"I want to start job hunting while still employed. How should I write my resume?"—For job seekers in their 20s or recent graduates looking for their next role without leaving their current one, the resume is the first hurdle. Should you write "zaishokuchu" (currently employed) or "genzai ni itaru" (continuing to the present)? Should you include a planned resignation date? What goes in the personal request section? There are more decisions than you might expect.
This article walks through how to write a Japanese resume while still employed, following the typical job-search flow for people in their 20s and recent graduates. We cover the basic rules and examples, how to handle resignation date variations, how to communicate availability, and case-specific guidance (dispatch, part-time, side jobs, and more), so by the end you can finalize your resume without hesitation.
Basic Rules for Indicating "Currently Employed" on a Resume
For applicants who are still employed, the work history section of a resume serves to convey "I am still working at my current job" to the hiring manager. Forgetting this can cause the reader to assume you are unemployed, leading to misaligned expectations on your start date and confusion in the selection process. Let's start with the basic rules.
Write "Zaishokuchu" or "Genzai ni Itaru" at the End of the Work History Section
When job hunting while currently employed, you should write either "zaishokuchu" (currently employed) or "genzai ni itaru" (continuing to the present) at the end of the work history section. Both convey the same meaning, and there is no difference in how hiring managers evaluate them. Choose whichever is easier to use given your format and remaining space. We'll cover the nuances of each later in the article.
Always Close With "Ijo" (End)
After writing "zaishokuchu" or "genzai ni itaru," add "ijo" (end) right-aligned on the line below. This is a basic Japanese business document convention. "Ijo" signals that there are no further entries to follow. Forgetting it can prompt hiring managers to suspect that you missed something. Whether you are currently employed or unemployed, always include this closing line.
Use the Official Names of Companies and Departments
Spell out the official names of your current company and department in full. Avoid abbreviations like the kanji shorthand for "Kabushiki-gaisha" (株) or "Yugen-gaisha" (有); always write them in full. Including your specific department or team name helps convey what you actually do. If you've recently transferred while applying, make sure your latest assignment is reflected.
General Resume Etiquette Is the Same as for Unemployed Applicants
General resume etiquette—aligning the date with the submission date, using the same era format (Japanese or Western) throughout, and avoiding empty fields—doesn't change based on your employment status. For broader resume guidance, see our "Complete Guide to Writing a Japanese Resume | Etiquette and Section-by-Section Best Practices [For 20s and Early-Career Professionals]."
Choosing Between "Zaishokuchu" and "Genzai ni Itaru"
Both phrases indicate that you are still employed, but the placement and visual style differ slightly. If you are job hunting in your 20s and aren't sure which to use, choose based on your resume format and the space you have left.
"Genzai ni Itaru" Goes on a New Line, Left-Aligned
"Genzai ni itaru" is written on the line following your most recent work history entry, left-aligned. It's the standard, more formal-feeling option when you have room to spare. The next line below holds "ijo" right-aligned—this is the canonical layout.
"Zaishokuchu" Can Sit on the Same Line as Your Job Entry
If you use "zaishokuchu," you can attach it to the right side of the same line as your current company and department. For example: "April 20XX Joined ABC Corporation, assigned to Sales Department, Sales Division 1 (currently employed)." This style is handy when space in the work history section is limited.
Don't Use Both—Pick One and Stick With It
Writing both "zaishokuchu" and "genzai ni itaru" reads as redundant and leaves a poor impression. They mean the same thing—pick one and stick with it. For more detail on choosing between them, see "How to Write 'Genzai ni Itaru' on a Resume | Correct Meaning and Usage."
Work History Examples for Currently Employed Applicants
Let's look at concrete examples. Here are three common scenarios for early-career and 20s applicants. On your actual resume, list the dates, companies, assignments, and current status in chronological order.
Example 1 | Still at Your First Post-Graduation Employer
An early-career applicant doing their first job change, while still at the company they joined right after graduation. Only one entry, with current employment.
April 20XX Joined ABC Corporation
Assigned to Sales Department, Sales Division 1
Continuing to the present (genzai ni itaru)
End (ijo)
Example 2 | Currently Employed After a Previous Job Change
For applicants in their 20s who are now at their second or later employer. Briefly note the reason for leaving prior companies, then close with "genzai ni itaru" for the current job.
