how to write a cover letter in japanese

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How to write a Japanese Cover Letter – Ultimate Guide

Coming to Japan to look for a job? Or you just finished taking one of our Japanese language courses and would want to apply for a job in Japan? Stay tuned as this would be your ultimate guide to give your boss a first good impression through black and white! First and foremost, before your employer decides to read your resume, he or she always goes through your cover letter first. Writing a good cover letter is a stepping stone for you to get your employer to read more about you. With that said, how do you write a good cover letter? Writing a good cover letter is an important aspect of job hunting. The motive of writing a good cover letter is to persuade or convince your employer to spend time interviewing you. Your cover letter should be a very detailed biography or just a recommendation letter full of praises. Some key information to include in your cover letter would be:

• Introduction
• Name of position and expressing interest
• Reasons for leaving your current job
• Reasons for wanting to join
• Request for response

There are a total of 4 sections you would need to remember!

First Section – Introductions

Second section – reasons for leaving current job, third section – qualifications/skillset, fourth section – closing.

An introduction is normally made in Japanese with  採用ご担当様 (saiyou go tantou sama) which means Dear Hiring Manager. After you have greeted your hiring employer, you introduce yourself by giving your name, the name of the position you are applying to and express your interest. When doing so, include phrases such as ぜひ一度、お話を伺える 機会をいただければ幸いです。 (I’d really appreciate being given the chance to speak to you further about this.) or something like “・・・・新聞で貴社の募集広告を拝見し、応募いたしました.” (I wish to apply for the post of…which you advertised in…on…)

To end your first section, give reasons why you are interested in this job. Include phrases such as “私は特にこの仕事に興味があります。なぜなら・・・・” (I am particularly interested in this job, as…)

or “・・・・として御社に勤務したいと考えております。” (I would like to work for you, in order to…)

Second Section – Reason for Leaving Current Job

In your second section, you would need to give or tell your employer the reason for leaving your current job. As you are giving the reason for leaving your current job, you should sound positive instead of negative. Even though your employer would want you to be honest about this part, this would reflect you as a person if you would backstab people. Your reason should sound like you have learned something from your previous job. For example, you can add in a phrase which goes  “現在の○○の経験を活かし、さらに規模の大きいプロジェクトを担当したいと考えたためです。”  which means “I would like to make the most of my experience in….., and take charge of larger-scale projects.”

Or an opening sentence like “現在私は・・・・で・・・・の担当として勤務しております。” which means “Currently I am working for… and my responsibilities include…”

After you mentioned the reason why you had left your previous job, you would want to give the reason why you want to join the company you are applying for. You would want to describe your related work experience and skillsets and explain why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Phrases for your skills would be like  “・・・・として・・・・年働いてきた経験があります.” (I have …years experience of working…) or “・・・・を使いこなすことができます。” (I am an experienced user of…) Here a tip for you! Try and match your skillsets required by the company for the job opening. You would increase your chances.

To help you, here are some skill-related vocabulary that you can incorporate into your cover letter! Excellent Communication Skills:  コミュニケーション能力・komyunikeshon nouryoku Deductive reasoning:  演繹的推理力・えんえきてきすいりりょく・Enekiteki suiriryoku Logical thinking:  論理的思考能力・ろんりてきしこうのうりょく・Ronriteki shikou nouryoku Good interpersonal skills:  対人能力・たいじんのうりょく・Taijin nouryoku Analytical skills:  分析能力・ぶんせきのうりょく・Bunseki nouryoku Negotiation skills:  交渉能力・こうしょうのうりょく・Koushou nouryoku Presentation skills:  プレゼンテーション能力・Porezenteshion nouryoku

Not only that but also talk about the company and your career objectives! Include phrases such as 貴社の○○の実績を拝見し、○○の分野において、今までの○○のスキルを活かした仕事が可能だと考えました。また、○○という社風にも大変魅力を感じております。 (Having seen the achievements of your company, I thought that I would be able to take up a position in the field of ○○ which utilises my ○○ skills.)

This is the section where you sign-off politely but also reiterate your interest in the position you apply for and also the company. Here is a phrase commonly used in Japanese when it comes to signing off お忙しいなか恐縮ですが、どうぞ宜しくお願いいたします。 (Sorry to bother you when you are busy and thank you for your consideration.) Common phrases such as “貴社の一員となり、思う存分自分の力を発揮したいと考えております。 (I am highly motivated and look forward to the varied work which a position in your company would offer me.) or お時間を割いていただいてありがとうございました。お目にかかれる日を楽しみにしております。私には・・・・を通してご連絡ください。 (Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via…) Depending on how you started your cover letter, you would have to pair your opening with the closing. For example,  拝啓 (opening) is paired with 敬具 (closing). 前略 (opening) is paired with 早々 (closing). You must not mix and match the words! Yours faithfully, (Formal, used when the recipient name is unknown): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Yours sincerely, (Formal, widely used, used when the recipient name is known): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Respectfully yours, (Formal, not widely used, used when the recipient name is known): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Kind/Best regards, (Informal, between business partners who are on first-name basis, not recommended for a cover letter):   敬具・けいぐ・Keigu The final step is to end your cover letter with a short and simple closing by thanking them for their time and consideration when reviewing your application or cover letter. Do include a follow-up note such as will call or would be expecting a call. After sending your resume for about 2-3 weeks in, you are able to do a follow-up by letter, email or phone.

Things to be mindful of when you write your cover letter! Things to Do:

• Write clearly and accurately
• Use full sentences
• Use correct grammar
• Be confident
• Keep the length of cover letter to 1 page or lesser (it is a summary of your resume)
• Let a native Japanese or a Japanese of yours read your letter and give you feedback on how to improve
• Use correct industry jargon, but do not overuse it
• Show that you have done a little research about the job which you are applying for

Things not to Do:

• Do not use haughty words, this would give the impression of being arrogant or prideful.
• Do not start all your sentences with “I”. Makes you look like a one-man show
• Do not use contractions such as I’m, don’t, He’s or she’s. You are writing a formal letter, not casual.
• Do not try to be overly funny. It’s a job application letter…
• Do not use exclamation marks.
• Do not say negative things or backstab about your previous employer. It does not leave a good impression on you.
• Do not use short forms or text speak. It would reflect a lazy or sloppy behavior on yourself.

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Japanese Cover Letters

The practice of writing cover letters for your resume or rirekisho is not traditionally followed in Japan. However, with the increasing internationalization of business, and the spread of online job applications, these have become a more common part of the process. In addition, international companies will require one. This means it’s becoming an important skill to have if you want to work in Japan.

Luckily, the basic structure of Japanese cover letters is mostly the same as in other countries, so one standard structure will work for many companies. Of course, the problem is the language.

As with most business communication in Japan, a Japanese language cover letter will need to use keigo (highly formal Japanese) , as well as a variety of standard business writing phrases. This step-by-step guide includes examples and tips that should help you deal with both!

Assuming you are actually writing an email, rather than a letter, you’ll start with the subject. Something like:

• 採用応募について [OO] Responding to Job Opening [Full Name]

The body of the email will start with the usual recipient name, greeting, and self-introduction.

When addressing the recipient, you will need a couple of added elements. You will start with the company name, then the recipient, and their title. For example:

• 株式会社ヒューマンリソシア Human Resocia Co., Ltd.
• 人事部長　鈴木太郎様 Head of Human Resources Suzuki Taro
• If you do not know who exactly will be reading the email, you can use: 採用ご担当様 Dear Hiring Manager (instead of the name) However, do try to figure out the name of the person you will be talking to, as a matter of politeness.

Introducing Yourself

You will start the main section with a simple introduction. Do not worry about an extensive list of skills or experience, as that’s what your resume is for. Focus on your name, nationality, and a simple job title. Again, In Japanese you will be using keigo, so research those terms a bit to make sure you are familiar. Then, you will explain the reason you are contacting the reader: the job you are interested in taking, and why.

Here are some phrases to help you.

• 初めてメール致します。 I am happy to meet you.
• XXで貴社の募集広告を拝見し、応募いたしました.— I saw the job advertisement you placed in XX, and would like to apply.
• OOとして御社に勤務したいと考えております。 I would like to work for your company as OO (name of position).
• It is also good to express an interest in talking face to face, which is important in Japanese companies. ぜひ一度、お話を伺える機会をいただければ幸いです。 I would be grateful for an opportunity to discuss this with you directly.

Reasons for Wanting to Leave Current Position

The second paragraph is your chance to head off any questions about why you’re changing jobs (something that is still viewed with some suspicion in Japan at times). You will, of course, want to remain positive. Do not offer any criticisms of your current employer or complain about conditions, because this may create an impression of you as a difficult employee. Describe your reasons in terms of what you can offer to the new employer, and what you feel you will gain from them.

• 現在の○○の経験を活かし、さらに規模の大きいプロジェクトを担当したいと考えたためです。 I would like to bring my experience as OO (current job title) to your company, and would love an opportunity to be put in charge of larger scale projects.
• 私は現在〇〇の仕事に就いており、貴社が募集されているXXの仕事にも、経験やスキルで必ずお役に立てるものと存じます。 I believe my experience and skill as OO (current job) could be of great use in the position XX that your company is hoping to fill.

The below polite closings are useful for all kinds of business emails. Feel free to use them as-is, and use a standard business signature (name, contact information, etc.) to end your email.

• お忙しい所恐縮ですが、よろしくお願い申し上げます。 I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule, and look forward to further communication.

Using the above, you should have a basis for applying for a job in Japan. Of course, you will still need some help with the language when writing in Japanese, and it is always a good idea to have a native speaker check your grammar and language. Good luck with your job search!

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Mastering the Art of Writing a Cover Letter in Japanese

Writing a cover letter for the Japanese job market requires a unique approach. It's essential to understand that this market values cultural nuances, attention to detail, and high regard for etiquette. How can one accurately convey their skills and experiences in a manner that resonates with Japanese employers? What cultural nuances should be included in the letter? What are the key components that distinguish a Japanese cover letter from a western one?

Sample Japanese Cover Letter Presentation

私の名前は山田太郎です。ある求人情報サイトを通じて、あなたの会社が主任エンジニアのポジションを探していることを知りました。私のスキルと経験がこの役職に非常に適していると思います。

私は10年以上のエンジニアリングの経験があり、特にプロジェクト管理と製品開発には高いスキルを持っています。これらのスキルは、あなたの会社が開発している新しい製品の設計と実装に直接貢献できると確信しています。また、私はチームのリーダーシップとコミュニケーションにも強みがあり、これにより部門全体の業績を向上させることができます。

以前の役職では、製品開発チームのリーダーとして、新製品の開発とリリースに成功しました。これらの製品は市場で好評を博し、会社の売上を大幅に引き上げました。私のこの実績は、あなたの会社の製品ラインを強化し、ビジネスを成長させるのに役立つと信じています。

私はあなたの会社の製品とビジョンに深く感銘を受けています。あなたの会社が提供する革新的なソリューションは、私が常に追求してきたものと一致しています。また、あなたの会社のコラボレーションとイノベーションを重視するカルチャーは、私の働き方と完全に合致しています。

私はあなたの会社での機会に非常に興味を持っています。私のスキルと経験があなたのチームに貢献できると確信しています。面接の機会をいただければと思います。それにより、私がどのようにあなたの会社に貢献できるかについてより詳しくお話しできると思います。

この機会をいただき、心より感謝申し上げます。あなたの返信を楽しみにしています。

Useful Phrases and their Translations for Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter in Japanese

In the following section, you will find a list of useful terms related to writing a Cover Letter in Japanese. These terms have been translated into Japanese to help make the process smoother and more efficient. Understanding these terms will provide you with a better understanding of the structure and content typically included in a Japanese cover letter.

