職歴 (しょくれき) is a fundamental term in the Japanese professional world. It directly translates to 'work history' or 'employment history'. Think of it as the official record of all the jobs you've held throughout your career. This includes not just the company name and your title, but often the duration of your employment, your responsibilities, and sometimes even achievements. It's a crucial piece of information that employers use to assess your experience and suitability for a role.
When you are applying for a job in Japan, you will almost certainly be asked to provide your 職歴. This is typically done on a 履歴書 (りれきしょ - resume) or a 職務経歴書 (しょくむけいれきしょ - curriculum vitae, which is more detailed about your work experience). Even for part-time jobs or internships, a basic understanding of your 職歴 is expected. It helps the employer gauge your skills, reliability, and how well you might fit into their organizational structure. For example, if a company is looking for someone with extensive experience in a particular field, they will scrutinize your 職歴 to see if you meet those requirements. Conversely, if they are hiring for an entry-level position, they might be more interested in your willingness to learn and your potential, but your 職歴 will still provide context about your professional journey so far.
The concept of 職歴 is deeply ingrained in Japanese business culture. It's not just about listing past jobs; it's about presenting a coherent narrative of your professional development. Employers want to see a progression, growth, and stability in your career. Frequent job hopping without clear reasons might be viewed negatively, while a steady career path with relevant experience is often highly valued. Therefore, when filling out applications, people carefully consider how to present their 職歴 to highlight their strengths and align with the requirements of the desired position. It’s a way for individuals to showcase their professional identity and value to potential employers.
就職活動では、自分の職歴を詳しく説明する必要があります。
面接官は、あなたの職歴から、どのような経験を積んできたかを知りたいと思っています。
- Key Usage Context
- Job applications, resume writing, curriculum vitae preparation, interviews, professional networking, career counseling.
- Nuance
- While 職歴 refers to the factual record of jobs, the way it is presented can convey a sense of career progression, adaptability, and professional maturity. It's more than just a list; it's a story of your professional journey.
彼女は、これまでの職歴を基に、新しいプロジェクトのリーダーに選ばれた。
- Cultural Note
- In Japan, the concept of 'lifetime employment' (終身雇用 - shūshin koyō) was once prevalent. While less common now, the idea of building a long-term career with a single company still holds some cultural weight, influencing how 職歴 is perceived.
- Related Document
- 職務経歴書 (しょくむけいれきしょ): A document that details your work experience more thoroughly than a standard resume. It's often required for job applications in Japan.
職歴 (しょくれき) is a noun, and it typically appears in sentences related to job searching, career changes, and professional background discussions. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object, or part of a descriptive phrase. Understanding its grammatical function is key to using it correctly.
When you are asked about your 職歴, you might say something like 「私の職歴は、IT業界で5年間です。」(Watashi no shokureki wa, IT gyōkai de go-nenkan desu.) which means 'My work history is 5 years in the IT industry.' Here, 職歴 is the subject of the sentence, introduced by 'watashi no' (my).
In a job application context, you might see a heading like 「職歴」on a form, where you are expected to fill in the details. Alternatively, an interviewer might ask, 「職歴について、詳しく教えていただけますか？」(Shokureki ni tsuite, kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu ka?) - 'Could you please tell me more about your work history?' In this case, 職歴 is the topic of the question, introduced by 'ni tsuite' (about).
You can also use it in conjunction with other words to specify aspects of your work history. For example, 「職歴詐欺」 (shokureki sagi) refers to 'work history fraud,' where someone falsifies their past employment. This highlights the importance and seriousness with which employers treat 職歴.
Consider this sentence: 「彼は転職を繰り返しており、職歴が短いことが懸念されています。」(Kare wa tenshoku o kurikaeshite ori, shokureki ga mijikai koto ga kenen sarete imasu.) - 'He keeps changing jobs, and his short work history is a concern.' Here, 職歴 is modified by the adjective 'mijikai' (short) and functions as part of the subject of the passive verb 'kenen sarete imasu' (is being concerned about).
When you have a long and varied 職歴, you might summarize it by saying, 「職歴は豊富です。」(Shokureki wa hōfu desu.) - 'My work history is abundant/rich.' This is a positive way to frame your experience.
履歴書には、学歴と職歴を正確に記入してください。
面接では、職歴について掘り下げた質問がされることが多いです。
- Sentence Structure Example
- [Your Name]は、[Company Name]での[Job Title]としての[Number]年間の職歴を持っています。( [Your Name] wa, [Company Name] de no [Job Title] to shite no [Number]-nenkan no shokureki o motte imasu.) - [Your Name] has a work history of [Number] years as a [Job Title] at [Company Name].
- Common Pattern
- 職歴 + を + 持つ (motsu - to have) or 職歴 + が + ある (aru - to exist/have).
この求人は、少なくとも3年以上の職歴がある方を募集しています。
You'll most frequently encounter the word 職歴 (しょくれき) in professional and academic settings related to employment. The most common place is during the job application process. Companies, especially larger ones, will have specific sections on their application forms or ask for a separate document (like a 職務経歴書) where your 職歴 is detailed. This is not just for full-time positions; even for part-time roles (アルバイト - arubaito) or contract work, employers often want to know about your previous experience.
