JobsDB.com Article - Preparing Your Resume

Job search, talent recruit & career resources for Singapore job market

New User? Register

JOB SEEKER

Preparing your own resume can seem a daunting task. Apart from what to put in and what to leave out; describing your own strengths and abilities is not easy. The following guidelines aim to make the whole process a much easier one. It will ensure that you end up with a professional document which shows you how to pitch your skills and stand out from the crowd. The following tips will help you craft a better resume:

Resume Format

Some consultants suggest that job applicants use a chronological format. As the name implies, it is a resume that details one's work experience in chronological order. Some prefer to use a functional format. This is a resume that is organised to highlight the applicant's qualifications and skills, without much emphasis on the specific dates. Then there are combination resumes that marry the best of both worlds. It is similar to a functional resume, only specific dates are provided on a separate sheet.

Most recruiters prefer a chronological resume as it helps the recruiter get a quick overview of the applicant's experience. Fresh school leavers on the other hand with very little work experience may opt to send out a functional resume as it emphasises some of their skills versus a very plain and empty chronological resume.

Presentation and Layout
1.	Always ensure that your resume is clearly printed on quality white paper, using a clean typeface and not smaller than 12 point. Ensure there is no smudging.
2.	Most recruiters prefer a chronological resume as it helps the recruiter get a quick overview of the applicant's experience. Fresh school leavers on the other hand with very little work experience may opt to send out a functional resume as it emphasises some of their skills versus a very plain and empty chronological resume.
3.	Your name, address and phone number(s) should form the start of the document. If you are giving a workplace phone number, add the following - 'please use with discretion'.
4.	Commencing with your present or most recent employer, state your career history. Then list your professional qualifications. If you have been working for many years, list your academic qualifications and a brief mention as to your college or schooling. If you are just commencing your working life, having previously been a student, provide more in-depth knowledge regarding your academic achievements to date.

>> More on Preparing Your Resume