April 20XX Joined ABC Corporation
Assigned to Sales Department, Corporate Sales Division
Month 20XX Resigned for personal reasons
Month 20XX Joined DEF Corporation
Assigned to Marketing Department, Digital Marketing Division
Continuing to the present (genzai ni itaru)
End (ijo)
Example 3 | Internal Transfer at Your Current Company
If you've experienced an internal transfer, list that transfer chronologically as well. Before submitting, double-check that your latest assignment matches your actual current role.
April 20XX Joined ABC Corporation
Assigned to Customer Support Department
Month 20XX Transferred to Sales Department, Sales Division 1
Continuing to the present (genzai ni itaru)
End (ijo)
How to Note a Planned Resignation Date | A Situation-by-Situation Guide
How you handle a planned resignation date depends on your situation. "When can you start?" is information that directly affects hiring decisions, so communicate it accurately.
When the Resignation Date Is Confirmed
If you've already given notice and your last day is set, add it in parentheses right after "genzai ni itaru" or "zaishokuchu": for example, "(planned resignation: Month X, 20XX)."
April 20XX Joined ABC Corporation
Assigned to Sales Department, Sales Division 1
Continuing to the present (planned resignation: Month X, 20XX)
End (ijo)
In Japanese, prefer "taishoku yotei" (planned resignation) over "taisha yotei" (planned to leave the office). "Taisha" can also mean simply "leaving the office for the day," so "taishoku" is the unambiguous choice.
When the Resignation Date Is Still Being Negotiated
If you've given notice but the exact date is still under discussion, you can communicate an approximate timeframe. Something like "continuing to the present (negotiating end of Month X, 20XX departure)" gives the hiring manager a reasonable basis for planning your start date. If the date shifts after confirmation, you can simply correct it during the interview.
When You Haven't Given Notice or Have No Timeline
If you haven't given notice yet or simply have no clear timeline, don't force it. Closing with just "genzai ni itaru" and "ijo" is fine. That said, you'll almost certainly be asked "When can you start?" in interviews, so check your employment contract for notice periods and handover requirements and be ready with an estimate.
Paid Leave Used Before Departure Still Counts as "Currently Employed"
Time spent burning down accrued paid leave before your last day still counts as being employed by the company. Use "zaishokuchu" or "genzai ni itaru," and if your final day is set, add the planned resignation date in parentheses. There's no need to explicitly note that you're "on paid leave."
Using the Personal Request Section | Communication Tips for Currently Employed Applicants
For currently employed applicants, the personal request section is an important space for communicating logistics—how the employer can stay in touch while you keep working at your current job. People in their 20s and recent graduates tend to hold back here, but writing out the practical details up front actually helps the process go smoothly.
State Your Available Hours Clearly
If you're working during weekday hours, list your available contact hours in the personal request section. Be concrete: "Available weekdays after 7 PM or on weekends," or "Difficult to take phone calls during the day; please contact me by email." If you miss calls because they come at unreachable hours and your callback is delayed, it can affect the hiring manager's impression.
Note Voicemail and Callback Preferences
If daytime calls are hard to handle, adding something like "Please leave a voicemail and I'll return your call" is a thoughtful touch. The hiring manager gets a clearer picture of when to follow up, which reduces communication friction.
Communicate an Estimated Start Date
Any planned resignation date or expected start date that didn't fit in the work history section can go here. Phrases like "Available to start within 1–2 months of receiving an offer, accounting for handover at my current job" or "Available from Month X, 20XX onward" give the employer realistic information to plan against.
Indicate Your Interview Scheduling Preferences
Interviews while you're still employed often realistically have to happen on weekday evenings or weekends. Stating up front "I'd like to request interviews after 7 PM on weekdays or on Saturdays" speeds up scheduling. If the company supports online interviews, feel free to flexibly suggest that as well.
Case-Specific Guidance for "Currently Employed"
Working styles in your 20s are diverse. Here's how to handle "currently employed" for non-traditional employment situations.
Currently Employed as a Dispatch Worker
If you're currently working as a dispatch (haken) worker, list both the dispatch agency and the actual workplace, then add "genzai ni itaru" or "zaishokuchu." For example: "Month 20XX Joined ABC Corporation (dispatch agency) and worked at DEF Corporation (placement) handling sales administration," followed by "genzai ni itaru" on the next line and "ijo" below it. For dispatch-specific terms (such as "shugyo" or "haken kikan manryo"), see "How to Write a Resume as a Dispatch Worker | Correct Approach to Work History and Self-PR."