Job interviews are another prime location. Interviewers will often ask direct questions about your 職歴, such as 「これまでの職歴について、具体的に教えてください。」(Kore made no shokureki ni tsuite, gutai-teki ni oshiete kudasai.) - 'Please tell me specifically about your work history so far.' They might then probe deeper into specific roles, responsibilities, and achievements within that history.
Career counseling centers and university career services departments are also places where you'll hear this term. Advisors will guide students and job seekers on how to best present their 職歴 on resumes and in interviews, helping them tailor their experience to the jobs they are applying for. They might discuss how to handle gaps in employment or how to frame internships as valuable parts of one's 職歴.
Networking events and professional gatherings are another context. When people introduce themselves or discuss their career paths, 職歴 is a natural topic. For example, someone might say, 「私の職歴は多岐にわたっていますが、特にマーケティングの経験が長いです。」(Watashi no shokureki wa taki ni watatte imasu ga, tokuni māketingu no keiken ga nagai desu.) - 'My work history is diverse, but I have particularly long experience in marketing.' This is a way to concisely convey one's professional background.
You might also hear it in discussions about industry trends or labor market analysis. For instance, a news report could discuss how the average 職歴 length in a certain sector is increasing or decreasing, reflecting changes in employment patterns. Discussions about the 'gig economy' or 'freelancing' might also touch upon how traditional notions of 職歴 are evolving.
ハローワークでは、求職者に職歴の相談に乗っています。
就職活動の面接では、職歴に関する質問が多い。
- Professional Settings
- Human Resources departments, recruitment agencies, company onboarding processes, performance reviews.
- Informal Mentions
- Friends discussing job changes, colleagues talking about career paths.
One common mistake for learners is confusing 職歴 (しょくれき) with other related terms, particularly 学歴 (がくれき - academic history) or 経歴 (けいれき - experience/career). While 経歴 can sometimes encompass 職歴, 職歴 specifically refers to past jobs, whereas 学歴 refers to educational background (schools attended, degrees earned). Confusing these can lead to inaccurate information on resumes or misunderstandings during interviews.
Another potential pitfall is the level of detail provided. Learners might provide too little detail, listing only company names and titles without dates or responsibilities. This makes it difficult for employers to assess their experience. Conversely, providing excessive, irrelevant detail about minor roles or very old jobs can also be a mistake, as it can dilute the impact of more significant experiences. The key is to be concise yet comprehensive, focusing on relevance to the job being applied for.
Failing to be chronological or accurate with dates is another common error. Employers expect to see a clear timeline of your employment. Gaps in employment should be accounted for, even if briefly. Presenting a fabricated or misleading 職歴 is a serious mistake that can lead to immediate rejection or even future repercussions if discovered later. Honesty and accuracy are paramount.
Some learners might also struggle with the appropriate language to use when describing their 職歴. Using overly casual language or slang in a formal application or interview is inappropriate. Conversely, using overly complex or jargon-filled language that isn't easily understood by the HR personnel can also be detrimental. The language should be professional, clear, and tailored to the audience.
Finally, underestimating the importance of 職歴 can lead to a lack of preparation. Learners might not think deeply about how to frame their past experiences, leading to vague or unconvincing answers during interviews. It's crucial to see your 職歴 not just as a list, but as a narrative that showcases your skills, growth, and suitability for the role.
- Mistake 1: Confusion with 学歴
- Learners might mix up educational history (学歴) with work history (職歴). For example, listing universities under 職歴 or job titles under 学歴.
- Mistake 2: Insufficient Detail
- Omitting key information like dates of employment, job titles, or responsibilities makes the 職歴 incomplete and less useful for evaluation.
- Mistake 3: Inaccuracy or Fabrication
- Providing incorrect dates, titles, or entirely false employment information. This is a serious ethical and professional breach.
職歴を偽るのは絶対にいけません。
Several words are related to 職歴 (しょくれき), each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for precise communication.
- 経歴 (けいれき - keireki)
- This is a broader term that means 'career,' 'experience,' or 'background.' It can encompass both your educational history (学歴) and your work history (職歴). When someone asks about your 経歴, they are asking about your overall professional journey. You might say, 「私の経歴は、学歴と職歴から成ります。」(Watashi no keireki wa, gakureki to shokureki kara narimasu.) - 'My career is composed of my academic and work history.'
- 職務経歴 (しょくむけいれき - shokumu keireki)
- This term is very similar to 職歴 but emphasizes the 'duties' or 'duties and experience.' It's often used in the context of a 職務経歴書 (shokumu keirekisho), which is a detailed document outlining your past job duties, responsibilities, and achievements. While 職歴 is the general record, 職務経歴 refers more to the substance of the work performed.
