how to write a resume for singapore

Singapore Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in Singapore? This Singapore Resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume.

Applying for a job in Singapore? This resume guide has the perfect Singapore resume tips, formats, examples, and templates to help you write the perfect Singapore resume.

Singapore Resume Requirements

The top requirements for a Singapore resume to be successful are:

• Your name, contact information and location.
• Photo on a resume - Generally it isn’t required. However, it is recommended for entry-level candidates and Gahmen jobs.
• A resume summary.
• Work experience.
• Education and academic background.
• A resume in either a PDF or MS Word. PDF is generally accepted in Singapore.
• Resume should be detailed enough. More than a one-page resume is welcomed.
• The right resume format that matches your experience, skills, etc.
• Language: Resumes in English are fine.

Now that we have established the most important requirements for a Singapore resume, let’s take a look at each of these resume requirements in more detail.

What is the Right Resume Length for Singapore?

The acceptable length of resume for Singapore is 2 pages. Short resumes generally don’t give enough context to hiring managers and hence longer resumes are common and acceptable in Singapore.

Singapore Resume Format

Singapore resumes typically follow the common resume formats that are popular worldwide. Top Singapore resume formats for experienced professionals are:

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format

If you are an experienced professional, a reverse chronological format would be a great fit for your resume. However, if you are someone who's experienced, but are trying to transition to another role you should consider a functional or a combination resume format.

Reverse Chronological Singapore Resume Format Example

Functional Singapore Resume Format Example

Combination Singapore Resume Format Example

We also recommend function or combination resume format for entry-level Singapore resumes.

Singapore Resume - Contact Information Tips

While creating the resume header, make sure to add the following information in it:

• Your contact information including your phone number, town, and a professional email address to contact you.
• Make sure to link to your personal portfolio, Linkedin profile, or to your blog.
• Additionally, you can consider adding your nationality. Companies have a hiring quota for foreign nationals, so when you add nationality it saves a ton of time for you and the hiring manager.

Should you Add a Photo to your Singapore Resume?

Generally, adding a photograph to your resume is considered acceptable. It however invites biases in hiring. If you are graduating from university, keeping a photo on your resume is generally advised. Also, if you are applying for Gahmen jobs, adding your photo to your resume is required.

Resume or CV for Singapore Jobs?

CV or resume are used interchangeably in Singapore and make a little difference. Just keep in mind that Singapore's resumes are a bit more detailed as compared to resumes that we see commonly in other parts of the world.

Singapore Resume Templates and Examples

Professional singapore resume example.

Administrative Resume Example for Singapore

Customer Support Resume Example for Singapore

Marketing Resume Example for Singapore

Management Resume Example for Singapore

Accounting Resume Example for Singapore

Frequently asked questions, how do i write a good singapore resume.

To write a good Singapore resume, make sure you add a short powerful summary at the top, follow the STAR method to describe your experience, list your skills, and properly describe your education.

What Fonts to Use in My Singapore Resume?

For resumes that are in the English language, we recommend that you either use Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Roboto as fonts. Use serif-type fonts when your target job is a bit more traditional, else use Sans-serif fonts.

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The best Singapore resume format

Briony Ranasinghe

Are you a fresh graduate or experienced professional looking for a job in Singapore?  Maybe you are a student hoping to get a part-time job while you study? Whatever the reason, you know you need a resume that fits Singapore resume standards.

This article is the guide you need to know everything about the format, layout and sections of the Singapore resume. Let’s get started.

Want to build your Singapore Resume online? Cresuma’s resume builder can do the job for you.

CV Vs. Resume

First things first, is it a CV or resume in Singapore? Don’t worry, it’s both. In Singapore, companies use both CV and resume on job adverts and the two terms are used interchangeably.

However, what you should be concerned about is length. Most recruiters want to get a sense of who you are, so the Singaporean resume or CV should be about 2 pages long.

Types of Resume Formats

1. chronological or reverse-chronological format.

