indicate any of the following:

Commuting Time ​通勤時間

In this section, you can fill in your maximum desired commuting time. Keep in mind that in urban centers like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, it’s common to have an hour’s commute from home to the office.

Marital Status​ 配偶者

If you’re uncomfortable offering this information, it’s acceptable to leave it blank as it’s not necessary.

Number of Dependents ​扶養者

If you have a spouse (配偶者) or a partner you need to support (配偶者の扶養義務), you can mention them here.

Expectations/Requests​ 本人希望記入欄

The final section of a ​rirekishou​ is another personalized section where you can state your expectations of the new role. Applicants can throw in a ballpark of what they hope to earn salary-wise, working hours, position, office location (if various offices are available), etc.

It’s recommended to at least write something in this section. You can at least write ​勤務条件は貴社の 規定に従います​ ​which means you are willing to negotiate or accept the conditions offered by the company during the interview stage. Leaving it blank can display a lack of interest in the position and company.

To Conclude about Japanese Resume

After filling out your ​rireskisou, ​ place it in an A4 or B5 white envelope. The form should ​not​ be folded!

Other Notes

If you’re sending in your resume by email, it’s best to convert it to a PDF file. This will ensure that the format stays clean. You can change a Word document to PDF easily. Simply select “Save As” and choose PDF for the file type below the document name.

Suppose you choose to handwrite your Japanese resume and double-check for errors. If there are any, ​do not​ use correction fluid, tape, or cross the mistake out. This will not only look sloppy but also give off the impression that you don’t care about the job and company you’re applying to!

If you’re applying to a foreign or international company with a base in Japan , sending in both a Japanese-style and a Western-style resume is recommended. ​ Sending in two styles shows your dedication and interest in the open position and understanding of the Japanese working culture. American hiring managers are known to skip over applicants that only send in a ​rirekishou.

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The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Resumes

By Norie Matsumoto | April 22, 2021

If you are wanting to live in Japan, an important step is to find a job. There are actually two prime seasons for hiring in Japan, which are at the beginning of spring and the end of summer, however, you can always get a head start on your Japanese resume. The job-hunting process in Japan can be quite a complex and challenging process, especially if Japanese is not your native language, and navigating the work environments can be pretty stressful and confusing. But in this article, you will learn all you need to find the perfect job for you by starting at the most important first step of applying for jobs, resumes. 

Japanese resumes in Japan are pretty different compared to other countries and there are different rules that you must follow.  You may not know what education history, work experience, credentials, qualifications, certificates, personality, or other information to highlight which are needed to get noticed by companies in Japan. Learn all you need to know about the types of resumes, the resume-making process, and important know-how on creating a great resume curated for what kind of company and work you are looking for. Learn the intricacies of traditional Japanese job hunting, including resume making in the Japanese style. This article will have a copy and paste or downloadable template and a guide on what to write and how to write it so you can get hired. Some sections of the resume and CV can become repetitive but every section should be filled and not left blank unless stated otherwise. 

This is part of our extensive series on getting a job in Japan as a foreigner Ultimate Guide to Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

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1 email a week for 12 weeks, how japanese resumes differ from western resumes or resumes in english.

Chances are, as a reader you are familiar with western style resume writing and may have made one for yourself before. However, using the same structure as the ones used in say the United States or Europe is not going to work in Japan at a Japanese domestic company. Even if you were to apply for a gaishike or foreign-owned enterprise, chances are you are still going to need both an Western style and Japanese style resume as there are other higher ups within the company that may not be well versed in English and require Japanese to read. Also, it is expected that the Japanese resume is not just a translation of your english one. It must follow a pretty unyielding format.  

Working in Japan as an international, you are going to need a visa, to find out how check out The Ultimate Guide on Japanese Visas

Handwritten - Possibly the most noticeable difference upfront is that many Japanese companies would prefer that you create a handwritten resume instead of just typed and printed . Writing each resume by hand is something underheard of in the western world, especially when you are most likely applying to a bunch of companies at a time. You can already imagine the hand cramping. This also means that you should be confident in writing in Kanji or willing to look it up.

But luckily, these days, most of the companies accept typed up resumes. Yet, handwritten shows your dedication and hardwork. It is recommended you first write lightly in pencil in case you make a mistake and finalize by writing in black pen. Avoid white out as it looks messy. You can buy empty resume forms at the conbini (convenience stores) for around ¥20 per sheet or you can get a free template here,

Download 3 Japanese Resume & CV Templates that you can use to apply for your next job!

Downloadable CV Templates for Rirekisho and Shokumukeirekisho

If you make a mistake, you have to restart with a new sheet. Make sure to buy or print extras for when you might need to use another more.

Time for a headshot - In Western countries, it is not a requirement to put your face on your resume. There is actually much debate on whether or not there even should be one on it, in the U.S. employers actually can not ask for photos as there is a possibility that applicants can be judged more on looks and less on work qualifications. However, in the case of Japanese resumes, it is a requirement that you can not neglect. 

Too much information - In most cases, you would not put personal information on Western Resumes such as, age, sex, commuting time, dependents, and birthdate. On the contrary, in Japan it is a must.

Free for all - In Western style, you are solely responsible for how your resume looks and the design. Yet, in Japan you are going to need to follow the same style and form as everybody else applying. 

Signed and sealed You must have an inkan (stamp form of signature) for a Japanese Resume, very official. 

1 vs 2 - Another difference is that usually, Western resumes only need one page, on the other hand Japanese CVs want you to have two, the Rirekisho and Shokumukeirekisho. 

Types of Japanese Resumes 

Now that you are a little bit more familiar with how the Western and Japanese style resume differs, it is time to get into the nitty-gritty. It is time to start making your Japanese resume. As mentioned earlier, the two big sections you need are called the Rirekisho and Shokumukeirekisho . What is that?

The Japanese Resume: Rirekisho

Put simply, a Rirekisho is a straight forward rundown of your education and work record. It just presents the fundamental and principal features of yourself such as the companies you have been employed for, how long, graduation year, etc. It is important that it is legible and follows the JIS standard (Japanese Industrial Standards), which is the most frequent type in Japan. There are some businesses that may explicitly ask for a JIS standard. 

1. Japanese Resume: Personal Information

Date of submission - At the top, put the date (year / month / day) in which you will submit your resume. Try to keep this one accurate. 

Full Name - Write your full name where it says 氏名 ・shimei・ しめい. Fill in your name in English or in Katakana . If your name is Chinese or Korean, write it in Kanji . First, put your ‘Last Name’, then a space and enter ‘First Name’. Write your name in Hiragana at the top, where it says ふりがな・ furigana .

Photo - This is almost as important as the whole rest of the resume. Stick a professional photo of yourself to the top right corner of your resume. The photo should look presentable with the face fully lit and viewable. 

• Solid background (white or blue is common) 
• No hair obstructing face ( tie long hair back)
• Steer away from heavy makeup (colorful eyeshadow, unnatural lipstick, etc.)
• Wear a business suit (what you would wear to an interview)
• Solid eye contact to the camera 
• Conservatism is important 
• Try not to grin from ear to ear with your teeth showing, just a slight, closed mouth smile.
• No facial hair
• Styled hair (no bedheads!)
• No crazy accessories (earrings, necklace, etc.)
• 3cm width x 4cm height
• taken in the last 3 months (recommended, try not to catfish your employer)
• in color, with nothing else in the image

To take the photos, look for photo booths that are along the streets of business areas or near big train stations. It usually fits the criteria stated above and the cheapest option at around 600 yen to 800 yen. Additionally, it is very quick and easy, it can be done in minutes. 

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Your Nationality

Where you are from. Put your country of origin (nationality) where it says 国籍 ・kokuseki ・こくせき. 

Date of Birth and Age

The section where it says 生年月日（年齢) ・seinengappi ( nenrei )・せいねんがっぴ（ねんれい), write your birthday. 

It should be written as (Year) 年/ (Month) 月/(Day)日生.

Then 満(your current age)歳 

Example: １９９９年１月１日生（満２２歳）

Circle male (男) or female (女) where it says 性別 ・ seibetsu

Present Address

Write your current address where it says 現住所・ Genjūsho・げんじゅうしょ.

Phone Number

Where it says, 電話 ・denwa・でんわ , write your phone number so that the employer can contact you. 

Email Address

Write your contact email where it says メールアドレス 

*You should have an email that is professional, typically just your name with numbers if necessary, not a middle school joke address like crazygamerchucky88

Additional Contact Info

Unless you want to put extra contact information other than what was written before,  just write 同上・ dōjo・どうじょう,  which means same as above meaning it is the same as what was written earlier.

2. Japanese Resume: Academic and Work History

Academic History 

Write your education in chronological order from earliest to latest.

Start by writing 学歴 ・gakureki ・がくれき in the middle of the first line.

Next line: Start from High School, write the year of graduation and month.

Then write enrollment year and month into university, next is the graduation year and month, and so on. 

Write the official school name, department, and major.

Work History  

Make sure to have a one line gap between academic history and work history.

Write your employment history in chronological order.

Start by writing 職歴 ・Shokureki ・しょくれき in the middle of the line

Next lines:

Start with your first company you worked with.

Year and month you joined, Company’s official name, Department and position

Next line: Year and month you left the company and reasons for that

3. Japanese Resume: License and Qualifications

In the next section, where it says 免許・資格・ Menkyo・shikaku ・めんきょ・しかく write any licenses or qualifications that pertains to the company and position you are applying for along with the year and month you obtained it.

4. Japanese Resume: Special Skills, Self Promotion

Where it says 特技・自己 or Tokugi・Jiko・とくぎ・じこ This is where you can sell yourself, write your skills that at least somewhat relates to the job or would aid in you being better at the job. The Self PR section can convince the employer why you would be good for the job (draw from previous experiences, etc.)

5. Japanese Resume: Transportation time

Write the commute time from home to work unless you do not have a Japan address yet. This is relevant because 86 percent of Japanese companies pay for employees' commuting allowance.  They also want to get a grasp of where you are coming from and may prefer someone living closer to the work location. 

6. Japanese Resume: Miscellaneous Information

In the section 扶養家族（配偶者を除く） Fuyō kazoku (haigūsha o nozoku) ふようかぞく（はいぐうしゃをのぞく the Dependents (not including spouse) section, write how many dependents (someone you support: You give at least half of their total support for the year: clothing, food, and shelter etc.) you have not including spouse. Example: your kids (unless they are making their own income).

Spouse and Spouse’s Obligation to Support

配偶者・ Haigusha はいぐしゃ section, if you are married with a spouse, check “Yes (有)”. But if you are not married with no spouse, check “No (無)”.

配偶者の扶養義務・ Haigūsha no fuyō gimu はいぐしゃのふようぎむ section, If your spouse is working and he or she is already working for a company that has social insurance, check “No (無)” unless your spouse needs social insurance, in which case check yes. 

7. Japanese Resume: Space for Personal Request

This section, 本人希望記入欄・ Hon'nin kibō kinyū ran ・ほんにんきぼうきにゅうらん

Write any specific requests (work location, salary, etc.)

But most people write 貴社規定に従います・ Kisha kitei ni shitagaimasu・きしゃきていにしたがいます or I will comply with your company regulations.”

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Do Japanese resumes need an accompanying CV?  

Yes - now that you know the first part of a resume, the Rirekisho it is time for the next part. 

The  Shokumukeirekisho is the CV (Curriculum Vitae), a form that connects to past work experience (companies where you were employed, about the job, skills you acquired, etc.)

1. Date of Submission and Full name

First, write your full name and the day you will be submitting it in the upper right corner. 

*It should be the same as your rirekisho

2. Summary of employment history/work

Here, write your past employment history. Unlike the resume, Rirekisho, put down all the companies you have been employed at in order of newest in order instead of oldest, then write the dates you were employed and the company’s name.

5. Summary of Experience and Knowledge

Area of Experience, Expertise, or Skill. You want to write down what kind of skills or experience you got from your previous companies. If you have any technical skills. Any leadership or management experience? Achievements?

6. Professional/Work Background and Experience 

First, write in the detailed information of each of the companies you have worked at. Things such as the background of the company, the size of the business, how many employees, employment period, and what kind of work you did. Order it as earlier by the last company you were enrolled in first and the first company you worked at will be last. 

Next, write an explanation of what your job was and what kind of activities you did and accomplished while you were there. You should write any projects, works, assignments you did and what you learned from them. Write what kind of assignment it was, how long it took, what you utilized, what was the outcome, and how big it was and your position in it. Unlike western styles, there is more emphasis on explaining about what kind of work and projects you did over the fancy titles.

7. Skills (Technical)

This is if it applies to your area of work, here, you should write what capabilities you have and expertise that are pragmatic and related to scientific, mathematical, mechanical, or IT (information technology) skills.

8. Certifications/Licenses

Now you should write any licenses or certifications that would be good for the company. If you are reading this article, you probably know English, for Japanese resumes, language significance is emphasized so it would be good to put your TOEIC or other language abilities as this is sought after! 

Examples would be language, Information Technology, etc. licenses/certificates.

9. Summary about yourself 

This may be repetitive as you already wrote it in the rirekisho but it still needs to be done. But again, put down information about your experiences, qualifications, skills that would benefit the company. Why you would be an asset to the company. Compared to the western style, it is recommended to not put recreational activities and instead keep it to strictly business related information.

Mistakes you should avoid making on your Japanese resume

It can be easy to make simple mistakes and you do not want to make careless mistakes that result in you not getting an interview even though you are qualified! Watch out for these common slip-ups:

• Typos and Grammatical Errors - These are small but noticeable mistakes that make your resume look sloppy and like you did not put time and effort into it. Make sure to double and triple check through your resume.
• Different set of eyes - If you have been working on your resume for a while, it will be harder and harder for you to really see what it would be like from an outside perspective so have someone else, preferably that knows Japanese and about the resumes to have a look over yours to tell you if there is anything you should fix.
• Too long or Too short - Try not to go on long tangents in your resume and keep it to a minimum or the most important parts that are relevant to your work. No more than 3 pages or you will lose their interest. On the same note, do not forget to add in something that would be crucial to your job experience and only write a little bit as it will seem like you did not do much.
• Avoid writing in Hiragana only - this may be obvious but it is important to write like you really do know Japanese, implement kanji to keep a professional appearance, and look them up if you do not know. There are lots of words that sound exactly the same but have different kanjis for different meanings so do not forget to check you are using the right ones. 

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• Write respectfully - When writing, especially in the sections where you write paragraphs such as Self PR don't forget to use the formal language of Japanese です、ます・desu・masu and not like you are just talking to a friend. 
• Personalize - Customize each of your applications to accommodate each company. This means you should know about the company and the role you are applying for, it will show that you are dedicated and seem loyal to the company. It just takes a quick google search and set an hour or two for each company. Find out about their history, CEO, what kind of work environment they have, and other roles they have.
• No need to be fancy - For western resumes, you can get pretty creative with your resume to stand out from the competition, however, you do not want to be putting crazy designs and colors on your Japanese resume, it will not be taken seriously with glitter borders and strange fonts. 