- 職務経験 (しょくむけいけん - shokumu keiken)
- This directly translates to 'work experience' or 'job experience.' It's often used interchangeably with 職歴, but it can sometimes focus more on the skills and knowledge gained from those jobs rather than just the list of positions. For example, 「営業の職務経験が豊富です。」(Eigyō no shokumu keiken ga hōfu desu.) - 'I have abundant sales work experience.'
- キャリア (kyaria - career)
- This is a loanword from English, 'career.' It refers to the overall progression of a person's working life. While 職歴 is a component of one's キャリア, キャリア is a broader concept that includes aspirations, professional development, and long-term goals.
- 学歴 (がくれき - gakureki)
- As mentioned, this is 'academic history.' It covers schools attended, degrees obtained, and graduation dates. It is typically listed separately from 職歴 on resumes.
履歴書には学歴と職歴を書く欄がある。
経歴が豊富な人材を求めている。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of meticulously documenting one's professional background is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, particularly due to the historical emphasis on stability and long-term employment. This has led to the development of detailed documents like the 職務経歴書, which goes far beyond a simple listing of jobs found in many Western resumes.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'ku' sound, making it too harsh or too soft.
- Incorrectly stressing a later syllable instead of the first.
- Adding an unnecessary vowel sound between 'sho' and 'ku'.
Difficulty Rating
At B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. Reading about 職歴 in job applications or career advice is generally accessible. Complex or nuanced discussions might pose challenges.
Learners at B1 can produce simple connected text. Writing about their own 職歴 is achievable, but ensuring accuracy, proper formatting, and appropriate vocabulary for formal applications requires practice.
At B1, learners can deal with most situations likely to arise. Discussing one's 職歴 in an interview or casual conversation is possible, but fluency and the ability to handle detailed follow-up questions require more practice.
Understanding clear standard input is possible. Listening to explanations of job requirements or interview questions related to 職歴 should be manageable. Rapid speech or complex discussions might be difficult.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using Particles like を (o) and に (ni) with verbs related to work history.
職歴を積む (shokureki o tsumu - to gain work history); 職歴に活かす (shokureki ni ikasu - to utilize in work history).
Using adjectives to describe 職歴.
豊富な職歴 (hōfu na shokureki - abundant work history); 多様な職歴 (tayō na shokureki - diverse work history).
Using passive or potential forms of verbs related to work history.
職歴が問われる (shokureki ga to-wareru - work history is asked); 職歴を活かせる (shokureki o ikaseru - can utilize work history).
Conditional forms when discussing future job changes based on current 職歴.
もし職歴があれば、この仕事に応募できます。(Moshi shokureki ga areba, kono shigoto ni ōbo dekimasu. - If you have work history, you can apply for this job.)
Using comparative structures to discuss the length or quality of 職歴.
職歴が長いほど、経験があると見なされる。(Shokureki ga nagai hodo, keiken ga aru to minasareru. - The longer the work history, the more experience is considered.)
Examples by Level
私は仕事をしています。
I am working.
Simple present continuous tense to describe an ongoing action.
どこで働いていますか？
Where do you work?
Simple question using the verb 'to work'.
この会社は大きいです。
This company is big.
Using adjectives to describe a noun.
私は学生です。
I am a student.
Identifying oneself using a noun.
あなたは何を勉強していますか？
What are you studying?
Asking about someone's field of study.
これは私の名刺です。
This is my business card.
Identifying an object using 'kore wa... desu'.
お名前は？
What is your name?
A common polite way to ask for someone's name.
よろしく願います。
Nice to meet you / Please treat me well.
A standard polite closing phrase.
私の職歴は、IT業界で5年間です。
My work history is 5 years in the IT industry.
Using 職歴 as the subject, followed by duration and field.
履歴書に職歴を記入する必要があります。
It is necessary to write down your work history on your resume.
Using 必要がある (hitsuyou ga aru) to express necessity.
面接官は、私の職歴について質問しました。
The interviewer asked questions about my work history.
Using 職歴 as the object of the question.
転職を考えているので、職歴を整理しています。
I am thinking of changing jobs, so I am organizing my work history.
Using 職歴 in the context of career change and preparation.
この仕事には、様々な職歴の人が応募できます。
People with various work histories can apply for this job.
Describing the types of people who can apply based on their 職歴.
新卒なので、職歴はまだありません。
Since I am a new graduate, I don't have any work history yet.
Explaining the absence of 職歴 for new graduates.
職歴が長いほど、経験があると見なされる。
The longer the work history, the more experience is presumed.
Using a comparative structure to link 職歴 length to experience.
彼は複数の会社での職歴を持っている。
He has a work history at multiple companies.
Using 職歴 を持つ to indicate possession of work history.
この求人では、最低5年の職歴が必須とされています。
For this job opening, a minimum of 5 years of work history is required.
Using 必須とされる (hitsusu to sareru) to indicate a requirement.
職歴の空白について、説明を求められる場面も少なくありません。
There are not a few situations where an explanation is requested for gaps in one's work history.
Using 空白 (kūhaku) for gaps and 求められる (motomerareru) for being requested.
彼女は国際的な舞台での職歴を活かし、活躍している。
She is active, leveraging her work history on an international stage.
