Rirekisho vs Shokumukeirekisho履歴書 and 職務経歴書 — what's the difference, and when do you need both?
Job applications in Japan revolve around two documents. The 履歴書 (rirekisho) is a fixed-format resume: a standardised grid with your photo, education, and employment timeline. The 職務経歴書 (shokumukeirekisho) is a free-form work-history sheet where you describe what you actually did in each role — projects, responsibilities, results. A Western “resume” or “CV” sits somewhere between the two, which is exactly why first-time applicants in Japan get confused.
Side by side
| 履歴書 Rirekisho | 職務経歴書 Shokumukeirekisho | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Who you are — a standardised personal profile | What you can do — a sales document for your experience |
| Format | Fixed grid: every applicant uses the same cells | Free-form: you choose structure and emphasis |
| Length | 1 sheet (A3 folded or two A4 pages) | 1–2 A4 pages, typed |
| Photo | Required (30×40 mm) | Not included |
| Content | Education, work timeline, licenses, brief self-PR | Detailed duties, projects, skills, achievements with numbers |
| Handwriting | Traditionally accepted, typed is now normal | Always typed |
| Who needs it | Every application — full-time, part-time, dispatch | Mid-career (転職) applications; rarely for new grads or arubaito |
When do you need both?
Changing jobs (転職): almost always both. Recruiters screen the rirekisho for basics and the shokumukeirekisho for substance — if a mid-career posting doesn't mention documents, assume both are expected.
New graduates (新卒): usually only the rirekisho (or the company's own entry sheet), since there is no career history to detail.
Part-time, arubaito, and dispatch: the rirekisho alone is standard. Dispatch agencies often use their own registration sheet on top.
Foreign and global companies in Japan: many accept an English CV instead — but HR departments frequently still ask for a Japanese rirekisho at the offer stage, so having one ready never hurts.
Three formats of the 職務経歴書
- 逆編年体 (reverse-chronological) — newest role first. The default for tech and most experienced hires.
- 編年体 (chronological) — oldest first, showing steady progression. Preferred in traditional industries.
- キャリア形式 (functional) — grouped by skill area rather than employer. Useful for freelancers and career gaps.
Create both in one place
ResumeJP builds the fixed-format rirekisho from JIS, MHLW, new-grad, part-time, and English CV templates and supports the work-history formats above — type in any language and export print-ready PDFs for free. If you are filling one in for the first time, start with the step-by-step 履歴書 writing guide.