Complete Guide to Job-Hunting ID Photos in Japan [Attire, Hair, Makeup & Timing]
If you are job hunting in Japan (shukatsu), you can be well prepared for your ID photo by getting your attire, hair and makeup in order, and by knowing when to shoot and what size to use. This article walks through what to check before you go.
If you are looking for a place to take your photo in Shinjuku, you can check availability on the 19Studio booking page. Same-day bookings are accepted.
Contents
What employers look for in a job-hunting photo
What hiring managers take from your photo is not your looks, but a sense of cleanliness and a neat, professional impression.
- Is your expression natural and approachable?
- Are your clothes and hair neat?
- Is the photo bright enough for your face to be clearly visible?
- Does it match the size and format the company specifies?
Keep these four points in mind and your preparation will stay on track.
When to take your photo
We recommend taking your photo with some time to spare, rather than right before you submit your application. Deadlines for entry sheets (the application forms Japanese companies use in recruiting) and bookings for company information sessions tend to pile up, which makes this a hectic period.
For a resume photo, the general rule of thumb is that it should have been taken within the last three months. If your hairstyle or hair color changes, that is also a good time to retake it.
We explain how to think about timing in more detail in the best time to take your job-hunting ID photo.
Attire basics
When in doubt, choose a simple, clean look.
Suit and shirt
- Choose a suit in a calm color such as black, navy or charcoal gray
- Wear a white shirt or blouse with no wrinkles
- Check the collar in a mirror before the shoot to make sure it is not rumpled
Necktie (men)
A crooked or loose knot stands out in a photo. Pull it all the way up to your collar and center it. If you are not confident about tying one, 4 ways to tie a necktie for your job-hunting ID photo may help.
If you wear glasses
Glare on the lenses or frames covering your eyes can be a problem. Points to watch for are summarized in tips for taking a job-hunting ID photo with glasses.
Hairstyle basics
The key is to keep the area around your face looking clean and uncluttered. Bangs that fall over your eyes or eyebrows make your expression look dark.
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Bangs | Keep them out of your eyes. If you sweep them to the side, style them from the roots |
| Sides | Keep the area around your ears neat, and keep hair from falling across your face |
| Long hair | Tie it back, or arrange it so it does not cover your face |
| Bed head and flyaways | Smooth them down with styling product before the shoot |
For men's hairstyles, see recommended hairstyles for job-hunting ID photos (men). If you are unsure about your bangs, see swept bangs or straight-cut bangs for your job-hunting ID photo? If your hair color is light, it is also worth reading how to darken your hair color.
Makeup and grooming basics
For a job-hunting photo, the basic goal is to look natural and healthy. Because studio lights are used, makeup that is slightly more defined than usual will give you a healthy-looking complexion in the photo.
Makeup tips for women
- Base: Even out your skin tone without making it too glossy
- Eyebrows: Match the height and shape on both sides, with a natural level of color
- Eye makeup: Avoid flashy glitter and dark colors, and keep the eyes looking defined
- Cheeks and lips: Add color with shades that blend naturally with your skin
Grooming tips for men
- Check that you have no missed spots when shaving
- Lightly tidy the shape of your eyebrows
- Take care of dry lips and skin
Even if you are not used to makeup, just focusing on two things, making your skin look clean and tidying your eyebrows, will change your impression.
Photo size and digital files
The photo you attach to a resume is generally 40 mm tall by 30 mm wide. However, the requirement may differ depending on the company. Be sure to check the job posting before you submit.
Companies that accept entry sheets online may also ask for a digital photo file (such as a JPEG). To use your photo both on paper and online, it helps to choose a place that also gives you the digital data after the shoot.
If you are wondering about retouching after the shoot, see is it okay to retouch a job-hunting ID photo?
Where to shoot: studio, photo booth or smartphone
| Method | Best for | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | People who want their expression, posture and hair all properly arranged | Booking ahead is the safer choice |
| Photo booth | People who want a quick photo | The number of retakes is limited, as is advice on expression and posture |
| Smartphone | People who urgently need only a digital file | Lighting, background and angle are hard to get right |
For photos going to companies you most want to join, or whenever first impressions matter, many people choose a studio shoot.
Taking your photo in Shinjuku: 19Studio
19Studio is a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. You can also walk there from Shinjuku Station.
- We shoot ID photos for job hunting and career changes
- Photo data, retouching and resizing are all included, with no extra fees
- Same-day bookings are accepted
If you are worried before the shoot about whether your photo is good enough, you can review your current photo with retake criteria and a checklist for job-hunting ID photos.
You can see open time slots on the 19Studio booking page.
Summary
- For a job-hunting photo, a clean, neat impression is what matters
- Take your photo with time to spare before you submit. The guideline is within three months
- Keep your attire, hair and makeup simple and natural
- Always check the company's specified size and data format
If you are taking a job-hunting photo in the Shinjuku area, please visit 19Studio, a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station. You can check same-day availability on the booking page.
- 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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