Resume April 19, 2007
Resume preparation can be a daunting task, especially for a fresh graduate. However, our resumes are often crucial as they help form our future employer’s first impression of us.
With a professional resume in hand, students will be able to pitch their potential and skills appropriately and stand out from the masses.
The following tips may help craft a better document:
Always use quality white paper.
Font should be no smaller than 12 point.
Use sub-headings as this will help employers decipher information. They include:
Personal details: (Name, gender, address, telephone number, marital status, nationality, ethnicity)
Employment history:
- Always commence with your present or most recent employer
- Include the name of your ex-employer
- State the job title and length of your employment
- Very quickly, give an overview of your previous duties.
- Mention your achievements and give evidence. However, this should be brief.
- If you are a fresh graduate, highlight your achievements in school instead.
Education qualification: (Your academic achievement, college, year you attained the qualification)
Annex: (This may include copies of your certificates and testimonials)
Action words to use in your resume: Some of these words include:
Wrote
Formed
Prepared
Improved
Organised / co-ordinated
Motivated
Negotiated
Led
Planned
Handled
Contributed
Awarded
Executed
Achieved
Implemented
Hit the target
Exceeded
Co-operated
How to package your resume: It is always better to send out your resume in an A4 size envelop and avoid folding it. Proof reading is a must to avoid mistakes and rejection.
Remember your resume should be no more than 2 A4 pages and customise your resume to suit your employer.
Checklist for your resume:
- Have you included a recent and presentable passport size photograph of yourself?
- Have you kept your resume short and direct?
- Have you attached a cover letter?
- Have you included your telephone number or email address?
- Have you stated your most recent job first?
- Have you personalised your resume to suit the company?
- Do not send in more than one application for the same position.
- Do not use fancy, coloured and perfumed paper.
- Do not use liquid paper.
- Do not exceed 2 pages.
Some resources:
CV Tips
http://www.cvtips.com/
How to Write a Resume
http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/