The most common resume format is the chronological format. It is also a great format for experienced professionals. In this format, work experience is highlighted with the most recent employment role placed first and working backwards chronologically. It helps employers to understand the career progression of the applicant in a clear, easy-to-read fashion.

2. Functional Format

This format is best for freshers or students looking for part-time work. It also can be used by those looking for a career change or having an employment gap. In this format, transferrable skills are more highlighted than experience. It also allows you to highlight your achievements or education.

3. Combination Format

This format combines both the chronological and functional resume format. Your achievements and skills come to the forefront above a work experience section that is placed in chronological order.

For more details on the types of resume formats, check our article on the best resume formats 2024 .

Now that you know the different types of resume formats, you need to know the sections of your resume and what you should add to them.

Parts of a Resume

1. personal details.

As in most countries, the first part of the Singapore resume is the personal profile. This section will include your name, contact details (phone number, address and email address), professional social media accounts and a photo of yourself.

Remember to use a professional email address such as [email protected] instead of a personal one like [email protected] as it will give a better impression.

2. Resume Summary

A resume summary is usually a few lines that catches a recruiter’s attention. It is a good place to highlight your skills, experience, and education to the company in a way that grabs their attention and persuades them to hire or interview you. In other words, this is where you begin to sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the company.

A good method to gather a hiring manager’s attention is to use keywords that capture attention. Industry specific keywords, and keywords found in the vacancy announcement are a great tool that you can use.

3. Professional Experience

This section is one of the most important in the resume as it proves the claims that you make in the summary. It shows the progression of your career and the skills and achievements that you have received as a result of your work.

The format to mention your experience is your job title, how long you worked (date employment began – date employment finished), the company you worked for, and 2-3 bullet points detailing your achievements.

Rather than stating the responsibilities of your post, it is better to highlight key achievements. Mention awards that you have received or significant results that you have got with figures or percentages to really show that you are highly experienced.

4.Skills and Competencies

This section shows the skills that you have already gained through your experience and education. Listing your hard and soft skills is a good way for employers to know your strengths and whether you would be an asset to their organization.

Rather than just listing your skills, try to mention an example of when you used the relevant skill. Remember to avoid buzzwords that harm your resume.

5. Education

Your educational qualifications can be an important part of your resume as it supports the claims you make in the previous resume sections such as the summary, skills and work experience. Often companies will list the minimum educational qualifications that are required for a position on the vacancy announcement.

The format for the educational section is almost the same as your work experience. You need to specify the qualification title, the years you studied and the name of the school/university/college that you attended.

Write your qualification in the same way that it is mentioned in the job advertisement to make it easier for the recruiter to identify that you have the required qualifications.

6. Special Achievements

This section is not compulsory, but it is always good to show that you have received recognition for your work. List any relevant awards that you have received in this section.

If you don’t have any awards to mention, mention other relevant skills or hobbies that you have like a foreign language.

7. References

You need to have two references on your resume. Type in their names, designations, company they work for and current contact details.

Remember to ask your references before using their details in the resume and to inform them of the company and position you have applied for after you send in your CV.

Now that you know the Singapore resume format, see our tips for international resume formats for other countries .

For more information on writing the perfect resume, check our career guides .

Singapore Resume Format & How to Write Guide

Jacob Smith

Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Career Expert

April 27, 2022 ❘

🕐 min read

Singapore is considered as one of the countries that have a high quality of life. As a result, many foreign people like to relocate here to work.

Your resume is one of the most crucial documents in your Singapore job hunt.

So this is a tailored resume guide especially written for the job seekers in Singapore and other foreign candidates who wish to apply for Singapore jobs.

As we already know the resume is a different document from a CV. But in Singapore both the words CV and Resume used interchangeably to describe the same document.

With that in mind, read on to find out how to compose the perfect resume that will impress your prospective employers in Singapore.

Singapore resume sample

See the resume sample below to get a better understanding of how a Singapore resume should look. If you want to be noticed by recruiters in Singapore, you must have a perfect resume as below. Study this resume sample carefully and create your own resume and increase your job winning rate in Singapore.

