Many of today's university students--male and female--are making greater efforts than previous cohorts to improve their looks to boost their chances of landing a job.

Male and female students are taking classes on how to dress appropriately, and having professional photos taken with makeup so their resumes will pass the first stage of applicant screening. Experts recommend such courses as a good opportunity to learn about the kind of appearance that will make a good impression in adult society.

Twelve male university students attended a job-hunting support fair sponsored by Nihonbashi Takashimaya department store in Tokyo at the end of October.

"Men's skin is apt to become rough due to shaving and other reasons," said a beauty expert at the store. "Some men have shadows under their eyes. By applying proper care every day, your face will gain color and convey the impression you are healthy and ambitious."

After her explanation, the male students applied skin lotion to their faces. A 20-year-old junior at a private university said, "[I'm interested in basic skin care products] if they'll help me make a better impression."

At the event, a first for Nihonbashi Takashimaya, department store staff advised students in male and female groups about how to wear suits properly and arrange their hair.

The courses were free, and 43 students, mainly juniors, attended.

This year, corporations have started recruiting in December, two months later than usual, through a mutual agreement by Japan Business Federation (Keidanren). University students are eager to promote themselves well during the shorter job-hunting period.