外資系企業への履歴書の書き方と7つのポイントを徹底解説A thorough explanation of how to write a resume for a foreign company and seven key points

Are you worried about how to write a resume because you want to change jobs to a foreign company? Or you've been asked to submit an English resume but don't know how to write it?
In this article, we'll explain the basics of writing an English resume and seven important points.
We'll also touch on differences between English resumes and Japanese resumes, such as the fact that English resumes do not require a photo.
Create a resume that shows off your skills and get a job offer from the foreign company of your choice.

This article explains what to write about resumes when transferring to a foreign-affiliated company.
Some foreign-affiliated companies will accept a resume in Japanese.
A resume is required to transfer to a foreign-affiliated company, but some foreign-affiliated companies will accept a resume in Japanese.
A foreign-affiliated company often refers to a company in which more than one-third of the shares are owned by foreigners or foreign corporations.
Companies that are 100% subsidiaries of overseas companies or companies jointly invested in by overseas companies and Japanese companies are also called foreign-affiliated companies.
Many foreign-affiliated companies have Japanese people in charge of recruitment.
If you are working in Japan and will be taking on a job that does not require much English, a resume in Japanese will be acceptable in most cases.

English resumes are often required
Depending on the foreign company, you may be required to have an English resume.
An English resume is a resume that lists your work history in English.
There is no set format for English resumes, unlike Japanese resumes.
Many foreign companies use English in their work.
In such cases, even if the hiring manager is Japanese, they will want to check the applicant's English ability.
In some cases, interviews will be conducted in English, so prepare an English resume and explain your work history in English.

Japanese overseas corporations also require resumes
You will also need a resume if you are applying to an overseas corporation of a Japanese company.
An overseas corporation of a Japanese company refers to a subsidiary company established overseas by a Japanese company.
In the case of an overseas corporation of a Japanese company, resumes in Japanese are often used.
Even if you end up working overseas, because it is a Japanese company, Japanese people are often in charge of recruitment.
However, overseas corporations have foreigners working in the workplace.
In some cases, an English resume is required to explain the applicant's career history in English to non-Japanese speaking employees.

Here we explain the differences between English resumes and Japanese resumes.
An English resume includes a work history.
An English resume includes the contents of a Japanese resume and your work history.
You must include the names of the companies you worked for, the job titles you held, and the skills you have acquired.
English resumes are also required to be simple and easy to understand, using bullet points.
English resumes are sometimes called English resumes or curriculum vitae.
Curriculum vitae means "the journey of life" in Latin.
Write about your career so far in a logical order.

Attach a cover letter to your English resume
When sending an English resume to a foreign company, enclose a cover letter. A cover letter is a document that clearly summarizes the contents of your English resume. The contents you should include in your cover letter are summarized in the table below.

The body of the cover letter should be written in a letter-like format using a subject.
English resumes should start with the most recent work.
Unlike Japanese resumes, English resumes should start with the most recent work history. Work history should be written backwards from your most recent place of employment. Work history should be written before your academic background.
When writing an English resume, it is preferable to include all of your work history.
In principle, it is fine to only include work history related to the job you are applying for, but you may be asked about what you did during periods that are not listed during the interview.
For this reason, it is often better to include all of your work history on your English resume from the beginning, as this will make the interview go more smoothly.

Here are some typical English resume formats.
Chronological Resume
Chronological resume is the most common English resume format. It is also sometimes called reverse chronological resume.

It starts with your most recent work history, so it's a good idea to highlight your most recent work.
 

Functional Resume
A functional resume is an English resume that lists your skills and qualifications. It is also sometimes called a career-style resume.

For work history, it is fine to simply list the period of work, company name, and job title. This format also makes it easy to highlight experiences such as internships abroad.
 

Combination Resume
A combination resume combines the elements of the chronological and functional resumes mentioned above. It is also called a chrono-functional resume.

It is highly versatile, so we recommend it if you are unsure which format to use.

We will explain how to write an English resume using the Chronological Resume format.
Name and Contact Information

At the beginning of your English resume, write your name and contact information. Generally, the order in which you write them is as follows:

Name
Address
Telephone number
Email address

Below is an example.

We will explain 7 points to keep in mind when writing an English resume for a foreign company.

1. Create it on a computer

Unlike Japanese resumes, English resumes are generally created on a computer, not by hand.

Creating it on a computer makes it look neat and helps prevent careless mistakes such as spelling mistakes.

