EduCareer StaffBlog"Rinjin Blog" | "EduCareer"Supporting your career in English teaching in the Japanese school system

Resume Pictures

2011/01/18

While in many countries, sending a picture of yourself with your resume is not required, in Japan it is expected. Here are some tips for making a good first impression, even before you've made it to the interview!

1. A simple head and shoulders shot is best. Smiling is good, schools like teachers who look both friendly and business-like.

2. Wear work-appropriate clothing. If you are wearing makeup, it should look professional and not like a glamour shot.

3. Lighting! A picture that is too dark to see your face isn't effective, nor is a picture so bright it resembles purikura.

4. If you want to use a photo of yourself at work, make sure you still look reasonably put together. Showing you have a good time teaching and participating in school life can be great, but not if you are wearing sweats.

Things to avoid would be wedding pictures, vacation pictures, or pictures of yourself wearing traditional Japanese clothing- while all these are fun, they don't relate to teaching or your professional self, and if you make it to the interview stage you will have plenty of time to talk about your life and hobbies then.

Some photo studios offer resume packages of professional photographs, but with a digital camera and good lighting you can take serviceable pictures in your own home. We look forward to seeing you!

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