The most common job that English speaking foreigners do in Japan is being an English teacher, find out more on how you can become one here Ultimate Guide to Teaching Jobs in Japan

Useful words you need to know for your Japanese resume

When writing your resume, it is important to know some of the basic words that you should become familiar with and you will see throughout. Avoid going in blindly, you should know some Japanese words to be able to recognize them.These are useful nouns, verbs, and characteristics. Here are some you can also apply to your resume:

If you want to learn some more, check out Business Japanese Vocabulary for your Resume

This may have been a lot of information to take in and apply to your own resume, but that you have learned about the different types of Japanese resumes,  Rirekisho and Shokumukeirekisho, you have created a great resume with the right components to apply for the companies and show your best self to your employer. Keep on applying to a lot of different companies, hopefully you will be able to find a place to work that is best fit for you. To find out more about getting a job and working in Japan, check out our website BFF Tokyo . Good luck on your shushoku katsudo !

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How to write a Resume in Japan -The Perfect Guide for Foreigners-

“It’s difficult to write a resume in Japanese” “I don’t know how to write it because it’s my first time” “How important is a resume?” There may be many foreigners who think this way.

In Japan, the resume is the standard for passing before continuing to the interview. That’s why you need to write your resume in correct Japanese, while following Japanese business manners.

A resume can be called the first barrier. But, if you learn how to write it properly, anyone can create a high-quality resume. This article is for foreigners who do not know how to write resumes, such as basic information like name, address, education/work history, license/qualifications, motivation, hobbies / special skills, etc. Let’s carefully explain how to write a resume.

If you are a foreigner who has trouble writing a Japanese resume, please use this text as a reference. Let’s aim to create a resume that makes people think: “I want to meet this person!”.

• 1 Resume Writing Rules
• 2 How to write a resume -basic information-
• 3 How to write a resume -Education History and Work History-
• 4 How to write a resume -Licenses and Certifications-
• 5 How to write a resume -Motivation/Reasons for application-
• 6 How to write a resume -Hobbies/Special skills-
• 7 How to write a resume -Personal aspirations, Commuting, Marital Status-
• 8 Write a high-quality resume and work for a Japanese company of your choice!

Resume Writing Rules

Before you start writing your resume, there are writing rules that you should know first. The two most important rules are:

①If you make a mistake, write a new resume. ②Do not re-use resumes with the same content.

In case of making a mistake in a handwritten resume, do not attempt to correct the mistake by crossing it out or using whiteout. Since it will give a bad impression, it’s better to rewrite it.

You can avoid these mistakes by first drafting with a pencil and then writing above it with a black ballpoint pen. Recently, an increasing number of companies accept resumes created on computers. However, it is important to understand that there are still many companies to which resumes should be handwritten.

It is also important not to re-use the same resume. People who work at companies are professionals at reviewing resumes. For this reason, if you use the same resume that was also used for another company, it won’t seem solid and will make difficult to communicate your motivation to join the company. Create a resume for each company. That is a vital point to pass the document screening.

There are other writing rules. It is important to be careful with Japanese polite sentence closer, “masu” (-ます), “-desu” (-です), and to make sure that all the items are filled in and that there are no typographical mistakes or omissions.

If you register on a career change website or to a career change service, you can rest assured that a reliable agent will check your resume.

How to write a resume -basic information-

Let’s understand how to write a resume while valuing the rules for writing a resume. First, I will explain how to write basic information on resumes.

①Date Enter the date you will submit your resume, not the date you wrote your resume. In case of mailing the application, enter the mailing date. Please fill in the date of the interview if you are taking it to an interview. Also, let’s make compatible the year writing into either the Japanese calendar ex. 「令和X年」 or the Western calendar ex. 「20XX年」.

②Name Although it is a name, write your name in the place where “氏名” is written. Make sure to leave a space between the last name and the name. In the furigana above the name field, enter “Hiragana” or “Katakana” according to your resume.

To identify which one to write, use Hiragana if the word “Furigana” is written in Hiragana, and Katakana if the word “Furigana” is written in Katakana. In Japan, the family name is written in front and the first name is written behind.

③Birth date and age Write it according to the calendar type that is written on the date of ①, “Japanese calendar” or “Western calendar”. Enter your current age at the time you submit or mail your resume.

④Address and contact information Enter the address without omitting zip code, prefecture, address, building name, and room number. Please fill in the Furigana correctly. If the contact address is the same as the address, enter “same as above”. If you would like to write another contact, do not omit it.

⑤Phone number/email address f you do not have a fixed phone, enter the mobile phone number only. Please enter your web e-mail address, not the mobile phone e-mail address. The company will contact you with the information listed here, so be sure not to make any mistakes.

⑥Photo Many foreigners may be wondering where to shoot. It is common to take photos for resumes at ID photo booths installed at train stations and photo studios.

In that case, it is basic to shoot it with a black or blue suit and no hat. Paste the front photo (bust-up photo) taken within 3 months to your resume. When pasting, cut it into a size of 3cm wide x 4cm long, and paste it with glue.

How to write a resume -Education History and Work History-

①Education history First of all, “Education History” is clearly stated in the center of the first line. The educational background will be written from the second line, the general rule is to write from the previous academic background.

The final educational background is not “the last school you graduated” but “the highest educational institution”. For example, if you graduate from a university and enter a vocational school, the university has a higher standard as an educational institution, so you should write first “university” as previous academic background.

The school name must be an official name. Please write properly department, major, major subject, etc. Enrollment and graduation years must be displayed the same as the date (Japanese or Western calendar). If you dropped out of school, indicate “dropped out”, and if you are currently in school, state “expected graduation”.

②Work history Write a line below the academic background and specify “work history” in the center. In the order of the company where you worked, enter “year of hire, company name, type of industry, number of employees, concise job description” and “year of leave/reason for retirement”.

If the reason for retirement is for personal reasons, specify “retirement due to personal reasons”, and if you retire due to dismissal, state “retirement due to company circumstances”. Also, if you are currently working, you have to state “Present”. Finally, write “End” in the last line.

How to write a resume -Licenses and Certifications-

“License/Qualification” is in principle the official name. Also, it is necessary to indicate the year of acquisition of each one correctly. It’s important to make sure to state at the top the license or qualification that can be used in the company you want to apply. If you have not acquired any, specify “None”.

How to write a resume -Motivation/Reasons for application-

In the resume, the “Motivation” field is the one that can promote yourself the most. It is important not to write a reason that you can use to apply to any company. You should investigate the company you want to apply, and to concretely write what kind of experience you have had, your skills, and what you want to do after joining the company.

＜Advice＞ I’ll explain the difference between “Kisha” and “Onsha”, both meaning is “your company”.

Kisha (貴社): Use this when writing resumes or emails. Onsha (御社): Use for interviews and business talks.

Although it is a small detail, by remembering this, it can give a good impression by using it properly.

How to write a resume -Hobbies/Special skills-

Hobbies and special skills may become a topic in conversations with interviewers. For this reason, avoid “nothing in particular” or to leave it in blank. If your hobbies and special skills are related to your work, it will lead to appeal. Please try to include specific details. Also, please note that hobbies and feats that give negative impressions of gambling and crimes are better to avoid.

How to write a resume -Personal aspirations, Commuting, Marital Status-

①Personal aspirations Clarify the desired job type. It is a rule of principle to state that your workplace, salary, and treatment can be according to the company regulations.

②Commuting Specify the commute time to the company and your nearest station. As a general rule, commuting time should be 90 minutes or less. If you live in a remote area or are coming to Japan, it is necessary to state that you will be able to commute without problem after joining the company. “最寄り駅” means the closest station from home.

③Marital Status Foreigners who are married will circle “Yes” in the marital status field. If you are single, please circle “No”.

Write a high-quality resume and work for a Japanese company of your choice!

Many foreigners are reluctant to Japan’s resume. However, if you learn how to write it properly, you can create a resume that will interest companies.

Let’s create a high-quality resume, by keeping correct Japanese expressions and Japanese business manners. As long as you write politely, you will have the chance to work for a Japanese company of your choice.

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Japanese Resume: The How-To Guide

Create a winning resume for your Japanese job application

Certified Professional Resume Writer

Breaking into the Japanese job market  can be a complex process given that many cultural differences can be found throughout the recruitment process. Naturally, the  Japanese use a very distinct approach to resume writing  compared to American  resume writing  and certain aspects of it can be confusing for a Westerner.

A  Rirekisho  (履歴書), although being widely translated as ‘resume’ in English, does not necessarily fit our generally-accepted image of what a resume is. The term  rirekisho  is the Japanese word used to describe a document, often hand-written, which is sent or given to companies and  recruiters in Japan  to serve as a candidate’s  job application .

The whole  format of a Japanese resume  varies greatly from the US style and learning  what is included in a resume for Japan  is vital if you are planning to work in the country or for a Japanese company elsewhere.

To  gain the attention of Japanese hiring managers , it is crucially important to provide a  rirekisho  document, a culturally-specific Japanese resume, which shows your dedication to the job application and to the company. Similarly to resumes in other parts of the world, a  resume in Japanese  should be adapted to the particular vacancy.

The following guide gives candidates the right knowledge and tools to  create a winning Japanese resume  that includes the relevant information in the correct format with tips and examples.

Writing a Resume in Japanese

Creating a Japanese resume  entails much more than a basic translation of your current resume. A resume in Japanese uses a pre-designed set-up that is accepted all over the country and by Japanese companies in other parts of the world.

However, with the job market expanding rapidly in the digital age of start-ups, an increasing number of Japanese companies around the world are warming to different styles of  resume formats .

Traditionally, there is only  one style of the  rirekisho  document in Japan  which includes the exact same sections for every candidate. This means that there is a widely available template from shops or that can be downloaded, which candidates either fill out by hand or occasionally complete via a word processor.

The basic  rirekisho  is generally accepted for  entry-level candidates  or  students , who do not have a long work experience, whereas,  professional candidates  may be expected to apply for a job in Japan using a  shokumukeirekisho  (職務経歴書) document. A  shokumukeirekisho  allows a more in-depth look at a job applicant’s  professional achievements and responsibilities .

Optimize your Japanese resume  by applying some of the following expert resume writing tips:

• Each resume should be  adapted to the position and company  the candidate is applying to, in order to ensure that the hiring manager sees the effort and commitment that they feel toward the role. This means that jobseekers should not photocopy their resume but instead,  create a different Japanese resume per vacancy .
• Jobseekers should always  research the Japanese company  so that they can tailor their resume to the position adequately. All candidates must ensure to be aware of any specific  recruitment regulation  in place in that company that could affect their candidacy, for example, if they accept digitalized resumes or only traditional hand-written  rirekisho .
• An  essential aspect of Japanese resumes  to consider when it comes to writing the education or job history is that all  dated experiences should be written in chronological order . This is the opposite of western resumes, which are structured in the reverse-chronological order, despite often being known as the  chronological resume  style. This means starting from the oldest and listing down to the most recent position held or diploma attained.
• When writing the dates of any information for the applicant,  most Japanese employers prefer to see the Japanese date style  ( Nengo  年号) used. This refers to the Japanese era to be used in place of the Gregorian calendar year. Take special care to make sure you indicate the right dates throughout. Foreign companies within Japan or occasionally Japanese companies abroad will accept resumes that include dates reflecting the westernized calendar years, as long as the date format is correct: year (年) month (月) and day (日) at the end.
• Finally, all  Japanese resumes should be proofread very carefully  and not submitted with any errors. It is very important to hiring managers that a candidate’s job application reflects careful diligence and attention. No matter how confident you may feel of your level of Japanese, it is always advisable to have your resume read by a native Japanese person who can correct any errors and ensure that all the characters are in the right order.

With these tips, candidates can apply, safe in the knowledge of  how to write a resume for a Japanese company . But another way to ensure a well-presented and professional  Japanese resume format  would be to use a template or  online resume builder  which offers guidance for each step.

Japanese Resume: Layout and Sections

Just as with any type of resume, there are certain  rules to understand  when it comes to  writing a Japanese resume  and what concerns the sections listed and the general format.

Given the  strict nature of employment regulations for Japanese companies , it is advisable for candidates to stick to the format of application offered by the specific company.

If you have the freedom to create a modern resume,  Japanese resume examples  may be very useful to help you understand the importance of certain details offered to hiring managers.

There are  parts of Japanese resumes  which would not normally be seen on resumes in the US that can cause alarm at first glance for westerners, but once you have the right information,  building an effective Japanese resume  will be just as easy as creating one for an American company.

What to include in a Japanese resume

The first  aspects to be considered in a Japanese resume  are the different sections that must be included. Before structuring the different elements, it is important to start the document indicating the date (日付) in which you are applying, not the date it is written!

Once the date has been stated appropriately, according to  Japanese writing rules , candidates can begin formatting the layout by incorporating the following key resume sections:

Personal and contact details

As with most  resume formats  you will be familiar with,  resumes in Japanese  also begin with the candidate’s contact details. The basic information is gathered and presented in a  table style  with the following data:

• Stamp/seal – 印
• Date of birth, age, and gender – 生年月日
• Phone Number – 電話
• Address – 現住所

The  names should be written in reverse order  with the last name (姓) first and the first name (名) last. Use Hiragana or Katakana for foreign names.

Dates should be written using the Japanese  nengo  calendar.

Finally, the address should also be written in reverse order with the following structure:

Prefecture, Ward/City, Town, XX Chome, XX Ban, XX Go

Although it is uncommon to give some of this information on a resume in the U.S., it is completely normal practice for Japanese companies and they will  expect to see a candidate’s age and gender listed  in the basic personal details.

Using a photo is not a common theme in recruiting in the U.S. In fact, it is often frowned upon because it can result in discrimination on the basis of gender, skin color, appearance, etc. However, the  professional headshot is a compulsory part of a Japanese resume .

The  Japanese resume photo  should be a passport-sized photo, taken in a professional environment with a clear background and the candidate should be conservatively dressed as if attending a job interview.

The photo should be physically attached to the resume if being delivered by hand or mail, whereas, a digital copy is preferred to no photo. It should be placed in the top right-hand corner of the resume.

The  Japanese resume education section  must be displayed in chronological order, from first to most recent, and can list several of the latest diplomas achieved.

Each entry in the  academic history  must include the  date of starting the course and the graduation date . The information displayed here should contain the name of the institution, with location and the name of the certificate awarded or course undertaken.

For  student resumes , candidates are advised to demonstrate information about projects, courses, other honors, and curricular activities that could be beneficial to the overall job application.

At the end of each academic entry, on the right-hand side of the next line, you should introduce the characters 以上 to indicate it is the end of the entry.

Work History

Often listed in the same section as education in a Japanese resume, the  work experience  part of a  rirekisho  lists the previous roles held by the candidate in  chronological order  beginning with the first relevant position to the most recent.

In traditional Japanese resumes, the jobseeker does not need to include  duties or responsibilities  when listing their previously-held jobs, however, these details are expected when  creating a professional  rirekisho  or  shokumukeirekisho  as it is sometimes known.

The information included here should  list the following for each position  mentioned:

• Official company name (not commercial name)
• Dates of entry and departure from the company
• If the candidate left of their own doing, it is acceptable to state that they left for personal reasons: 一身上の都合により退社
• If the candidate was let go, it is common to indicate that it was the business’s decision: 会社都合により退社
• If the contract was temporary with a fixed end date, the candidate should mention the contract finalized: 契約満了により退社

Entry-level  candidates can use this area to demonstrate the  internships or voluntary work  they have been involved in which benefit their career and apply to the vacancy on offer. Here there is no need to explain the reasons for leaving.