• Education: 教育 (Kyouiku)
• Skills: 技能 (Ginou)
• Internship: インターンシップ (Intānshippu)
• Work experience: 職歴 (Shokureki)
• Job title: 職種 (Shokushu)
• Company: 会社 (Kaisha)
• Position: ポジション (Pojishon)
• Qualifications: 資格 (Shikaku)
• References: 参考 (Sankou)
• Resume: 履歴書 (Rirekisho)
• Salary: 給与 (Kyuuyo)
• Interview: 面接 (Mensetsu)
• Application: 応募 (Oubo)
• Deadline: 締切 (Shimekiri). ‍

Understanding these terms will provide you with a firm foundation for writing your cover letter in Japanese.

Honing Your Japanese Grammar for an Exceptional Cover Letter

In Japanese, a cover letter is called a "shokan" (書簡) and it follows a rather formal and specific style of writing. It is usually written in the "keigo" (敬語) honorific form, which is a level of speech that is more respectful and shows humility. The letter is typically started with "haikei" (拝啓) which translates to "Dear," and ends with "keigu" (敬具) which means "Yours sincerely". The body of the letter is written in the polite form using "desu" (です) and "masu" (ます) endings on verbs and adjectives, for example: "watashi wa nihongo o hanasemasu" (私は日本語を話せます) which means "I can speak Japanese".

The tense used in the cover letter is mostly the present tense. When talking about your skills, experience, and qualifications, you should use the present tense. For example, "watashi wa shigoto de takusan no keiken o katei shite imasu" (私は仕事でたくさんの経験を経験しています) which means "I have a lot of experience in my job". The cover letter is written in the first person, using pronouns such as "watashi" (私) for "I" or "boku" (僕) for a more informal "I". However, the use of pronouns is often avoided in Japanese and it is common to refer to oneself by their name. For instance, instead of saying "I have a degree in business" you would say "[Your name] has a degree in business".

Understanding the Importance of Structure and Formatting in Japanese Cover Letters

Navigating the path to career advancement often presents exciting opportunities and unique challenges. In the Japanese job market, one such challenge is crafting a well-structured Cover Letter. An appropriately formatted Cover Letter is not just a mere accessory to your application but an essential tool that allows potential employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of your professional competence. Remember, an excellently laid-out Cover Letter can set you apart from other candidates, providing a first impression that is both impressive and memorable. As such, understanding the nuances of creating an effective Cover Letter layout, tailored to the Japanese market, could be a crucial stepping stone towards achieving your career aspirations. By focusing on the structure and presentation, you can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and make a compelling case for your candidacy.

Besides our Japanese Cover Letter Template, we also offer other related templates you may find interesting.

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The Significance of Including Contact Information in Japanese Cover Letters

In Japanese cover letters, the appropriate salutation consists of addressing the hiring manager or employer formally and respectfully. This often includes their name, followed by their title, and ending with the polite phrase "sama" which is a term of respect. If you're unaware of the hiring manager's name, you can use generic phrases. Here are a few examples:

• "Dear Hiring Manager" translates as "担当者様へ" (Tantousha-sama e)
• "To the Personnel Department" is "人事部門様へ" (Jinjibu-mon sama e)
• "Respected Sir/Madam" can be written as "敬愛なる先生へ" (Keiai naru sensei e)
• If you know the name, you can write "Mr./Ms. [Name]" as "[Name]様" ([Name]-sama) ‍

Make sure to use polite language throughout your letter, and end with a respectful closing such as "よろしくお願い申し上げます" (Yoroshiku onegai moushiagemasu), which roughly translates as "Thank you for your consideration".

How to Write the Opening Paragraph of a Cover Letter in Japanese

The opening paragraph of a Japanese cover letter should captivate the reader's attention by expressing a strong interest in the sought-after position. The writer must clearly state the job title along with the reference number, if available, to ensure the recruiter knows exactly which role the applicant is targeting. Furthermore, the paragraph should elucidate how the applicant discovered the job vacancy. It could be through an online job portal, a newspaper advertisement, a company website, or a professional connection. Not only does this information give the employer a sense of the effectiveness of their advertising channels, but it also helps them understand the applicant's familiarity with their organization and industry. The overall tone of this introduction should be professional yet enthusiastic, demonstrating the applicant's eagerness and suitability for the role.

Crafting the Body Paragraphs of a Cover Letter in Japanese

The main body paragraphs of a cover letter written in Japanese are crucial in determining the success of your job application. These paragraphs hold the power to captivate the reader's attention, showcase your qualifications, experiences, skills and how they align perfectly with the job position you're applying for. This section of the letter is where you provide evidence of your capabilities, demonstrating how you can contribute to the company's growth and success. Hence, its importance cannot be understated as it forms the core part of your letter, building a compelling case for your candidacy. It's a chance to make a strong impression, convince the potential employer of your suitability and express your enthusiasm for the role.

Crafting the First Body Paragraph of Your Japanese Cover Letter

The first paragraph of a cover letter in Japanese should focus on presenting your skills and experience. It should spotlight the main abilities and work history that make you a suitable candidate for the job. Furthermore, it is essential to link these skills directly to the job requirements. This will help the employer understand how your qualifications match what they are seeking for in a potential employee.

Crafting the Second Body Paragraph of Your Cover Letter in Japanese

In the second paragraph of a Japanese cover letter, the writer should focus on their past accomplishments and contributions. This includes detailing specific achievements in previous roles that highlight their skills and experiences. By doing so, they can demonstrate their capability and value to the potential employer. It's also important to connect these achievements to how they can benefit the prospective employer, showing how their skills can be utilized in the new role to contribute to the company's success.

Writing the Third Body Paragraph of Your Cover Letter in Japanese

In the third paragraph of a cover letter written in Japanese, you should display your understanding of the company you are applying to. It is important to show that you've researched and familiarize yourself with the company's values, objectives, and recent projects. This can help to highlight your interest and commitment towards the company. Additionally, explain why you believe this company is a perfect match for you. Discuss how the company's culture, mission, or projects align with your career goals and personal interests. This will help the employer understand why you are a suitable candidate for them.

Concluding Your Cover Letter in Japanese

The significance of a well-written closing paragraph in a Japanese cover letter cannot be overstated. It is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression and to reinforce your interest in the position. It is crucial to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your eagerness to proceed to the interview stage. Providing your contact details is essential at this point to ensure the employer can easily reach you for further discussions. Additionally, expressing gratitude for the consideration shows respect and appreciation for the reader's time, which is highly valued in Japanese culture. Therefore, a strong closing paragraph not only summarizes your key points but also provides a courteous and professional end to your presentation.

Understanding the Complimentary Close in a Japanese Cover Letter

In Japanese cover letters or business correspondence, the appropriate complimentary close is crucial as it reflects your level of professionalism and respect towards the recipient. Unlike in English, where phrases such as "Sincerely" and "Best Regards" are commonly used, Japanese closing phrases are slightly different. Here are some examples of professional closing phrases in Japanese:

• "敬具" (Keigu) - This can be translated as "respectfully yours," and it is the most common and formal way to close a business letter in Japan. ‍
• "よろしくお願い申し上げます" (Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu) - This phrase is hard to translate directly into English, but it effectively means "I'm looking forward to your kind cooperation." ‍
• "お手数をおかけしますが、よろしくお願い申し上げます" (Otesuu wo okakeshimasuga, yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - This is a more polite version of the previous phrase, which can be translated as "Sorry for the trouble, but I'm looking forward to your kind cooperation." ‍

How to Sign a Cover Letter in Japanese

In the Japanese job market, the traditional approach still holds significant value. Thus, it's generally better to include a handwritten signature for a personal touch while writing a cover letter in Japanese. A handwritten signature is considered more sincere, respectful, and personal in Japanese culture. It shows effort, attention to detail, and respect towards the hiring manager. On the other hand, a digital signature may be considered too impersonal and may not align well with the traditional Japanese business culture. However, with the digitalization of the job market, some companies might accept digital signatures, especially in more international or technologically forward sectors. Therefore, understanding the specific company's culture and preference is crucial.

Handling Lack of Experience in Your Japanese Cover Letter

Navigating the job market with no experience can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenge of writing a cover letter in Japanese. Here, we will provide some simple and straightforward tips to help you craft an effective Japanese cover letter, even without prior experience. These guidelines will empower you to confidently present your skills and potential to prospective employers.

• Start with a formal salutation : Always begin your cover letter with a formal greeting. Use the title of the person you're addressing if you know it, such as "San" or "Sama". If you don't know the person's name, use a general greeting such as "Kyoukai no Minasama e" (To whom it may concern). ‍
• Briefly introduce yourself: Mention your name, age, and educational background. If you have studied Japanese or have been to Japan, highlight this information. ‍
• State your purpose: Clearly state why you are writing this cover letter. If you are applying for a job, mention the job title and where you found the job posting. ‍
• Highlight your skills and qualifications: Even if you don't have any work experience, you can still mention relevant skills you have acquired through your education, volunteering, or hobbies. This could be language skills, computer skills, or any other skills that could be useful in the job you're applying for. ‍
• Show enthusiasm and interest in Japanese culture: Japanese employers appreciate candidates who show a genuine interest in their culture. Mentioning your interest in Japanese culture, language, and customs can give you an advantage. ‍
• Use polite language: Japanese language has different levels of politeness. Make sure to use the most formal level of language when writing your cover letter. ‍
• Express your willingness to learn: If you lack experience, express your eagerness to learn and develop your skills. ‍
• Conclude your letter politely: Thank the reader for their time and express your hope to have an opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. ‍
• Use a formal closing : End your letter with "Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu" followed by your full name. ‍
• Proofread : Make sure to carefully check your letter for any mistakes or typos. You can also ask a native Japanese speaker to check it for you. ‍
• Keep it concise: Japanese cover letters should not be longer than one page. Stick to relevant information and avoid unnecessary details. ‍
• Use a professional layout: Japanese cover letters have a specific format. Make sure to follow it and use a professional, clean layout. ‍

Essential Tips for Crafting a Cover Letter in Japanese

Writing a cover letter in Japanese can be a challenging task, especially for non-native speakers. It requires not just a good command of the language, but also an understanding of the nuances and cultural aspects involved. Here are some additional tips and good practices to keep in mind:

