Japanese Resumes are Prepared by Hand

When you apply for a job, you will usually submit your resume, but in Japan, the method of doing this is quite different from that used in Western countries. Resume forms are sold at stationary shops or obtained through websites in Japan. Job hunters fill in the boxes on the form but their information is usually handwritten since it is thought that handwriting shows the writer’s character.

In Western countries, it is common to prepare a personal history starting off with the candidate’s latest position at the top of the list and progressing down to past jobs and education information. But in Japan, school and career records are written in the reverse order starting from elementary school and progressing through to the present. This order is the same as that used in the language. In Western languages, the verb comes first and the outcome is usually explained at the beginning, but in contrast, Japanese language starts to explain a situation from the beginning and has the outcome at the end.

In Western countries, people often do not enter their date of birth, but in Japan, doing so is common practice. The resume form also contains boxes in which information such as the candidate’s address, telephone number, qualifications/license, self PR, reason for applying, interests/special abilities, commuting time and remarks are to be filled in. This is an example of resume forms that are sold, but there are also other resume forms available that have a very similar format.

Non-Japanese will be allowed to fill in a form in English using a Western-style format, however, it is recommended that you enter your birth date. Furthermore, it will create a better impression if you attach a reference from a Japanese person.

Working in Japan List