Currently Employed as a Contract Worker
Contract workers should also note their employment type. Write "Month 20XX Joined ABC Corporation (contract employee)," then add "genzai ni itaru" on the next line. If your contract has a defined end date, you can add "continuing to the present (contract ends Month X, 20XX)" so the hiring manager understands the situation.
Currently Working Part-Time
If you're currently in a part-time role ("part" or "arubaito" in Japanese), note the employment type. Use entries like "Month 20XX Joined ABC Corporation (part-time)" or "Month 20XX Joined ABC Corporation (arubaito)," followed by "genzai ni itaru." This is the format to use when, for example, an early-career applicant with no full-time experience is applying using their current part-time work.
Side Jobs and Multiple Employment Contracts
If you have a primary job and also work a side job at another company, list the side job chronologically as well. Writing "Month 20XX Joined DEF Corporation (side job under a contractor agreement)" makes the employment type unambiguous. Adding to the personal request section, "I am working a side job within a scope that does not interfere with my primary employment" can ease the hiring manager's concerns.
On Maternity or Childcare Leave
While on maternity or childcare leave, you are still employed by the company, so "zaishokuchu" and "genzai ni itaru" both apply. Write the leave events on their own lines—"Month 20XX Joined ABC Corporation," "Month 20XX Took maternity leave (sanzen sango kyugyo)," "Month 20XX Took childcare leave (ikuji kyugyo)"—and then close with "genzai ni itaru." Adding your expected return date in the personal request section gives the employer something concrete to work with on start dates.
Five Easy Mistakes to Avoid on Your Resume
Before submitting, check your draft against these five common mistakes. They show up frequently in applications from people in their 20s and recent graduates.
Mistake 1 | Outdated Current Assignment
When you write your resume on a computer and apply to multiple companies, in-progress transfers and promotions can fail to get reflected. Make sure the assignment listed right before "genzai ni itaru" matches your actual current role at the time of submission. Outdated info creates friction in interviews and erodes trust.
Mistake 2 | Using Both "Zaishokuchu" and "Genzai ni Itaru"
Writing both is a common slip. Since the meaning is the same, you must choose one. When reusing a template, double-check the relevant section so you don't accidentally end up with both before submitting.
Mistake 3 | Forgetting "Ijo"
Writing "genzai ni itaru" but forgetting the "ijo" closer is another common pattern. Without it, the end of the document is unclear and the hiring manager may wonder if something is missing. It usually won't get you rejected on its own, but make a habit of including it as a basic business document convention.
Mistake 4 | Writing "Taisha Yotei"
When noting a planned resignation, "taisha yotei" can also be read as "plan to leave the office that day," which can confuse readers. The unambiguous choice for "leaving the company" is "taishoku yotei." Keep it consistent with the "taishoku" wording you use elsewhere in the work history section.
Mistake 5 | Listing a Work Email Address
Never list your work email address as your contact. Beyond the risk of your job search being detected, recruiting-related correspondence ends up sitting on your employer's mail server. Always use a personal email address and set up your phone to check it frequently.
Tips for a Successful Job Search While Employed
Once you've nailed the resume, also pay attention to how you actually run a job search while still employed. Here are tips for sidestepping the most common stumbling blocks for people in their 20s and recent graduates.
Avoid Anything That Edges Toward Resume Fraud
Currently employed applicants who feel awkward about a short tenure may be tempted to dress up their work history. But changing employment dates or misrepresenting employment type (e.g., listing part-time work as full-time) is resume fraud. If discovered later, it can be grounds for offer rescission or disciplinary dismissal. Write the facts as they are, and invest the time instead in preparing a positive explanation for the interview.
Keep Resume and Job Description (Shokumu Keirekisho) Aligned
Mismatches in tenure or titles between your resume and your job description (shokumu keirekisho) sharply hurt credibility. For currently employed applicants in particular, make sure your current company's join date and your present assignment line up across both documents. For more on writing the job description, see "Complete Manual on Writing the Shokumu Keirekisho | Templates and Examples by Role."