• Be Concise:   Japanese cover letters, also known as ‘entry sheets’, should be concise and tothe point. They should not exceed one page. Avoid using complex language orjargon. The aim is to clearly and quickly communicate your skills, experience,and suitability for the role. ‍
• Formal Language and Polite Expressions : Use formal language, known as ‘keigo’,throughout the letter. This includes honorific expressions, humble expressions,and polite expressions. This shows respect to the reader and is an importantpart of Japanese business etiquette. ‍
• Use Set Phrases: There are certain set phrases, or ‘jukugo’, that are commonly used inJapanese cover letters. For example, the phrase ‘go-shōkai no tokoro, o-sewa ninarimasu’ (I am indebted to you for your introduction) is often used at thebeginning of the letter. Learning these phrases can make your letter sound moreprofessional and authentic. ‍
• Proofreadfor Errors: Proofreading your cover letter is vital. Any grammatical mistakesor typos can leave a negative impression and may suggest a lack of attention todetail. If you are not confident in your Japanese language skills, considerenlisting the help of a native speaker to check your work. ‍
• Respect Cultural Norms: Japanese business culture places a high value on humility andrespect for others. Avoid boasting or making overly assertive statements.Instead, focus on how you can contribute to the company. ‍
• Personal and Company Details:  Make sure to correctly write your personal details inJapanese. This includes your full name, address, and contact details. Also,ensure that the company’s name and address are written correctly. ‍
• Use CorrectDate Format: Dates should be written in the Japanese style, which is year-month-day.The year should be written in the Japanese Imperial era system. ‍
• EndPolitely:  Conclude your letter with a polite ending, such as ‘yoroshikuonegaishimasu’. This phrase is often used in business settings and can beroughly translated as ‘I look forward to your favorable consideration’. ‍
• Print on Quality Paper:   If you are sending a physical letter, print it on high-quality,professional paper. This shows respect for the recipient and suggests that youtake the application seriously. ‍
• Use ofHonorifics:   Always refer to the reader by their title followed by the honorific'-sama'. This is a mark of respect and is expected in formal correspondence. ‍

Enhancing Your Japanese Cover Letter: Key Points for Improvement

Here are a few practical tips on how to improve your Japanese cover letter and make it more appealing to the Japanese job market:

• Use Polite Language: In Japanese culture, politeness and respect for others are highly valued. Use the polite form of Japanese language (keigo) to show your respect to the reader. ‍
• Be Specific and Detailed: Unlike Western cover letters, Japanese cover letters are expected to be detailed and specific about your experience and skills. Avoid vague or generic statements. ‍
• Incorporate Japanese Culture: Show your understanding of Japanese culture by incorporating it subtly into your cover letter. This could be as simple as mentioning your appreciation for certain Japanese values or customs. ‍
• Use a Formal Layout: The Japanese job market often requires a specific format for cover letters. Learn this format and stick to it. Typically, it includes sections for personal history, reasons for applying, and your aspirations. ‍
• Keep it Concise : While detail is important, it's also crucial to keep your cover letter concise and clear. The Japanese value efficiency and direct communication, so avoid unnecessary fluff. ‍
• Proofread and Check for Errors: Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors. If possible, have a native Japanese speaker proofread it for you. ‍
• Show your Interest in the Company: Research the company and express your interest in becoming part of their team. Highlight how you can contribute to the company's success. ‍
• Be Honest and Sincere: Japanese employers value honesty and sincerity. Avoid exaggerating your abilities or experiences. Instead, focus on your genuine interest and commitment to the job. ‍

Final Reflections on Crafting the Ideal Japanese Cover Letter

In conclusion, crafting an ideal cover letter in Japanese, like in any language, requires careful attention to detail, succinct communication skills, and a keen understanding of the job role and the company. The key points discussed in the article include the importance of structuring the letter properly, using polite and formal language, highlighting relevant experience and skills, and expressing enthusiasm for the role and the company.

An effective cover letter serves as an opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates and to showcase your unique value proposition. It is your first interaction with potential employers, and therefore, it should be impactful and memorable. It is crucial to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's mission and goals and why you are an excellent fit for the role.

Remember the power of a strong cover letter. It not only introduces you to the employer but also provides a glimpse of your professionalism, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role. When written effectively, it can significantly boost your chances of landing a job interview, and eventually, the job itself.

Every job seeker is unique, with different experiences, skills, and strengths. Therefore, while the template provided serves as a useful guide, it should be adapted to reflect your individual journey and career aspirations. Do not hesitate to personalize your cover letter to make it resonate with your personality and professional experience. After all, your cover letter is your story – make it compelling!

Tasuta allalaetav kaaskirja mall

Motivatsioonikiri, millele on enamikul juhtudel lisatud CV, on iga töötaotluse põhielement. Seda tüüpi kiri peab lühidalt kirjeldama oskusi, võimeid ja teadmisi, mis teil on ja mis on teatud huviga seoses otsitava ametikohaga. Selles mõttes peab kaaskiri lihtsalt sisaldama sellele ametikohale kandideerimise motivatsiooni ja põhjendusi. See peab äratama värbajas huvi ja panema ta pidama teid selle töö jaoks parimaks võimaluseks.

Kuidas koostada lihtsat kaaskirja

• 1 Valige oma valitud CV mall.
• 2 Austab ühtset struktuuri. Näiteks kasutage kaaskirja struktuuriga "Sina-Mina-Meie".
• 3 Lisage järgmised osad, apellatsioonivorm, lühitutvustus, kirja sisu ja järeldus
• 4 Ärge unustage viimast viisakusvalemit. Vaadake kaaskirja viisakusvalemite näiteid.
• 5 Isiklikuma ja formaalsema ilme lisamiseks lisage lehe allossa oma allkiri
• 6 Kui soovite saata selle meili teel, eksportige oma kaaskiri PDF-vormingus.

Teised kaaskirjade näidised

Kaaskirja struktureerimise nõuanded.

Kaaskirja kirjutamise hõlbustamiseks pidage meeles, et koguge eelnevalt kogu vajalik teave. Näidake toimetaja loovust, järgides samal ajal tüpograafiliste reeglite õiget kasutamist ja jälgides, et ei tekiks kirjavigu. Sest hea kaaskiri peegeldab teie kuvandit inimese ja professionaalina. Olge oma kirjutamisel loominguline ja originaalne, jäädes samas lihtsaks, kokkuvõtlikuks ja täpseks. ‍ Näidake läbitud punktide ohutust, enesekindlust ja meisterlikkust. Rõhutage, mida saate ettevõttesse tuua ja mainige oma erialast kogemust vastavas valdkonnas. Märkige ka kõik põhipunktid, mis panevad teid end uute ideedega täitva transformeeriva agendina ilmuma. Täpsustage oma võimet saavutada kavandatud eesmärgid ja kohaneda uute suundumustega.

Näita ennast positiivselt. Ärge langege sellesse viga, et kasutate sama kaaskirja mitme ettevõtte jaoks. Koostage kaaskiri iga taotletava töö kohta. Seda tüüpi kiri võimaldab tööandjal kujundada teie isiksuse kohta arvamust, sest see annab teile võimaluse täpsustada oma motivatsioone, mida lihtsas CV-s tegelikult ei kirjeldata.

Lihtsa ja tõhusa kaaskirja kirjutamise soovitused

• Laiendage Intro ‍ Pidage meeles, et pärast kõne valemit peate välja töötama sissejuhatuse, kus tutvustate end ametlikult ja isiklikult. Ärge unustage märkida peamist eesmärki, mis ajendas teid seda kirja kirjutama.
• Struktureerige oma kirja sisu Laske end juhinduda järgmistest küsimustest: – Miks?, Mis eesmärgil?, Kuidas?, Miks soovite selles ettevõttes töötada? → selles osas peate kirjeldama, mida saate ettevõttele tuua. – Rõhutage, kuidas teie teadmised võivad oluliselt mõjutada ettevõtte funktsioonide arengut ja majandussektorit, kus ta tegutseb. - Kuidas te seda teeksite tee seda? → lihtsalt rõhutab teie teadmisi ja võimeid professionaalina – Rõhutage oma õnnestumisi, varasemaid kogemusi, diplomeid, saadud tunnustusi või auhindu.
• Olge oma järeldustes otsekohene Andke teada, et olete vestluseks saadaval, esitades kontaktteabe, näiteks oma e-posti aadressi, telefoninumbri ja postiaadressi. Kui need kontaktandmed muutuvad, ärge unustage uuendada oma CV-d ja kaaskirja ning saata need uuesti ettevõtetele, kes on need juba saanud.
• Hoolitse paigutuse eest Teie kaaskiri peab olema kooskõlas teie CV-ga. Värbaja peab esmapilgul nägema, et need 2 dokumenti moodustavad ühe taotluse. Kasutage oma kaaskirjas samu värve, fonti, ikoone jne, mis oma CV-s. See väike näpunäide aitab teil luua tõhusa ja professionaalse rakenduse.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crafting a Cover Letter for a Job Application in Japan

In Japan, it is customary to begin your cover letter with a formal greeting to the hiring manager, even if their name is not known. The greeting typically starts with the name of the company, followed by "Sama" which is a formal term of address. For example, "ABC Company Sama". This is a unique aspect of Japanese business culture and shows respect to the reader.

A Japanese cover letter, just like in other countries, should include your skills, experiences, and why you are interested in the job. However, it is also important to mention your understanding and respect for the Japanese work culture. This could mean talking about your ability to work in a team, as teamwork is highly valued in Japan, or your willingness to work long hours, as the Japanese work culture is known for its rigorous work ethic. It's also recommended to write about your adaptability to living in Japan if you are a foreigner.

Avoid being overly self-promotional in your cover letter. Japanese culture values modesty and humility, so it's important to present your skills and achievements in a modest manner. Also, avoid being overly casual or informal. Japanese business culture is formal, and this should be reflected in your language and tone. Lastly, avoid writing a lengthy cover letter. Keep it concise and to the point, as Japanese hiring managers often prefer brevity.

Domande frequenti sulle lettere di accompagnamento

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What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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How To Write Letters In Japanese: An Introduction Pen Pal Besties for Life

June 4, 2013 • words written by Koichi • Art by Aya Francisco

Writing a letter in Japanese is quite the epic topic. It's sadly not as easy as writing something, stuffing it in an envelope, stamping it, and sending it. Japanese letters require you to think about certain formalities, set expressions, styles of writing, and even relationships between you and the person you're writing to. It's so complicated and convoluted that even Japanese people will buy books on the subject so that they can "read up on" and study the latest letter writing rules. Don't feel bad if you feel lost.

The goal of this article is to help you to understand Japanese letters. It will take a little more research and studying to be able to write a letter in Japanese, but I think I'll be covering the difficult part. After reading this article, I want you to understand things like the relationship between you and the person you're writing to, the format of a Japanese letter (both vertical and horizontal), how to write the address on the envelope, as well as the concept of "set expressions." This will give you the tools to write a letter, make things less confusing, and eventually get you to the point where you should be able to piece together a Japanese letter on your own (resources included in the last section of this article).

Let's get straight into the first thing you must think about even before you pick up that pen and paper. Wait, I mean, go to your keyboard and monitor, relationships .

Relationships: AKA Who Are You Writing To?

In Japanese, hierarchy is much more important than in many other countries. You have the senpai-kohai relationship. Then you have teacher vs. student, boss vs. minion, older people vs. younger people, and the list goes on and on. On top of this, relationship statuses change when you're asking for a request, but this (and many other things) will depend on how close you are to the other person. Relationships, your closeness, and where you stand in the hierarchy of said relationship dictate how you act and speak with that other person. Of course, this carries over to letters as well.