Similarly to the education section, in the work experience section of a Japanese resume, jobseekers should put the characters 以上 to demonstrate the end of each entry.

Qualifications, licenses and certificates

This section is dedicated to different  accomplishments or licenses  that a candidate has accumulated in their professional career. Traditionally on a Japanese resume, the qualifications section tends to include any and all types of certifications but nowadays, it is  recommended to list only those that are practical and pertinent to the position  on offer.

For foreign candidates, listing any  Japanese language certificates  and a driving license is perfectly acceptable.

Reasons for applying/Motivation

This  section is vital for any Japanese resume to be considered seriously  by a Japanese recruiter or company. Similar to a  resume objective for an American resume  or summary statement, this section is an open area for candidates to  describe why they are interested  in taking on the specific role they’re applying to.

This part of a  Japanese job application  can be more  creative  and allows candidates to demonstrate their  personal interests ,  skills  (特技), and to  use the keywords from a job application  to ensure they stand out in the recruitment process.

Although this part should remain  brief and concise , it is possible for jobseekers to show off a little here about what makes them a good candidate for the position by indicating their  strengths and accomplishments .

Use examples and quantifiable evidence in this area as well as exploring how your soft and hard skills would make you a good fit for the company. It is important for Japanese resumes to demonstrate how well a candidate would do in the company because recruiters want to know that the applicant is interested in sticking around and engaging in company projects.

Miscellaneous/Other

Typically, there is another  customized section in Japanese resumes  where candidates traditionally indicate any of the following:

• Commuting time (from home to office) 通勤時間
• Marital status 配偶者
• Number of dependents 扶養者

This information is not completely necessary if you are uncomfortable offering it. However, it is recommended to at least mention a commuting time if applicable.

Expectations/Requests

The  final section of a Japanese resume  is a third personalizable section where each jobseeker should state their  expectations of the new role .

Here, candidates can explain what they hope to earn in terms of  salary , any specific ideas they have for the future of the role,  working hours , or the  location  of the job if various offices are available, etc.

If you do not put anything in this section, it  can display a lack of interest  in the position, but there are ways of getting around being very specific without being rude.

The sentence 勤務条件は貴社の規定に従います signifies that you are willing to negotiate or  accept the conditions offered  by the company at the interview stage.

Japanese Resume Example

Whether you are completing the  rirekisho  traditional template  or are able to submit a modern Japanese resume for your job application, employing a  Japanese resume example  is a sure-fire way to avoid committing any mistakes that could cost you your chance at an interview.

The level of difficulty of the Japanese language is not the only obstacle that can appear when  building a Japanese resume . Candidates should also be aware that they will need to adapt their job application to  be mindful of any cultural differences  including the possibility of including information that might otherwise be omitted in a westernized resume.

Using  Japanese resume samples , jobseekers can get a better idea of what is expected to be included in terms of textual content, images, and even  furigana to guide pronunciation  for certain personal details.

If you choose to print your Japanese resume, it is advisable only to  print in black ink  because  colors are inadmissible on Japanese job applications . On other occasions, Japanese businesses can expect to receive only  hand-written resumes . In these cases, candidates should only use black ink to write their resumes and ensure not to leave any mistakes visible.

Difference between American and Japanese Resumes

The vast differences in American and Japanese culture also extend to the recruitment process as can be seen by the variations in  how to complete a Japanese resume  as compared to an American one.

One of the main differences between American and Japanese resumes that stands out most is the  traditional Japanese resume template  that is most commonly used all over Japan. This specific set up allows candidates only to include the information requested by the structure, similar to application forms. Whereas,  in the United States, candidates are openly encouraged to make their resumes unique and one-of-a-kind , with the Japanese standard resume, candidates would struggle to catch the employers attention quickly as the format is uniform for all applicants.

This, in turn, means that although the  rirekisho  template  may permit  more equality for the different levels of jobseekers , there is only one universally-accepted style, unlike the thousands of variations that can be found for an American resume design.

Another of the major  differences between American and Japanese resumes  is that the Oriental job application requires a  chronological list of work experience and academic achievements , going from the first to last position held, in comparison with the reverse-chronological order of western resumes which display the most recent experience first.

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Ease the process with our templates

Gaijinpot Blog

How to Write a Japanese Resume

Follow this step by step guide for writing your Japanese resume.

By Andrew Smith Jan 10, 2020 6 min read 8

Japan takes a very different approach to resume writing than what we might be used to back home. There are two major hiring seasons in Japan in the early spring and the late summer, but it is never too early to start working on your resume.

When creating a Japanese resume, most companies prefer resumes to be handwritten. If you feel your kanji skills are not up to scratch, there are websites that allow you to enter your information and have it printed and emailed. You can actually buy blank resume forms at convenience stores for about ¥20 a piece. Or download a template from the internet — just google 履歴書 “Rirekisho.”

GaijinPot’s Jobs and Employment page in our Japan 101  guide to surviving and thriving in Japan is also a great resource (if we do say so ourselves!) to check out if you’re putting together a Japanese resume.

1. Attach a professional photo to your resume

The general rule of thumb when taking a photo for your resume is think of a passport photo. The more professional and presentable you look in the photo, the greater your chances are of being called in for an interview. The photo should be glued to the top right corner ( 4 ) of the resume.

Men typically wear a dark suit with a conservative tie. There are plenty of photo booths, not unlike the popular purikura , that specialize in taking photos just the right size for resumes and passports. It is even able to remove redness and any blemishes on your skin from the photo without having you do anything extra.

The booths can be found on the streets of business districts or at most major train and subway stations. In fact, many machines let you pay with your train pass . To use the booth, step inside, close the curtain, and start to choose your settings. Of course, not every machine is the same, but usually, you will first be given the option to choose between a black and white photo and a color photo.

Then you will be asked what size photo you would like to print. For resumes, press the  履歴書  button. All that is left to do after that is to line yourself up with the camera and look your best. If the seat is too low or too high, it can be adjusted by turning to the right or to the left. There is a limited amount of tries, so it is in your best interest to try to get it right the first time. After you have chosen your favorite photo, it takes only less than a minute to print.

2. Fill out the resume template

The rest of the resume is just as easy if you just follow the template step by step. It starts with basic information under the current date ( 1 ) including your name ( 2 ), stamp ( 3 ), date of birth, sex ( 5 ), phone number ( 7 ), and address ( 6 ). The first line at the top is to write your name (last, first) in furigana. Here you should write your name as it sounds in hiragana. Then in the section below, write your name in Japanese. For foreign names, katakana is acceptable.

The date of birth can be confusing because it uses the traditional Japanese imperial method of giving age. There will be a few kanji to choose from in the section which represent the Japanese eras . Most likely you will be choosing between 昭和 (Showa) which spans the years 1926 – 1988 and 平成 (Heisei), 1989 – 2019. For example, if you were born in 1991 you would circle 平成 and write the number 3 because it is the third year of that era. Then to the right, you should also write your age.

Below that section is the area where you should put your current phone number and address. Again the template asks you to write the furigana on the line above.

Finally, for the first section, don’t forget to circle 男 for male and 女 for female.

The second section on the first page is for education ( 10 ) and work history ( 11 ). Each school that you attended should be written in chronological order with the dates of entry and graduation. For universities make sure to be specific and not the name of the branch along with any special certificates or awards that you earned while attending that school.

The work history is written chronologically just like the school history. Unlike most western resumes, you don’t need to elaborate on the duties and requirements of all your previous jobs or try to explain how it is useful for the job you are seeking.

After completing your job history skip and write 以上 showing that you are finished, but if you are still currently working note by writing 現在に至る.

Next, you should write any accomplishments that you have achieved over the years such as licenses or certificates ( 12 ). This even includes a driver’s license. In a city like Tokyo many people do not drive, however, some “paper drivers” get a license anyway just to appear more impressive on their resume.

If you are searching for an English teaching position, this is where you would put any teaching certifications you have earned.

Next is the section that is arguably the most important because it includes the reason why you are applying for the job ( 13 ). This is your opportunity to be creative and really appeal to the company by mentioning any special skills (特技) or interests (好きな学科).

If you are applying to many companies at once, though, and would like to use the same resume, it is acceptable to write the common phrase for resumes “営業経験を活かして、 [field of work] の仕事にて活躍したい” which basically says that you would like to use your past skills and experience to work in a certain field.

The rest of this section is asking for more personal information like commute time ( 14 ), the number of dependents ( 15 ), and marital status ( 16 ) and legal guardian status if applicable ( 17 ).

The final major section is for desires, hopes, and dreams which obviously will include for you to talk about the kind of salary that you want ( 18 ). If would rather negotiate the salary face-to-face, you can write “ご相談させて頂きたいと思っております.” Otherwise, feel free to write down what you are worth in this area.

Finally, there is a space for you to write information about your legal guardian if you have one ( 19 ), but after that, your resume is complete. The most important thing to remember is to be polite on your resume.

No matter how confident you may be in your Japanese skills, it is always a good idea to run your resume by a close friend who is a native speaker and also has experience writing resumes.

Vocabulary for writing a Japanese resume

For help finding a job in japan.

• Check out  GaijinPot Jobs  for the latest job postings across a variety of industries.
• Living outside of Japan? Take a look at  these jobs  that accept applicants from abroad.
• Can’t speak Japanese just yet?  These positions  don’t require Japanese ability.

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Can this “現在に至る.” or “以上” be written outside the table if all the rows have been filled? Also, I think I need a more precise clarification on when to use either or both of them. It doesn’t seem so clear with your explanation in the article.

I am looking for Japanese professional terms for investment banking (M&A/PE) sector. It would very helpful if I can get some info on the above.

Some one kind enough to support me to build up my Japanese resume. I would be very grateful! Thank you !

I haven’t sent resume on paper for years. Doesn’t everyone do it electronically these days?

Which brings me to my question – when you take a resume photo in the photo booth is there a USB port so I can store the photo electronically? Or at least an option to email the photo to myself?

This is a good primer. Bear in mind this result is only good for pretty old-fashioned companies. Tech companies, foreign companies and most service oriented companies (legal, consulting etc.) would also like the classic “American-style” resume. For example, I have interviewed hundreds of candidated throughout my career, and I do not even look at the Japanese resumes. They are meaningless. While in Japan information like marital status is considered OK, US companies cannot ask such personal questions like age, marital status, number of dependents etc, so I do not like looking at the Japanese resumes to begin with. With companies that are associated with the “new” economy, having a resume in Japanese that is “American-style” is important to get the interview. If you decide to do that, definitely have someone look at your Japanese resume before sending it over.

It may gradually be changing, but using the Japanese-style resume is still very much the norm even with foreign companies in Japan. I would assume if they don’t mention the type they want specifically it’s safer to go with the Japanese style.

I really hate filling out the resume, takes a lot of time and I don’t want to make a mistake, if I make one mistake I have write a whole new one otherwise it looks really bad and dirty in my opinion that is. Dont want to use the ‘im a gaijin ‘ excuse.

But ive used printed out ones and never ever received a positive reply on them, so writing increases your chances by 80% at least.

I think only at the really traditional Japanese companies you have to do that. Most of my Japanese friends that are job hunting now don’t hand write their resumes.

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Are you looking for a new job? The resume is a necessary part of looking for a job, for both in and outside Japan. However, Japanese resumes - commonly referred to as rireki-sho (履歴書) - follow a unique format that can be a confusing and frustrating process for many. Not to worry, as we've got you covered! Use our downloadable template and step-by-step guide in this article to prepare your rirekisho and get hired in no time!

Before You Begin

In Japan you generally need two documents to apply for a job:

① A resume ( rirekisho 履歴書) which shows your basic (name, date of birth, address etc.) and background (education, work experience) information

② A CV ( shokumu-keirekisho 職務経歴書) which describes your past work experience and skills in detail

Your Japanese resume is used to give a quick summary of your information for companies to understand your experiences and qualifications. It is usually the first document you have to prepare when applying for a job and gives the first impression to your potential employer.

Many employers prefer handwritten resumes, but this will probably depend on the industry or type of job you are applying for. You can find blank resumes for this purpose from the convenience store. Alternatively, you can download a template to print or send digitally to your potential employer.

Sometimes, your employer or company may specify the type of resume they prefer. In this case, be sure not to use your own template, but the specified format!

In this article, we will show you how to write a Japanese resume and provide you with a template to download so you can get started straight away!

How to Write a Japanese Resume

The Japanese resume is separated into different sections. First, you have the basic, personal information with the photo, your name and address, and contact details. Next is the education and employment information section followed by the skills and qualification section. Fourth is the appeal point, commuting time and family information and finally the last section is the personal requests.

How to Write the Basic Information Section on a Japanese Resume

Let's take a closer look at how to fill in each box in the basic information section.

Dress professionally and take a photo to include in the resume. You can find photo booths around town (in train stations, department stores) that will take pictures at the correct size, which can be easier and appear more professional than trying to take one yourself.

Make sure that the image has been taken in the past 3 months. The photo can be older, provided that it matches your current appearance. It should be a picture from the chest-up, facing the camera front-on.

Try to look as professional as possible. A suit is usually a safe bet, for both men and women. Make sure not to wear a hat, or any accessories that may stand out. A natural smile and natural style of makeup is preferred.

② Resume Submission Date

Enter the day you will submit the resume, in the order of [ year / month / day ]. Alternatively, write the day you have created the resume. Do remember, however, that this will make the resume only acceptable for interviews in the near future.

③ 氏名 – Full Name

Enter your name in the space next to 氏名 in English or Katakana. If you have a name that includes kanji, write your name in kanji. Write your Last/Family name first, then your First/Given name with a space inbetween.

Enter the reading of your name in hiragana above, inside the box labeled ふりがな (furigana). ＊If the box is labeled in katakana (ex. フリガナ), write the reading of your name in katakana instead.

④ 生年月日 – Date of birth (Age)

Write the date of your birth in the order [year (年) / month (月) / day (日)].

There is a space to write your current age. The kanji '満' refers to full and '才・歳' refers to age. Thus, fill the space in-between with your age. (ie. '満[Age]才')

In some templates, you may be asked to write your birth year according to the Japanese calendar. In this case, you are generally asked to choose between 昭和 (Showa 1926 – 1988) and 平成 (Heisei 1989 – 2019). If you are confused, here are some websites to helpy you convert your age to the Japanese calendar.

⑤ 現住所 – Current Address

Enter your current address. If you live in Japan it's preferable to fill in the address in kanji in the large section and the furigana in the "ふりがな" box, similarly to the format of the name section. The numbers in the address do not require furigana.

⑥ 連絡先 – Contact Information

Fill in this section only if you wish to be contacted at an address different from your current address. If you request it to be the same as that listed in your current address, write '同上' which means "same as above".

⑦ 性別 – Gender

Here, you can circle 男 (male) or 女 (female).

⑧ 電話 – Telephone number

Enter your Japanese phone number, or any number that your employer can use to easily contact you. If you don't have a Japanese number and are using an overseas number, enter the country code as well.

⑨ メールアドレス – E-mail

Input an email address that you check regularly.

⑩ 電話 – Telephone Number

If you want to write down an alternative phone number, you can do so in this section. If not, you can leave this blank, or write '同上' (=same as above).

How to Write the Education and Work Experience Section

学歴 – Education

In the center of the first line, write "学歴" to specify that you will be talking about your education first.

