• Keep it short, simple and concise. A resumé should only be one-page long or two pages max.
• Depending on the position you’re applying for, the resumé need not necessarily be just on plain white paper, you can supplement it with video of yourself too, especially if you’re applying for a job in a creative setting.
• Refrain from using more than two font types and sizes. In fact it’s best to stick to staple professional-looking typefaces like Times New Roman or Arial. Bear in mind that your potential employer may not a wide range of fonts installed in his or her PC, so all he or she will see is a mess incomprehensible symbols.
• Organise and section your details with headings, putting them in bold or underlining them (e.g. “Personal Details”, “Academic Qualifications” and so on).
• Consider professional-looking bullets for sub-sections and lists.


• Be sure to check your spelling before sending it off!

Imagine yourself as the employer and describe the person you are looking for to take on this job. Craft your resumé based on that description (without fibbing, of course) by including the relevant information such as technical, computer and language skills. Prioritise important information that will catch the recruiter’s eye. Likewise, back your accomplishments and skills with “evidence” such as certificates, a letter of commendation or other documents, and avoid superfluous descriptions (e.g. “proven track record in marketing”). Plus, if you have participated in any extra-curricular activities (we mean at present, not the stuff you did in school) such as charity, sports, conferences and such, you can include these to give the potential employers an insight into your abilities and values.

Don’t forget your cover letter

Other than a resumé, you will also need to write an accompanying cover letter to briefly introduce yourself. First, take time to find out who will be handling the employment and interview process and address the cover letter to them. Note that this is a formal business letter.

Start by underlining the header stating the position you’re applying for. On the first paragraph of the letter, say where you found out about the job vacancy, if applicable (e.g. specific newspaper, Jobstreet.com, etc.) and the reason for choosing this particular company. Then, state your key skills, attributes and experience to grab the reader’s attention without going into details, lest you repeat yourself (in the resumé).

Meanwhile, you need to prepare yourself for the interview. For tips on how to ace your interview, click here.


Photography: Getty Images.