How to Write a Shibō Dōki (Reason for Applying) for a Japanese Job

A 志望動機 (shibō dōki) is your reason for applying: the part of a Japanese résumé, entry sheet or interview where you explain why you want this job at this company. A strong one answers three questions in order: why this industry or type of work, why this company in particular, and what you will contribute based on your experience. Keep it specific to the company, link it to something you have actually done, and write it in polite です・ます style. Interviewers read hundreds of these, so generic praise stands out for the wrong reasons.

Where you’ll need it

The rirekisho, in the box for reasons for applying. Usually a few lines. See how to write a rirekisho.
Entry sheets (エントリーシート) for new-graduate hiring, often with a character limit of a few hundred characters.
Interviews, where you will be asked 志望動機を教えてください almost every time. See our Japanese job interview guide.

It sits alongside your self-promotion (自己PR), which is about your strengths. The shibō dōki is about the fit between you and the company. See how to write a jiko PR.

The three-part structure

Conclusion first. One sentence that says what you want to do at the company. 貴社で、海外のお客様と日本をつなぐ仕事に挑戦したいと考え、志望いたしました。
Why, with evidence. What in your background led you here: a project, a job, a problem you saw. Then what specifically about this company matches it: a product, a market, a way of working. Mention something you could only say about this company.
What you will contribute. How your skills, languages or experience will help, and what you want to achieve in the role.

Example

私は大学で国際経営を学び、留学生向けのイベントを企画する中で、言葉や文化の違いから生まれる誤解を減らすことにやりがいを感じてきました。貴社は東南アジアへの展開を進めており、現地のお客様と日本の開発チームの間に立つ人材が求められていると、説明会で伺いました。英語、タガログ語、日本語の三言語と、イベントで培った調整力を活かし、お客様の声を正確に社内に届けることで、貴社の海外事業の成長に貢献したいと考えております。

(I studied international business and, while organising events for international students, found it rewarding to reduce misunderstandings caused by language and culture. At your information session I learned that you are expanding into Southeast Asia and need people who can bridge local customers and your Japanese development team. I want to use my three languages and coordination skills to bring customers’ voices accurately into the company and contribute to the growth of your overseas business.)

Common mistakes

Praise that fits any company: 貴社の理念に共感しました (I share your philosophy) with no detail.
Talking about what you will get: salary, training, benefits or a visa as the main reason.
“I love Japan” as the only reason. Good to mention, but connect it to the job.
Mixing 貴社 and 御社. Use 貴社 in writing and 御社 when speaking.
Copying the same text to every company. Recruiters notice.

Saying it out loud

In an interview, give a 30- to 60-second spoken version, not a memorised essay. Expect follow-up questions such as 他社ではなく、なぜ当社なのですか (Why us and not another company?). Practise until you can answer naturally in your own words.

Get feedback

We help international candidates with Japanese job applications: checking your shibō dōki, rirekisho and entry sheets for natural, polite Japanese, and running mock interviews online with a native speaker. See career coaching for Japan for how it works.