In the education section, list the name of the school and department in which you studied. Enter your education history from your high school graduation, then the date you entered and graduated university (and Masters, PhD. if applicable).

Label each school with "卒業" (sotsugyo), which means graduation as well as "入学" (nyugaku), means enrollment. If you left your school before graduating, you can write "中途退学" (quit school mid-way) instead.

If you want to be more specific, or if it is unclear from the school name, you can add the country name before the school name.

If you are still in school, add the year and month of your expected graduation, and write "卒業見込み" (expected graduation) after the school name.

職歴 – Work History

Below your educational background, write "職歴" in the center of the row to indicate that you will now be sharing your employment history.

Write the names of any company you have been a part of, in order from oldest to newest.

Start with the date you entered your first company and after the company name write "入社" (joined company). In the next line write the date you left the company with "退職" (left company) after the company name.

If you are still employed, in the next line write "現在に至る" (currently still employed).

You can continue over to the next page if you need more room.

When you have completed detailing your employment history, in the next line write "以上" (end) to show the end of the section.

How to Write the Qualifications Section

In this field, you will write any licenses or qualifications you have. This may include language proficiency tests like the JLPT or TOEIC, a driver's license (be careful to specify whether for car or bike), or any other specific qualifications (for example for architecture or accounting).

• If you own a driver's license, be sure to write this on the first row, and write your other qualifications afterwards in order from oldest to newest.
• Ensure that the date is correct, and use the qualification's official name.
• Add a space after the qualification name, and write '取得' (obtained) for any qualifications, licenses or scores, and '合格' (passed) if it is a pass/fail type of test.
• After you have written all of your qualifications, write '以上' again to indicate the end of the section.

If you do not have any qualifications, you can write '特になし' (none in particular) on the first line.

Jiko PR: How to Write the Hobbies, Appeal Points, Commute Time, Family Situation

① 志望の動機、特技、好きな学科、アピールポイント - Skills and Appeal Points

This is essentially the Jiko PR (自己 PR, self-promotion) part of the resume. Make sure you fill in the 志望の動機、特技、好きな学科、アピールポイント with something that will catch the eye of the employer.

• 志望の動機 - Talk about your motivations for applying for the job and the company.f
• 特技 - What are your strengths and skills? Ideally, mention the ones that suit the job you are applying for.
• 好きな学科 - Here, talk about your favorite subject of study: again, try to connect this to the job details.
• アピールポイント - What makes you best suited for the job? What can you offer to the company? Appeal your skills and experiences to the company.

For more details on how to write this section that makes your resume stand out, check out this article .

② 通勤時間 – Commute Time

Enter how long it takes to commute from your home to the workplace. Round the number to the nearest 5th: for a 44 minute commute, round to 45 minutes, for a 28 minute commute, round to 30 minutes. If possible, you should also include the methods of transportation you will be utilizing (bicycle, bus, train, etc;).

③ 扶養家族（配偶者を除く）– Number of Dependents (Excluding Spouse)

Here, write how many family members (excluding your spouse) are supported by your income. This is important information as it is necessary for your company when calculating income tax or social insurance.

For example, If you are a family of 4 with a spouse and 2 children you support you would write 2 here. Even if your spouse is supported by your income, they are not to be counted in this section. If your children already have jobs of their own and are able to support themselves do not include them in this number.

④ 配偶者 – Spouse and 配偶者の扶養義務 – Spouse Obligation

配偶者 – Spouse

If you are married and have a spouse, circle "有" (yes). If not, circle "無" (no).

配偶者の扶養義務 – Spouse Obligation

Circle "有" (yes) if: 1. Your spouse is not working, and you plan on supporting your spouse with your income. 2. Your spouse is working, however they earn less than 1,300,000 yen per year (about 110,000 per month).

Circle "無" (no) if: 1. Your spouse is working 2. They earn more than 1,300,000 yen per year.

How to write the space for personal requests on a Japanese resume

The final space is the "本人希望記入欄", designated for personal requests. If there is something important you would like your employer to know, for example regarding your salary, preferred job type, or workplace, you may write them here. However, most requests are often best discussed in the interview.

If you have no particular requests, it is common to write "貴社規定に従います" which means "I will comply with the company's regulations".

Are You Ready to Write Your Japanese Resume With the Template?

Congratulations! You now know everything there is to know about a Japanese resume. Do you feel prepared to get started on yours? Before submitting your resume, it's always a good idea to have it checked by a Japanese friend, especially if it's your first time writing one.

If you have any questions or issues filling in your Japanese resume, let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

If you're actively looking for a job, you can apply to many opportunities on our website, Guidable Jobs .

Good luck, and we hope to see you there soon!

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How to write a Japanese resume

Much like in other countries, applying for most jobs in Japan will require a resume, regardless of part-time /full-time or industry. However, Japanese resumes have a fairly strict structure so be sure to adhere to the unique rules.

Rirekisho (履歴書 literally means background form. In addition to the rirekisho , depending on the position a more detailed list of responsibilities and achievements in a shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) may be required. For students and new grads usually a rirekisho would suffice as most don’t have much work experience to be expounded on. When in doubt, always check with the application guidelines or the appropriate HR staff.

What is a Shokumukeirekisho?

Unlike resumes in many other countries, Japanese resumes do not include your job scope and your achievements in previous companies. They only include the names of the schools you attended and the companies where you worked in the past. Some companies require a Shokumukeirekisho, where you indicate your career history and achievements.

Important points when writing

Although some Japanese companies may prefer hand-written resumes, in recent years most of the companies will accept typed resumes . If you make a mistake, you must use a new paper. Always print or buy extras in the case you need to use another one. Even if Japanese is not your first language, hiring personnel will appreciate your efforts put into the application.

If it needs to be mailed in , use a large envelope instead of folding it. Place all supporting documents in a clear file in the order that the requirements are listed in the job posting before placing inside envelope.

Even if you are confident of your Japanese skills, it’s always best to have someone familiar with job applications to look over your resume. Since it will most likely determine if you are called in for an interview or to proceed to the next step in the screening process, pay special attention to detail and have someone check your work.

Do not photocopy one to use in another application, even if you’re proud of your good work. HR personnel will be able to tell and it will give them an impression of laziness. That said, certainly photocopy one for your own use so you can use it to copy from when writing a new one. Make sure you write the correct date!

Resume photo

The resume photo is the only image on the resume and play a big part in the form. In Japan, it is customary to judge a resume by the photo, among other factors. That is to say, it’s not important whether you are attractive or not, but look like a trustworthy, hardworking person.

Photo booths are available at train stations, convenience stores and around the city where you can select the appropriate sizes. You can also go to a studio to have professional photos taken. Make sure it’s a recent photo (within 3 months) and is taken with a plain background in the right size (usually 4cm x 3 cm).

Write your name on the back of the photo in the case it falls off the resume. Glue it on the form, don’t use tape except for double sided tape that may come with the resume form.

You should look the same in the photo as you would at an interview . Wear your glasses if you regularly wear them and you will wear them to the interview. Wear a dark suit with white or light colored shirt and a conservative tie for men. Make sure your hair is not covering your face and smile slightly, without grinning.

Application date/date of birth 日付・生年月日

For the application date, write the date that the application is turned in, not the date you are filling it out. If mailing it, it should be the same as the post-marked date. If bringing it into an interview, fill out the date that you will bring it.

Write the date in either Japanese years or Western years and stick to it for the rest of the resume. Generally Japanese companies still prefer Japanese traditional years but for foreign companies or industries like IT may prefer Western years. The important thing is to be consistent throughout the resume.

Address/phone number 現住所・電話

Write complete addresses beginning with the prefecture. Don’t abbreviate and include apartment/condo names. For example, instead of “1-2-3,” write “一丁目2番地3号.”
 Write both your home phone and cell phone numbers if you have both, but one or the other is accepted.

Contact information 連絡先

In the JIS standard form, the renrakusaki (連絡先) section is for an alternate address. It’s acceptable to leave blank or to write your e-mail address or other contact information. Do not write your current employer’s address if you are employed.

Education and work history 学歴・職歴

Both the educational and work history sections are usually in the same section of the resume. However, you should section them off by writing “学歴” and “職歴” at the top of each section, centered.

Generally, write from the oldest to the newest. For education, write the year you started and the year you graduated on separate lines. Include your majors and research topics as appropriate. Generally, it is accepted to write your final two degrees. For example, if you have a bachelor’s write your high school graduation, university entry and graduation.

For work history, only list full-time positions. Part-time positions as a student, etc., are generally not included. Next to company names, you may write the number of employees and a brief outline of duties if you are not separately submitting a shokumukeirekisho.

At the end of the history section, write “現在に至る。” if still working, and regardless after that write in the next line, write “以上” aligned right.

Licenses/certifications 免許・資格

Generally, write the name of the licenses and certifications as “Name of license 免許 取得” or “Name of exam 検定 合格.” You can either write in time order or in order of relevance. You can also list other skills here.

Reason for application 志望動機

This section is extremely important. As with an interview, answer the question “why do you want to work here?” Write in complete polite sentences ending in “です・ます” Research the company and write how you would like to contribute using your strengths, skills and experiences. This should be different for every job application.

Self-promotion points 自己 PR・アピールポイント

This is the most important part of the resume to set yourself apart from other candidates. Highlight your strengths, skills and experiences you can bring to benefit the company. Write in complete polite sentence form as with the previous section. You could include brief examples that support your points.

Commute time 通勤時間

Write the time it would take to commute from your house to the office at the fastest route. You should look up train times online or through a train app.

Requests/notes 本人希望記載

This section is for requests, however it’s best to discuss work-related details at the interview. It’s acceptable to leave it blank, or write something such as “勤務条件は貴社の規定に従います。” or “○○職を希望します。” to briefly indicate what you are interested in. You could also write available times for interviews or any additional information you would like the company to know.

Get a template

You can easily find templates online to download and print on your own. The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) template can be found on the Hello Works website . Although there are slight differences, most are pretty similar in style.

Depending on which section you would like to highlight, you may find a better fit version. Resume templates can also be purchased at convenience stores , stationary stores, department stores and grocery stores .

Many samples are available online and in books, so in addition to the previous tips and guidelines, try to look at several different resumes to help you in writing your Japanese resume.

Now you’ve completed your Japanese resume and sent it off, you just have to wait for an interview . Good luck!

For more information about living in Japan, check out the Go! Go! Nihon blog .

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How to write a resume in Japanese

A resume is the very first thing or maybe the most complicated thing for someone who is looking for a job in Japan. Because Japanese companies look seriously at how a resume written, whether the format right, and the neatness of Kanji or overall alignment in a handwritten case. Most recruiters are prone to think an applicant much more reliable who can write a resume clearly, well-balanced and consistently aligned.

To make a resume may be much more difficult for foreigners, as you know little about the rules. This article will try to help you understand the rules for resume in Japan.

Introduction of a Japanese resume

In America or other countries, different resume styles can be accepted by companies, while generally there is only one style in Japan. You can buy a template from convenience stores with 200 yen for handwriting, or download a pdf or word template from the Internet to fill out by computer.

There are a photo sector and mainly 6 written sectors on the resume:

-Personal contact information including name, date of birth, gender, age, telephone number, address and stamp space.

-Education and work history

-Awards and Certificates (Accomplishments)

-Reasons for applying/Motivation

-Expectations/Requests

-Miscellaneous/Other including commuting time (from home to office), marital status, number of dependents. Note that this information is not completely necessary and it's ok to not provide it.

If you are newly graduated and have little experience, a resume with the above template will be enough. But an applicant with work experience are expected to apply for a job with an extra shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) document. A shokumukeirekisho gives a deeper insight of the applicant's professional achievements and related abilities. Also a template can be bought or downloaded.

Attentions for writing a resume

Before start writing a resume, you should keep these things in mind.

Keep it easy to read

Your resume may be read in less than one minute by recruiters. You should write it in a concise way and make sure recruiters can understand how competent you are quickly. Actually you have no need to write whole sentences and some key words may be enough.

Make sure no spelling or grammatical errors

Spelling errors will give a very bad impression to recruiters that you'd better avoid. Review your resume twice and third, and try asking someone else to look over it before you submit to an employer. Each time of your submission, make sure to check it again.

Keep date current

Always keep the date on the resume the same as the day it proposed, or you may be thought showing no respect to the company.

If hand-writing

Write with a black pen or ballpoint pen. If you made a mistake, please write a new one instead of using the correct pen.

About the photo

Different from America, a professional headshot is a compulsory part of a Japanese resume. The more professional and formal you look in the photo, the greater your chances are for an interview. So wear formal suits for the photo and paste it to the right place as best as you can to give a healthy and clean impression.

Writing a resume

Now we begin to write a resume. There are also some points that you should pay attention.

About the format

-personal contact information.

Name should be written in reverse order with the family name first and the first name last. For foreign names, use Hiragana or Katakana. Dates are supposed to be in Japanese nengo calendar. And the address should be also in reverse order with the Prefecture first. Notice that though age and gender are thought to be private and not shown on a resume in America, it is commonly needed to be provided in the personal contact information in Japan.

-Education history

The education sector in a resume is used to show when and where you have been educated. The education experience from high school to most recent should be listed one by one, and each entry should contain the school name, department name, department name without omission. The date of admission and graduation should be displayed in chronological order and standardized to either Japanese nengo calendar or the Christian era.

-Work history

The work history sector in a resume is used to show when and where you have worked for a full-time or a part-time. Same as the education sector, work history also needed to be listed one by one beginning with the first relevant position to the most recent. Each entry should contain the official company name but not a commercial name, department, position title, full or part time. The date of joining and ending a company should be displayed in chronological order and standardized to either Japanese nengo calendar or the Christian era. And keep in mind to write all your work accurately even if you only work for a short time.

You are expected to write why you left a company, but if it's something private it is ok with a reason like "一身上の都合により退社". You don't need to include duties or responsibilities when listing previously-done jobs, however, you should create an extra shokumukeirekisho (職務経歴書) for the details.

About the contents

It may be a general knowledge that you have to highlight the most relevant experiences on the resume. Especially for applicants who have been working in a particular field for a few years, "Work History" section will be a big check point and should be the main of the resume. You are expected to show what skills you have and built by how, and how they are relevant to the job you are applying for. It's also important to show that you can immerse yourself in the company's culture well.

Check the job requirement details carefully, filter out your experiences related to the job, and try to write them down in a way which looks like that you match the requirements perfectly and suitable for the job. And the company's culture and rules should also be investigated, and try to list those experiences matching the job best.

If you still have no work experience, you can show recruiters how hiring you would benefit their company and demonstrate your value. Try to list any soft skills you have or you can that required by the company. For example, if someone with team leadership is wanted for the job, you can write down any experience related to leadership like holding community events in college.

Handling a resume

So finally you have completed a resume in Japanese, now you can use it to find a job. Let's introduce the rules for handling a resume in Japan at last. Make sure the date written on the resume latest once again. Keep yourself a copy of the resume before sending it in case of a later interview.

If you send a resume by mailing, in order to show when and where this letter sent from, you should put a cover letter up above your resume files into the envelope. Information like the date of sending, destination address, your address, and contact information should be written on the cover letter, and also from where you got the job information. It will be better to demonstrate your appeal points, such as your motivation and skills.

