72
HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS
Crafting Effective Resumes Here is a guide to writing effective resumes and putting together applications that work.
R
esumes can come in a variety of formats, such as the chronological, skills-based, combination and alternative resumes. The most commonly used format is the chronological resume as it is reader-friendly and easily customisable. Each format has its pros and cons, so do your research and find out which one can best serve your needs before deciding on one. Regardless of which type of resume you choose to use, the idea behind its presentation remains the same. What is more important is to adapt the various elements of the format and tailor its contents to highlight your skills and distinguish yourself from other applicants.
GOOD SAMPLE CAROL SUM Mobile: +65 8765 8903
1
Make your name stand out
Carol used a different font for her name, and enlarged and bolded it. This ensures that it is the first thing a recruiter sees when they pick up her resume. Putting it in uppercase was a good move too, as it will make her resume easy to find amidst a stack of other documents.
1
E-mail: carol.sum@gmail.com
EDUCATION University of London Singapore Institute of Management • Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics (Hons) • Projected CGPA: 3.5/5
Aug 2018 – May 2021
2
Verbs are your best friends
Carol used action verbs and focused on her role and the results she achieved.
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Customer service officer, FeynM Company Jul 2019 – Dec 2019 • Project support in several investment projects. • Liaised directly with customers in order to assist in better understanding their needs. • Assisted customers with relevant queries on products. • Conducted research on client portfolios. • Prepared service and product recommendations reports for clients. May 2020 – Nov 2020 MNF Company, Intern • Assisted on customising investment analytics suites for clients. • Coded programmes to filter and analyse gathered data. 2 • Communicated directly with senior management during the customisation process.
3
Carol’s resume is effective in that it lets her results speak for themselves in solid terms (i.e. numbers and percentages).
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Treasurer, Economics Society Aug - Dec 2019 Singapore Institute of Management • Led a group of eight committee members to publicise society events, which successfully increased club membership by 20%. 3 • Encouraged club members to actively participate and help out in club events. • Was in charge of the society’s budget, and managed resources. Feb 2020 – Present Soccer Team Captain, Singapore Institute of Management • Currently playing on university team's first division. Led team to win the inter-university Lion Cup in 2015. • Responsible for selecting and motivating team members, and organising and conducting bi-weekly training sessions. • Liaised with team captains at other universities to coordinate practise matches. • Liased with team captains at other universities to coordinate practice matches.
• • • •
Proficient in Microsoft Office. Languages: Fluent in English and Mandarin (both spoken and written). Enjoys outdoor sports, particularly soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. Regularly participates in volunteer work.
REFERENCES 5 • Dr. Edwin Wong, senior lecturer, School of Business, Singapore Institute of Management Tel: 9085 6721 Email: edwin.wong@sim.edu.sg
• Mr. Thomas Kumar, operations manager, MNF Company
Tel: 9983 7832
SIM CAREER GUIDE 2021
4
Email: kumar.thomas@mnf.com
Be more than a worker
Carol also used her resume to reveal the breadth and depth of her skills, interests and hobbies that frame her positively. She also did not let her resume exceed two pages.
5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 4
Results speak for themselves
Check with your referees
Carol included references to showcase her credibility as well. Take note to be absolutely sure to consult all your referees before you nominate them, though! Nothing ruins an application like an unprepared referee or an unfavourable reference.
www.sim.edu.sg
