Job Hunting (Shukatsu) Photo in Japan: What to Wear, Hair, Makeup & How to Choose
For a job-hunting (shukatsu) photo in Japan, the key is to look neat and clean in your clothes and hairstyle, and to choose a photo location that suits you✨
In this article, we walk through everything step by step, from preparing before the shoot to choosing where to take your photo.
If you are looking for a place to get your photo taken around Shinjuku, we recommend 19Studio, just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line!
Same-day booking is available, so please check our availability📸
Contents
What employers look for in a job-hunting photo
Recruiters form a first impression from your photo. What they look at is not your facial features, but how neat you look and your expression.
- Are your hair and clothes tidy?
- Is your expression natural and bright?
- Is your posture good, and is your face clearly visible?
Just keeping these three points in mind can make a big difference to your photo.
Choosing your clothes
The standard choice is a black, navy or gray recruit suit (a plain, formal suit worn by job seekers in Japan). Before the shoot, check that there are no wrinkles or loose threads.
Suit and shirt
A plain white shirt is the classic choice. A rumpled collar stands out in a photo, so be sure to iron it.
Necktie
With a necktie, it is important that the knot is straight. For how to choose colors and patterns, see our detailed guide: How to Choose a Necktie for Your Job-Hunting Photo.
Hairstyle and makeup
The basic rule for hair is to keep the area around your face clean and clear. Keep your bangs out of your eyes and tie back long hair for a neat, fresh look.
For makeup, adding just a little more color to your face than usual is enough. Avoid strong colors and glitter, and aim for a natural finish.
Men should also shave, tidy their eyebrows and keep their skin from looking dry.
Background color and size
Unless the company you are applying to specifies otherwise, bright, calm colors such as white or light blue are commonly chosen. For how each color changes the impression, see Job-Hunting Photo Background Colors: 3 Pro Recommendations.
For a Japanese resume (rirekisho), the standard photo size is 4 cm tall × 3 cm wide. However, entry sheets (application forms used in Japanese job hunting) and online submissions may have different requirements. Check the instructions from the company before your shoot.
Choosing where to take your photo
There are mainly three ways to get a job-hunting photo. Choose the one that fits your goal.
| Method | Best for | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| ID photo booth | People who need a photo as fast as possible | You need to adjust your expression and posture yourself |
| Smartphone / selfie | People who only need to submit a digital photo | Lighting and angle can easily change the impression |
| Photo studio | People who want to make a strong first impression | Advance booking is required |
A studio shoot is a good fit if you are applying to a company you really want to join, or if your photo will often be seen in interviews. A professional checks your posture and expression and adjusts them for you, so even details you would not notice yourself can be fixed.
Getting your photo taken at 19Studio
19Studio is a studio in Shinjuku that takes ID photos for job hunting and career changes, as well as photos for visas and passports.
- Location: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. It is a 13-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
- Booking: Same-day booking OK! You can book online.
- What the price includes: Photo data, retouching and resizing are all included, with no extra charges.
You can check availability on the 19Studio booking page.
We have collected answers to common questions before the shoot in our Job-Hunting ID Photo Q&A. It is worth a read for peace of mind.
Summary
- For a job-hunting photo, looking neat and having a natural expression are what matter!
- For clothes, stick to the basics: a suit and a white shirt. Keep your hair and makeup natural and tidy✨
- Check the requirements for background color and size with the company first.
- If you want to perfect your first impression, we recommend a studio shoot📷
If you want a job-hunting photo in Shinjuku, please visit 19Studio, a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station!
We also accept same-day bookings. Visit the 19Studio booking page here!
- I love cameras and changed careers from a different industry. Because I used to be the one in front of the camera, I know how nervous people feel. In my articles I share how much a photo can change with a little difference in lighting or the angle of your face.
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