Of course the importance of an envelope shouldn't be overlooked. Check whether there is a manner violation or omission carefully before submission of the envelope. Make sure the address written correctly, and you have put all the documents in. As important documents are enclosed and in order to indicate that, write "履歴書在中" or "応募書類在中" on the left side of the envelope.

If you send your resume by email, there are many rules in order to make sure that recruiters who receive a lot of emails everyday won't misread your email. Write the title briefly with the purpose included, and avoid those words that make the email look like a spam mail.

If you want to send the resume as an attachment, convert it into PDF format so that the recruiters can print it. Set a password to the resume to prevent leaks. Then create a new email to send the password without copying or diverting the one with resume attached.

There are many cases you may be required to bring resume documents on the day of the interview. Put your resume documents in a clear file folder and a plain envelope and make sure it not stained or crooked. There is no need to write the company's name on the envelope but "履歴書在中" or "応募書類在中" on the left side of the envelope and your name, address at the back side.

Notice that when handing over the resume documents directly to the interviewer, it is a violation of manners to submit the documents in an envelope. Take the files out, stack them on the envelope, and hand them over to the interviewer in a way easy to read. But you need to keep the files in the envelope if you are asked to submit application documents at the reception desk.

Writing a resume in Japanese may seem complex at first, but if you do according to the rules it will become easier. Luckily there are a lot of templates and examples in the internet, try to search them and understand the rules before writing. We believe that you can make a good resume in Japanese with this article.

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How to Write A Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)

How to write a Japanese resume, called 履歴書 (Rirekisho) in Japanese, is one of the biggest worries jobseekers face whether they are Japanese or a foreign national looking for work in Japan. Same as an English resume, a Japanese resume is an important document for a company to evaluate job candidates. 

However, the format of a Japanese resume is very different from an English resume. Therefore, it is essential for a successful job hunt to know the proper Rirekisho format and how to write a good Japanese resume. 

First Published: 2021-11-01 Updated: 2024-04-10

Table of Contents

What is a Rirekisho? Is Shokumu Keirekisho different? 

Difference between english resume and japanese resume, personal information and profile photo.

• Academic and Work History 
• Licences, Qualifications and Certifications
• Appeal Points and Reason for Application
• Personal Requests and Other Information

Important Rules When Writing a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)

Get help finding a job with wexpats.

Rirekisho and Shokumu Keirekisho are two different documents though they are both used for job applications. 

履歴書 (Rirekisho) (image above) is a standard two page resume that contains a job candidate’s personal information, academic history, work history, licences & qualifications, and other information. It is required for most, if not all, job applications regardless of fresh graduate or mid career applicants, or full time or part time positions. 

職歴経歴書 (Shokumu Keirekisho) (image above) is only required for mid career candidates when changing jobs in Japan. It is a supplementary document to a Rirekisho containing detailed information about a candidate’s work history including job description, skills gained and use, and projects worked on.  There is no limit to the number of pages as content depends on each candidate’s career experience. Additionally, there is no standard format for Shokumu Keirekisho, though most people use a simple table for writing date (年・月, Month/Year) and workplace (勤務先, Kinmusaki)・job description etc. (業務内容, Gyoumu Naiyou).

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Before we proceed to learning how to write a Japanese resume, let’s first understand the differences between an English resume and a Japanese resume. 

How to Write a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho)

It used to be expected that Rirekishos would be handwritten, however typed Rirekisho are widely accepted nowaday. Make sure to check beforehand if the company you are applying for has a specific requirement or a preference. Traditional companies may want a handwritten Rirekisho. 

If you’d like to, or need to, handwrite your Rirekisho, Rirekisho forms with envelope sets can be easily bought at convenience stores, stationary stores and 100 Yen shops in Japan. 

Rirekisho Standard Template

Below is a sample Rirekisho released by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2021 for business owners to follow. The updated Rirekisho format reflects social changes including open answers for gender (previously choices to circle male or female), and the removal of certain categories of information (private information like marital status and number of dependants). 

Below, we will break down the information to be included in a Rirekisho. 

The personal information to be included in a Rirekisho are as follows. 

A profile photo is required for a Rirekisho, and is pasted to the right of your personal information.

The rules of a Rirekisho profile photo are as follows.

• Photo size of 3 cm x 4cm (L x H).
• Clear white, blue or grey background. 
• Front camera facing angle. 
• Professional looking with business attire of white collared shirt, black suit jacket, and tie for men.
• Name written on the back and glued firmly and neatly. 
• Recently taken within 3 months. 

Some things to be careful of include…

• Hair should be neat and not covering eyes.
• Mouth close, no teeth. 
• No sunglasses, hat or jewellery. 
• Simple makeup. 

Profile photographs can be taken at 証明写真機 (Shoumei Shashinki) - ID photo booths . These ID photo booths can usually be found on the streets, at train and subway stations, and near convenience stores. Aside from Rirekisho profile photographs (3cm x 4cm), you can also print passport and ID-sized photographs. Select the correct option. There are limited takes and you can only choose between one or two photos. A set of 6 photographs costs around 700 ~ 1000 Yen. 

Alternatively, you can take your own photo and have it printed in the correct size at convenience stores that offer printing for a much cheaper price. A set of 4 photographs costs around 200 ~ 250 Yen. 

Another alternative is having your photo taken at a photo studio which costs around 400 ~ 1000 Yen per photo print. It is the most expensive option, but additional services like makeup, hair styling, suit rental, and image data may be provided. Depending on the service, the price may go up to 10,000 Yen. 

Academic History - 学歴 (Gakureki) & Work History - 職歴 (Shokureki)

Academic History and Work History share the same section in the Rirekisho. Your education background should come first, followed by your work history. Separate the sections by using the relevant words. If there is space, leave a blank row to clearly separate the two. Like so, 

Academic History - 学歴 (Gakureki)

Gakureki (学歴) is the section for writing your academic history or education background in a Rirekisho. Write your academic history in chronological order beginning from high school education. Unlike an English resume, do not include details about your accomplishments, club activities, etc. 

Information to be included in Gakureki are...

• Name of Educational Institution, Department and Major 
• Period of Enrolment, from Entry (入学, Nyuugaku) to Graduation (卒業, Sotsugyou)
• In the case of current enrolment, indicate by 現在に至る (Genzai ni Itaru)
• Country for studies outside Japan indicated by 〇〇国 (〇〇 Kuni)

Gakureki Example: 

Work History - 職歴 (Shokureki)

Shokureki (職歴) is the section for writing your work history or career background. Shokureki should be written after Gakureki and in chronological order. Unlike an English resume, information is kept brief and does not include appeal points. A short single line of your duties can be included, indicated by 〇〇〇を担当 (〇〇〇 wo tantou) - “In-charge of 〇〇〇” . 

Information to be included in Shokureki are…

• Company Name, Department Assigned, Position
• Period of Work from Enrolment (入社, Nyuusha) to Resignation (退職, Taishoku) including reason for resignation.
• In the case of current employment, indicate by 現在に至る (Genzai ni Itaru) or 在職中 (Zaishokuchuu).
• Part Time Jobs or Internship History should only be included if relevant to the position you are applying for. 

Shokureki Example:

If you are applying for a first job, and therefore have no work experience, then indicate with the words なし (nashi) meaning “none”.

Shokureki First Job Example:

Conclude the Gakureki and Shokureki section with 以上 (Ijou) , meaning “The End” or “That’s All” on the lower right side of the table. 

Closing up Gakureki and Shokurei Section Example:

Licences and Qualifications - 免許 (Menkyo)・資格 (Shikaku)

Menkyo and Shikaku (免許・資格) is the section for writing any licences, qualifications or certifications that you have obtained. If you have many, then only include the most relevant ones for the job. 

Information to be included in this part are…

• Name of Licence, etc.
• If the licence, qualification, or certification was obtained outside Japan, then also include the country. 
• Date Passed (合格, Goukaku) for examinations, or Date Obtained (取得, Shutoku) for licences or scores

For foreign national job applicants, having a Japanese language proficiency test is highly recommended as many jobs hiring foreign nationals usually have a minimum Japanese level requirement. If you have passed multiple levels for the same qualification, then only include the highest achieved. For this section, it is not necessary to end with 以上. 

Menkyo and Shikaku Example: 

If you have no qualifications to write, do not leave it blank but write 特になし (Toku ni nashi) , which means “nothing in particular”. 

Menkyo and Shikaku Nothing to Add Example: 

Appeal Points - 自己PR (Jiko PR) & Reason for Application - 志望動機 (Shiboudouki)

Jiko PR and Shiboudouki (自己PR・志望動機) is the section that provides you with an opportunity to sell your strengths to the company, letting them know why they should pick you. Write clearly, concisely, and straight to the point. If you make it to the interview stage, keep in mind that you may be asked about what you’ve written in this section. 

Information that can be included in this section include…

志望動機 (Shiboudouki) - Reason for Application

Your reason for application and interest in the company. Do some research about the company in advance. Explain why you want to join while highlighting the company’s features. Include information like why you’d make a great fit for the role in the company, and include past experiences and strengths that would make you an asset to the company. To further demonstrate your enthusiasm, you can include your goals and career plan after joining the company. Make sure that your vision for the future is something that can be realised while at the company you are applying for. 

自己PR (Jiko PR) - Promoting Your Positive Qualities 

Recruiters are also interested in you as a person and not just your motivations for joining the company, this is where you can appeal to the company by sharing your positive qualities. If you have hobbies or special skills that can be used at the job, give priority to them. For example, if you are applying for a hotel or tourism job, then highlighting your bilingual or multilingual skills will be an advantage. Further, when writing about your hobbies, elaborate on them a little. Let’s say that your hobby is reading - it would be better to add a sentence to show just how much, such as “I read 20 books a month.” 

特技 (Tokugi) - Special Skill

Through your hobbies, you can also demonstrate your strength and personality by including an episode about your activities. For example, if your hobby is a sport, you can talk about your endeavours to improve yourself and discipline in sticking to your training regime. If you play competitively, you can also demonstrate your will to overcome defeat, teamwork skills, etc. with past experiences to back them up. 

Personal Requests - 本人希望欄 (Honnin Kibouran) & Other Information

Honnin Kibouran (本人希望欄) is a dedicated section for candidates to make requests to the company. If there are multiple positions available, this is where you can write your preferred position. It is not recommended to write salary, working hours, or workplace preferences unless there are special circumstances; these are better brought up during the interview. 

If there is nothing in particular to add, do not leave this section blank but write 貴社規定に従います (Kisha kitei ni shitagaimasu.) which means “I will follow the stipulations provided by the company”. 

Depending on the Rirekisho’s template, additional information may be asked of you…

通勤時間 (Tsuukin Jikan) - Commute Time

Write down the travel time from your current residence to the office. If different modes of commute are required then state the total time. For example, 10 minutes walk to the nearest station plus 20 minutes train commute to the office for a total of 30 minutes commute time. 

If you are planning to move house somewhere nearer to the company upon being hired, then indicate here that commuting will not be a problem.

配偶者の有無 (Haiguusha no Umu) - Marital Status

配偶者 (Haigusha) means “spouse”, and 有無 (Umu) means “Presence or Absence”, so this is basically asking your marital status. Circle 有 if married, 無 if unmarried. 

配偶者の扶養義務 (Haiguusha no Fuyougimu) - Duty to Support Spouse

If you financially support your spouse, meaning your spouse is a dependant on account of being a housewife/househusband or earning income below the dependant threshold, then circle 有. If your spouse is self-supporting and earning a salary above the dependant threshold, then circle 無. 

扶養家族 (Fuyou Kazoku) - Dependants

This section inquires whether you have dependants aside from your spouse, the words 配偶者を除く (Haiguusha wo Nozoku) - “excluding spouse” is usually written next to it in brackets. Write down the number of dependants apart from your spouse here, for example children and parents that you are financially supporting. 

There are some important rules to abide by when writing your Rirekisho. Be careful not to make these common mistakes!

• Do not abbreviate names of educational institutions or companies. Always write the full official names.
• Do not use pencils, mechanical pencils, erasable pens when filling out your resume.
• Do not use correction fluid. If there are any mistakes, rewrite from scratch even if it’s troublesome. 
• Do not leave any sections blank. If there is nothing to write, then indicate with 特になし (Toku ni Nashi) meaning “Nothing in particular.” Leaving sections blank can be interpreted as omission out of carelessness. 
• Do not reuse old resumes. Always use updated resumes and customise resumes for each application. 

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A Guide to Japanese Interviews (example Japanese interview questions and answers)

What is Shuukatsu (就活)? Job Hunting in Japan for International Students

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• How to write a shokumukeirekisho（Japanese Resume）

Although foreigners may not be familiar with it, your shokumukeirekisho（職務経歴書） is as important an application document as your resume in your job search. It should be prepared separately from your resume.

The content of your shokumukeirekisho will vary depending on the type of work you do, so it is important to understand how to write a resume for each type of job.

The following is a brief introduction to writing a shokumukeirekisho for each type of job. If you are a foreigner looking for a new job in Japan, please take a look at these tips.

【Jobs in Japan for Foreigners】Shokumukeirekisho Writing Tips

【Jobs in Japan for Foreigners】Resume Writing Tips for Software Engineers

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Get job alerts, what's a shokumu-keirekisho how to write a japanese cv [with template].

Updated September 5, 2023

Japan Dev Team

Japan Dev contributor

• Interviews & Resumes
• Career Development

Leaving a good first impression is always important, especially in a business context, and that’s exactly what your CV is for.

If you want to maximize your chances of getting the job, you need a CV that’s well-prepared. However, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to preparing a good CV. 

Not only do you need to be mindful of the industry you’re in, but if you’re applying for jobs in Japan as a foreigner, you also need to be mindful of the commonly used formats.  But you also need to think about the company you’re applying to.  For larger and more traditional Japanese companies, you may want to be conservative, but this is less important for more international companies.

Essentially, you want to send the right type of CV for the job you want. That is, of course, if you don’t want your CV to be thrown into the “rejected” pile.

This is why today, I’d like to talk about one of the two specific CV formats that exist in Japan, which is “shokumu-keirekisho.” I’ll tell you how it differs from the other CV format, “rirekisho,” when you should prepare one, as well as how you can prepare one in detail. 

I also built my very own template for the Japanese CV shokumu-keirekisho, which you can simply download and fill out.

Download my Japanese CV template here and follow along.

Let’s start with the differences between rirekisho and shokumu-keirekisho, and whether you need one in the first place.

In this article: 📝

The Accepted CV Formats in Japan For Software Engineers

The main difference between shokumu-keirekisho and rirekisho, how to write a japanese cv shokumu-keirekisho for software engineers, japanese cv template: shokumu-keirekisho template for engineers, how to write a japanese cv for software engineers: tech startups and modern it companies, a few final words of advice.

As I mentioned, there are two specific CV formats that are commonly used in Japan, namely “rirekisho” and “shokumu-keirekisho.”

If you’re not familiar with either, you might be confused as to which one you should use or if you should use one at all, which is also a possibility if you’re a software engineer, and I’ll get to this in a bit.

Additionally, there are also instances where you might need an English resume. I also talked about this in detail in another article for drafting a resume in English as a developer in Japan.

Now, let’s get on with the two specific Japanese resume formats and how they differ from one another.

In the simplest terms, the main difference between a rirekisho and a shokumu-keirekisho is the level of detail the two documents include. 

