How Many Can You Answer? [Résumé Quiz] – Pictures, Information, and More (Part 1)

The “résumé” is an important part of job hunting. There are some rules on photo presentation and information formatting. Make sure to fill it out properly to make a positive impression. This time, we have a quiz about résumés, so give it a try!

[Question 1] What date should be written on the résumé?

Firstly, you write the date section on a résumé. It gets confused about what date to write here. So, between “the day you actually filled out the résumé” and “the day you submit it,” which do you think is correct?

“The day you submit it” is correct!

You should write the actual submission date in the date section of a résumé. This may vary depending on the method, so remember it as follows:

✔ For mail: the mailing date 
✔ For email: the sending date 
✔ For in-person interview: the interview date 

You can use either the Gregorian or Japanese calendar format, but ensure consistency with other sections of the résumé and the job history document. Be sure to use Arabic numerals, not kanji numbers.

[Question 2] If your contact address is the same as your current address, should you write it again?

On a résumé, there is a “Contact Address” section under the “Current Address” section. If your current address is the same as your contact address, you may wonder whether you should write the same address again or write something different.

So, this is a quiz! Which do you think is appropriate, “writing the same address again” or “writing ‘同上’ (dojo which means same as above)”?

“Writing ‘同上’ (dojo which means same as above)” is correct!

This section is only written if your contact address is different from your current address. When they are the same, you don’t write the same address again or leave it blank. You should write “同上”.

★For more details on “How to Write Basic Information on a Résumé” click here!

[Question 3] Is it correct to leave the back of the photo blank?

When you paste a photo to a paper résumé, you carefully place it so that it doesn’t go beyond the designated area. There’s one more detail to be careful point. It’s the back of the photo. Should you “leave it blank” or “write your name and the photo date” on it?

“Write your name and the photo date” is correct!

You should write your name and the date of the photo on the back with a permanent pen so as not to peel off the photo the résumé.

[Question 4] Is it okay to show your teeth when smiling for the photo?

It will feel nervous when having photo of the résumé taken. You might also wonder what kind of expression is best. To make a good impression, you want to be mindful of your expression. Do you think “showing your teeth when smiling is okay”, or “it is not good”?

“It is not good” is correct!

Keep your mouth closed without showing your teeth and smile by gently lifting both corners of your mouth. Also, you should avoid any unhappy expressions.

★For more details on “Pictures on a Résumé” click here!

[Question 5] Should the word “以上（END）” at the end of your educational and employment history be aligned to the left or right?

When listing your educational background and employment history, you have to write them separately. First of all, you write “Educational background”, leave one line space, and then proceed with “Employment History”.

After finishing writing the employment history section, write “以上(Ijyo which means end)” on the next line. Should this be aligned to “the left” or “the right”?

“The right” is correct!

You must write “以上 (Ijyo which means end)” on be aligned to the right. Be careful not to make mistakes.

[Question 6] Should you include detailed reasons for leaving previous jobs in your employment history?

We will wonder how to write when we write employment history is the “reason for leaving”. Why did you leave your previous job? You may feel inclined to explain the details. But is it really a good idea to include such detailed reasons in your résumé?

“It is not a good idea” is correct!

You should not to write in detail reasons for leaving. If you resigned voluntarily, simply write “一身上の都合により退職 (resigned for personal reasons)”, and if you were dismissed, write “会社都合により退職 (left at the convenience of the company)”.

★For more details on “Educational Background and Employment History on a Résumé” click here!

How many questions did you correct? Japanese résumés have several detailed rules. It’s hard, but take the time to understand them thoroughly as you prepare your résumé. This document is often called the “first hurdle” in job hunting. Make a proper résumé to help secure that job offer!