I am going to simplify it a bit for you though. In general, there's going to be three types of letters. They are:

Informal: Friends, Senpai, People below you

Neutral: Teachers, Friends you are requesting something of, Superiors

Formal: People you don't know, Superiors you are requesting something of

You may have noticed some patterns here. Informal relationships are people of a similar age, aka people who are on the same hierarchy level as you. Then, there's neutral (which is really just regular-polite level) which has teachers and other superiors whom you have at least a moderately close relationship with, though friends that you are requesting something of get bumped up to this rung (because you have to be nice if you're asking for something). Lastly, there's formal, which includes people you don't have a close relationship with (people you don't know), as well as superiors that you're asking something of. Asking something of someone automatically bumps them up to the next rung, as a rule of thumb.

Of course, as long as you stay in the Neutral or Formal levels, you'll probably always be okay, so that's what I'll be sticking with in these articles as well. Informal is informal, and doesn't really need to follow so many of the rules that I'll be laying out here during this series.

The Materials

Now that you know who you're writing to, it's time to figure out what materials you need to use. I think a lot of this is just common sense, but just in case it isn't, I've summarized and simplified a list provided by the (excellent) textbook, Writing Letters In Japanese .

• In general, white stationary without any pictures is most preferred.
• Business letters are usually written horizontally via a word processor.
• Personal letters to superiors should be written vertically on white stationary (hand written).
• For superiors, use a white envelope.
• Write in pen, using black or blue ink.
• Don't write with pencils or markers.
• Postcards should only be used in informal occasions, or occasions in that call for postcards (like New Years).

Once you've figured out your materials (based on who you're writing to), it's time to learn how to use these materials. Sadly, not all of it is as simple as you might think. There are rules, Smokey!

Japanese Letter Formatting Rules

I will cover two types of letter: Vertical and Horizontal. This refers to how you're writing your text. Does it go up to down or does it go right to left? Depending on which one you choose, there are a few differences you need to take note of.

Vertical Letters

These are the most personal. I suppose you're putting a lot more work into this kind, because in general you're writing them out by hand. Horizontal rule letters feel a little colder and less personal, though I think that's changing. Usually, though, you can't go wrong with a vertical letter, as it's the standard style for letter writing in Japan.

As you can see there are various parts, and the positioning of each is important.

Opening: The opening word consists of a set word, kind of like the word "Dear…" that goes at the beginning of English letters. In Japanese, this would be haikei 拝啓 （ はいけい ） or zenryaku 前略 （ ぜんりゃく ） . These actually pair with the closing section, so be careful!

Set Expression #1: Right at the beginning of the letter there should be a set expression. This could be one of many predetermined topics or phrases, which are usually about weather, the season, health of the addressee, and so on and so forth. Certain topics will have certain opening set expressions as well, but we'll go more into that later.

Content: This is where you actually write your letter and say the things you want to say. Notice how this is the only non-predetermined section out of so many? It's weird.

Set Expression #2: After you finish saying what you want to say, it's time for another set expression. This will usually be about the addressee's health or good wishes for them.

Closing: This is like "sincerely…" in English letters. Unlike that, however, it is paired with the opening. 拝啓 goes with the closing greeting keigu 敬具 （ けいぐ ） . 前略 goes with the closing sousou 草々 （ そうそう ） . No mixing and matching.

Date: This is written a little lower than the text to its right. Use the Japanese numeral system for vertical letters.

Your Name: This is where you write your name. Put it down to the bottom of the column.

Addressee's Name: This goes to the left of the date and your name, but higher than the date, and lower than all the text to the right.

PostScript (Optional): This is the P.S. portion of the letter. In Japanese, this is tsuishin 追伸 （ ついしん ） or nishin 二伸 （ にしん ） , and is written to the left of the addressee's name, lined up with the main text. This is a little informal, though, so don't use it if you can help yourself.

As you can see, there's a lot to consider even before you write any content. Luckily, horizontal letters are a lot simpler.

Horizontal Letters

Generally used in business sorts of situations, horizontal letters are mostly typed out and a lot simpler.

Date: Goes in the top right. It's written using Arabic numerals since it's being written horizontally. １２月２５日, for example.

Addressee's Name: This is where you put the name of the person you're writing to. As with all letters, don't forget their name honorific!

Set Expression #1: Here's where the first set expression will go.

Content: This is where the content of your letter will go.

Set Expression #2: One more set expression for the addressee's well being and health.

Your Name: This is where you sign your name, horizontally. Might be good to sign it with a pen instead of with the word processor, just to be a little more polite.

Horizontal letters are easier, but they can be considered rude if you send them in the wrong situations. Of course, email is a whole other thing (it's all horizontal there), and I think it's causing the mindset to shift a bit on this. Still, though, vertical is the default go-to for writing letters (especially by hand), so be sure learn about it even though this one is easier.

Envelopes And Addresses

The address system in Japan is quite different from America and much of the rest of the world. You'll want to know about that before sending a letter, otherwise it may not get to the desired location (that being said, the Japanese postal system is baller). Once you know the address, though, there are some rules as to where you should be putting the mailing address, return address, and stamp.

Vertical Envelopes

This is the tall type envelope which you will often see in Japan. It's good for vertically written letters, as you can crease your letter parallel to the lines you're writing.

As you can see there are a few different things compared to the envelopes you might be used to. First off, you'll want to put the postal code in boxes provided. Then, on the front of the envelope, you'll want to put the address on the right side (written vertically) and the addressee's name on the left, written in slightly bigger letters than the address to help differentiate. On the flap side of the envelope you should write the return address. Your name and address should go on the left side in the same format as the addressee's name and address (though size isn't going to matter as much), and your postal code should go in the boxes if they're provided.

Horizontal Envelopes

With horizontal envelopes, there are a couple ways to do it.

• You can turn the envelope sideways so it's taller, and write the address in the same way you'd write it with a vertical envelope.
• You can write things horizontally. Just like the vertical envelope, the addressee's address goes on the front, with their address on top and their name written bigger below. If the boxes for the postal code are posted vertically, turn the envelope and write it in the direction they're printed (horizontally). On the back of the envelope (flap side) you can put your address and name at the bottom.

A lot of the rules carry over from vertical envelopes, so this should be a little easier. So what about when you're sending a letter to Japan?

Sending Letters To Japan From Overseas

When you are sending a letter to Japan from outside of Japan, you can write the address in romaji (though Japanese is preferred, if you can), and write it in the format that's normally accepted in your country. Just be sure to write "JAPAN" at the bottom of the addressee's address so they know to send it there!

Opening Set Expressions

This is perhaps the most difficult section of all when it comes to writing letters in Japanese. Luckily, these are set expressions, meaning you can just look them up, use them, and gone on with your life. The tricky part comes when you have to come up with some of your own (in certain specific situations), though we're going to just ignore that for now.

The first set of set expressions is the one that comes before the start of your actual content. It generally has to do with weather, the season, or health of the addressee. There are expressions for each month, season, as well as different opening greetings for various inquisitions on the addressee's health. Here are some examples, though there are many more set expressions worth knowing (or knowing where to find, which I'll go over at the end).

• 寒 （ さむ ） さひとしお 身 （ み ） にしみる 今日 （ きょう ） このごろ…
• In this time of piercing cold…
• 新春 （ しんしゅん ） とは 申 （ も ） しながら、まだまだ 寒 （ さむ ） さが 続 （ つづ ） いておりますが…
• While it is the New Year, the cold continues.
• 春 （ はる ） の 日 （ ひ ） うららかな 今日 （ きょう ） このごろ…
• In this time of beautiful spring days…
• 日本 （ にほん ） はあたたかくなっているころでしょう…
• I guess it must be getting warmer in Japan…
• 厳 （ きび ） しい 残暑 （ ざんしょ ） が 続 （ つづ ） いておりますが…
• The oppressive heat continues to linger…
• 今年 （ ことし ） も 押 （ お ） し 迫 （ せま ） りましたが…
• This year is drawing to a close… (used after Dec 20)

Health Related:

• いかがお 過 （ す ） ごしていらしゃいますか？
• How have you been?
• 私 （ わたし ） もおかげさまで 元気 （ げんき ） にしております…
• Fortunately I am doing well (thanks to your help)…

Writing A Reply To A Letter

• お 手紙 （ てがみ ） ありがとうございました…
• Thank you for your letter…

These set expressions are only a drop in the bucket. There are at least several set expressions for each month, season, and situation, and there are probably more out there. The thing about set expressions is you are expected to write with said set expressions, otherwise your letter isn't going to come off as polite. While creativity is encouraged in Western letters, using some set expression rules is more important in Japanese, which makes things both harder and easier.

Closing Set Expressions

After your main content you have to go back into set expressions. There are fewer of these, but it's still basically the same thing as the opening ones. Here are some examples:

Making A Request

• どうかよろしくお 願 （ ねが ） い 致 （ いた ） します。
• Kindly look after this matter for me.

Give My regards

• 奥様 （ おくさま ） に 宜 （ よろ ） しくお 願 （ ねが ） いします
• Please give my regards to your wife.

Good Health

• お 寒 （ さむ ） さの 折 （ おり ） からお 体 （ からだ ） をお 大切 （ たいせつ ） に
• Please take care of yourself since it's cold.

Request A Reply

• お 返事 （ へんじ ） を 待 （ ま ） ちしております
• I look forward to your reply.

I think closing set expressions are a little simpler than the opening ones, but they're all basically the same thing and you'll see the same ones over and over a lot.

Where To Go From Here?

So as you can see, writing letters in Japanese is a big ordeal, though once you learn all the rules and do a little practice it's not all that bad. In fact, it's very set in stone, meaning that as long as you follow the rules you'll be able to write a great letter in Japanese.

The next step, I think, is to take a look at examples. Writing letters in Japanese definitely takes an intermediate or advanced knowledge of the language, so if you possess said knowledge and want an English textbook, I'd recommend Writing Letters In Japanese . It contains plenty of example letters as well as lessons going over all of them to help you get your letter writing skills up to snuff. Alternatively, if you're fairly advanced in Japanese, the Japanese website Midori-Japan's 手紙の書き方 will do the trick. This site includes many example letters for many different and often specific situations as well as a list of set expressions that you can pull from. Basically, everything you need to template out a proper Japanese letter.

I hope this article and those sources help you to get started writing letters in Japanese! It's a crazy letter writing world over there, but once you get your foot in the proverbial letter-writing door it become easier. I want to write more on this topic soon, including examples for plenty of different letter-writing situations, but we'll see if it's next week or a week in the future to come. Writing letters in Japanese is a huge topic, as I think everyone has come to understand so long as you've read to this point.

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Get job alerts, how to write an effective cover letter (with examples).

Updated July 21, 2022

Eric Turner

This post was written by our Japan Dev editorial team.

• Interviews & Resumes

When you send a resume to an employer, you'd better include a cover letter.

Even if they claim it's optional, it's a great chance to pitch yourself to the company. Don't pass it up. Your cover letter is your first impression to the hiring manager so a good one can vastly improve your chances of getting an interview.

In this post I'll outline how to write an effective cover letter that will make companies want to interview you. I'll talk about the following topics:

What do I write in a cover letter?

Basic cover letter format, writing tips for cover letters, selecting keywords to get through automated systems.

• Example cover letters

Resumes are a good way to show the facts about your career so far. It should summarize what you've done: your schooling, work experience and relevant skills. But they can't tell the whole story.

