If you are applying for a job in Japan, you’ll need a "rirekisho," a résumé-style document that is entirely in Japanese. A rirekisho is a brief, standardized form that simply recounts your job experience and qualifications. You do not include accomplishment stories, as you would in an American résumé.

Rirekisho may be handwritten or typed; in the past, Japanese employers often wanted to see handwritten rirekisho because some believe that handwriting can tell a lot about a person. However, it is becoming more and more common to type rirekisho instead. Rirekisho forms are available at many bookstores in Japan; we have included websites below that offer specific examples of the forms in PDF format.

You may also attach a one- or two-page English/American-style résumé to your rirekisho. However, American expatriates in Japan are careful to warn that you will want to "strip down" your American-style document, regardless. Here are some general tips:

• Remember, the résumé reader will not likely be a native English speaker and will probably be very busy. Therefore, keep your résumé short.
• Avoid abbreviations. For example, would you understand if someone abbreviated the name of a location or type of degree in Japan? Spell things out for clarity.
• Back to number one: brevity. Keep job descriptions short and sweet.
• Simplicity. Do not use fancy language and avoid complex terminology. (see #1)

Include your name, contact information, age and birth date, gender, marital status, visa information (do you have one, are you applying for one, do you qualify for one?), and your highest degree (including the name of the school and the year of your graduation).

For each job entry, include how long you worked there, as well as a job title.

Let them know when is best to contact you; if you are still overseas, they may wish to e-mail you, rather than call. Also, note when you can arrive and will be available to start work.

Finally, do your research before you apply! While this is true for any job search, a bit of research can go a long way when you are engaged in an international job search for a country quite different from your own.

Rirekisho Samples
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~japan/job.html 

This website includes two links of rirekisho, in PDF format. One form is blank; the other shows a completed copy as a sample of the type of information one might include. Please note that these are entirely in Japanese.

Gaijinpot.com: Website for Foreigners in Japan
http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/ 

This website includes forums in which users can discuss a variety of topics related to work and life in Japan. Many of the users live and work in Japan and have provided newcomers with excellent information on the Japanese job search process.

Past global résumé series posts: Spain, United Kingdom, United States.