Applying in Asia
Rirekisho, Iryeokseo, Guanxi & international standards at a glance
Table of contents
Japanese Rirekisho, Korean Iryeokseo, Singapore & China – CV structures, photo requirements, cultural do's & don'ts for successful applications in Asia.
87%
CVs with photo
In East Asia companies expect professional portraits
2.4
Ø page count
Asian CVs are often more detailed than Western ones
73%
Marital status required
Traditional companies actively ask about family details
Asian applications follow their own rules: photos are standard, family information plays a larger role, and loyalty matters more than self-promotion. With this guide you can tailor your CV specifically to Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China.
Japan – Rirekisho (履歴書)
Key elements
- Handwritten traditionally preferred
- JIS A4 format (297×210 mm)
- Chronology: oldest position first
- Education starting from middle school
Required sections
Kihon Jōhō, Gakureki, Shokureki, Menkyo/Shikaku, Shibō Dōki, Honnin Kibō
Photo requirements
- 4 × 3 cm, suit, neutral background
- Affixed top-right
- Direct gaze, subtle smile
Cultural notes
- Modesty instead of self-praise
- Emphasize loyalty
- Hobbies show balance
- No corrections or white-out
South Korea – 이력서 (Iryeokseo)
Personal details
Name (한글 & Hanja), birthdate, marital status, religion
Family section
Parents' occupations, siblings, spouse, children
Military service
Men must state service periods, rank and specialization
Language scores
- TOEIC, TOPIK etc. with score & date
- English version often required
Cultural notes
- Respect hierarchy
- Highlight university ranking
- Emphasize team harmony
- Reflect Confucian values
Singapore – International Business Hub
Structure
- 1–2 pages, ATS-optimized
- Professional summary
- Quantified achievements
- Languages & tech skills prominent
Required sections
Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Languages, Professional Memberships
Photo
Optional, but headshot like LinkedIn (business attire)
Cultural focuses
- Multiculturalism & regional expertise
- Digital and innovation achievements
- Networking & Professional Associations
China – 简历 (Jiǎnlì) & Guanxi
Key elements
- Personal details incl. political affiliation
- Prestige of university & employer
- Team rather than individual achievements
- References & Guanxi
Required sections
Personal details, education, work experience, skills/certificates, social activities, references
Photo
Mandatory, 2×2 inch, conservative
Guanxi tips
- Mention mutual contacts
- Use alumni networks
- Mention industry associations
- Highlight mentors
Cultural notes
- Protect face (面子) and reputation
- Emphasize loyalty
- Highlight harmony and team fit
- Long-term perspective
Asia-wide Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- Use professional photo
- Respectful language & tone
- Modesty + team orientation
- Disclose marital status
- Communicate long-term goals
- Learn the local language
Don'ts
- Aggressive self-promotion
- Criticizing previous employers
- Exaggerating individual achievements
- Ignoring cultural sensitivities
- Concealing marital status
- Unadapted Western formats
Photo-Guidelines
- Business attire, neat styling
- Neutral background
- Direct eye contact
- Slight smile in Singapore, more serious in JP/KR
- Recent (≤6 months)
- No casual shots
Language & tone
- Use formal phrasing
- Local language & honorifics, when possible
- Frame achievements in cultural context
- Consider a parallel version in the local language
Timeline & Preparation
Before applying
- Company & culture research
- Networking with local professionals
- Adapt CV template to target country
- Get a professional photo taken
During preparation
- Check local language/terminology
- Involve a mentor or cultural advisor
- Fill out all required sections completely
- Provide a version in English
After sending
- Follow up in a polite tone
- Thank-you messages possibly in the local language
- Be prepared for longer decision processes
- Practice interview formats (panel, aptitude tests)
Create an Asia-ready CV
Use our toolkit for Rirekisho, Iryeokseo and international business profiles.