[Han Researcher Magazine vol.23] Top 5 Q&As About ID Photos Most Frequently Asked by Japanese Job Seekers

[Han Researcher Magazine vol.23] Top 5 Q&As About ID Photos Most Frequently Asked by Japanese Job Seekers

Top 5 Q&As About ID Photos Most Frequently Asked by Japanese Job Seekers

When you start preparing for a job, the first thing you need is an ID photo.

But when you actually go to take one, you have a lot of questions.

"Do I have to wear a suit?", "Is a blue background the right choice?", "Can't I just use AI to change a selfie I took?"

I've compiled the questions I've received the most over the 10+ years I've been running a studio.

Today, I'm going to answer those 5 Q&As for you! 📸

Q1. Do I have to wear a suit for the photo?

A. It depends on the industry and company culture.

Japanese corporations, finance, and government sectors strongly recommend a recruit suit (navy/black suit).

On the other hand, IT startups, creative fields, and foreign companies may prefer a neat business casual look for a more natural impression.

The key is "Do I look like someone who works at this company?"

Check the employee photos on the company's career page or social media first. 💡

Q2. I heard that a blue background is always the best. Is that true?

A. Blue is the most common, but it depends on your skin tone.

The most common background color for Japanese ID photos is blue (light sky blue).

It gives a sense of trust and cleanliness, making it a good fit for job application photos.

However, if you have darker skin, a blue background can make your face look even darker.

In this case, choosing a gray or white background can brighten your skin tone. ✨

Background selection criteria:

- Light skin tone → Blue or Gray

- Medium to dark skin tone → White or Light Gray

- Wearing dark clothes → Use a light background for contrast

Q3. How much makeup should I wear?

A. "Naturally dressed up" is the answer.

Too much makeup can be counterproductive.

What's required for an ID photo is "a face that looks confident in front of the camera," not a photoshoot makeup look.

Basic points:

- Skin: Even out with BB cream or foundation

- Eyebrows: Fill in naturally without gaps (most important!) 👁

- Eyeliner: Just enough to fill in between the eyelashes

- Lips: Coral/pink tinted lip balm or lipstick with good color payoff

- Cheeks: Natural rosy cheeks

The key to hair is to neatly arrange your bangs and around your ears so that your face is clearly visible.

Q4. Can I use a selfie converted with AI as a job application photo?

A. If the quality is good enough, it's definitely possible.

There are many AI ID photo services these days, and some services actually produce studio-quality results.

The important thing is "Does it look natural?"

Check points:

- Does your face look natural (no AI-specific awkwardness)?

- Is the background neatly processed?

- Is the outfit well-rendered?

- Does it look like a studio photo overall?

In the case of Monkos.ai, changing the outfit to a suit is processed naturally with just one selfie,

so many people actually use it for job applications.

It's currently available for 990 yen as a promotional price, so it's a good idea to test it out → monkos.ai 🔗

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Q5. Is there an expiration date for ID photos? When should I take a new one?

A. We usually recommend photos taken within 3-6 months.

Most Japanese companies' recruitment guidelines state "Photos taken within 3 months".

Some accept up to 6 months, but it's best to take a new one right before applying if possible.

This is because, in addition to changes in appearance, differences in hairstyle and weight can give a negative impression if the photo looks different from your actual interview appearance.

Advantage of AI ID photos: If the period expires, you can easily recreate it with a new selfie, which reduces the cost and time burden 💪

Conclusion

An ID photo determines the first impression of your application.

I hope these 5 Q&As will be of some help in your job search preparation 😊

If you're curious about AI ID photos → check it out at monkos.ai.

It's available for a promotional price of 990 yen!