A cover letter is your chance to show your personality and explain exactly why you're a match for this job. It allows you to speak directly to the hiring manager and make your case in more detail.

Most recruiters screen tons of candidates every day, so they may only look at your cover letter for a few seconds. They'll glance to determine one thing: Is it worth looking at this person's resume?

That's why your cover letter needs to be short and concise. And it needs to get to the point as quickly as possible. Failing to get the reader's interest at the beginning can lose you the job, so you have to focus on the stuff that's important.

Here's what you should include:

• Your motivation for applying to the job
• Why you're a good match for the job
• Emphasis on your 2-3 most outstanding skills (make sure you quantify them )
• Supplemental info to explain concerns the reader may have (e.g. employment gaps, relocation)

First of all, use a document format such as PDF or Word (.docx). Or if you're applying via email, simply copy your cover letter into the body of the email.

As for length, it shouldn't take up more than a page in the format of a business document. No one's going to read multiple pages of text.

When sending by email, you should include your name and the title of the job you're applying for in the email subject. This will help recruiters keep track of you. For example:

Eric Turner, Engineering Manager

And make sure to use simple text to avoid file corruption and formatting issues. Skip the emojis, colors and other embellishments.

In the below sample, we've included official guidelines for the recipient's physical address etc. just in case, but you should skip this if you're sending it electronically.

Write personal cover letters for each company

Every company has unique requirements, so you should always personalize your cover letter for each company. In fact, I'd recommend personalizing it for each position (even for the same company).

Backup your skills and qualifications with numbers

When describing your results, be as specific as possible. This will give your words greater impact.

This will also make it easier for AI-powered applicant tracking systems to parse.

Here are a few examples of how you can quantify your achievements:

Data Analyst: I performed an analysis that led to a 20% greater efficiency in our _____ process.

Software Engineer: My implementation of _____ directly led to a 50% increase year-over-year in workflow improvements.

Management: I managed a team of _____ engineers and oversaw their performance from a technical perspective, leading to a 98% positive Performance review from my team.

Show that you're a cultural fit

Companies aren't just looking for those with strong skills. They also place a lot of importance on cultural fit. They want people who can commit to the company for the long term, and that's often dictated by cultural fit. So you need to understand the company's values and show that you share them.

I recommend researching each company's culture beforehand. If you happen to be in Japan, we list culture and value info on our company pages. Otherwise, you can usually get a good idea of their values by reading a company's blog and social media posts.

And whatever you do, don't criticize yourself!

I wouldn't have thought I'd need to say this, but recently I've been looking at a lot of cover letters. And a shockingly high number of people make the same basic mistake: They begin the letter by belittling themselves.

"I still don't have much experience, but..."

"I'm just now graduating from university, but..."

"I didn't study _____ directly, but..."

A cover letter is your chance to tell a company why they should hire you. Don't waste precious time by telling them why they shouldn’t! You need to stay positive. You might think "clearing the air" about some missing qualification makes you look honest. It doesn't. It just makes you look insecure.

It's fine to be insecure. Especially if you know you're not entirely qualified for the position. But you need to have a positive mindset and avoid allowing this insecurity to show through in your cover letter. You have the right to apply for this position, so put your best foot forward!

You only get a very small number of words to convince a hiring manager to let you move to the next step. You need to focus on convincing them to give you a shot. At the end of the day, the person reading your letter is a human, and they're choosing a new coworker . It's not all about objective qualifications. You can improve your chances by presenting yourself as a confident person that others will want to work with.

Keep text clear and simple. Avoid flowery language and embellishments.

• Avoid pictures, charts, graphs, emojis, logos and symbols.
• Use boring, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Keep the body to 3-4 paragraphs max (one page).
• For companies that use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), make the text searchable (i.e. it may be better to use a Word doc rather than PDF). Although the accuracy of PDF scanning has improved, the AI can only reliably scan info in text format.

Recently, more and more companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Especially in the US, more and more companies are using AI-based systems for HR operations including AI-powered resume screening. These systems automatically reject around 75% of applicants.

Although Japan still lags behind the U.S. in adopting AI into the hiring process, major companies are beginning to use AI-based screening. For example, SoftBank started using IBM's Watson for screening starting in 2017.

So, it’s important to think about how you can pass a company’s ATS and get your resume seen by an actual human.

ATS systems' screening systems scan the skills and experience from a candidate's cover letter and resume. Then they extract keywords and phrases that match the job description, and rank candidates based on the amount of overlap. So when writing a cover letter (as well as a resume), you should include keywords that match the job description.

Let's look at some more tips on how to get through ATS screening.

Use "standard" or official keywords

Don't use abbreviations when describing skills, and qualifications, because it may not be recognized by the ATS. These systems have become relatively smart, but it's better not to risk it.

For example, if you have a master's degree in business administration, you might use one of the following keywords:

(1) MBA (2) M.B.A. (3) Master of Business Administration (4) Masters of Business Administration (5) Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

If you check the job description and you're already calling it the same thing they are, keep it as is. If this isn't mentioned in the job description, it would be safe to choose (5) since it covers your bases.

Select words that match the job's requirements

The AI scans your cover letter and resume and filters based on skills, background, location, language level, and more. Thus, it’s important to think carefully about what keywords are important to get through the screening process. Think about what companies want to solve by hiring for this position and use generic words so the AI can recognize them.

There is one caveat here: don't make up qualifications. It might be tempting to "keyword stuff" your cover letter or resume to match as many keywords as possible, but don't do this. It may get detected, and even if you get through to an interview because of it, you'll be rejected in the first round when you can't back up your claimed skills.

Cover Letter Sample

Even if there is AI screening, your resume will be seen by a human recruiter eventually. If there are two candidates with equal qualifications, they'll choose the one who's more enthusiastic and shares the company's values

Tip: Avoid clichés

When you screen candidates every day, overused clichés become boring. To hook the recruiter's attention, focus on your recent accomplishments. Show passion and prove you can get the job done. If you can inspire the recruiter using your own words, you'll be a step ahead of the other candidates.

Boring: I’m writing to apply for a Backend development position. While I was looking for potential new opportunities in Japan, I came across your job. I am interested in applying for your job...

Stand Out: I was excited to come across the job opening for a software engineer at Sample K.K. Not only have I been planning to move to Tokyo, but I’ve been a big fan of your mobile payment app for a long time. With 5+ years of professional experience in product development using Go, and experience in both SQL and NoSQL, I believe my technical skills would be a perfect addition to your team. Stand Out: I’m excited to be applying for the position because I saw that you are dedicated to building _____ products. I’ve been passionate about this space for years, which is why I’ve contributed _____ at my current role. I have no doubt that I can utilize this experience to achieve similar results as a developer at your company. Stand Out: I’m excited to be applying for the open Dev Ops role at _____ Company. I recently read an article about your _____. I’d be honored to become part of your team that has a clear and strong mission, and help push it forward. Stand Out: I was thrilled to see your posting for the position of Data Analyst. I am positive I can help with XXX's upcoming challenges. I have experience with leading...

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Five tips to a better cover letter

You’re filling out an online job application and that section, cover letter , pops up. Writing a cover letter that strikes the right tone, covers all you want to say, but does not make you sound conceited can be tough. Here are our top five cover letter tips to help you strike the right balance and get you closer to that interview.

1. Don’t recycle

• Pick out your strongest sentences and phrases and work them into your new cover letter
• Avoid phrases like “I’m excited to apply for a role at your organization.”
• Make sure you name the company and the role you are after, then follow it up with as much specific detail as possible.

2. Speak the lingo

Do your research and learn about the company philosophy, culture, and mindset. Try to mirror what you’ve gleaned from the company website or social media in your writing as a way of expressing your mindset and how it aligns with their corporate culture.

3. Catch their eye

Hiring managers receive and review applicant profiles and cover letters from many sources. What can you do to stand out and catch their eye? Your opening statement should convey something about yourself that will make the hiring manager want to read more.

“My name is Lynda Reed, from Cape Town, South Africa,” doesn’t do much to draw the reader in does it? 

To start, your name is on your resume. The reviewer wants to know who you are.

Lynda could try something catchier:

“Though I’ve had a happy and rewarding experience working with GGC, seeing the job description for Collaborate Inc. stopped me in my tracks. Ever since I was a child, growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, I was taught to value an egalitarian approach to education and feel strongly that Collaborate Inc.’s philosophy of “complete student education” closely aligns with those values.”

With this revised opening Lynda has shared her current employment situation, some personal details about where she grew up, and has demonstrated an interest and understanding in the organization she is applying to.

4. Build up the body of your letter

Now that you have captured the hiring manager’s attention, it’s your chance to sell yourself.

Avoid rehashing your resume: “I was in charge of managing current client accounts and reengaging former clients.”

Instead, extract those brief points in your resume and flesh them out with detail and context. Show how that experience makes you perfect for this new role.

For example: “By reviewing past client surveys, KPIs, and focused online social media engagement, I was able to bring a data-driven modern approach to the project of former client engagement. This increased the percentage of returning clients by 40% over a six month period.”  

5. Go out with a bang

Don’t close your letter with: “I look forward to speaking with you”.

Seize this chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position: “National Hotel’s focus on guest experience and comfort has left an impression on me. I would love to work for an organization where every employee from CEO to housekeeper takes a personal interest in providing guests with a world class experience.”

Thank you for your time,

Min-Joon Lee”

While these are just some tips to assist you in composing the perfect cover letter for your dream job, remember you’ll never get hired for a job you don’t apply for, so get writing! 

Interested in living and working in Japan?  Check out ALT jobs with Interac here.

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For Japanese citizens, and for anyone who didn’t drive in their home country, getting a Driver’s License in Japan can be a long, daunting, and expensive task.  For some jobs in Japan , a driving license is essential.

The minimum age for driving in Japan is 18 years old. Some earn their Japanese driving license by taking some basic courses and trying the driving test. Others take the longer and more expensive route of comprehensive courses, where graduation means that you automatically pass the Japan driving exam.

Japanese people usually go to driving schools and that takes several months of classroom and practical training and costs up to around 250,000 yen – the equivalent of over 1000 pounds or 2000 dollars.

Fortunately, if you have a valid driving license from your home country, you may be able to use it to change and convert your license to a Japanese driving license – without having to go to driving school, and sometimes without even taking the driving exam. Here’s how to get a driving license in Japan.

1. What you need to have and prepare:

• Check your license to see if the original issue date is on your license. If not, you should request a full driving record from the licensing authority in your country.
• The most common way to get this is by visiting your nearest Japan Automobile Federation office. Usually, they can give you the documentation you need within an hour. If there is not one nearby, certain offices allow you to apply via mail.
• Whatever documentation you use, the dates need to be compatible with your license. For example, you can only use university transcripts if you already had your licence at that time. This is why it’s important to have the original issue date mentioned earlier, as the documentation will only support the dates that you can show.
• Examples of good supporting documents: official academic transcripts, work certificates, pay stubs, utility bills in your name and address, or an entry stamp into your home country in your passport.
• Examples of bad supporting docs: bank statements, loan statements, credit card bills, marriage certificates, exit stamps in your passport.
• Ultimately, the validity of the documentation for proving the ‘3-months’ requirement is at the discretion of the Driver’s License Center representative who is handling your application.
• Often, there will be a photo booth in or near the Driver’s License Center.
• This photo is used for the application – you will have a different picture for your license.
• Passport and Residence Card, and a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Juminhyo) from your town office

2. What you need to do to convert your driving license:

No matter where your driver’s license is from, there are a few steps that everyone needs to take for the Japanese driving license application process.  Later, there are differences depending on the country.

