A multi-layered magnetooptical recording medium that satisfies predetermined formulas is over write capable when used, in a recording method and apparatus, with a jointing field, i.e., a magnetic field the intensity of which decreases continuously from an initial field to a bias field having the same direction as the initial field, permitting greater freedom in the choice of media compositions. In a two-layer structure including magnetically coupled recording and reference layers, recorded data may advantageously be reproduced from the reference layer.