Free Japanese Resume (Rirekisho) Templates to Download: Curated Formats for Job Changers

When preparing a Japanese resume (rirekisho) for a job change, many people wonder "which template (format) should I use?" or "which ones can I download for free?" There are several resume formats, and there is a knack to choosing one for a job change. This article curates resume templates useful for job changers and explains the features of each, how to choose, how to decide on file format and size, and how to obtain them for free.

For job changes, the "MHLW format" is the standard

For a resume used in a job change, you cannot go wrong choosing the format recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) when in doubt. As a standard format published by a public institution, it has high recognition and hiring managers are used to seeing it, so you can submit it with confidence.

Why the MHLW created a new format in 2021

Previously, the resume format shown by the Japanese Standards Association as part of its JIS standard commentary was widely used. However, because the resume was removed from the JIS standard's format examples in July 2020, the MHLW created a new "resume format example" in April 2021 from the standpoint of promoting fair hiring. In today's job market, this MHLW format has become the mainstream.

Features of the MHLW format

Out of consideration for applicants' privacy, the MHLW format changed the following points from the previous JIS-standard format.

• The "gender" field is optional (it may be left blank)
• The four items "commuting time," "number of dependents (excluding spouse)," "spouse," and "obligation to support spouse" were removed

Items that hiring managers check—such as name, date of birth, education, work history, licenses and qualifications, motivation, and the applicant's requests field—are arranged in a balanced way. If you are unsure which one to choose, you will not go wrong selecting this MHLW format first.

[Curated] 5 types of resume templates useful for job changers

Resume templates come in several types depending on the width of the entry fields and whether they include appeal sections. The five representative types that are easy to use for job changes are as follows.

• MHLW format (standard): When in doubt, choose this. It has a good balance of items and works across a wide range of applications.
• Wide education/work-history type: Suited to those who want to describe job duties in detail, or who have many job changes or internal transfers.
• Type with ample motivation/self-PR space: Recommended for early-career changers with short work histories, or those who want to appeal their motivation and potential.
• Simple type: Has no motivation/self-PR fields and can be completed quickly. Convenient when applying to many companies efficiently.
• No-photo type: Used when a company instructs "no photo required." If there is no such instruction, a version with a photo is standard.

Note that if an applicant is instructed to "use a JIS-standard resume," choose the JIS-standard version. Many commercially sold forms are also JIS-standard.

How to choose a file format (Word, Excel, PDF)

Free templates are distributed mainly in Word, Excel, and PDF formats. Choose based on the features of each.

• Word format: Easy to enter and edit text, with flexible layout adjustment. The standard for creating on a computer.
• Excel format: Easy to enter within cells, with the advantage that the layout is less likely to break.
• PDF format: Used when printing for handwriting, or when submitting a completed resume.
• Pages format: For Mac users who do not use Microsoft Office.

When creating on a computer, enter your information in Word or Excel, and when submitting, convert to PDF to prevent layout breakage and editing.

For job changes, A4 is the mainstream size

Resume sizes come in A4 and B5, but A4 is the mainstream in today's job-change activity. Since work-history documents (shokumu keirekisho) are also generally A4, unifying on A4 makes documents easier to manage and read for hiring managers. If there is no size instruction from the company, choosing either A4 or B5 has no effect on screening. For details on choosing a size, see Which Resume Size Is Correct? Choosing Between A4 and B5, and Printing as well.

How to obtain resume templates for free

The most reliable option is the format example officially distributed by the MHLW. It can be downloaded for free in Excel, Word, and PDF formats, and because it is the latest format designed with fair hiring in mind, it is also widely used when recruitment agents recommend candidates to companies (MHLW resume format example (A4, Excel version)).

In addition, major job-change sites also distribute templates by use for free. Whichever you use, avoid significantly changing required items—such as name, date of birth, education, work history, and qualifications—or the basic layout.

Points to note when using a template

Once you download a template, check the company's instructions before you start filling it out. If the company specifies the format, size, or whether a photo is required, follow those. For a resume created on a computer, always check before submitting that the fonts and layout are not broken. A template is just a "vessel"; the difference comes from the content you write. For the specific way to write each item, see The Complete Guide to Writing a Resume: Manners and the Correct Approach by Item.

Also, templates for the work-history document (shokumu keirekisho) that is often submitted together with the resume are available at The Complete Manual for Writing a Work-History Document: With Templates and Job-Specific Examples.

Summary

For a resume used in a job change, choosing the MHLW format when in doubt is the basic approach. Choose according to your situation—a type with wide education/work-history sections if you have changed jobs often, or a type with ample appeal space if you are an early-career changer. Create in Word or Excel and submit as PDF, and A4 is the easy choice for job changes. Obtain free templates from reliable sources, starting with the MHLW's official format, check the company's instructions, and finish carefully to pass the document screening.