Even if you are not good at writing, you can write in a neat font by creating it on a computer.

Word processing software such as Word for computers often has a proofreading tool that can check spelling. If you use the spelling check tool, any spelling mistakes will be displayed in red.

However, spelling check tools are not omnipotent, so be sure to be careful not to make any mistakes when filling out your resume.

After you have finished writing your English resume, it is best to have someone who is familiar with English check it for peace of mind.

2. Format your resume to improve its readability.

If you format your resume properly, it will be easier to read and see.

There are no specific rules for the format of an English resume, but generally speaking, the following format makes it look smart.

Margins can be adjusted according to the amount of text. If the margins are less than 0.5 inches, the edges may be cut off when converted to PDF. Make sure to keep margins at least 0.5 inches.

3. Make your experience and skills easy to read by listing them in bullet points

Include the contents of your Japanese resume and job history in an English resume of about one or two A4 pages.

To make the most of the limited space, try to write your experience and skills simply in bullet points.

Below are some points to keep in mind when writing about your experience and skills.

Don't be modest when writing about your achievements and skills.

Write about past achievements in the past tense.

Write about ongoing work in the progressive tense.

If you want to explain your achievements in detail, it's okay to add about three lines.

In Japan, modesty is sometimes considered a virtue, but foreign companies often prefer to actively promote your achievements and skills.

Be confident and assertive.

There is no need to include reasons for leaving a job, which are often written in Japanese job history documents, in an English resume.

4. Omit the subject and use an action verb

When writing an English resume, omit the subject and use an action verb.

An action verb is a verb that shows the action of the subject.

It is known that an English resume describes the applicant's experience and skills, so there is no problem with not writing a subject.

Continuing the subject "I" can sometimes give the impression of being redundant or self-centered.

Here is an example of an action verb.

In your English resume, try to avoid using the same verbs repeatedly.

5. No personal information such as photos or gender required

You do not need to include personal information unrelated to your work on your English resume. Below is a list of personal information that you do not need to include on your English resume.

ID photo
Gender
Birthday
Whether you have a spouse and children
Commuting time
Religion
Nationality

When writing your English resume, be sure to only write about your career and skills that can contribute to the job you are applying for.

However, if the company you are applying to requests a photo ID, you may need to include it.

It is okay not to include your motivation for applying and the reason for leaving your job on your English resume.

These will be included in the cover letter. You do not need to include your previous annual income or desired annual income.

You may be asked about this in the interview, so have an idea of ​​the approximate amount you would like to earn.

If you use a recruitment agency, they will negotiate your annual income to get closer to your desired annual income.

6. Follow the instructions from foreign companies

Some foreign companies may specify things about resumes. Here are some examples of what foreign companies specify.

Email title when sending English resume by email
Submit both Japanese and English resumes
Attach ID photo

Some foreign companies receive a large number of application documents, so some have standardized email titles.

If there is no email title specified, it is often written as "Resume - Yuki Nakano" or "Job application - Yuki Nakano".

Also, some foreign companies ask you to submit both an English resume and a Japanese resume if the person in charge of the first selection is Japanese and English proficiency is required for the position.

7. Be aware of international etiquette when sending resumes overseas

When sending an English resume overseas, it is important to be aware of international etiquette.

First, write the type of mail.

Make sure to write AIR MAIL or SPECIAL DELIVERY.

Also write the name of the HR person to whom you are sending the mail.

If you don't know the name of the person, try to contact the company and write it down.

If you don't know the name, one way to write it is to write "To Whom It May Concern".

Many foreign companies are not strict about rules and etiquette, but some industries are strict. Therefore, be sure to follow the rules carefully and do each task, such as sending your English resume.

Below is a checklist to check before submitting your English resume. Check before submitting.

Are the sentences too long?
Are there periods?
Are the tenses correct (use past tense for work that has already been completed)
Are you using "I" too much?
Are your grammar and prepositions correct?
Are there any spelling mistakes?
Are you writing in half-width characters?
Are you using no device-dependent characters?
Are there appropriate margins?
Are there any mistakes in your name, address, contact information, etc.?

If possible, it is safer to have someone who is fluent in English proofread your English resume.

When applying to a foreign company, you will often need an English resume.

When writing your English resume, you should start with your most recent work experience.

Omit the subject and start with an action verb. Try to write simply in bullet points.

If you are not confident in how to write an English resume, feel free to consult a recruitment agency that specializes in supporting job changes at foreign companies.