A rirekisho has all the basic information a company will need to know about you at first glance, which includes your contact information, education, work background, and relevant qualifications.

However, a rirekisho doesn’t include details such as how your job experiences relate to the position you’re applying for or what your duties were at a past company. These details are usually saved for the second, more detailed type of resume we’re focusing on today, shokumu-keirekisho.

Usually, you need both of these documents if you’re job hunting in Japan, and the process is primarily in Japanese. Usually you will submit both documents at the same time when you apply, and it can be helpful to bring a copy of both to your first interview just in case.

Sometimes, companies will state that you don’t need a shokumu-keirekisho and only require a rirekisho.  In this case, it’s fine to skip sending this document — you shouldn’t include it if the company specifically asks you not to.  But if it’s not stated that you don’t need one, it can’t hurt to include it.

If you’re curious about what you’ll be asked in a job interview, you can check out our post on the top interview questions in Japan .

Even though these resume formats are widely popular in Japan, they’re usually only required when you’re applying to a traditional Japanese IT company (particularly a “system integration” company). 

If you’re applying to IT startups and companies that are more on the “modern” side, like the ones on the Japan Dev company list , you don’t have to go through the trouble of following a specific format.

If you’re applying to a more modern Silicon Valley-style tech company in Japan, please skip to the “How to Write a Japanese CV for Software Engineers: Tech Startups and Modern IT Companies” section.

Either way, I’ll also explain how you can prepare an impactful CV for these companies below, but first, let’s take a look at what goes into preparing a good shokumu-keirekisho.

Before I go into the specifics, I’d like to remind you that I also have a separate post detailing how you can prepare a good rirekisho , which also includes a downloadable template.

Unlike rirekisho, which mostly has a specific format due to the form-like nature of the document, there actually isn’t a specific shokumu-keirekisho format that’s “correct.”

However, there are definitely some things that you must include. These are

Your title and personal information,

A detailed summary of your career,

A detailed summary of your relevant skills and knowledge in the field,

Your work history (specific companies and roles)

Your technical skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, and

Self-Appeal (Self-PR).

Now, let’s get into the specifics of how you should write these sections in your shokumu-keirekisho.

Title and Personal Information

A good shokumu-keirekisho starts with a proper title. Write “職務経歴書” at the top of the page, and start with your personal information and the date of creation and/or submission right below that. 

You can include everything from your full name and address to your contact information like phone number and email address here just to be thorough, but usually, just your name and the document submission date should suffice. 

As for the date, make sure you update the date of submission every time you send your CV to a new company. 

If you include the creation date, be sure that the date isn’t older than a few months. Japanese companies pay extra attention to this, and they might ignore your resume if they assume that the information on your CV isn’t up-to-date.

Lastly, remember to write the date in the Japanese date format, which goes like “year/month/day (day of the week).” You can skip the day of the week, of course, but the date itself should be written in Japanese format.

Career Summary

This is the part that recruiters like to look at first when they review a CV, and therefore, it’s arguably the most important part of your resume.

You might be confused as to why there are separate “career summary” and “work history” sections, as it may look like they both refer to the same thing, but there’s a difference.

Your career summary is where you give a general overview of your work history before you go into the line-by-line specifics of each company you worked for. You can use simple sentences here to describe your career so far in a brief paragraph. 

You can consider this as the abstract to your CV, as it’ll serve as an introduction to what you’ve done until now. Therefore, not going into too much detail and keeping it between 200 and 300 words is a good idea.

Summary of Relevant Skills

In this section, before you get into the specifics, you’ll give a brief introduction to your most relevant technical skills for the job. A few short lines should be enough here, as you can see in the example. 

Basically, you want to present the information you want the recruiter to see first here. Don’t try to add everything in this section — there’s a separate section below where you can talk about all of your skills in more detail.

Work History

Finally, this is the part where you get to go into detail about each one of your past experiences, as it serves as “the meat and the bones” of your CV. 

In this section, you can list each job experience as a bullet point. Under each one, you can include various information, such as the skills you’ve used/developed, as well as your duties in each position. 

There’s no right or wrong here. You can include any relevant information under each experience that you think will help you get the job. Be sure to also include the relevant information for the companies you worked for. 

This can include but is not limited to when the company you worked for was founded, the industry the company is in, the number of employees, and the company’s yearly profit. You should also include information regarding your position. Here are a few specific topics you can mention:

The duration of your employment,

The projects you’ve participated in,

Your department and title at the company

The projects where you were a part of the development cycle, and

The programming languages, frameworks, and programs you used.

It’s important to include relevant information here, of course. However, you should avoid including unnecessary details and only include the information that you think will be helpful.  There’s no hard limit on number of pages, but it’s good to keep it concise where possible.

Following a Reverse Chronological Order

Another important point in this section is to list your past jobs in reverse chronological order. You want to start with the most recent job at the top and work your way down to the first job you had. 

You might get confused here because, in a rirekisho, you’re expected to do the exact opposite and list your experiences chronologically. 

The reason you’re following a reverse chronological order this time is that, in theory, a rirekisho is considered a more “generalized” document. In contrast, a shokumu-keirekisho is a specific document that you’re supposed to prepare for each application. 

Therefore, recruiters will prefer to check your shokumu-keirekisho when they’re screening your application, and they want to see your most recent job experience right at the top.

Detailing and Categorizing

Since there’s no set format you need to follow with a shokumu-keirekisho, you can get as specific as you want. I recommend mentioning not only the projects you worked on but how these projects were completed and what the results were as well.

For instance, you can include information on whether the project was completed earlier than planned without any hiccups. You can mention things like how the project helped improve the system performance or the efficiency of your team.

Additionally, you can treat your shokumu-keirekisho as your portfolio and include links to the finished projects, like an app you helped build or a website you created. You can also mention what you’ve learned while working on these specific projects, which will be even more impactful.

Lastly, as opposed to grouping the projects, skills, and languages in the same section, I recommend leaving a separate column for the programming languages and the projects, as we did in the sample above. This will help the recruiters find the information they need the most easily.

Relevant Technical/General Skills and Certificates

In this section, you’re expected to talk about your relevant technical skills and qualifications. 

As the shokumu-keirekisho is supposed to be tailored for the specific position you’re applying to, it’s best to start with the most relevant skills first. Again, you can get creative here and group things so that they’re easier to go through.

I recommend starting with your technical skills first. Don’t forget to mention how long you’ve had the said skill next to each item on your list.

You can also create a sub-group for your relevant education in the field and list any diplomas and certifications you collected. If you’ve had any internship programs that you couldn’t include in the career history section, you can list those here as well.

What’s more, as a foreigner, you’ll need to specify whether you speak Japanese or not and what your JLTP level is in your CV. You can mention this along with the other languages you speak in this section. If you have multiple qualifications for this section, you can again create a separate section in your CV just for languages.

If you don’t speak Japanese or don’t have a JLTP score yet, you can benefit from my other post, where I talk about the best Japanese language schools in Japan .

Self-Appeal

Last but not least, the self-appeal section, also known as the “self-PR” section, is the part of your CV that is essentially for bragging — but with style.

Before you write this section, don’t forget that there’s also a self-PR section in your rirekisho. 

If you’re sending both for an application, remember to switch things up between the two documents. Alternatively, you can give general information in your rirekisho and be more specific in your shokumu-keirekisho.

You can freely express what you can bring to the table in this section. You can talk about how your skills and qualifications can contribute to the company you’re applying to. You can describe how you’re the perfect fit for the job. It’s all fair game.

You can also mention why you’re applying for this specific job and talk about your reasons. I recommend saving at least half of this section to talk about your motivations specifically, which will grab the attention of the recruiter.

Generally speaking, it’s best to keep this section to around 300 words. Try to have a clear focus and avoid using pretty but meaningless words to avoid giving the impression that your motivation lacks substance.

As there isn’t a specific format that exists for the shokumu-keirekisho, you can download the sample I created — the included screenshots are from the sample — and fill it out to use in your applications.

This sample was created specifically with engineers in mind (with a focus on more traditional companies like “SI” companies), but it can also be modified to fit other industries as well. 

Here’s a downloadable link to my very own Japanese CV template:

Japanese CV template - download .

As I mentioned, while a shokumu-keirekisho is a popular CV format that’s widely used in Japan, if you’re applying to tech startups, modern IT companies, or companies that develop B2C (business-to-consumer) web services, you don’t need any of these.

Actually, you don’t need to follow any specific format. You can just create a modern CV that you’d prepare for a job in the United States or Europe. However, there are definitely some tips you can follow to make your CV as striking and impactful as possible, and that’s what I’m here to talk about as well.

As there isn’t a specific format to follow or a form to fill out, feel free to prepare your CV using Google Docs , Github , or Notion . You can also use Markdown if that’s what you feel more comfortable with.

While writing your CV, even if you don’t follow this particular order, you should include the following sections:

Career Introduction,

Work History,

Personal projects and miscellaneous activities,

Social/Online presence,

Self-Summary (Self-PR), and

Career plans.

Now, let’s take a look at each section and how you can write them.

There isn’t much to explain here, as this section is where your personal information goes. 

Your full name, age, birthdate, as well as contact information, like your email address and phone number, all go under this section. 

You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile here, but you can also choose to do this in a separate section where you’ll mention your online presence anyway. 

Just don’t go overboard and share all your socials. Your LinkedIn should be enough to identify you. Instagram links can look unprofessional so we don’t recommend including them, but a Twitter link can be helpful if you have a lot of followers or are putting a lot of effort into tweeting (professionally).

Career Introduction

Before you get into the specifics, it’s a good idea to start your CV off with a brief summary that doesn’t go over a few sentences. Think of this as an elevator pitch. You want to be as concise as possible while giving out the most crucial information about yourself.

Here, you’ll talk about the most important aspects of your career. Think about what sets you apart in terms of your professional experience in the field, and center this part around that. 

Remember that the recruiters will most likely look at this section of your resume first. Even if you don’t prepare a separate CV for each job you apply for, I at least recommend tailoring this part specifically for every application. 

For the same reason, I also recommend mentioning your visa situation in this section as well if you think it will help your case.  For example if you have permanent residence, it can be helpful to include that here.

Therefore, if you already have a visa that allows you to work in Japan, stating this in the summary section will definitely work in your favor. 

Lastly, try to keep this section concise. I recommend not going over 300 words. A small paragraph should do, and I think that a word count between 250–300 words is the sweet spot here.

Similar to your work history section in the shokumu-keirekisho I explained above, you’re expected to list all of your professional experiences in this section.

Writing in chronological order should be fine here, so you can start from the very first job you had at the top and work your way down to your most recent work experience.

For clarity purposes, you should write the projects you were involved in as bullet points. Depending on the formatting of your choice, under or next to each project, you need to provide the most important details. Here are some of the things you should definitely mention:

The name of the project

The period — the amount of time you’ve worked on the project.

Job title and description — your position in the project and briefly describe your duties.

Scale — the scale of the project in terms of size and the number of people involved if you’re at liberty to share such information.

Languages and Operating Systems used — everything from programming languages to databases used in the process.

Target — the target user of the project.

If your work is largely project-based and you have more than a few projects under each job, you can also create a separate section under this one for projects. If you do separate the projects section, you can just state your title and duties next to each work experience, along with your accomplishments in the role.

In the skills section of your CV, you’re expected to list your technical and soft skills. 

For the technical skills part, I recommend listing a balanced set of skills. In general, I’d say that technical skills can be categorized under two groups: skills that are current and trendy, and basic skills that are evergreen.

What I mean here is that you should list enough of both skills that are basic and will show the depth of your technical understanding and skills that are currently trendy to have in your field. 

Most young engineers make the mistake of mostly listing skills that are trendy, and they forget to list the most obvious and basic stuff. However, these skills can become obsolete in the near future at any moment when the tide turns, and this is why it’s important to have a good balance.

As for your soft skills, since it’s very easy to be cliche and list generic things like “good communication skills” or “time management skills”, I recommend a more specific approach here. 

Think about the projects you’ve worked on, and try to focus on your strengths. Try to remember what challenges you actually faced and how you handled them. This can help you come up with more specific skills that actually look convincing.

For instance, instead of just stating that you have good leadership skills, you can come up with a solid example from your own past experiences and state how you rose to the occasion during a specific time when your leadership skills were needed.

This part doesn’t need much introduction. Essentially, you need to list the languages you speak in this section. 

If you know Japanese and have a JLPT certificate, you should definitely mention it here. Don’t forget to mention your first language too, and if English is one of your second languages, you can also include any TOEFL or IELTS score you may have. 

If you don’t speak Japanese but want to learn, you can check out my post on the best tools to learn Japanese . If you’re already learning Japanese and want to take the JLPT test, I also have a separate post where I explain how to prepare for the JLPT specifically.

Personal Projects and Miscellaneous Activities

You might have tons of work experience, but work is work at the end of the day. It’s something you do to earn a living, and thus, it’s considered the bare minimum in terms of actual experience.

If you have the work experience needed, what you do outside of work can be really effective in setting you apart from the rest of the applicants. This is why I recommend listing all of your personal projects in this section, as well as any other activities you think are relevant to the job you apply for.

Any open source or collective projects you’ve contributed to go under this section as well.

Social/Online Presence

Your online presence is important for your CV as well. Your Twitter can be helpful for tech companies so feel free to include it if you think the company you’re applying to would appreciate it.

Adding links for your GitHub, Stack Overflow, HackerRank, or any other relevant profiles you may have with quality content is a good idea here. These will serve as living proof of your coding abilities.

Also, if you have a personal website or a blog, I recommend listing that as well. If you don’t have one yet, I recommend taking the time to create one, as it’s an investment that will definitely be rewarding down the line.

If you haven’t done so already in your summary section, you can also add your LinkedIn profile here as well.

As you already covered plenty in the sections that came before this, I recommend going easy on the self-PR section and going for a more focused approach.

A good approach to preparing to write this section is researching the company you’re applying to. Try to find out the technology used or what kind of culture the company has. This can help you create a targeted self-PR section where you can talk about how you can contribute to the company.

As for the length, I recommend writing a concise and focused paragraph of about 300 characters that delivers the most crucial information about you.

Career Plans

Lastly, you may want to discuss your future career plans before you finish your resume.  This section isn’t strictly necessary, so I’d only recommend including it if you think it will make you look more impressive.

This section is for describing what your career goals are and how this specific job fits into your career plans. Basically, you want to look like you know what you’re doing and not just applying to jobs for the sake of getting a job.

If a recruiter isn’t convinced that the job you’re applying for is the one you planned for yourself all along, they may set your resume aside in favor of someone who is more convincing. This is because, essentially, recruiters don’t want to risk hiring someone who took the job on a whim and may quit at any moment.

Writing a few sentences that’ll make you look like you know what you’re doing with your career should be enough here. After explaining your goal, you can tie it all together by explaining how this job brings you one step closer to where you want to be in life, and you should be good to go!

Why do I want to work in Japan?

If you’re applying from overseas, it might be helpful to state why you want to work in Japan.  If there are any concrete reasons you can provide, that’s especially good.

For example, if you belong to Japanese communities, have friends or family in Japan, or if there are specific goals you want to accomplish here.  A lot of companies will be apprehensive about hiring someone from overseas due to the extra costs involved and your lack of experience here, so I recommend trying to assuage their fears if possible.

However this section is optional.