Manage Your Schedule Carefully
Time is limited while you're still employed. Running multiple selection processes in parallel makes interview scheduling, take-home assignments, and email responses easy to muddle. Use your phone calendar to make each company's process visible, and clarify "what needs to happen by when." Slow responses hurt the impression you make and lead to missed opportunities.
Take Steps to Avoid Tipping Off Your Current Employer
The single biggest concern of a job search while employed is keeping your activity hidden from your current employer. Stick to the basics: don't do application work on company computers or networks, don't post about your job search on social media, don't take recruiting calls at the office, and use the privacy settings on job sites to block your current employer. Never tell coworkers.
Negotiate Your Resignation Only After You Have an Offer
Don't bring up resignation before you have an offer in hand. If the offer doesn't come through, you risk being unemployed. The safer pattern is to receive the offer, accept the conditions, and then begin resignation discussions. For tips on a smooth resignation, see "How to Resign Gracefully | Timing Your Notice and Example Phrases."
Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes While Employed
Q1. Should I hide that I'm currently employed?
There's no reason to hide it. Stating that you're currently employed can actually be read as a positive—evidence that you're committed enough to keep working at your current job. Hiding it and being vague about start dates makes scheduling difficult for the company and works against you. Just write the facts.
Q2. What if I forgot to write "zaishokuchu"?
If you notice before submitting, rewrite on a fresh sheet (for handwritten resumes). If you notice after submitting, contact the application desk or hiring manager and explain. A short note like "My resume was missing the indication that I am currently employed. I am still at ABC Corporation" is usually accepted as a sincere correction.
Q3. Should I resubmit my resume after my resignation date is finalized?
If your resignation date was undetermined when you applied and gets finalized after you receive an offer, you don't need to resubmit a new resume. Post-offer paperwork and start-date discussions go directly through HR. If the information you submitted no longer matches reality, just communicate that by email or phone.
Q4. Does being currently employed put me at a disadvantage?
Being currently employed is not inherently a disadvantage. In the 20s and early-career job market, currently employed candidates are actually the majority. You may even be evaluated as a planful applicant looking for the next role while still working. That said, urgent positions sometimes prioritize candidates who are unemployed and can start immediately, so where it makes sense, demonstrate flexibility on your start date.
Q5. Can I write my resume on my work computer?
Avoid this entirely. Resume data and access logs leave traces that can expose your job search to your employer. Using company equipment (including printers and scanners) for personal purposes also often violates internal policy. Stick to your home computer, your phone, an internet cafe—whatever falls clearly within your own responsibility.
Q6. What do I write on the shokumu keirekisho while still employed?
On the shokumu keirekisho (job description), after writing about your current job, end the entry with "genzai ni itaru" or "zaishokuchu." The customary closing line at the end of the document is "ijo," right-aligned. Because the shokumu keirekisho has a more flexible format than the resume and allows more detail, describe your current achievements and responsibilities specifically. For tips, see "Complete Manual on Writing the Shokumu Keirekisho | Templates and Examples by Role."
Summary | A Resume While Employed Lives or Dies on Accuracy and Consideration
On a resume submitted while you're still employed, the basic pattern is to write "zaishokuchu" or "genzai ni itaru" at the end of the work history section, with "ijo" below it as the closing. If your resignation date is set, add it in parentheses; if it's still being negotiated, give an outlook; if there's no timeline yet, don't force one. Remember that pattern and you'll handle every situation cleanly.
What's distinctive while employed is using the personal request section actively. Don't hold back on listing available contact hours, preferred contact channels, interview scheduling preferences, or estimated start dates—anything that helps the process move smoothly. It's both consideration toward the hiring manager and a way to manage your own risk.
For broader resume guidance, see "Complete Guide to Writing a Japanese Resume | Etiquette and Section-by-Section Best Practices [For 20s and Early-Career Professionals]." For more detail on "genzai ni itaru," see "How to Write 'Genzai ni Itaru' on a Resume | Correct Meaning and Usage." For the job description (shokumu keirekisho), see "Complete Manual on Writing the Shokumu Keirekisho | Templates and Examples by Role." Job seekers in their 20s and recent graduates can offset their lighter experience by sharpening up on these basics. Use this article to put yourself in a strong position to job hunt while still employed.