• Some centers will require reservation a few months in advance. 
• The center will be able to advise you whether you can take care of all the steps at once, or if you need to make multiple trips.
• The driver’s license center representative in Japan will review your documents, especially about the ‘3-months’ requirement.
• They will also ask you about your driving history, what you needed to do to get your license, what kinds of driver’s ed courses you took, and so on.
• If you don’t speak Japanese, you are encouraged to bring a friend who can interpret for you.
• Wear your glasses or contacts, especially if your license says that you require them. 
• You will look at a ‘C’ shaped character, and will have to say which direction the opening is facing – up, down, left, or right.

If your driving license is from any of the following territories:

• Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan 
• The US States of Hawaii, Indiana*, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Washington (*Indiana license holders still need to take the written test)

…then the points above are all that you need to do, in most cases.

3. The written test and the driving test

If your country/state is not in the above list*, then you will need to take the two exams: the written test, and the driving test.  Each prefecture in Japan has its own rules, so contact the licencing center directly.

*In certain cases, the written test may still be required even if you are exempt from the driving test.

The written test

• This test is generally 10 questions, all true or false, and is available in English.
• A pass is 7 correct answers.
• While most of the content is familiar to anyone who is experienced with driving, it’s good to familiarize yourself with rules particular to Japan. Such examples are as always stopping before going over railroad crossings, or the effectively-0 limit for driving under the influence.

The driving test

• You will use a car provided by the Driver’s License center. It will be automatic unless you are applying for a driver’s license that lets you use manual transmission.
• While not a requirement, it is often very worthwhile to enroll for a few hours of practice with a tutor. These lessons are generally around 3000 to 5000 yen. You can practice on the actual driving course. 
• Checking the area outside of the vehicle to look for any obstructions before getting in.
• Adjust seat, belt, and mirrors, even if you feel they don’t need to be adjusted.
• Start driving through the course, following the rules of the road exactly to the letter. The course includes various signs, markers, turns, and even an ‘s-curve’ and ‘crank’ where you need to drive through short but narrow and winding paths without going over the lines.
• Making sure your movements and actions are very clear and obvious to the instructor. Common wisdom is that if they didn’t explicitly see that you did it, you didn’t do it!
• It’s not uncommon to need to take the Japanese driving test again a few times. Many people don’t pass on their first try, so it’s fair to be prepared to take the test a few times if necessary and consider it a happy surprise if you make it through on your first one!
• If you’ve passed your test, you’ll have your picture taken and your new license issued to you. It’s important to dress well, not only to make a good impression, but because it will be your ID photo that others may see.

4. After you get your driving license

Congratulations!  You’ve received your Japanese driver’s license as a foreigner in Japan. Now there are some more things to keep in mind as you hit the road. Here are our tips for driving in Japan.

Renewal procedure

• Your first Japanese driving license is valid for up to 3 years. Near the expiration date, you’ll receive a postcard in the mail with information about renewing, which can be done within 1 month before or after your birthday that year. 
• When you renew, you will have to sit through a one-lesson safety course. The length of the lesson can vary depending on if you have any infractions, if it’s your first time renewing, and so on. up-to-date.

Keeping your address up-to-date

Just like your residence card, you will need to update your address on your Japanese driving license when you move. You can do this at driver’s license centers, but you can often get it done at your local police station (not kobans!).

• Similar to AAA in America, the Japan Automobile Federation offers services that can be helpful in an emergency situation, and they offer 24/7 translation support.
• If you don’t own a car, there are numerous car share services in Japan that you can now use thanks to your new driving license. These are services where you can rent a car for a short time through an online reservation system. Websites like Lease Japan are useful for this.

It’s a good idea to read the Japanese book ‘Rules of the Road’ to pass your driving test.

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How to Write Japanese Letters – Basic Rules

By YukoSensei on July 17, 2016 12

Rule 1: Stroke Direction

There are only two directions of stroke when it comes to Japanese letters:

• T op to bottom. 

Traditionally, Japanese people wrote sentences vertically, not horizontally, using a writing brush, Fude . With a writing brush, it is easier to write each stroke of a letter from left to right and top to bottom. As a result, Japanese people have accustomed to writing letters that way. It, in fact, helps you write letters in a flow and beautifully. I am normally not too strict about the  stroke order . However, I would highly recommend following the correct order because it helps your letters look well-balanced.

Rule 2: Three Types of Stroke Ending

Rule 3: Follow Hand-written Versions

Know How to Write Japanese Letters Correctly

I’m sorry if I made you too nervous about writing Japanese letters! That was not my intention. I at least wished to give you the information so that you have the awareness of how to write Japanese letters correctly. As I stated in the About Me section, I have been teaching Japanese for many years. Guiding students to acquire Hiragana and Katakana letters correctly is one of my focus when I teach at the college. It’s funny, but in many cases, students who mastered Japanese letters correctly ended up becoming overall successful students. They tend to understand the grammar better and improve their communication skills in Japanese. Commitment and hard work correlate to success. Learning how to write Japanese letters may feel like a daunting task, but please don’t give up. Take one letter at a time. Eventually, you will master all the Hiragana and Katakana. Go to the Hiragana Lesson section. Watch each lesson video in order and follow instructions. provide useful materials for your writing practice on this website. At the moment, I have a Hiragana chart and practice sheets for you to download. Provide the information below and I’ll send them to your way right away! If you are looking for a good Hiragana app, I recommend this one by the Japan Foundation. It is a free app that comes in English, Indonesian, and Thai versions. I will greatly help you with Hiragana memorization.

Reader Interactions

June 16, 2018 at 1:37 pm

Thank you very much for this information.

June 17, 2018 at 6:27 pm

どういたしまして。Doo itashimashite. (You are welcome) I hope you found the article useful. 🙂

Yuko-sensei

December 16, 2017 at 2:42 am

I can’t find anywhere why the word sensei せんせい is spelled like sensee. Is there a rule or something when the word ends in ei? I’m still learning maybe I skip something somewhere.

December 16, 2017 at 7:50 pm

ケイラさん、はじめまして。

It’s Japanese long vowel (double vowel) rules. There are mismatches between spelling and pronunciation when it comes to EI and OU in spelling. Every time when you encounter the sequence of EI in spelling, you pronounce it EE. So, せんせい (se-n-se-i) is pronounced se-n-sE-E and けいかく (ke-i-ka-ku) is kE-E-ka-ku. Same goes for the vowel OU sequence. It is pronounced OO. For instance, おとうさん is spelled o-to-u-sa-n but we pronounce it o-tO-O-sa-n. こうこう (ko-u-ko-u) is kO-O-kO-O in pronunciation.

Now, how to spell these double vowels in Romaji is not consistent because Romaji (Western alphabets) are not our letters. We Japanese spell the word “se-n-se-i” either in Hiragana せんせい or in Kanji 先生 and naturally pronounce it se-n-se-e. So, spelling it either “sensei” or “sensee” in Romaji doesn’t matter to us. Some people spell it as they would spell in Hiragana (sensei) and others spell it as they would actually pronounce it (sensee). Both cases are widely accepted so you can choose either way in Romaji.

Japanese native speakers unconsciously pronounce せんせい se-n-se-e and most people are even not aware that there is a mismatch between spelling and pronunciation. Maybe that is why you couldn’t find this information easily online. One has to have the knowledge of Japanese linguistics to be able to explain this to you. I always explain this double-vowel rules to my students in my class during the first few weeks as they shift their minds from Romaji to Hiragana. This is another reason why we Japanese teachers strongly recommend to our learners to start learning Japanese in Hiragana from an early stage, not in Romaji.

I hope this cleared your confusion. がんばってください。

April 27, 2017 at 8:30 pm

How can I learn Japnese from zero? I don’t have any background.

June 23, 2017 at 5:24 am

I have a complementary starter course designed for absolute beginners. It is free to join. You can go to smilenihongo.com/minicoursefree to sign up.

April 28, 2018 at 6:26 pm

I am a begginer and still don’t get why whenever I translate something with my name in it, they write my name first before the sentence.

April 28, 2018 at 6:44 pm

Enysha-san,

I don’t quite understand what you are asking. Can you give me an example sentence that you are going to translate into Japanese?

September 19, 2016 at 5:57 pm

先生、どもありがとうございます。

September 20, 2016 at 8:38 am

September 7, 2016 at 1:46 pm

September 9, 2016 at 8:31 am

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Japanese Translator Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a Japanese translator position can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right approach, you can craft a letter that shows you are the best fit for the job. This guide will explain the basics of writing a successful cover letter as a Japanese translator, as well as provide a sample letter to get you started.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Japanese Translator Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the Japanese Translator position at [Company Name]. With over two years of professional interpreting and translation experience, I am confident that I can successfully fulfill the duties associated with this role.

I am a native Japanese speaker, and I am also fluent in English. In my current role as a Japanese Translator at [Company Name], I provide simultaneous interpretation of content from Japanese to English and vice versa. I am adept in translating both verbal and written texts and consistently deliver accurate translations on a timely basis. Additionally, I have experience with a variety of translation and interpretation software, including [Example], which helps to ensure that translation services are provided with the highest level of accuracy.

I am highly organized, detail- oriented, and have an excellent ability to interpret and understand complex concepts. I am also extremely proficient in specialized language related to legal, financial, and technical fields. Additionally, I have a strong sense of cultural awareness and sensitivity that has enabled me to perform well in various diverse settings.

I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me an ideal candidate for the Japanese Translator role at [Company Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position further, and I look forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

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What should a Japanese Translator cover letter include?

A cover letter for a position as a Japanese Translator should include several key elements in order to be effective. First, the letter should include an introduction in which the applicant outlines their qualifications and experience as they relate to the job they are applying for. This should include any certifications, education, or training they possess that are relevant to the position.

Second, the letter should include details about the applicant’s proficiency in languages. This should include what level of fluency they have in Japanese, as well as any other languages they may speak. It should also state whether the applicant is able to read, write, and speak Japanese.

Third, the letter should explain why the applicant wants the job. This should be an explanation of the applicant’s interest in being a translator, as well as their passion for the language. This will help to give the employer a better idea of the applicant’s enthusiasm for the position.

Finally, the letter should provide contact information so that the employer can reach the applicant. This should include their phone number, email address, and physical address. It should also include any social media accounts that the applicant has, such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

By providing all of these elements, the cover letter for a position as a Japanese Translator will help to ensure that the applicant is taken seriously and considered for the position.

Japanese Translator Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing an effective cover letter will help you stand out from the competition and land the job you are applying for. When writing a cover letter for a Japanese translator position, there are some tips you should keep in mind.

