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That picture on your CV: what NOT to do
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KarenMarie



Joined: 14 Nov 2003
Posts: 60
PostPosted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:42 pm    Post subject: That picture on your CV: what NOT to do Reply with quote
Im having my mug shot taken on Thursday, and just realized that I may not know what constitutes a professional appearance in the eyes of the Japanese. Can anyone give me some do's and don't's?

For example: are certain colors of clothing preferred over others? Are any colors considered completely innappropriate? Are prints considered unprofessional?

I've been told that jewelery should be kept to the bare minimum.

Is long hair on women frowned upon, or should I put it up in a bun?

Is it better to smile or to look serious?


Sorry if this post seems a bit frivolous, but I just don't want to inadvertently do something stupid if it can be avoided.
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shmooj



Joined: 11 Sep 2003
Posts: 1758
Location: Seoul, ROK
PostPosted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
some official requirements actually state "no smile" so best to look serious I'd say
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Gordon



Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 12:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Don't send them photos of you on the beach in Mexico. Seriously, don't have lots of jewellery or have a silly grin on your face. Most Japanese women cover their mouth when they smile.
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KarenMarie



Joined: 14 Nov 2003
Posts: 60
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 12:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
shmooj wrote:
some official requirements actually state "no smile" so best to look serious I'd say


Yep, that would have been the first mistake I would have made... Confused
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PAULH



Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 1:02 am    Post subject: Re: That picture on your CV: what NOT to do Reply with quote
KarenMarie wrote:
For example: are certain colors of clothing preferred over others? Are any colors considered completely innappropriate? Are prints considered unprofessional?
.


Japanese work places are fairly conservative though most Japanese themselves arent. A good rule of them is 'to keep it business-like without being overformal.

I would avoid aloha shirts and loud flashy colours. Perhaps if you have a light colored blouse with a blazer or jacket over the top. generally sleeveless blouses are frowned on but probably wont show up in a photograph or you can wear a jacket over it.


KarenMarie wrote:

I've been told that jewelery should be kept to the bare minimum.
.


Not that I wear jewelry at all, but most Japanese women in an office do not really wear loud dangley earrings etc, but may wear pierced earrings or studs. You dont want to have something that draws attention away from your face. Necklaces etc are OK as well.


KarenMarie wrote:
Is long hair on women frowned upon, or should I put it up in a bun?
.


Many Japanese women have long hair in their passport or identity photos and wear it straight etc. Having dyes or tints in your hair may be frowned upon as well.

Just remember that foreigners by definition dont always have to appear or behave the same as a Japanese do in terms of appearance but as long as its tidy and presentable and suitable for working in an office you should be OK. You dont really have to come across as a school headmistress with an ultra-conservative look.



KarenMarie wrote:

Is it better to smile or to look serious?


.


Japanese generally do not smile for official photos like passports, wedding photos etc but snapshots etc they will usually mug it up for the camera.
You dont want to look as though you have just been arrested.

I usually smile for my photos and its never done me any harm. Do whatever you feel comfortable with- Japan is generally a pretty conservative place but they will cut you a lot of slack because you are a foreigner.
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KarenMarie



Joined: 14 Nov 2003
Posts: 60
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 1:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Gordon wrote:
Don't send them photos of you on the beach in Mexico. Seriously, don't have lots of jewellery or have a silly grin on your face. Most Japanese women cover their mouth when they smile.


In all sincerety, what sort of facial expression am I supposed to have?
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Gordon



Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 1:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Just look pleased and that you want the job. Don't show lots of teeth, a little would be OK.
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PAULH



Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 1:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
[quote="KarenMarieIn all sincerety, what sort of facial expression am I supposed to have?[/quote]

Do you have a photo on your drivers licence? In your class yearbook? What about the one for your passport?

Usually a passport style photo is OK, with a clear head and shoulders shot, and keep your hair away from your face. Some people wear contacts etc if they wear heavy-frame glasses or sunglasses.


Beach shots or you or informal snapshots, or mugging for the camera, are usually inappropriate.