Cover letters

[akatsuka]

Do they exist in Japan?

For example, if I was going to apply for a job in Japan, would I send:
cover letter
rirekisho (excel doc)
work experience CV (saying well... my work experience in more detail)
(sometimes) samples of work? (I'm a Graphic Designer)

If so, is the format the same as the Western cover letter? (Ie just saying why you are writing, why they should even bother looking at your CV etc...)

Thanks.

[Charles]

Do they exist in Japan?

For example, if I was going to apply for a job in Japan, would I send:
cover letter
rirekisho (excel doc)
work experience CV (saying well... my work experience in more detail)
(sometimes) samples of work? (I'm a Graphic Designer)

If so, is the format the same as the Western cover letter? (Ie just saying why you are writing, why they should even bother looking at your CV etc...)

Thanks.

No, the format is quite different. See my "rirekisho kit" (1.6Mb PDF) which includes info on resumes and cover letters. Note: my server has deep linking disabled, you may need to copy and paste the URL into a new browser window to get it to load.
I have no idea about any Japan-specific approach to presenting a portfolio, but I suspect you'll have to get past the resume stage to an interview before you need to deal with that. Presumably your portfolio will stand on its own merits, aside from any issues of format.

[American Oyaji]

No, the format is quite different. See my "rirekisho kit" (1.6Mb PDF) which includes info on resumes and cover letters. Note: my server has deep linking disabled, you may need to copy and paste the URL into a new browser window to get it to load.
I have no idea about any Japan-specific approach to presenting a portfolio, but I suspect you'll have to get past the resume stage to an interview before you need to deal with that. Presumably your portfolio will stand on its own merits, aside from any issues of format.

Good info Chuck. I had to save that for my own use later.