Japanese Resume vs. American Resume: Key differences

Preparation of paperwork is always a headache thing, especially when it comes to applying for a new job. When you just decide to apply for a job in Japan, you may wonder what the key difference between a resume of your country and traditional Japanese resume is. Resume isn’t just a summary document, it’s your personal pitch – the document should self-describe what you can bring to the table. Employee wants to know more than your name and what you have done. There are techniques in presenting; first thing employer will check is your name and following summary. In this article, we will introduce the key differences between the Japanese and the American resume. There is variance include from what you should put and omit to the tones and writing of the content. Knowing the difference may able to land you a preferable job in Japan.

5 Major Unique Points You Should Not Forget

The Japanese Resumes (Rirekisho) are usually two pages long, and the first page includes personal information, education, and work history, while the second page includes the self-promotion and personal interest statement to the company. There is a fixed template for Rirekisho and often includes a photo and other personal information such as age, gender, and contact information (address, email ...). Having photo on resume is optional for American resume, however, its recommended to omit personal information such as age, gender and martial status.

When talking about Japanese resume, please do not get confused with Rirekisho and Syokumukeirekisho: They are both different Japanese resume – which we will cover in a later article.

Let’s cover the key unique points applications should be aware of when we talk about traditional Japanese resumes vs. American resumes.

What Are They Rirekisho And Syokumukeirekisho: 2 Formats In Japanese Resume

In Japan, there are two commonly used resume formats: Rirekisho and Syokumukeirekisho – and each document serves a different function. First one provides an overview, containing basic information including work history, education, and background including personal information such as birthday, address, age, gender, contacts, language skills, etc. It simply serves as a general introduction of yourself, showing your qualifications and background. The format is standardized, and the template is strictly followed. The printed version is also available to purchase in any 24-hours convenience store such as Family Mart and Seven Eleven. However, modern companies utilize the digital resume therefore not necessary to hand write this resume. Moreover, with the shift toward modern digitalization, there are also Rirekisho templates that omit personal information such as gender and marital status.

When applying for a job in Japan, all the companies require applicants to send in the Rirekisho, but does not always send in the Syokumukeirekisho. A part-time job or albeit employee as well as other jobs that do not require special skills is not necessary for applicants to submit. Fresh graduates do not need to prepare the Syokumukeirekisho as they do not have a career history, but the experienced hire must write one. The applicants with specific skills and project experience which come from the IT or consulting industry must attach the file as it serves as the detailed resume or CV, focusing on work history and achievements. Therefore, Syokumukeirekisho is the document that provides a more comprehensive view of the qualifications and is submitted alongside the Rirekisho. The format of Syokumukeirekisho is more flexible, it could be up to multiple pages and allows applicants to describe more detailed explanations about work experience and skills. Both documents are essential when applying for jobs in Japan, particularly applying for well-known Japanese companies.

Statement Of Purpose And Personal Request Is Available In Japanese Resume

While American resumes allow applicants to show their career goals in the objective section of the resume – if they desire –, there is a specific section available in the Japanese resume template where applicants can write beyond their statement. In Rirekisho, the applications can write personal requests such in regards with salary, work location, job position, preferable working hours, family reasons (childcare, caregiving), health considerations, commuting distances or transportation, willingness to relocate, visa status, or other remarks that want to show polite remarks, motivation.

In case applicants do not have other special requests, they can write “I will follow the company’s policy (貴社の規定に従います。)” in a one-line sentence. Applicants could add special requests after this line if any non-negotiable requests must be mentioned to the employer. If you want to use specific language skills, such as English then this section may be the area you want to mention to the company in advance. These personal requests should be written in an American cover letter which is submitted alongside of resume.

Sentence Structures, Tones, and Language Style in Japan and US

There are distinguish writing styles different in Japanese and American resumes. In Japanese business writings – even when appealing accomplishments – it is essential to avoid sounding self-centered and better to consider using polite, modest forms with achievements with emphasis on teamwork and responsibilities. Whereas in American resume writing, it is recommended to use strong action verbs with short, and high-impact sentences organized with bullet points. There are no structured full sentences, and no subject like “I” or “we”. The sentences present a clear cause-effect relationship with quantified results or achievement-focused.

The Japanese resume reflects harmony, politeness, and cultural modesty. The American reflects individuality, achievement, and assertive self-marketing. 

Deeper Linguistic Differences

Japanese Resume

The subject (私) is rarely written as the reader understands from context. The complete sentence in polite format (です, ます desu/masu), also ends with the use of auxiliary polite forms in the selective situation (いたしました、貢献いたしました).

The details of work are written in a logical flow, from task, process, and to result, and often with less emphasis on results with an indirect expression such as 努めました、従事しました, softening the self-promotion. Passive forms and honorifics are used お客様から高い評価をいただきました (“I received high evaluations from customers.”), putting the honor on the others in this case customers.

American Resume

Bullet point sentences began with strong action verbs with direct and professional tones. The sentences follow the action to often quantifiable results. Recommended to use no softening, but direct and confident communication. Self-promotion is expected and seen as professional. Maintain respectful tones across the bullet points with a consistent rhythm.

Conclusion

In Japanese writing, there are elements such as Kanji vs Hiragana, whichever option is used to clear or avoid difficulty for the readers to understand. Writing in a formal way by using Kanji should be clear to a wide audience. Team-driven ingenuity and collective success are emphasized in Japanese resume.

As for in an American resume, visual clarity by layout such as white space, bullet points, font size, and headings are more important than word choices. The sentences in American resume are written directly and assertively – with a focus on results, showing what you have accomplished in your jobs.

Do you have more questions about Japanese or American resumes or do you need professional help with creating one to ensure 100 percent accuracy in your application for your next career step? Please feel free to send us a message – here you can find the One High Touch Contact form.