Japan Visa Status

This is another optional section, but again it can be helpful in certain circumstances.

Do you have permanent residency, or are you married to a Japanese national?  If so it can help your chances of getting an interview to state that here.

Otherwise, you can be honest and say that you’ll need visa sponsorship, or you can just skip this section.

Before I conclude this guide, I’d like to share some notes and tips that you might want to watch out for when preparing your CV.

You generally shouldn’t include a photo in your shokumu-keirekisho. This can help take bias out of the equation and give you a more fair chance. Some more traditional companies might require one on your rirekisho however.

I also recommend leaving out information such as your gender and marital status for the same reason, which is also becoming a thing of the past. 

Lastly, you might also want to leave out the references section that you commonly see on western-stye resumes. The recruiter will ask for your references if needed, and therefore, it’s not necessary.

Basically, this is all the information you need to prepare a good Japanese resume in both traditional and modern ways. However, before you get on with your job-hunting journey in Japan, you might also want to check out my guide on how to find a job as a software engineer in Japan .

This post was written by our Japan Dev editorial team.

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【working in japan】how to write a resume (part-time job).

Each country has a different way to write a resume, but have you ever seen a Japanese resume? Japanese resume has a fixed format and can be downloaded online or purchased at convenience stores and 100-yen shops.

This time, we will explain how to write a Japanese resume.

Basic Rule:

・When writing by hand, use a black ballpoint pen. Please don't use erasable pen.

・When writing by hand, if you make a mistake, please rewrite it from the beginning. Do not use masking tape/pen.

・When writing by hand, please don't use photocopy machine.

・If you have nothing to write, write 「なし」“none”.

1) How to write the date on resume

・Write in Western calendar (YYYY/MM/DD).

2) 氏名（しめい）- Name

・Write your name in this order, 姓 (family name) and 名 (first name).

・Furigana: How to read. Above your name, write again your name in hiragana or katakana.

3) 生年月日（せいねんがっぴ）- Date of Birth

・Write in Western calendar.

4) 住所（じゅうしょ）- Address

・Write your current address.

・Write in this order, prefecture → municipality → address (→ apartment name and room number).

5) 学歴（がくれき）- Educational background / 職歴（しょくれき）- Work history

・Write your educational background and work history separately.

・Educational background : Write the name of the school or university, the month you entered, and the month you graduated.

・Work history : Write the name of the company you have worked for, the month you started, and the month you quit.

6）資格（しかく）- Qualifications

・Write the licenses and qualifications you have and the month you acquired them.

Example) Driver's license, JLPT, TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK, etc.

7）志望の動機（しぼう の どうき）- Reason for application

・Write down the reason why you want to work part-time. You can write what you want to learn and what kind of experience you want to have at your part-time job.

8）扶養家族数（ふよう かぞくすう）- Number of dependents

・Write down the number of family members that you support financially.

※Wife or husband is not included.

9）配偶者（はいぐうしゃ）- Spouse

・Spouse : Your wife or husband. Circle 「有」"Yes" if you have a spouse, and circle 「無」“No” if you do not.

10）希望職種（きぼう しょくしゅ）- Desired job

・Write down what kind of job and position you are interested in

Example) If it's a restaurant job

「キッチンスタッフ」"Kitchen staff"「接客」"Customer service"

You can also write,

「キッチン、ホールどちらでも大丈夫です。」"Kitchen or hall staff are okay"

11）本人希望記入欄（ほんにん きぼう きにゅうらん）- Personal preference entry field

・Write what you want to explain, such as educations and days of the week you want to work.

★YOLO QUIZ★

Q : What kind of pen do you use when writing your resume in Japan?

② Black Ballpoint Pen

③ Blue Ballpoint Pen

　　The answer is？★

Please use a black ballpoint pen, as it may disappear if you write with a pencil.

If you don't feel confident to write with a ballpoint pen from the beginning, you can use a pencil to make a draft.

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How to Write a Rirekisho for a Japanese Job Application Part 3 – Licenses and Qualifications

This is the third part in our series on How to Write a Japanese Rirekisho, or Japanese resume.

This article will explain how to create the third part of the rirekisho – the Licenses and Qualifications section, titled as   免許・資格 (Menkyo / Shikaku) in Japanese.

If you are writing a Japanese resume (rirekisho), and you haven’t already, we suggest you start by reading our previous articles from this series:

Writing a Rirekisho Part 1: How to Write Personal Information Section Writing a Rirekisho Part 2: How to Write Education and Work History (Gakureki / Shokureki)

Difficulty Rating ★★★☆☆

Overview of the Licenses and Qualifications Section

What is the licenses and qualifications section for.

The licenses and qualifications section is a place on the rirekisho solely dedicated to listing any licenses and qualifications that you might hold. You can also use this space to indicate licenses and qualifications you are currently working towards , or plan to take in the very near future .

Qualifications and licenses tend to fall into four main categories

1. Field specific licenses and qualifications

2. Language qualifications

3. Driver’s licenses

4. Computer qualifications

1. Field Specific Licenses and Qualifications

These are licenses and   qualifications you have acquired during your career or for your career , that are not part of higher education.

These could include things like pilot licenses, teaching licenses / TEFLs, or real estate licenses, for example.

Keep your list relevant to the role

Refer back to the job description to guide you. If you hold a lot of different licenses and qualifications, this may mean narrowing down your list.

2. Language Qualifications

For Japanese and other non-native English speakers jobseekers, this is a chance to mention English language qualifications such as TOEIC or IELTs.

For foreigners looking to work in a Japanese company, this is an opportunity to list any Japanese language qualifications you hold, such as:

Japanese Language Proficiency Test 日本語能力試験

Business Japanese Test　BJTビジネス日本語能力テスト 　

Kanji Kentei 日本漢字能力検定　

If you have any other language certificates besides Japanese and English that might be relevant to the job you are applying for, you can list those, too.

Only list the highest level of a test that you hold

For example, if you took JLPT N3, and then a year later you took N2, you would write your N2 result.

3. Driver’s Licenses

In the above example, the license type is 中型 (chugata) which is an abbreviation of 中型運転免許 (medium-sized vehicle license).

Because your resume is an official document, you need to list your license type in complete terms .

See the chart below to find out the official name of your license.

Official names of the 15 types of Japanese driver's licenses

大型 (ogata) Heavy   vehicle license    ：大型自動車免許

中型 (chugata)  Medium-sized vehicle license ：中型自動車免許

準中型 (junchu-gata)  Quasi-medium-sized vehicle license ：準中型自動車免許

普通 (futsu)  Ordinary driver’s license ：普通自動車免許

大特 (daitoku)    Large-scale special vehicles license ：大型特殊自動車免許

大自二 (daiji-ni)    Large motorcycle license ：大型自動二輪車免許

普自二 (shinji-ni)  Ordinary motorcycle license ：普通自動二輪車免許

小特 (kotoku)  Compact special vehicle license ：小型特殊自動車免許

原付 (gentsuki)  Moped license ：原動機付自転車免許

け引 (kenin)  Towing license   :  牽（けん）引免許

大二 (dai-ni) Commercial heavy vehicle license (type II) ：大型自動車第二種免許

中二 (chu-ni) ：Commercial medium vehicle license (type II) 中型自動車第二種免許 普二 (shin-ni) ：Commercial ordinary vehicle license (type II) 普通自動車第二種免許 大特二 (daitoku-ni) ：Large special vehicle license (type II) 大型特殊自動車第二種免許 け引二 (kenin-ni) Towing license (type II)：牽（けん）引第二種免許

Type II licenses are those that give the holder permission to drive as a service (i.e. bus and taxi drivers)

List your license even if you assume you won’t need it at work Even if you assume you won’t be asked to do ‘outside work’, you should still write down that you hold a license, just in case. The same goes for “paper drivers”. Even if you are not in the habit of driving, still let your potential employer know that you hold a license.

Don’t list motorcycle licenses here

If you hold a motorcycle license, it should not be listed here. You can list this under hobbies instead (unless motorcycles are directly related to the job!)

3. Computer Qualifications

In Japan, the   MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) Certification is extremely popular with people of working age.   Around 4 million people hold the certificate as of 2021 .  It is therefore another common entry under Licenses and Certificates on the rireksho. You can list any computer certifications you might hold, taken in Japan or your home country.

If you are good with computers but don’t have a certificate You can talk about these in the skills or hobbies section, or on the shokumukeirekisho instead.

How to Structure the Licenses and Qualifications section

For each entry, you will need to input the following information: 

– The official name of the qualification / license

– Any score given if applicable

– Either the word 取得 (obtained) or 合格 (passed)

General guidelines for when writing:

Date formatting can be either Japanese or Western, as long as it is consistent with the rest of the resume

Write the full and official title of a license or qualification. For example, 日本語能力試験 rather than JLPT N1 / N2 etc.

A good rule of thumb for the ordering is: driver’s license followed by qualifications related to your field, language qualifications and then computer qualifications

Use one line per license / qualification

DO include licenses and qualifications you are still working on or planning to take in the near future

When to Write 取得 (Obtained) and When to Write 合格 (Passed)

取得 (obtained) is usually used used for licenses （免許), and things which have a score.

 For example:

・Driver’s licenses

・Teaching licenses

合格 (passed) is usually used for qualifications (試験 / 検定)

For example:

・Language tests besides TOEIC (JLPT, Eiken etc.)

・Computer qualifications (MOS etc.)

Some variations of 取得 (obtained) / 合格 (passed)  修了：Used for lectures (講義) and training workshops (講習)

登録：Used for practical experience in the legal world (税理士) 免状：Used for safety related examinations (such as for electricians)

Examples of how to list different kinds of licenses and qualifications

1. Driver’s License

・ Check your license to confirm the date acquired and the type of license .

・ Input the month and year obtained in to the date columns. 

・ In the wide column, write the official name for the license 

　　(In this case 中型 becomes 中型自動車免許)

・ To the far right of the row, write 取得 (obtained).

2. Computer Qualification

・ Input the  month and year  obtained in to the date columns. 

・ In the wide column, write the  official name for the qualification

・Write the score  (in this case 3級)

・To the far right of the row, write 合格 (passed) .

3. Language Qualification

・Input the  month and year  obtained in to the date columns. 

・Write the score  (in this case 1級)

Checking the official name of a license or qualification If you aren’t sure the official name for a qualification, try inputting the name you know in to google, followed by the words 正式名称

When you have no licenses or qualifications

All sections of the resume need to be filled out, so even if you have nothing to mention, you should write the word なし or 特になし to indicate this.

How to list something you’re still studying

It’s a good idea to list licenses and qualifications that you are in the process of completing.

You can format this using the following structure:

○○資格取得に向けて勉強中

In the next part in the series, we will take a deep dive into the fourth section of the rirekisho – 　 志望の動機、特技、好きな学科、アピールポイント

In this section you can talk about yourself in a little more detail, as well as explain your reasons for wanting to work for a company.

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Understanding Japanese Labor Contract Periods and Why it Matters

30 Years in Japan: An Interview with Sheila Ryan

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During these virtual events, you'll hear from LB&I Hiring Managers and Employees discussing the different practice areas LB&I is responsible for and the specialized experience needed to be eligible for these positions. We'll discuss how to write an effective resume to highlight your experience and make you more competitive.

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Our work at EPA has purpose and impact. From tackling the climate crisis to advancing environmental justice, what happens here changes our world. Our mission is to protect human health and safeguard the environment – the air, water, and land upon which life depends.

At EPA, you can make a real difference for the environment and the lives of others.

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• Mechanical Engineering

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may belong at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a patent examiner! We recruit the most promising at America’s Innovation Agency, and we encourage you to take the step forward in your journey today by joining us virtually on May 15  at noon ET for an informational webinar on becoming a patent examiner.

By attending this event, you will learn more about the USPTO and the patent examiner position, meet with the USPTO team, and hear about our tremendous benefits and why employees love to work here. You do not need to register.

When you are ready to apply, submit your application via USAJOBS .

For more information, contact  [email protected] .

Background Investigator Information Sessions

Hosted by Department of Defense

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is the largest investigative service provider in the Federal Government supporting over 100 Federal entities.  DCSA has the mission to protect America's trusted workforce, workspaces, and information.  At DCSA, we process, issue, and monitor the eligibility of clearances processed through our Personnel Security mission, resulting in an end-to-end personnel security process.

If you are interested in learning more about the DCSA Personnel Security Background Investigator positions at several locations, please tune into one of the two upcoming Information Sessions provided below.

May 15, 2024 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CST Meeting ID (5/15/24): 161 1955 7604 Password: 769661 Invite Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16119557604?pwd=YUExb1RUVGd2WHhXdjZtRkRzcWlrQT09

May 16, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST Meeting ID (5/16/24): 161 1955 7604 Password: 769661 Invite Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16119557604?pwd=YUExb1RUVGd2WHhXdjZtRkRzcWlrQT09

SSA Virtual Career Information Fair: Positions in IA, KS, MO, NE

Hosted by Social Security Administration

• Wanting to help people?
• Looking for a rewarding career?
• Seeking a stable job with comprehensive paid training?
• Interested in a job with flexibility and great benefits?

If so, we are hosting a virtual career informational fair highlighting our entry level positions in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. If you are looking for a new career with advancement opportunities, we have positions that may be an excellent fit for you.

Our positions offer competitive pay, full benefits, and most importantly allow you to make a difference in people's lives. During this event you will hear more about the positions, training involved, pay and benefits, the hiring process, how to apply, requirements involved, federal resumes, interviewing, and testimonials from current SSA employees. We will also have information on where to send your resume if you would like to be considered for an entry level position under our Direct Hiring Authority.

The event begins at 1:00 PM CDT on Thursday, May 16th. The informational presentation will run from 1:00-2:10 and will be followed by a live Q&A until 2:30. Click the See More Details button to register today.

For additional information about positions with Social Security, please visit Careers with SSA .

Federal Jobs Webinar

Hosted by National Park Service

From USAJOBS tips to resume crafting, we've got you covered.

• Skills to navigate federal job applications
• Understanding hiring authorities
• Crafting tailored resumes
• Utilizing USAJOBS Effectively

Treasury's - Writing Your Federal Resume

Hosted by Department of the Treasury

Come Grow With Us! This presentation was designed to help applicants understand the federal resume. The briefing explains each section of the job opportunity announcement (JOA) in an effort to better inform applicants and to assist them in selecting in or out of the job. The main part of the briefing uses a 3-part process to assist applicants in writing their resume. Attendees are shown a real JOA and walked through a process that helps them review the JOA to determine qualifications and interest, identify the important requirements and then they are shown how to properly tailor their resumes to the JOA. Lastly, we will do a quick overview of the resume builder within USAJOBS.

• Interdisciplinary (Project Manager)
• Security Guard
• Park Ranger
• Civil Engineer (Hydraulics)

Introduction to USAJOBS and the Bureau of Reclamation

Hosted by Bureau of Reclamation

This workshop will be an overview of USAJOBS and the Federal Application Process. Learn how to review an announcement and understand your eligibilities and qualifications.

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal bureau in the Department of the Interior that manages water in the west. Our opportunities are vast. This webinar introduces participants to the work that we do and the greater mission that we support. Human resource specialists, subject matter experts, and hiring officials will be on hand to answer questions. Join us to learn more about Reclamation and the positions we have available.

