There are many reasons why an employer may not call you back but one of the most common is a low quality resume. To find out more about exactly what makes a low quality resume and how you can avoid one we talked to Interac, the largest provider of ALT’s to the Japanese education system.

“We interview thousands of applicants for jobs in Japan every year and while there are many opportunities, recruitment is still very competitive. This means that a poorly presented resume is hurting the applicant’s chances of being hired.”

Interac, which recently had their largest hiring seasons in their 40 year history stresses the importance of proper grammar in your resume.

Check out our guide to the perfect Japanese resume

Using internet lingo such as “lol or of course u r” demonstrates that you do not have sufficient understanding of the English language to present yourself in a professional manner. Even if you are a native English speaker, using slang or “internet speak” will lower the quality of your resume.

Another issue that applicants have to pay attention to the type of education that have. Creative interpretations of what constitutes a bachelor’s degree are increasing and most employers are aware of this issue and they will check educational claims, work experiences and references.

Fortunately employers are aware of this and many are conducting extensive educational background checks. A simple phone call to the university is often all that is needed to check if someone’s degree is real or not.

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” reminds Interac and in Japan a good picture can mean the difference between getting a job or being passed over. Facebook photos, travel photos or photos that include your friends are all types that will lower the quality of your resume.

You don’t have to have super model looks but presenting yourself in a professional manner will greatly increase your chances of an employer picking up your resume.

Finally before you click the submit button double check all the information on your resume or have a friend check it for you to see if you missed anything.

Did you get the company name correct? Are the salary range expectations reasonable? Are the dates on your education and previous jobs accurate? Did you proofread your cover letter?

“We strongly suggest applicants confirm that their visa status allows them to work, or can be converted to the necessary status before they apply” says Interac.

There are many opportunities for work here in Japan and companies like Interac are able to help you find your ideal job. However it is still up to you to make sure that your resume is one that meets all the criteria that the recruiter is looking for.

Upload your resume to apply for jobs through Interac.