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Useful Tips by Mr Chuah Kee Manwww.chuahkeeman.com
First thing first…
Let’s get the terms right.
Résumé & Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Are they the same?
Résuméa concise outline (1-2 pages) of your skills,
education and experience.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)An in-depth document of your
qualifications, experience, skills, publications, achievements, etc.
Résumé is more commonly used in the industries (especially private companies).
CV is mostly used when
applying for academic,
scientific, or research positions
Let’s Power Up Your Résumé
One recent study showed that recruiters spent only
6.25 seconds looking at a candidate’s résumé
before deciding whether he or she is fit for a job.
~Forbes.com
So how to
increase your visibility via résumé?
#1 Use the Right Layout
Let’s take a look at some examples
Messy and inappropriate
Looks crowded (centrealigned)
Looks catchy but messy
Clean and professional
Neat and organized
Neat and contemporary
Layout: The Basics Stick to standard paper size (A4)
and use left or justified alignment.
Use neat and professional layout
(not too fancy/creative)
Use suitable font types and font
size (10-12pt).
Use proper headings for each
section/part
Stick to maximum of 3 colours (if
you place to use colours)
Layout: Best Fonts
• Arial
• Verdana• Calibri• Garamond
• Georgia• Times New Roman
Layout: The Standard PartsUse headings to indicate:
Contact Details (No fancy email)
Career Objective (Precise)
Education
Work Experience
Skills
Achievements/Awards
Activities and Interests
References/Referees
Don’t forget your Portrait Photo.
Personal Info/Contact Details Full name
Marital Status
Date of Birth (with Age)
Address (permanent)
Phone Number (Mobile)
Email (make sure you make a
professional one, especially
with your name given)
Education Use Timeline (list the latest first).
Highlight your achievements or key
skills learned instead of results
alone.
If needed, highlight key courses
taken too.
Education
Sep 2011 – Sep 2015
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan.
• Obtained Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management with Honours.
• Graduated with CGPA 2.75 but mastered advanced skills in using Adobe Creative Suites during the 4 years with certificates from Adobe.
• Key courses taken with valuable skills learned: Event Management, Intellectual Property, Creative Thinking.
Use the quadrant rule to check.Make sure each quadrant is balanced.
Portrait Photo (Headshots) matters!
Get help to shoot a nice once. Smile, clean background, minimal make up and with professional attire and keep it recent.
#2 Use the Right Language
Language Tips #1
Use strong action verbs when writing your
experiences or achievements.
Worst Words (Overused) Best Words
Best of breedGo-getterThink outside of the boxDynamicSynergyThought leadershipValue addResults-drivenTeam playerBottom-line
AchievedImprovedTrained/mentoredManagedCreatedResolvedVolunteeredInfluencedIncreased/decreasedWon
But it’s not just about using the verbs….
Language Tips #2
Be specific when writing your key activities or career
objectives
Example
April – June 2014
Marketing Intern – (EverCheap Sdn Bhd)
• Attended group meetings and recorded minutes.
• Worked with children in a day-care setting.
• Updated departmental files.
Not good enough!
Good Example
April – June 2014
Marketing Intern – (EverCheap Sdn Bhd)
• Recorded weekly meeting minutes and compiled them for future organizational reference.
• Provided assistance in organising three daily activities for preschool children.
• Reorganized 10 years worth of files, making them easily accessible to department members.
Action words are used to describe each task done clearly.
Career Objective
Career Objective• Focus on how you would benefit the
employer, not on how the employer would benefit you.
•Be clear of what you plan to apply or achieve.
• Keep it concise and targeted. The best resume objectives contain a desired job title or target.
Too General:Seeking a challenging position that offers professional growth.
Clear and Concise:A challenging entry-level marketing position that allows me to contribute my skills and experience in promoting company’s products.
Language Tips #3
Keywords are the key
(use those keywordsmentioned in the ads)
Top KeywordsProblem solving
Leadership
Oral/ Written Communication
Team building
Productivity
Adaptable
If these keywords appear on the ads, do include them in your resumeif you have such qualities/capabilities.
Language Tips #4
Avoid improper abbreviations or short
forms
Examples:
becoz, dun, FYI, wanna
Example:
Ass. Manager (Marketing)
Don’t embarrass yourself
Language Tips #5
Avoid “bombastic” words, keep it clear and
concise.
Language Tips #6
Ask someone to proofread your resume
#3 Use the Right Focus
Customise Your Resume!
Make sure you modify your resume to fit the position.
Customisation Example:Highlight your academic strengths (e.g. relevant
courses taken) instead of putting only CGPA)
Customisation Example:
Move specific parts up according to the job. E.g.
Move up skills if your work experience is limited.
Extras:1. Clean up your social
profiles
2. Back up with portfolios
3. Don’t cheat!