Why do you need a good resume when applying for jobs in Singapore?

Finding a good job in Singapore is typically a difficult task. Because the Singapore job market is so competitive, even accomplished professionals find it difficult to find jobs in Singapore. But on the other hand, Singapore is a top destination for foreign workers. And the job market here is never saturated.

That’s why you need to have a well-written resume to apply for Singaporean jobs. If you tailor your resume for a specific job, you will not find it much difficult to get into the next stage of your job competition.

That is why you must have a well-written resume to apply for Singaporean jobs. If you tailor your resume to a specific job, you will not have much difficulty in landing an interview opportunity.

Key sections to include in a Singapore resume format

01. resume header (contact information).

This is the place where you should include your contact information on your resume. This makes it easier for your future employer to contact you. Here you need to include your full name, job title you are applying for, your location, email address, and mobile phone number. You can make your resume header stand out by including a link to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal website.

02. Resume summary

This is an introduction paragraph of yourself which comes just after your contact information section. Here you should show the employer, at a glance, why you’re qualified for the job. You must summarize your previous work experience and explain how it will benefit the company where you wish to work. You can also list any major certifications you’ve earned and the most important skills that you have which need to do the job well.

03. Work experience

Here you can elaborate your previous related experience in a concise manner. This section is a great place to highlight the skills you’ve acquired throughout your career. You can also highlight the most important accomplishments in your career, as well as what you learned from them.

Some applicants try to list their job responsibilities here. But that will not impress the employers. They want to see how you perform in your previous roles and what your achievements are. So make sure to list some of your best achievements in bulleted lists under each work experience.

04. Education

Education section of your resume is the place where the employers determine whether you fulfill the educational requirements for the job. Having a degree or diploma in a specific field is a basic prerequisite for jobs in Singapore. So make sure you hold the required educational qualification before you apply for the job.

When listing the educational qualifications, mention your degree, whether you received any honors or awards, the college you attended, and your graduation year. You can also highlight important coursework from your school years that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

When listing skills on your resume for a SIngapore job, you should focus more on your technical and hard skills rather than your soft skills.

What matters most is a list of the requested technical abilities. Singapore is an excellent place to work for tech-savvy individuals. As a result, employers believe that each candidate possesses a wide range of technical skills. As a result, listing basic computer skills in Singapore resumes is pointless.

It’s preferable if you can list the skills that are listed in the job advertisement. Because those skills are well-aligned with the job, and they will also help you in beating the ATS scan.

Resume formats to use in Singapore

There are three resume formats that are accepted in Singapore. Those are:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format

From these three resume formats, reverse chronological format is the preferred resume format. This means both your work history and your educational background should be listed in reverse chronological order (the most recent position or academic qualification should be listed first and then the others).

In a functional resume format, your skills are prioritized over your experience and educational qualifications. This format is now outdated, and only a few people still use it.

The chronological format is best for candidates with years of relevant experience. But if you’re a person with little experience, it is good to go with a combination resume format which is a hybrid version of both chronological and functional resume formats.

As the Singapore job market is looking for skilled candidates, the combination format is ideal for showcasing your skills and experience for potential employers.

How long should a Singapore resume be

The ideal resume length is one page . If you have a considerable amount of related experience and achievements, it could be a challenge for you to keep your resume in a single page. Therefore in such a case it is completely acceptable to go for a second page. However, your resume should not be more than 3 pages for any reason.

Most of the great resumes are short and succinct. Therefore be wise to know what to include and exclude in your resume.