Using 活かす (ikasu - to make use of) with 職歴.
職歴の詐欺は、重大な犯罪とみなされる。
Work history fraud is considered a serious crime.
Using 職歴詐欺 (shokureki sagi) for work history fraud.
これまでの職歴を踏まえ、新たな分野への挑戦を決意した。
Based on my work history so far, I have decided to challenge myself in a new field.
Using 〜を踏まえ (fumaé - based on) with 職歴.
職歴の詳細を記載した職務経歴書を提出した。
I submitted a curriculum vitae detailing my work history.
Linking 職歴 to the detailed document 職務経歴書.
彼の多様な職歴は、様々な経験を積んできたことを物語っている。
His diverse work history tells of the various experiences he has accumulated.
Using 多様な (tayō na - diverse) to describe 職歴.
企業は、応募者の職歴から潜在する能力を見抜こうとする。
Companies try to discern potential abilities from applicants' work history.
Using 見抜く (minuku - to discern/see through) in relation to 職歴.
彼の複雑な職歴は、一見しただけでは全ての背景を把握するのが難しい。
His complex work history makes it difficult to grasp the full background at first glance.
Using 複雑な (fukuzatsu na - complex) and 把握する (haaku suru - to grasp).
短期の契約が続く職歴は、安定性に欠けると見なされる傾向がある。
A work history of continuous short-term contracts tends to be seen as lacking stability.
Using 傾向がある (keikō ga aru - there is a tendency) and 安定性に欠ける (anteisei ni kakeru - to lack stability).
彼女は、非営利・営利を問わず広範な職歴を持ち、多様な視点を提供できる。
She possesses a broad work history, regardless of whether it was non-profit or for-profit, and can offer diverse perspectives.
Using 〜を問わず (o towazu - regardless of) and 視点を提供する (shiten o teikyō suru - to offer perspectives).
職歴の棚卸しを行い、自身の強みと弱みを客観的に分析することが重要だ。
It is important to conduct an inventory of one's work history and objectively analyze one's strengths and weaknesses.
Using 棚卸しを行う (tanaoroshi o okonau - to conduct an inventory) and 客観的に分析する (kyakkanteki ni bunseki suru - to objectively analyze).
キャリアパスの最適化のためには、断片的な職歴を一貫性のある物語へと再構築する必要がある。
To optimize one's career path, it is necessary to reconstruct fragmented work history into a coherent narrative.
Using 最適化する (saitekika suru - to optimize), 断片的な (danpenteki na - fragmented), 一貫性のある (ikkansei no aru - coherent), and 再構築する (saikōchiku suru - to reconstruct).
彼女の異色の職歴は、型破りな発想の源泉となっている。
Her unusual work history serves as a source of unconventional ideas.
Using 異色の (ishoku no - unusual/eccentric) and 源泉 (gensen - source).
企業文化との適合性を見極めるために、単なる職歴だけでなく、価値観の共有も重要視される。
To assess compatibility with corporate culture, not just work history, but also the sharing of values is emphasized.
Using 適合性 (tekigōsei - compatibility), 見極める (mikiwameru - to assess), and 重要視される (jūyōshi sareru - to be emphasized).
彼は退職の理由を正直に説明することで、職歴の空白に対する懸念を払拭した。
By honestly explaining the reasons for his resignation, he dispelled concerns about the gaps in his work history.
Using 払拭する (fusshoku suru - to dispel/wipe away) and 懸念 (kenen - concern).
多岐にわたる職歴の経験は、彼に類稀なる洞察力を与えた。
His diverse work history has provided him with rare insight.
Using 多岐にわたる (taki ni wataru - diverse/wide-ranging) and 類稀なる (taguimarenaru - rare/uncommon).
職歴の文脈における解釈は、時代や文化によって変容しうる流動的な概念である。
The interpretation of work history in context is a fluid concept that can transform with era and culture.
Using 文脈 (bunmyaku - context), 解釈 (kaishaku - interpretation), 変容しうる (hen'yō shiuru - can transform), and 流動的な概念 (ryūdōteki na gainen - fluid concept).
異業種からの転身を図る際、既存の職歴を棚卸しし、潜在する移転可能スキルを抽出することが肝要だ。
When planning a career change from a different industry, it is crucial to inventory one's existing work history and extract transferable skills.
Using 異業種からの転身 (igyōshu kara no tenshin - career change from a different industry), 既存の (kizon no - existing), 移転可能なスキル (iten kanō na sukiru - transferable skills), and 肝要だ (kanyō da - crucial/essential).
組織のダイナミズムを維持するためには、固定観念に囚われない、柔軟な職歴の受容が不可欠である。
To maintain organizational dynamism, the flexible acceptance of work histories not bound by conventional notions is indispensable.
Using ダイナミズム (dainamizumu - dynamism), 固定観念に囚われない (kotei kan'nen ni torawarenai - not bound by conventional notions), 柔軟な受容 (jūnan na juyō - flexible acceptance), and 不可欠である (fukaketsu de aru - indispensable).
