No. 6 How to write a resume as an international student!
“Resumes” are submitted to companies when job hunting. Resumes in Japan are written differently than those in English-speaking countries and other countries, which can be a challenge for international students when writing their first resumes. The following will explain how to write a resume for Japanese companies.
How to write a resume
Resumes are generally handwritten using a ballpoint pen in black ink. The following will explain the general format.
Writing a resume: Date, name, and photo
For the date, write the date that you submit your resume or the previous day. When it is sent in the post, enter the date it was posted. Enter your full name in furigana (either “Hiragana” or “Katakana” according to how the word “furigana” is written). The photo should be an ID photo (shomei-shashin) of your face taken within the last three months. Basically, you should be wearing a black or navy blue suit in the photo.
Writing a resume: Address, phone number, and e-mail
Enter the address correctly, starting with the postal code, prefecture up to your apartment or house number. For telephone number, it is OK to use your mobile phone number. The e-mail address should not be a carrier e-mail address from a mobile phone company. It is best to use a free e-mail address such as from Google or Yahoo, or a university e-mail address provided by your university.
Writing a resume: Educational background and work history
Enter your educational background starting from high school including the date you entered and graduated. As for the university graduation date, write the graduation date and write “Expected date” after the university name. Work history should not include part-time jobs. If you have internship experience, be sure to include that in the work history section.
Writing a resume: Licenses and qualifications
免許、資格は、正式名称で取得した年月とともに記入します。取得に向けて勉強中のものも書いてかまいません。「〇〇の資格取得のため勉強中」また試験の日程が決まっていれば「▲▲年▲▲月受験予定」などと、項目の最下部に記入します。
Writing a resume: Section for personal preferences
If there is a specific job you would like to have, write it in the section for personal preferences. For preferences related to salary, benefits, etc., it is common to write “according to your company’s regulations.” You should write your preference only when there is something you view as important.
Other points to keep in mind要
If you make a mistake, you will need to start over on a new form, so be careful when writing. Your photo greatly impacts your impression, so choose the photo carefully.
Conclusion
You can purchase a resume form at university stores or at stationery stores. Be sure to use proper Japanese expressions and that your writing is easy to read.
■The contents provided in these articles are for informational purposes only.
Therefore, the reader must use discretion and take responsibility when using the information in these articles.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the administrator, and the management office shall not be responsible for the results of applying the contents of the articles.
■The information in these articles is current as of January 2020. Keep in mind that there may be changes at the time it is used.
