The Rirekisho (履歴書) is the standard CV format used throughout Japan. Unlike the free-form Vietnamese CV, the Rirekisho follows a fixed layout set by the JIS standard; you can buy blank forms at bookshops or download them from official websites. Filling it in incorrectly or leaving gaps will get you rejected at the first stage.
The structure of a Rirekisho
Top section (personal details)
- 写真 (Photo): A 3×4cm photo in business dress against a white background, no glasses, pasted into the box
- 氏名 (Name): Write your name in katakana alongside the original spelling
- 生年月日 (Date of birth): Use the Japanese calendar (e.g. 平成8年 = 1996)
- 現住所 (Current address): Your full address in Japan or Vietnam
- 電話番号 (Telephone): A Japanese number if you already have a SIM, otherwise your Vietnamese number
Middle section (education and work history)
- 学歴 (Education): Start from upper secondary school, giving the month and year of entry and completion
- 職歴 (Work history): List in chronological order, oldest first
Lower section (additional information)
- 免許・資格 (Licences and qualifications): JLPT N4, N3 and so on — state the month and year you passed
- 志望の動機 (Reason for applying): The most important section — see below
- 本人希望記入欄 (Personal requests): Write "貴社の規定に従います" (I will follow the company's rules) unless you have a specific request
Key differences from a Vietnamese CV
- It must be written by hand if the company asks for it (many Japanese SMEs still prefer handwritten CVs)
- Correction fluid is not acceptable — if you make a mistake, start a fresh sheet
- Give the month as well as the year for enrolment and graduation — do not leave anything out
- Use either the Japanese calendar (Heisei/Reiwa) or the Western calendar — but be consistent throughout
Writing the 志望動機 (reason for applying) — the deciding section
This is the section Japanese recruiters read most carefully. The basic formula is:
- The company's strengths that you have researched
- The experience and skills you bring
- Your long-term commitment and expectations
Example (in Japanese):
「貴社は食品製造業において高い品質管理で業界をリードしていることに魅力を感じました。私はベトナムで3年間の食品加工の経験があり、その知識を活かして貴社に貢献したいと考えております。長期的に日本で働き、貴社の発展に尽力する所存です。よろしくお願い申し上げます。」
Free Rirekisho templates
- The JIS standard form: available from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website (mhlw.go.jp)
- Electronic versions: Microsoft Word and Google Docs (many companies accept a PDF)
Nexora helps candidates draft and review their Rirekisho free of charge for everyone who registers through the platform.