個々の職歴の積み重ねが、集合的な知性と創造性を醸成する基盤となる。
The accumulation of individual work histories forms the foundation for fostering collective intelligence and creativity.
Using 積み重ね (tsumikasané - accumulation), 集合的な知性 (shūgōteki na chisei - collective intelligence), 創造性 (sōzōsei - creativity), 醸成する (jōsei suru - to foster), and 基盤 (kiban - foundation).
断片的な職歴の羅列から、戦略的なキャリアの意図を読み取る能力が問われる。
The ability to discern strategic career intentions from a mere listing of fragmented work history is called for.
Using 羅列 (raretsu - listing/enumeration), 戦略的な意図 (senryaku-teki na ito - strategic intention), and 読み取る (yomitoru - to discern/read between the lines).
専門性と汎用性の均衡を保った職歴は、変化の激しい現代において重宝される。
A work history that maintains a balance between specialization and versatility is highly valued in today's rapidly changing world.
Using 専門性 (senmonsei - specialization), 汎用性 (hanyōsei - versatility), 均衡 (kinkō - balance), and 重宝される (chōhō sareru - to be valued/treasured).
非伝統的な経路を辿った職歴は、固定観念を打破する革新性の証左となりうる。
A work history that has followed non-traditional paths can serve as evidence of innovative capacity that breaks conventional notions.
Using 非伝統的な経路 (hi-dentō-teki na keiro - non-traditional path), 固定観念を打破する (kotei kan'nen o daha suru - to break conventional notions), 革新性 (kakushinsei - innovation/innovative capacity), and 証左 (shōsa - evidence/proof).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Do you have work history? (A polite way to ask if someone has prior job experience.)
This is a direct question often asked by recruiters or during initial interviews.
— Please tell me about your work history.
This is a common request during job interviews, prompting the applicant to detail their past employment.
— There are gaps in my work history.
This phrase is used to acknowledge periods of unemployment or non-work on a resume or during an interview.
— Leveraging one's work history.
This is often used in job applications or cover letters to express how past experience will be beneficial in a new role.
— Work history fraud (falsifying one's resume).
This is a serious offense in the job market and can lead to severe consequences.
— Work history and academic history.
These are the two main sections typically found on a Japanese resume (履歴書).
— Taking stock of one's work history.
This is a process of reviewing and organizing past job experiences, often done when preparing for a job search or career change.
— To gain work experience / build a work history.
Young people are often encouraged to gain diverse work experience early in their careers.
— I am confident in my work history.
This phrase expresses self-assurance about one's professional background and experience.
— Delving deeply into one's work history.
Interviewers often engage in 深掘り to understand the details and implications of an applicant's past roles.
Often Confused With
職歴 refers to your work history (jobs held), while 学歴 refers to your academic history (schools attended, degrees earned). They are often listed together but represent different aspects of your background.
経歴 is a broader term encompassing your entire career, including both academic and work history. 職歴 is a specific component of 経歴.
経験 means 'experience' in a general sense. While 職歴 is a record of jobs that provide experience, 経験 can also refer to skills or knowledge gained through activities other than formal employment.
Idioms & Expressions
— A quagmire of work history (referring to a situation where one's past jobs are problematic, unstable, or difficult to explain).
Frequent job changes without clear reasons can lead to what is sometimes called a '職歴の泥沼,' making it hard to find stable employment.
— Scars on one's work history (referring to negative experiences, dismissals, or failures in past jobs that might negatively impact future employment prospects).
A dismissal from a previous job can leave '職歴の傷跡' that requires careful explanation to potential employers.
— A treasure trove of work history (referring to someone with a very rich, diverse, and valuable work experience).
With decades of experience across various industries, she is truly a '職歴の宝庫,' offering invaluable insights.
— Lost in one's work history (describing someone who has drifted through many jobs without a clear career direction or purpose).
He felt like a '職歴の迷子,' unsure of what he wanted to do next after a series of unrelated jobs.
— Footprints of one's work history (referring to the path and progression of one's career).
The '職歴の足跡' she has left behind clearly show her dedication and growth in the field of education.
Easily Confused
Both terms relate to a person's professional background and progression.
職歴 (shokureki) specifically refers to the chronological list of jobs a person has held. It's the factual record of employment. 経歴 (keireki), on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses one's entire career, including academic history (学歴), work history (職歴), and overall professional journey. You might have a 職歴 as part of your larger 経歴.
私の<ruby>経歴<rp>(</rp><rt>けいれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は、<ruby>大学<rp>(</rp><rt>だいがく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>での<ruby>学歴<rp>(</rp><rt>がくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>と、その<ruby>後<rp>(</rp><rt>あと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>で<ruby>構成<rp>(</rp><rt>こうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>されています。
Both terms relate to the practical aspect of working in jobs.
職歴 (shokureki) is the 'work history' or 'employment record' – essentially a list of positions held, companies, and dates. 職務経験 (shokumu keiken) focuses more on the 'job experience' or 'experience gained from duties.' It emphasizes the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities acquired through performing tasks in those jobs. You might have a certain 職歴, and within that, you gained specific 職務経験.
