A Guide to Writing a Japanese Resume (履歴書-Rirekisho) for Part-Time Jobs

While resume formats vary globally, the Japanese resume (履歴書 - Rirekisho) has a specific structure. You can typically download templates online or purchase pre-printed forms at convenience stores and 100-yen shops.

This guide explains the essential elements of writing a Japanese resume for part-time job applications.

---

Basic Rules for Your Japanese Resume

・Writing Instrument: When completing the Japanese resume by hand, use a black ballpoint pen. Avoid erasable pens.
・Corrections: If you make a mistake when writing by hand, it is standard practice to rewrite the entire resume. Do not use correction tape or fluid.
・Photocopies: Do not submit photocopies of handwritten resumes.
・"None" Indication: If a section does not apply to you, write 「なし」 (nashi) - "none."

---

Key Sections of the Japanese Resume

 1) How to write the date on resume

・Write in Western calendar (YYYY/MM/DD).

 

2) 氏名（しめい）- Name

・Write your name in this order, 姓 (family name) and 名 (first name).

・Furigana: How to read. Above your name, write again your name in hiragana or katakana.

 

3) 生年月日（せいねんがっぴ）- Date of Birth

・Write in Western calendar.

 

4) 住所（じゅうしょ）- Address

・Write your current address.

・Write in this order, prefecture → municipality → address (→ apartment name and room number).

 

5) 学歴（がくれき）- Educational background / 職歴（しょくれき）- Work history

・Write your educational background and work history separately.

・Educational background : Write the name of the school or university, the month you entered, and the month you graduated.

・Work history : Write the name of the company you have worked for, the month you started, and the month you quit.

 

6）資格（しかく）- Qualifications

・Write the licenses and qualifications you have and the month you acquired them.

Example) Driver's license, JLPT, TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, TOPIK, etc.

 

7）志望の動機（しぼう の どうき）- Reason for application

・Write down the reason why you want to work part-time. You can write what you want to learn and what kind of experience you want to have at your part-time job.

 

8）扶養家族数（ふよう かぞくすう）- Number of dependents

・Write down the number of family members that you support financially.

※Wife or husband is not included.

 

9）配偶者（はいぐうしゃ）- Spouse

・Spouse : Your wife or husband. Circle 「有」"Yes" if you have a spouse, and circle 「無」“No” if you do not.

 

10）希望職種（きぼう しょくしゅ）- Desired job

・Write down what kind of job and position you are interested in

Example) If it's a restaurant job

「キッチンスタッフ」"Kitchen staff"「接客」"Customer service"

You can also write,

「キッチン、ホールどちらでも大丈夫です。」"Kitchen or hall staff are okay"

 

11）本人希望記入欄（ほんにん きぼう きにゅうらん）- Personal preference entry field

・Write what you want to explain, such as educations and days of the week you want to work.

 

---

 

Are you looking for a job in Japan?

Look for a job

Look for a featured job

Job Search Website: YOLO JAPAN

 

YOLO JAPAN is a website that provides job information for foreigners living in Japan. 
Leave your part-time job search in Japan to YOLO JAPAN!

✓Supports English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese
✓No resume required when applying for jobs
✓Scout function for efficient job searching
✓Jobs searchable by Japanese language level
✓Free membership registration