Job-Hunting Photos in Japan: What Should Women Wear? (Shukatsu ID Photo Guide)
What will you wear for your job-hunting (shukatsu) ID photo?
Most people choose a suit, but have you decided what style of shirt to wear under the jacket?
The way you wear your shirt can actually change the impression you give.
In this article, we introduce the shirt styles most often used for job-hunting ID photos in Japan.
Contents
The Regular Collar Shirt: A Safe Choice for Almost Any Industry
The most common style is the regular collar shirt, a classic button-up shirt with a button at the neck.
The best way to wear it is to fasten it all the way up to the top button and tuck the collar inside the suit jacket.
This look gives a serious, calm impression, so it is popular with people aiming for jobs in finance or the civil service.
It is a traditional style that is relatively well accepted in almost any industry, so it is also a good choice if you plan to apply to a variety of industries.
Because the shirt is buttoned up to the neck, pay attention to the fit around the collar.
Choose one that is neither too tight nor too loose.
The Skipper Shirt: A More Lively Impression
The skipper shirt (an open-neck blouse with a collar but no button at the neckline) is known for a clean, uncluttered look around the neck.
You wear it with the collar outside the jacket, which creates a vertical line at the neckline.
It is especially recommended if you feel uncomfortable with the top button fastened, or if you feel that high-necked clothes don't suit you.
A wide collar can look sloppy, so it helps to check that it balances well with the lapels of your suit.
Because the collar sits outside the jacket and stands out, take extra care that it is even on both sides, not folded in an odd place, and free of stains.
Some Industries Accept Knit Tops, Too
The knit top (cut-and-sew) style is sometimes worn by people applying to the beauty, fashion, or media industries.
It has no collar or buttons and has an open neckline.
It is also a handy top to have when an interview or company briefing asks you to wear casual clothes or business casual.
If you may submit your photo to companies in a range of industries and a knit top feels risky, it is safer to choose a shirt with a collar.
Summary
Your ID photo is your first meeting with a company, so you will want to submit one that you are happy with.
At 19 Studio, our staff will check on the spot for shirt wrinkles and stains that are hard to notice yourself. Our staff include people with experience as interviewers at regular companies, so please feel free to leave your ID photo to us!
- I love writing and I'm currently studying copywriting. I turn the questions our guests often ask and the things I notice in the studio into easy-to-read articles about job-hunting and ID photos, so that even first-timers can understand them.
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