• Research the employer: Before you begin writing your cover letter, it’s important to research the employer. Learn about the company’s mission and values, as well as their products or services. You should also review their job postings to get a better understanding of the qualifications they are looking for.
• Highlight your qualifications: Your cover letter should highlight your qualifications, such as language fluency, cultural knowledge, and experience in translation. Make sure to explain why your qualifications make you the perfect candidate for the job.
• Showcase your knowledge of the language: Use your cover letter to demonstrate your knowledge of the language by including some phrases in Japanese. This will show the employer that you have an in- depth understanding of the language.
• Demonstrate your cultural understanding: Employers often look for translators who understand the cultural nuances of the language. Explain how your knowledge of the culture can help you provide high- quality translations.
• Be professional: Remember to remain professional in your cover letter. Write in a formal tone and use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

By following these tips, you can create an effective cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition and land the job you are applying for. Good luck!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Japanese Translator Cover letter

Writing a cover letter is an important step in applying for a job as a Japanese translator. You want to ensure that you make a great first impression, so it is important to understand the common mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter. Here are some tips for crafting a successful Japanese translator cover letter:

• Avoid grammatical errors: Grammatical errors can cause employers to think that you are not detail- oriented and lack the skills necessary to be a successful translator. Double- check your cover letter to ensure that all of your sentences are grammatically correct.
• Don’t be too formal: Japanese is a highly formal language, but it is important to keep your cover letter conversational. Using overly formal language can make it difficult to understand your message.
• Avoid using too many industry- specific terms: It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of the job and its industry, but avoid using too many industry- specific terms. This can make your letter difficult to read for someone who is not familiar with the industry.
• Don’t forget to highlight your skills: Make sure to highlight your skills, such as bilingual fluency or your knowledge of cultural differences. This will demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills to be a successful translator.
• Don’t forget to proofread: It is important to read your cover letter multiple times to ensure you have not made any mistakes. A typo or a grammatical error can reflect poorly on you and make you appear sloppy and unprofessional.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your cover letter is professional and well- crafted. This will make it easier for employers to understand why you are a great fit for the job. Good luck with your job search!

Key takeaways

Writing an impressive Japanese translator cover letter can be daunting. It’s important to make a good impression and highlight your experiences and qualifications to stand out from other applicants. Here are some key takeaways for crafting an effective cover letter:

• Demonstrate your language proficiency: Make sure to highlight your fluency in Japanese and any certifications or qualifications you have.
• Showcase your knowledge of cultural nuances: Japanese culture is very different from English- speaking cultures, so make sure to demonstrate your understanding of cultural differences.
• Demonstrate your problem- solving skills: Translators must be able to solve problems quickly and accurately, so include a few examples of how you have done this in the past.
• Highlight any previous experience: If you have experience as a translator, make sure to include this in your cover letter.
• Show your enthusiasm and commitment: Japanese culture values loyalty, so make sure to emphasize your commitment to the job.
• Keep it concise and organized: Cover letters should be one page long, so make sure to use concise language and organize your thoughts clearly.

By following these key takeaways, you can create an impressive Japanese translator cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i write a cover letter for an japanese translator job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for a Japanese Translator job with no experience can be a challenge. However, it is still possible to create an effective and compelling letter that showcases your skills and qualifications. Start by researching the company and job position to better understand their needs. This will help you tailor your cover letter to meet their needs. Additionally, focus on the skills that you do have that make you a strong applicant even without experience, such as language proficiency and research capabilities. Finally, use professional language and proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors.

2. How do I write a cover letter for an Japanese Translator job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a Japanese Translator job with experience, you should use the opportunity to highlight your qualifications and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. Begin by outlining your experience, including any relevant certifications or qualifications that you may have. Additionally, provide specific examples of how you have used your language proficiency and cultural knowledge to achieve success in past roles. Finally, be sure to express enthusiasm for the position and provide a clear call to action.

3. How can I highlight my accomplishments in a Japanese Translator cover letter?

When writing a cover letter for a Japanese Translator job, you should use the opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and successes. Begin by outlining the relevant experience that you have and the successes that you achieved in past roles. Additionally, provide examples of how you used your language proficiency and cultural knowledge to achieve success. Finally, make sure to use clear, concise language and avoid overly- technical terminology.

4. What is a good cover letter for a Japanese Translator job?

A good cover letter for a Japanese Translator job should focus on the position’s requirements and showcase your strengths as an applicant. Begin by researching the company and job position to ensure that your cover letter is tailored to meet their needs. Additionally, focus on the skills and qualifications that you have that make you a strong candidate for the role, such as language proficiency and cultural knowledge. Finally, use professional language and proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammar errors.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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Philpad » Visa » Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)

Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We are sharing here our Japan tourist visa cover letter sample to guide fellow travelers and tourist visa applicants.

Many readers have been requesting to post the cover letter we used on our tourist visa application, so here I am posting the cover letter I made for my sister.

As mentioned, we successfully got our Multiple Entry Visa even though it was our first time applying for a Japanese tourist visa.

If you want to know how our visa got approved and how we got a multiple entry visa, please visit this page: “How I Got My Japan Multiple Entry Visa in One Shot.”

Table of Contents:

What is a Visa Cover Letter?

A visa cover letter is submitted with your documents for visa application. The cover letter is a formal way to introduce yourself, to express the purpose of your travel, why you want to visit the country, the places you plan to see, and your sincere intention to return to your home country.

How to Write a Visa Cover Letter?

Step 1: address your letter to the proper embassy.

Write the correct address of the embassy of the country where you choose to apply for a travel visa. Verify the updated information before you print out your letter.

Step 2: Introduce yourself briefly

Introduce yourself and state the main subject of your letter (you’re applying for a tourist visa to travel to Japan.)

Step 3: Mention the purpose of your travel

Express the purpose of your travel and share an overview of your itinerary. Talk about the sites you wish to explore and the activities you plan to do in the country you will be visiting.

Step 4: Indicate how you will support your travel

If you’re paying for all your travel expenses, accommodations, and pocket money, share about your job or mention that you have attached your bank certificate. Prove that you are financially stable and capable of supporting yourself and your travel.

If someone is sponsoring your trip, explain your relationship with your sponsor and why they will shoulder your travel expenses.

Step 5: Show strong proof you will return to your home country

It will be helpful if you mention the other countries you have visited in the past and your other travel visas. Attaching supporting documents such as employment certificate, business permits, tangible assets, and income tax return also show strong ties to your home country.

Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample and Format

Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300

Dear Sir/Madam,

Kon’nichiwa!

My name is Lauren Park, with Passport Number: CB8787888, and I am requesting a tourist visa to travel to Japan.

It’s always been my dream to visit Japan someday. I am fascinated by its warm culture and heritage. I want to explore its ancient Shrines and Temples. I hope to see the Cherry Blossoms and the beautiful city of Tokyo. I am thrilled to see Japan’s Disneyland and wait for the night’s incredible fireworks.

I am looking forward to riding a Bullet Train and seeing Osaka. I am excited to be at Universal Studios. To be exploring the stunning places of Kyoto and Nara is on my Bucket List, too.

All my supporting documents and visa application are attached below.

• Philippine Passport
• Visa Application Form
• Original Birth Certificate
• Daily Schedule in Japan
• Original Bank Certificate
• Income Tax Return
• Certificate of Employment
• Roundtrip Airline Ticket

I am hoping for your kind consideration. Japan will always be special in my heart. I hope I will be able to travel and explore its beauty.

Sincerely yours,

Lauren Park

Important Notes:

Please do not copy the sample cover letter above. It is just a guide, and DO NOT submit it exactly as it is.

Just imagine the readers who do that, and you all would have the same cover letter. That would be risky on your application.

Make sure you write your own cover letter following what’s in your heart and following your itinerary or plans to travel to Japan.

Why should you submit a Cover Letter for Japan Tourist Visa?

Even though a Cover Letter is not one of the primary requirements and documents needed for a Japanese tourist visa application. It is usually attached when applying for your second application or applying for a Multiple Entry visa.

However, I recommend you also attach a Cover Letter even if it is your first time applying for a tourist visa and even if you are not aiming for a multiple entry visa.

A Cover Letter is a formal way of you letting the embassy knows your keen reasons and intention to visit and travel to Japan. It is a way of telling the consul why you love to travel to Japan.

So, I think it is an advantage to help get your visa approved successfully.

Visa applications like Schengen member countries require a Cover Letter as part of the document checklist. It is beneficial if you make one for your visa application.

It is not so difficult to create anyway. It will only take a few minutes of your time. Besides, seeing Japan is priceless.

Japan Visa Helpful Articles:

• Japan Visa Schedule of Stay Sample
• Japan Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines
• Japan Travel Blog and Guide with Itinerary
• How to Get JR Pass in the Philippines

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as visa expert advice. The author only shared her experience about visa cover letters. It doesn’t guarantee the same results.

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Fehl is the founder of Philpad. She has a degree in Accountancy and a background in Finance. She is a licensed Career Service Professional and author of a poetry book at Barnes & Noble. In her spare time, she likes to travel and vlog.

9 thoughts on “Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)”

Good day! Our Travel date is on March 1 to 6 this 2020. We already have plane ticket as well as hotel. All are paid na po. Visa nalang kulang. However, ma la late and uwi sa Pinas yung husband ko dahil nasa port sila ng China. Hndi sila pwede umuwi dahil sa corona virus. So sa Australia pa sila uuwi. 23 or 24 pa sila lalapag ng Pilipinas. Mag apply kami kinabukasan or that day mismo. Possible po kaya na makuha namin agad yung result ng visa application namin kung sa last week ng February kami mag apply? Sayang namn kasi lahat is ready na Visa nalang

Hi 🙂 Possible naman na makuha na ang visa nyo if Feb. 25 kayo apply

I’m a multiple visa holder, too, and I will apply for my son (first time). Should I write a cover letter on his behalf? My son is a minor. Thanks!

Yes, it will help the application 🙂

Thank you. Follow up question, is it advisable to submit also round trip airline tickets? We will be there for just a week. Thanks, again!

I have a question, should this be handwritten or computerized???

I did mine computerized. Include your signature at the end

Hi Ms. Fehl! What was the latest time to get your visa? I mean my flight is on May 24-28. Can I apply for a visa by next week? I went to Japan last 2018 and they granted me a single entry visa and now I’m trying my luck to get a multiple visa, should I get my visa na ba? Hope you will noticed this. Thank you so much in advance.

Hi Yanna 🙂 Best time to apply for a visa is 3 months before your travel date. In your case, yes you can already apply 🙂

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Letter Templates & Example

Journey to Japan: A Comprehensive Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa Application

Planning a trip to Japan can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to the visa application process. One key element of the application is the cover letter, which provides important details about your travel plans and purpose for visiting Japan. To assist with this process, we’ve compiled a selection of cover letter samples for Japan visa, that you can use as a reference and edit as needed. By following these samples, you’ll be able to create a stand-out cover letter that showcases your personality, intentions, and overall readiness for a trip to Japan. So, let’s get started with crafting a compelling cover letter that will impress the Consulate-General of Japan and help you obtain your visa with ease!

The Best Structure for Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa

If you are planning to apply for a Japan visa soon, then you need to prepare a cover letter. In Japan, the cover letter is called ‘detailed explanation of the purpose of visit’ or ‘shuhen moushikomi sho.’ In this letter, you need to explain the reason why you want to go to Japan, your itinerary, and other necessary details. Having a well-structured cover letter can improve your chances of getting approved for a Japan visa. Here are some tips on how to structure your cover letter.