彼は<ruby>営業<rp>(</rp><rt>えいぎょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>持<rp>(</rp><rt>も</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ち、<ruby>豊富<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうふ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>な<ruby>職務経験<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくむけいけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>有<rp>(</rp><rt>ゆう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>している。
Both 履歴 and 職歴 contain the kanji 歴 (history) and relate to personal records.
職歴 (shokureki) specifically refers to one's 'work history' or 'employment history.' The kanji 職 (shoku) means 'job' or 'occupation.' 履歴 (rireki) is a more general term for 'history' or 'record,' most commonly seen in 履歴書 (rirekisho - resume), which contains one's personal history including academic and work history. So, 職歴 is a type of 履歴, but 履歴 itself is not always about work.
<ruby>履歴書<rp>(</rp><rt>りれきしょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>には<ruby>学歴<rp>(</rp><rt>がくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>と<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>記載<rp>(</rp><rt>きさい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する。
Both relate to a person's professional life and progression.
職歴 (shokureki) is the factual record of past jobs held. It's a component of one's professional life. キャリア (kyaria), a loanword from English 'career,' refers to the overall progression of a person's working life, including their long-term goals, aspirations, and professional development. Your 職歴 contributes to your キャリア, but キャリア is a broader concept that includes future plans and personal growth.
彼女は<ruby>様々<rp>(</rp><rt>さまざま</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>な<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>積<rp>(</rp><rt>つ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>み<ruby>重<rp>(</rp><rt>かさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ねて、<ruby>成功<rp>(</rp><rt>せいこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>した<ruby>キャリア<rp>(</rp><rt>kyaria</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>築<rp>(</rp><rt>きず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>いた。
Both are essential parts of a person's background often listed on job applications.
職歴 (shokureki) refers to one's 'work history' – the actual jobs held, companies, and dates of employment. 学歴 (gakureki) refers to one's 'academic history' – the schools attended, degrees obtained, and graduation dates. While both are crucial for job applications and are often presented together, they represent distinct aspects of a person's qualifications and background.
<ruby>履歴書<rp>(</rp><rt>りれきしょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>には、<ruby>学歴<rp>(</rp><rt>がくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>と<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>両方<rp>(</rp><rt>りょうほう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>書<rp>(</rp><rt>か</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>く<ruby>必要<rp>(</rp><rt>ひつよう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>がある。
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] は [Noun] で [Number] 年間の職歴があります。
私 は IT<ruby>業界<rp>(</rp><rt>ぎょうかい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> で 5<ruby>年間<rp>(</rp><rt>ねんかん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> の<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> が あります。
職歴について、詳しく教えてください。
<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>について、<ruby>詳<rp>(</rp><rt>くわ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しく<ruby>教<rp>(</rp><rt>おし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>えてください。
職歴の空白期間について、説明をお願いします。
<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>空白期間<rp>(</rp><rt>くうはくきかん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>について、<ruby>説明<rp>(</rp><rt>せつめい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>お願いします<rp>(</rp><rt>おねがいします</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>。
これまでの職歴を活かして、貴社に貢献したいです。
<ruby>これまでの<rp>(</rp><rt>kore made no</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>活<rp>(</rp><rt>い</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>かして、<ruby>貴社<rp>(</rp><rt>きしゃ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>貢献<rp>(</rp><rt>こうけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>したいです。
職歴の多様性は、変化の激しい現代において強みとなります。
<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>多様性<rp>(</rp><rt>たようせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は、<ruby>変化<rp>(</rp><rt>へんか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>激<rp>(</rp><rt>はげ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しい<ruby>現代<rp>(</rp><rt>げんだい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>において<ruby>強<rp>(</rp><rt>つよ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>みと<ruby>なります<rp>(</rp><rt>narimasu</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>。
職歴の棚卸しを行い、自身の強みを客観的に分析しました。
<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>棚卸<rp>(</rp><rt>たなおろ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しを<ruby>行<rp>(</rp><rt>おこな</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>い、<ruby>自身<rp>(</rp><rt>じしん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>強<rp>(</rp><rt>つよ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>みを<ruby>客観的<rp>(</rp><rt>きゃっかんてき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>分析<rp>(</rp><rt>ぶんせき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しました。
履歴書には職歴を記載する必要があります。
<ruby>履歴書<rp>(</rp><rt>りれきしょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>には<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>記載<rp>(</rp><rt>きさい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する<ruby>必要<rp>(</rp><rt>ひつよう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>があります。
職歴が豊富なので、多くの経験を積んでいます。
<ruby>職歴<rp>(</rp><rt>しょくれき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>豊富<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうふ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>なので、<ruby>多<rp>(</rp><rt>おお</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>くの<ruby>経験<rp>(</rp><rt>けいけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>積<rp>(</rp><rt>つ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>んでいます。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially in professional contexts.
-
Listing jobs chronologically in reverse order (most recent first) on a 履歴書.
→
List jobs chronologically, starting with the most recent position first for clarity and impact.
