Write a good Japanese Resume (with Download Template)

by Kie, Sept 2022

To apply job in Japan, you need Japanese Resume and CV. Ususally we use Cover Letter and CV to apply a job, in Japan usually templates for Resume and CV are fixed. Are you familiar with this resumes? Here is some brief explanation about this resumes.

 

Japanese Resume (履歴書:Rirekisho): Document that conveys your background (education, work experience) and basic information (name, date of birth, contact information, etc.)

 

Japanese CV (職務経歴書:Shokumu-keirekisho): Document that appeals to the past work experience (company you worked at, job description, skills you used, etc.)

 

In this post I will lead you to know how to write a good Japanese CV and give a good impression for the hiring manager.

 

履歴書:Rirekisho

 

 

The key of Rirekisho is keep it simple, it is like Cover letter but it has format and you have to add your photo in this document. This documents summarized your education back ground, job experiences, and basic information of yourself. Here is what the Hiring Manager want to know when the read your Rirekisho, keep the information simple and efficient.

  1. Do you live in a place where you can commute to work
  2. To evaluate educational background and work experience
  3. How many times have you changed jobs
  4. Is your previous job related with their business
  5. Do you have the qualifications to put it into practice?
  6. Does the salary and working conditions meet the recruitment conditions?

There is a column of reason or motivation to apply(志望動機:shibou douki), in that column you have to explain why you a good fit to be part of their team. And how your skill (you can write hobbies or any advantages) will be a good contribution to their team if they hire you. They want to know how motivated you are to become part of the team.

 

職務経歴書:Shokumu-Keirekisho

 

 

Shokumu-Keirekisho is a document that describes the work you have done so far and the results you have achieved. It expresses the work journey you have experienced, the achievements you have made, the specific skills you have. You could adjust the format as long as possible, you are able to give a detail explanation of your job-desk and demonstrate your own ingenuity. I can say this document is most important documents because it should describe your skill and experiences. 

 

Here is what Hiring Manager want to now when they look at your Shokumu-Keirekisho:

  1. How long have you been working on it and what results have you achieved?
  2. What are your strengths at work?
  3. Do you have the practical skills and knowledge required for the position you are applying for?
  4. Shall I leave the position and mission of the job you are looking for?
  5. Is the purpose of the job transfer acceptable?
  6. Are your experience and motivation consistent?
  7. Will changing jobs lead to career advancement?