1. Introduction In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and give a brief overview of who you are. Include your name, occupation, and purpose of traveling to Japan. Keep this section short and get straight to the point.

2. Purpose of Travel This is the most important part of your cover letter. Describe your reason for visiting Japan in detail. Be specific and clear in explaining the purpose of your travel, whether it’s for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. Include where you plan to stay, your itinerary, and the dates of your stay.

3. Supporting Information In this section, provide additional information that supports your purpose of travel. For example, if you’re visiting Japan for a business meeting, provide details about the meeting, including the name of the company, the purpose of the meeting, and who you will be meeting with. If you’re visiting Japan for tourism, mention the attractions you plan to visit and why you’re interested in them.

4. Personal Information Include your personal information, such as your passport details and contact information. Make sure that you include a valid email address and phone number.

5. Closing In the last paragraph, thank the consulate for considering your application and express your excitement about visiting Japan. End the letter with a polite and respectful tone.

In conclusion, a well-structured cover letter is crucial to the success of your Japan visa application. By following the above tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your purpose for visiting Japan. Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, and make sure that you provide all the necessary information. Good luck!

7 Sample Cover Letters for Japan Visa

Cover letter for japan visa – business.

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] who is planning to visit Japan for business purposes. As the [Your Position] at [Your Company Name], I have had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Work Relationship]. Having witnessed [his/her] skills and experience in the field of [Industry], I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution in advancing our business in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] has been entrusted to represent our company in meetings, conferences, and negotiations with Japanese clients and partners. [He/She] is well-equipped with the knowledge of Japanese business etiquette, culture, and language. [His/Her] expertise in [Specific Skill] and excellent communication skills will allow [him/her] to effectively communicate our business values and negotiate deals that benefit both parties.

Thank you for your consideration in granting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application. I’m confident that [his/her] purpose of visiting Japan is genuine and I fully support [him/her] in this endeavor.

[Your Full Name]

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Tourism

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for tourism purposes. As [His/Her] [Relationship], I have known [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Relationship] and can confidently recommend [him/her] for a Japan visa. [He/She] is an avid traveler and is excited to explore the rich cultural heritage and attractions Japan has to offer.

As a [Nationality] citizen, [Name of Applicant] understands the importance of respecting and immersing oneself in the local customs and traditions when visiting foreign countries. [He/She] has meticulously planned [his/her] travel itinerary, which includes visiting [Landmarks, Festivals or Specific Places of Interest]. [His/Her] research on Japanese culture, history, and cuisine reflects [his/her] sincere interest in Japan and [he/she] plans to experience all these personally.

I am confident that [Name of Applicant]’s visit to Japan will be enjoyable and memorable. [He/She] is a responsible traveler who will comply with Japan’s laws, regulations, and visa requirements. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information in supporting [his/her] visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Visit Family

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of my [Relationship] [Name of Applicant] for visiting Japan to meet [his/her] family. [Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and [he/she] resides in [Your Current Country]. [His/Her] parents, siblings, and extended family members are residents in Japan and [he/she] is eager to meet them and spend some quality time with them.

[Name of Applicant] is financially stable and will take care of [his/her] expenses during the visit. [He/She] will be staying with [his/her] family and therefore, accommodation expenses are taken care of. [He/She] has already obtained [his/her] leave of absence from [Work/School] and is making all necessary travel arrangements.

I assure you that [Name of Applicant] will abide by the Japanese laws and regulations, and return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [his/her] visit. I hope you understand the importance of family and appreciate your consideration in approving [his/her] visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Employment

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for employment in Japan. As [His/Her] [Relationship] and [Current Position] at [Company Name], I have had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Work Relationship]. I strongly recommend [him/her] for employment in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] is an expert in [Area of Expertise] and [has/have] [Number of Years] years of experience in this field. [His/Her] skills are in high demand in Japan, and [he/she] has been offered a position as a [Position] at [Company Name] in Japan. [Name of Applicant] has already secured [his/her] work visa and is in the process of relocating to Japan.

[Name of Applicant] is a responsible, hardworking, and reliable employee and has made significant contributions to our company. [He/She] is fluent in Japanese language and has also undergone training in Japanese business culture and etiquettes. [His/Her] adaptability and positive attitude will help [him/her] in adjusting to the Japanese work environment, including effective communication, teamwork, and respect for time and hierarchy.

Thank you for consideration in granting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application. I’m confident that [his/her] purpose of visiting Japan is genuine and I fully support [him/her] in this endeavor.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Education

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for education purposes at [University Name] in Japan. I am [His/Her] [Relationship] and have known [him/her] for [Duration of Relationship]. I have full confidence that [he/she] is fully capable and motivated to pursue [his/her] academic goals in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] has already been accepted in the [Name of Program] at [University Name] in Japan. [He/She] has secured [his/her] admission and has made all necessary arrangements for accommodation, travel, and finances. [He/She] will be pursuing [His/Her] Master’s degree in [Field of Study] and [he/she] is excited to explore Japanese culture and language.

[Name of Applicant] is a diligent student and [has/have] consistently achieved academic excellence in [His/Her] previous academic pursuits. [He/She] has also undergone training in the Japanese language and is proficient in Japanese language proficiency levels N3/N2. I assure you that [he/she] will abide by the Japanese laws and regulations and return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [his/her] studies.

Thank you for your time and attention. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information in supporting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Medical

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for medical treatment in Japan. [Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and is suffering from [Medical Condition]. [He/She] has been referred to [Hospital Name] in Japan for [Medical Procedure/Consultation].

[Name of Applicant] is in need of urgent medical attention, and [His/Her] health condition requires [Specific Procedure/Consultation] that is not available in [Your Current Country]. [He/She] has already received the necessary recommendation from [Medical Institution] and [His/Her] medical records have been duly furnished to the Embassy. [Name of Applicant] has also secured an appointment with [Doctor/Hospital] in Japan and has made all necessary arrangements for travel and finances.

I urge you to consider and approve [Name of Applicant]’s visa application in a timely manner so that [he/she] can receive the medical care that [he/she] needs. [He/She] plans to return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [His/Her] medical treatment.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Family Event

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of my [Relationship], [Name of Applicant] for visiting Japan to attend [Specific Event]. [Event] is of utmost importance to our family and [Name of Applicant] would like to participate in this event that is scheduled to take place from [Event Date].

[Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and is planning to travel to Japan on [Date of Arrival]. [He/She] has already obtained [His/Her] leave of absence from [Work/School], and has made all necessary travel arrangements. [He/She] will be staying with our relatives in Japan and therefore, accommodation expenses are already taken care of. [He/She] is financially stable and will take care of [His/Her] expenses during the trip.

I hope you understand the importance of this family event and appreciate your consideration in approving [Name of Applicant]’s visa application.

Tips for writing a cover letter sample for Japan visa

Writing a cover letter for Japan visa can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the Japanese culture and their visa application procedures. However, by following some tips, you can create a convincing cover letter that will increase your chances of getting your visa approved.

Firstly, make sure to address your cover letter to the relevant authority. In Japan, the visa application process is handled by the Embassy or Consulate, so it’s important to address your letter to the person in charge of the visa application. You can usually find the information on their website or by contacting them directly.

Secondly, explain the purpose of your trip to Japan clearly and concisely. Whether you’re visiting Japan for tourism, study, or business, make sure to state your intentions in a straightforward manner. If you’re visiting Japan for business, for example, mention the name of your company and the reason for your visit.

Thirdly, provide evidence that you have enough funds to cover your trip to Japan. Japan has strict visa requirements, and one of them is that you should have enough savings to cover all of your expenses during your stay. You can provide bank statements or proof of employment to show that you have the financial means to support yourself.

Fourthly, be honest and genuine in your cover letter. Japan values honesty and integrity, and a dishonest or fake cover letter will not only hurt your chances of getting a visa but also damage your reputation.

Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter several times and have someone else read it. Spelling and grammatical errors can give the impression of carelessness, and it shows that you didn’t put enough effort into your application.

In conclusion, writing a cover letter for Japan visa requires careful attention to detail and adherence to strict requirements. By following the above tips, you can create a convincing cover letter that will help you obtain your visa and make your trip to Japan successful.

Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa FAQs

What is a cover letter for a Japan visa?

A cover letter for Japan visa is a letter written by the visa applicant stating the purpose of their trip to Japan, specific details about their itinerary, and any other supporting information to convince the Japanese consulate that they will abide by the country’s laws and regulations.

What should I include in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

Your cover letter for a Japan visa should include your personal information, purpose of travel, intended travel dates, detailed itinerary, details of your accommodation, and your financial capability to support your stay in Japan.

What is the ideal length of a cover letter for a Japan visa?

Generally, your cover letter for a Japan visa should be one page in length. However, you can extend it to two pages if necessary.

How should I address the consular officer in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

You can address the consular officer as “Dear Sir/Madam” or use their last name if it is specified in the visa application instructions.

Can I use a template for my cover letter for a Japan visa?

While there are many templates available online, it is best to customize your cover letter to your specific trip to Japan. Customize the information and emphasize your unique circumstances, such as your relationship to any Japanese partners, if you have any, or your specific tourist destinations.

What are some tips for writing a successful cover letter for a Japan visa?

Making sure your cover letter has a clear purpose, is well-written, and includes any supporting documents are crucial to writing a successful cover letter for a Japan visa. You should also make sure that your itinerary is well-documented and that you have proof of financial capability to support your stay in Japan.

Can I include my spouse or children’s details in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

Yes, it is ideal to include your spouse and children’s details in your cover letter for a Japan visa, especially if they will be accompanying you on your trip. You should list their names, relationship to you, and passport details for the consular officer’s reference.

Thanks for checking out our cover letter samples for Japan visa!

We hope our examples have been helpful in crafting your own document to improve your chances of securing a visa. Remember to personalize your letter according to your own circumstances and to follow the guidelines set by the Japanese embassy. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more useful tips and information regarding travel and visa applications. Safe travels!

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Japanese Teacher Cover Letter Sample

Increase your chances of scoring a job and find inspiration for your new cover letter with this customizable Japanese Teacher cover letter sample. Use this cover letter example as it is or alter it with ease in our sleek cover letter creator.

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Japanese Teacher Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a Japanese Teacher with 6 years of experience in public and private school settings, I apply with enthusiasm for the above opportunity. 

I am currently the Japanese Teacher at Sunnybank Senior School in Florida, where I am accountable for a broad range of planning, preparation, classroom environment, and instruction responsibilities. These include designing lessons and assessments, participating in curriculum development/reviews, academic oversight of student performance, and strengthening student and parent communications.

I incorporate educational technology in designing Japanese learning experiences, formative assessment tasks, and to increase student engagement. I strongly believe that when learning is fun, students learn more and approach their language education with greater enthusiasm. 

In addition to my experience and bilingual fluency in Japanese, I hold an MA in Japanese Language Education and a Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language Certificate. I am committed to continual professional development, as demonstrated in my CV. 

My current role is very stimulating, and I find great fulfilment in such a wonderful environment. My decision to seek a new position is solely based on our family’s decision to relocate. As such, I aspire to a similarly amazing opportunity where I may make a meaningful contribution to the Japanese language program. After researching your school in detail, I feel confident about our mutual fit.

Please find attached my curriculum vitae for your consideration. Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding my application.

Yours sincerely,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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