While reverse chronological order is common in some Western countries, Japanese resumes typically list work history starting from the most recent job and going backward. This allows recruiters to quickly see your latest and most relevant experience.
-
Providing vague job descriptions without specific responsibilities or achievements.
→
Be specific about your duties, responsibilities, and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Vague descriptions make it hard for employers to assess your skills and contributions. Providing concrete examples and quantifiable results demonstrates your impact and value.
-
Failing to explain gaps in employment history.
→
Be prepared to briefly and honestly explain any significant gaps in your work history.
Unexplained gaps can raise concerns about reliability or motivation. A short, truthful explanation (e.g., further education, personal leave, job searching) is better than leaving it blank.
-
Using overly casual language or slang when describing past roles.
→
Maintain a professional and formal tone when discussing your 職歴, especially in written applications and interviews.
The professional environment requires appropriate language. Casual language can be perceived as unprofessional and lacking seriousness.
-
Confusing 職歴 (work history) with 学歴 (academic history).
→
Clearly distinguish between your work history (jobs held) and academic history (schools attended, degrees earned) on your application.
These are separate categories on most resumes. Mixing them up can lead to confusion and suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Tips
Document Your Entire Career
Keep a record of all your past jobs, including company names, your job titles, dates of employment, key responsibilities, and any significant achievements. This comprehensive record will be invaluable when filling out applications or preparing for interviews.
Tailor Your 職歴
When applying for a specific job, review the job description and highlight aspects of your 職歴 that are most relevant. Use keywords from the job posting to demonstrate a strong match between your experience and their needs.
Practice Explaining Your 職歴
Be ready to discuss your 職歴 in detail during interviews. Practice explaining your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments clearly and concisely. Anticipate questions about why you left previous jobs or about any gaps in your employment.
Be Truthful and Accurate
Never falsify your 職歴. Honesty is paramount in the Japanese job market. Any discrepancies found can lead to immediate rejection or termination. If you have gaps or less conventional experiences, explain them truthfully and positively.
Focus on Achievements
Instead of just listing duties, try to quantify your accomplishments. For example, instead of 'responsible for sales,' say 'increased sales by 15% in six months.' This demonstrates your impact and value.
Understand 職務経歴書
Familiarize yourself with the 職務経歴書 (curriculum vitae), which provides a more detailed account of your work experience than a standard resume. Understanding its purpose and content is crucial for many job applications in Japan.
Discuss Your Career Path
When networking, be prepared to briefly summarize your 職歴 and your career aspirations. This helps others understand your background and potentially offer advice or connections.
Highlight Skill Development
Even if your 職歴 is varied, emphasize how each role contributed to your skill development and professional growth. This shows adaptability and a commitment to learning.
Understand Japanese Expectations
While less rigid than in the past, a stable and progressive 職歴 is still highly valued in Japan. Be mindful of how frequent job changes might be perceived and be ready to address it positively.
Proofread Carefully
Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos in your written 職歴. A polished presentation reflects attention to detail, a highly valued trait in professional settings.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shoku' (shocking) event where you lost all your job records. You'd need to 'reki' (reckon) with the consequences and try to reconstruct your 'shokureki' (work history). Or, think of 'shoku' like a 'shook' (shook) tree, with many branches representing different jobs, and 'reki' like a 'record' of those branches.
Visual Association
Picture a long scroll unrolling, with each section depicting a different job you've held, complete with dates and company logos. The scroll represents your 職歴. Alternatively, imagine a timeline with many markers, each representing a past employment period.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down your own 職歴 in Japanese, even if it's just a few past jobs. Try to include company names, job titles, and the years you worked there. Then, imagine explaining it to someone in a simple sentence.
Word Origin
The word 職歴 is a compound word formed from two kanji: 職 (shoku) meaning 'job,' 'work,' or 'occupation,' and 歴 (reki) meaning 'history,' 'chronicle,' or 'career.' The combination directly signifies the history of one's jobs.
Original meaning: The kanji 歴 itself derives from characters related to 'walking' or 'passing through,' suggesting a progression or passage of time, thus leading to the meaning of history or a chronicle of events.
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)Cultural Context
When discussing someone's 職歴, it's generally polite to inquire rather than make assumptions. Avoid overly critical judgments about past job changes or gaps in employment, as these can be sensitive topics. Focus on understanding the individual's journey and how their past experiences have shaped them.
In English-speaking countries, 'work history' or 'employment history' is common, but the emphasis might be more on skills and achievements rather than the sheer length or stability of employment. Resumes can be more flexible in format and content.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Job Application Forms
- 職歴:
- 職歴・学歴:
- 職務経歴:
- これまでの職歴:
- 職歴の空白期間:
Job Interviews
- 職歴について教えてください。
- 職歴を活かして...
- 職歴の空白期間について説明できますか？
- 職歴の中で最もやりがいを感じたことは？
- 職歴を拝見しました。
Career Counseling
- 職歴の棚卸しをしましょう。
- 職歴を整理する手伝いをします。
- 職歴に合った仕事を探しましょう。
- 職歴の空白期間の理由は何ですか？
- 職歴をアピールする方法
Professional Networking
- 私の職歴は〇〇です。
- 職歴を活かせる分野で...