Treasury's - Interviewing Techniques

Come Grow With Us - This presentation introduces the audience to the interview process within the Federal government. It explains the types of interviews (structured/unstructured), different delivery methods, types of common questions, responding utilizing the S.T.A.R (Situation/Task, Action, Result) method and how to prepare for an interview.

• Supervisory Civil/Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director)
• Supervisory Civil/Environmental Engineer (Field Operations)
• Supervisory Civil/Environmental Engineer (District Engineer)
• Supervisory Civil/Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director for Project Support)
• Supervisory Civil/Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director for Management Operations)

Indian Health Service - May Virtual Information Session

Hosted by Indian Health Service

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Indian Health Service Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) - May Virtual Information Session. This event aims to provide valuable insights into the critical work of DSFC professionals in ensuring access to safe sanitation facilities in Indigenous communities. We encourage you to join us for an information session that highlights the importance of sanitation infrastructure in promoting health and well-being in our indigenous communities.  Date: May 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST to 3:00 pm EST. This virtual event will provide you with the chance to:

• Learn about the mission and services of the Indian Health Service Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction
• Discover various career paths available within Indian Health Service
• Explore job openings
• Get valuable insights into working with indigenous communities

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career journey with the Indian Health Service. Mark your calendar and register now to secure your spot! We look forward to meeting you virtually on May 21st!

VA FEDERAL APPLICATION WEBINAR

Hosted by Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer

During the federal application process session, VMSTEP personnel will present on how to write a Federal Government resume, set up a user account and navigate USAJOBS. Get ready to learn insider tips and tricks for crafting a standout federal application that will get you noticed by top federal employers. You will learn the difference between a private sector and federal resume and tips to enhance describing your experience. Veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses and individuals qualified under Schedule A (People with Disabilities/People with Targeted Disabilities) will leave this session armed with information on how to develop a competitive application and how to craft an effective resume for use in applying for positions with VA and other federal agencies.

DFC - Federal Career Possibilities Webinar for AANHPI

Hosted by Development Finance Corporation (formerly Overseas Private Investment Corporation)

Delve into the World of Federal Career Possibilities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) with DFC. Don’t miss the opportunity to unlock the path to federal employment success with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). We're dedicated to guiding you through the federal hiring process, resume optimization, USAJOBS, and an exclusive Q&A session with federal hiring experts.

Ready to make an impact as a public servant? Join DFC’s mission to empower AANHPI representation in federal roles.

Together, let’s build a federal workforce that truly represents the America we serve! Hosted by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) and the Office of Human Resources Management (Talent Management in OHRM

Virtual Office Hour with USPTO patent examiners

Calling all scientists and engineers!

Are you a U.S. citizen graduating with a science, engineering, or tech-related degree? Do you want a job that is challenging and an opportunity to work from home nationwide with a flexible schedule? Would you like to work in a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie as part of a community that leads America toward breakthroughs in innovation?  Consider becoming a patent examiner at America's Innovation Agency!

At this event, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will share more about why you should work with us as a patent examiner. By attending, you will learn more about the agency, the patent examiner position, and why employees love to work at the USPTO.

Bring your questions about the agency, the role of a USPTO patent examiner, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current team members for these virtual office hours.

If you are a U.S. citizen and are graduating this year with a focus in:

• Related fields

…then bring your questions about the agency, the role, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current USPTO patent examiners on May 22nd, at noon ET . Our team members are excited to answer your questions, chat with you, and provide you with more info. Plus, we're hiring!

DoD Civilian Careers Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

Elevate Your Career with the Department of Defense!

DoD Civilian Careers Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Virtual Career Fair

Embark on a career journey at the forefront of innovation with the Department of Defense (DoD)! Join us for an electrifying journey into the world of cutting-edge technology. Dive into innovation, engage with industry leaders, and unlock exclusive opportunities. Chart your course towards a career brimming with potential in: • General Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Computer Engineering • Interdisciplinary Engineering • Information Technology • Chemistry - Date: May 23,2024 - Time: 11 am to 5Pm (ET) - Register here: https://lnkd.in/ev5edEcA

Why Attend? • Engage with DoD recruiters via live chat. – • Discover diverse career paths across multiple fields. – • Learn about the benefits and growth opportunities within the DoD.

Secure your spot today and be part of something bigger! Your future in public service starts here.

Bureau of Land Management 101 (Careers caring for the land you love)

Hosted by Bureau of Land Management

Interested in a career caring for the land you love? Join the Bureau of Land Management Recruiting Team and learn more about how you can us achieve our mission of managing and conserving public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Our challenging mission calls for the best and the brightest our nation has to offer, and in return, we offer interesting, creative work with opportunities for professional growth throughout the organization. The BLM offers a wide variety of job opportunities for qualified individuals with different levels of education and work experience, tune in to find out more.

Virtual office hour with USPTO patent examiners

…then bring your questions about the agency, the role, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current USPTO patent examiners on May 29th, at noon ET . Our team members are excited to answer your questions, chat with you, and provide you with more info. Plus, we're hiring!

• Patent Examiner (Mechanical Engineering)
• Patent Examiner (Electrical Engineering)
• Patent Examiner (Biology)
• Patent Examiner (Computer Engineer)
• Patent Examiner (Physics)
• Patent Examiner (Biomedical Engineer)
• Patent Examiner (Chemical Engineering)
• Patent Examiner (Chemistry)
• Patent Examiner (Computer Science)

…then bring your questions about the agency, the role, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current USPTO patent examiners on June 5th, at noon ET . Our team members are excited to answer your questions, chat with you, and provide you with more info. Plus, we're hiring!

Treasury's - Navigating USAJOBS

Come Grow With Us! Instructor led training that provides a step-by-step process that covers searching for Federal jobs, creating your account and profile, managing your account, reviewing Job Opportunity Announcements, submitting your applications, and following up on your application status.

Navigating the Federal Hiring Process Series: Interview Tips

As the nation’s preeminent public health promotion, protection, preparedness, and prevention agency, CDC works 24/7 to conduct critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against public health threats, both foreign and domestic. Join us for this informative session to hear directly from CDC Recruiters to gain expert knowledge on how to prepare for your interview, learn best practices to use during your interview, and discover ways to becoming the most competitive applicant during your federal job application process. Please contact [email protected] for any accommodation requests.

U.S. EPA Region 8 , 9 and 10 Federal Careers Virtual Workshop

Participants have the opportunity to learn about EPA’s mission, how to navigate USAJOBS and creating a federal resume. There will be panel discussion to provide a glimpse into variety of careers within the EPA. For more information or to request accommodations, please contact  [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected] .

…then bring your questions about the agency, the role, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current USPTO patent examiners on June 12th, at noon ET . Our team members are excited to answer your questions, chat with you, and provide you with more info. Plus, we're hiring!

A fireside chat with USPTO patent examiners

Do you want a challenging career? Would you like the opportunity to work from home nationwide with a flexible schedule? Do you want to be a part of a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie, and a community that leads America toward breakthroughs in innovation? Are you a U.S. citizen with a degree or soon to be degree in any of these fields?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, come join us virtually on June 20  at noon ET for a laid back and informational fireside chat that will give you an inside look at being a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). You will get the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations and get answers to your questions directly from team members.

Don’t miss your opportunity to take a deep dive into a career that combines purpose with passion. Come join us fireside, and we will ignite your interest in joining the USPTO team. There is no need to register, you can effortlessly dive right into conversation. Hope to see you there!

When ready to apply, submit application via  USAJOBS . For more information, contact  [email protected] .

…then bring your questions about the agency, the role, and the hiring process to this informal Q&A session with current USPTO patent examiners on June 26th, at noon ET . Our team members are excited to answer your questions, chat with you, and provide you with more info. Plus, we're hiring!

DOE Careers in Data and Computing Information Session

Hosted by Department of Energy

We are powered by science and technology to fulfill our mission.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ensures America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. At our very core, we are an agency powered by science and technology to fulfill our mission–from deploying energy solutions to enhancing national security. Join our event to learn about our important and exciting career opportunities and how the Energy Department is working to maintain American leadership in technology and innovation.

DOE is hiring for AI, Data, IT, and Cybersecurity professionals from diverse backgrounds for positions located across the United States!

Career opportunities include but not limited to :

• Computer Engineer 0854
• Computer Scientist 1550
• Data Scientist 1560
• Electronic Engineer 0855
• IT and Cybersecurity Specialist 2210
• Management & Program Analyst 0343
• Mathematical Statistician 1529
• Statistician 1530

Join us for a virtual information session to learn from Subject Matter Experts across DOE about the exciting career and internship opportunities available and how to apply.

Reserve your spot today!

Do you want a challenging career? Would you like the opportunity to work from home nationwide with a flexible schedule? Do you want to be a part of a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie, and a community that leads America toward breakthroughs in innovation? Are you a U.S. citizen with a focus in any of these fields?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may belong at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a patent examiner! We recruit the most promising at America’s Innovation Agency, and we encourage you to take the step forward in your journey today by joining us virtually on July 9  at noon ET for an informational webinar on becoming a patent examiner.

Participants have the opportunity to learn about EPA’s mission, how to navigate USAJOBS and creating a federal resume. There will be panel discussion to provide a glimpse into variety of careers within the EPA. For more information or to request accommodations, please contact  [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected]

HHS Careers Webinar: Navigating the Federal Application Process

Attend HHS’ webinar on navigating the federal application process!

Join us for a free, informational webinar on Tuesday, August 6, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. ET to learn how to effectively apply for HHS positions, including analyzing a USAJOBS vacancy announcement and developing a competitive federal resume.

The virtual session is geared toward everyone interested in working at HHS, including but not limited to the general public, mid-to-senior level professionals, federal contractors, and current federal employees. This webinar is open to the public. Please note that this is not a hiring event. We will send the slide deck and video recording of the webinar to all registrants via the email used to sign up within two weeks of the conclusion of the webinar. Please do not send us your resume – to be considered for a position with HHS, please apply via USAJOBS.gov.

U.S. EPA Region 8, 9, 10 Federal Careers Virtual Workshop

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Trump will face Michael Cohen in court as prosecution nears the end of its case

Stormy Daniels is finished testifying, but another popular target of former President Donald Trump is scheduled to take the witness stand in his criminal trial on Monday — his former lawyer Michael Cohen, multiple sources have told NBC News.

Both Daniels, an adult film actress, and Cohen, Trump's onetime fixer, are outspoken critics of the Republican presidential nominee and key witnesses in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's falsifying business records case. The former president has labeled them both "sleaze bags."

The move to call Cohen comes as a prosecutor said at the end of court Friday that they could rest their case as soon as next week. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the judge that the DA’s office has only two witnesses remaining. Cohen's testimony is expected to last multiple days.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked Judge Juan Merchan to bar Cohen from commenting publicly on the case since he’s about to take the stand. He noted that Cohen appeared on TikTok earlier this week wearing a T-shirt showing Trump behind bars wearing an orange jumpsuit. Blanche had previously complained about Cohen posting on social media and doing interviews criticizing Trump during the trial. Cohen had slowed his frequent commentary after Merchan said he may exclude him from the gag order barring Trump from attacking witnesses in the case because of his commentary.

Steinglass said the DA’s office had previously asked Cohen to stop speaking. The judge directed the DA to tell Cohen that the judge was asking him to stop.

Trump fumed about the lack of a gag order for Cohen after the day's proceedings wrapped. “Everybody can say whatever they want” but “I can’t say anything, “ he told a group of reporters in a courthouse hallway. “It’s a disgrace.”

Daniels testified on Tuesday and Thursday, sparring with Trump attorney Susan Necheles during cross-examination about her claim that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Then-Trump lawyer Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about the allegation during the 2016 presidential election. Trump later reimbursed Cohen in payments prosecutors charge were covered up with falsified business records. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied Daniels’ claim.

Earlier in the day, jurors heard continued testimony from Madeleine Westerhout, who was Trump's executive assistant in the White House between 2017 and 2019.

Follow live updates on the Trump hush money trial

Westerhout had testified on Thursday about how thrilled she was to be working for Trump and broke down in tears when prosecutors asked her about her departure from the White House in August 2019. She said that working for Trump was “amazing” and that he was “a very good boss” who had a close and loving relationship with his wife, Melania Trump.

The portrayal was at odds with testimony from Daniels, who said Trump had told her not to worry about his wife while he was making passes at her in his hotel room after they met at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in 2006.

Westerhout also testified Thursday that Trump was attentive when she delivered him personal checks to sign and that on occasion he would call his company’s chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, if he had questions about any of them — information prosecutors are likely to use to argue Trump was well aware of what he was paying Cohen for.

On Friday, Trump attorney Susan Necheles got Westerhout to say that Trump wasn’t always paying attention when he was signing checks — and he would sometimes be on the phone or in meetings while he did. “He was a person who multitasked, right?” Necheles asked. “Yes,” Westerhout replied.

Necheles also pressed her on details about Trump's reaction when the payment to Daniels became public in 2018.

"He was very upset by it,” Westerhout said. “My understanding is that he knew it would be hurtful to his family. … The whole situation was very unpleasant.”

Westerhout said one of her duties was to act as an intermediary between Trump and the Trump Organization on issues that needed his or the company’s attention, like his travel schedule, mail or phone calls.

She asked Trump's assistant at the company, Rhona Graff, in 2017 for a list of Trump’s contacts, which Graff sent to her, according to an email shown to the jury. The list included information for Cohen and  David Pecker , the former National Enquirer publisher who testified he worked with Trump and Cohen to suppress scandalous stories about Trump during his 2016 campaign.

Westerhout was followed to the stand by Daniel Dixon, an analyst for AT&T who was brought in to authenticate "call detail records" relating to Cohen's cell phone.

Jennie Tomalin, an analyst from Verizon, was also called to authenticate phone records from Keith Davidson, Daniels' former lawyer, and former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg.

She was followed by Georgia Longstreet, a paralegal for the DA's office, who was brought in to testify about some of then-President Trump's social media postings that prosecutors say were an effort to influence Cohen and other people he was concerned could cause him legal problems.

One of the posts praised Cohen as "a fine person with a wonderful family" before he began cooperating with federal investigators. After he pleaded guilty to charges that included ones related to the Daniels payment, Trump tweeted, “If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!”

Longstreet also read aloud texts between then-National Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard and Gina Rodriguez, who was Daniels' manager. The 2016 texts included Howard telling her he thought Pecker would pay for her story. Pecker said he did not do so because he'd already spent $180,000 to kill two other salacious Trump stories, and he feared doing business with a porn star could harm his paper. But, he said, he did encourage Cohen to pay the money.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche moved for a mistrial at the end of court Thursday, arguing Daniels' testimony — including her claim that Trump didn't use a condom when they had sex — was unfair and prejudicial. He called the condom allegation "a dog whistle for rape."

State Judge Juan Merchan agreed that Daniels shouldn't have been asked about the condom but noted that there was no objection to that line of questioning, which he said befuddled him.

"I don't understand," he said.  

He denied Blanche's mistrial demand, as well as a request that he loosen the gag order barring Trump from attacking witnesses to allow him to respond to Daniels' testimony.

Prosecutors have previously said they are hopeful they'll be able to wrap up their case by May 21.

It's unclear whether Trump will testify in his own defense. He is under no obligation to do so.

Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

Gary Grumbach produces and reports for NBC News, based in Washington, D.C.

Jillian Frankel is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.