- 職歴が豊富ですね。
- 転職の職歴について...
- 異業種からの職歴ですが...
Company Onboarding
- 職歴の確認をいたします。
- 職歴と現在の業務の関連性について...
- 職歴に基づいた研修プラン
- 過去の職歴を参考に...
- 職歴を共有してください。
Conversation Starters
"「就職活動、大変だった？ 職歴って、やっぱり大事だよね。」"
"「新しい仕事を探すとき、職歴をどうアピールするかが難しいんだ。」"
"「前の会社を辞めた理由を、職歴にどう書くか悩んでるんだ。」"
"「職歴がたくさんあると、逆に不利になることもあるのかな？」"
"「大学卒業してからずっと同じ会社で働いてるんだけど、職歴としてはどう評価されるんだろう？」"
Journal Prompts
私のこれまでの職歴を振り返り、各職務で得た最も重要なスキルや経験を3つずつ書き出してみましょう。
もし、職歴に空白期間がある場合、その期間に何をしていたのか、そしてそれが将来のキャリアにどう影響するかを考えてみましょう。
理想とするキャリアパスを考え、そのためにどのような職歴を積む必要があるか、具体的なステップを計画してみましょう。
自分の職歴の中で、最も誇りに思っている経験や成果は何ですか？それをどのように他人に伝えることができるか考えてみましょう。
もし、過去の職歴で失敗した経験があるなら、そこから何を学び、それが現在の自分にどう活かされているかを書き留めてみましょう。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions職歴 (shokureki) specifically refers to your work history – the list of jobs you've held, including companies, titles, and dates. 経歴 (keireki) is a broader term that encompasses your entire career, including academic history (学歴) and work history (職歴). Think of 職歴 as a component within the larger concept of 経歴.
For a standard Japanese resume (履歴書), you should list company names, job titles, the period of employment (start and end dates), and briefly mention your main responsibilities or achievements. For a more detailed document like a 職務経歴書 (curriculum vitae), you would elaborate significantly on your duties, projects, and accomplishments in each role.
It's important to be honest about gaps in your employment history. Prepare a brief, truthful explanation for these periods, such as further education, personal leave, or looking for a new role. Avoid making excuses; focus on what you gained or learned during that time, if applicable.
Yes, generally you can and should include relevant freelance work or part-time jobs, especially if they demonstrate skills or experience pertinent to the job you're applying for. Clearly indicate the nature of the work and the duration.
While a long and stable work history is often preferred in Japan, having several short-term jobs isn't necessarily a deal-breaker if you can explain the reasons (e.g., project-based work, contract roles, or clear career progression). Be prepared to discuss why you moved between jobs and what you gained from each experience.
To '活かす' (ikasu) your 職歴 means to effectively use or leverage your past work experience. This involves highlighting relevant skills, achievements, and experiences from your previous jobs that align with the requirements of the new position you are applying for. It's about showcasing how your past makes you a good fit for the future.
Falsifying your 職歴 is considered a serious offense in Japan and can lead to immediate rejection of your application or even dismissal if discovered later. Honesty and accuracy are highly valued in the Japanese job market.
A 職務経歴書 is a detailed document that elaborates on your work experience, duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each previous position. It goes beyond the basic information on a 履歴書 (resume) and is often required for job applications in Japan.
The most common and direct translation for 'work history' or 'employment history' is 職歴 (しょくれき - shokureki).
Yes, internships are valuable experiences and should be included in your 職歴, especially if you are a new graduate or if the internship provided relevant skills and exposure to a professional environment.
Test Yourself 1 questions
/ 1 correct
Perfect score!
Document Your Entire Career
Keep a record of all your past jobs, including company names, your job titles, dates of employment, key responsibilities, and any significant achievements. This comprehensive record will be invaluable when filling out applications or preparing for interviews.
Tailor Your 職歴
When applying for a specific job, review the job description and highlight aspects of your 職歴 that are most relevant. Use keywords from the job posting to demonstrate a strong match between your experience and their needs.
Practice Explaining Your 職歴
Be ready to discuss your 職歴 in detail during interviews. Practice explaining your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments clearly and concisely. Anticipate questions about why you left previous jobs or about any gaps in your employment.
Be Truthful and Accurate
Never falsify your 職歴. Honesty is paramount in the Japanese job market. Any discrepancies found can lead to immediate rejection or termination. If you have gaps or less conventional experiences, explain them truthfully and positively.
Related Content
More work words
調整
A1The act of making small changes to something to achieve a desired fit, function, or balance. In a work context, it specifically refers to coordinating schedules or aligning different opinions to reach an agreement.
有利な
B1Advantageous or favorable.
承知する
B1To acknowledge, agree; to be aware of and consent to something.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1To apply for a position, a competition, a prize, or a public offer. It indicates a proactive step to participate in something.
応募する
B1To apply for a job or position.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