Essential tips to make your Singapore job application stand out

• If you are a foreigner with a Singaporean PR or work visa, make sure to include it in your resume. Having a valid work permit can increase your chances of being called for an interview.
• Your resume will be more engaging and impactful if you use resume action verbs. The proper use of action verbs strategically can highlight your contributions in your previous workplaces. Therefore, you should use action verbs throughout the descriptions and paragraphs when you write your resume.
• Grammar and typo errors appear unprofessional on resumes and could give the reader a negative impression about the candidate. Therefore double-check your resume before sending it to a potential employer. It’s possible that you won’t be able to spot your own mistakes. So that you can have someone else to proofread your resume, such as one of your trusted friends or a family member. You can also use an online tool like Grammarly to help you with this.
• Singapore is a country where technology is best used. So it is no secret that every company in the country uses applicant tracking software. So adjust your resume so that it can beat the ATS . Doing so will give you more interview opportunities.
• If you are applying for a job in Singapore and want to stand out among the other candidates, you can submit a video resume in addition to your resume and cover letter. This is also known as a Visume. Submitting a visume, which is still new to the job market, gives employers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of your communication skills. As a result, you can reduce the number of interviews you have to attend and get a job quickly. See our complete guide to create a video resume .

How to Write a Resume in Singapore – 13 Best Resume Writing Tips

What are the ways of writing a great resume in singapore that will impress your prospective employers read on to find out how to compose the perfect resume..

With the staggering amount of resumes that prospective employers have to sift through, you must be wondering how to write a resume in Singapore and stand out from the crowd?

It has been reported that if you don’t capture the reader’s attention in the first six seconds, your application will probably be tossed out. Therefore, it is crucial for you to compose your resume with the utmost care and attentiveness. A good resume should effectively summarise your job experience, education, skills and awards for the potential employer.

A resume is not to be confused with a Curriculum Vitae or CV, which is slightly different. One key difference between the two is that a resume usually briefly summarises your skills and experience within two pages or less. On the other hand, a CV is more detailed and typically goes beyond two pages.

How to write a resume in Singapore shouldn’t be difficult to answer. To this end, we have compiled 13 resume writing tips in Singapore to write your resume and hopefully land you your dream job.

1. Use a Resume Template

You can start writing a great resume by using a template resume.

Having a template to work off makes it easier for you to compose your resume. Furthermore, it takes care of the formatting and alignment issues so that you can focus on the actual content of the resume.

Resume templates can be found from a variety of sources.

Firstly, there are professional resume templates from applications such as Google Docs, Apple Pages and Microsoft Word. You can also find numerous free resume templates online with a simple Google search.

If you wish to incorporate images and designs in your resume, you can consider other templates based on Photoshop and InDesign as well. The latter would be more relevant if you are applying for jobs in graphic design, photography or technology.

Another good way of getting a resume template is to ask your friends for their resumes. It may be useful to obtain a resume template from someone has successfully procured a job similar to the one you are applying for.

2. Key Sections to Include When Writing Your Resume

Contact information.

You should include your contact information when writing your resume in Singapore. This makes it easy for your potential employer to reach out to you. Other than your name, you should provide your mailing address, email and mobile phone number. You can even provide a link to your LinkedIn profile or personal website if you want to give more personal details.

Work Experience

The work experience section is where you elaborate on your employment history. 

This section should give the employer a sense of your career development and choices. This presents the perfect opportunity to showcase the skills you have gained over the course of your career. You can even highlight the key initiatives and activities that you were involved in and what you learnt from them.

However, the key to resume writing is not to exhaustively list all your previous jobs. Instead, you should list jobs that you feel are relevant to the position you are applying for. In this regard, you may wish to exclude previous part-time stints you undertook or completely unrelated jobs.

Academic Qualifications

The academic qualifications section of your resume is for your prospective employers to determine whether you fulfil the educational requirements for the job. In some cases, having a degree or diploma in a specific field is a basic pre-requisite for the position. 

Employers generally hone in on any university degrees or diplomas you have received. Therefore, you should present these details clearly and prominently. You can state the degree you have obtained, whether you obtained any honours, the school you attended and your year of graduation. You can also highlight important subjects which you took in school that are relevant to your job application.

Awards and Achievements

A key way to write a resume in Singapore is to highlight your awards and achievements. In this section of your resume, you can build upon any job-specific achievements such as best employee or top salesmen awards. Further, you can elaborate on any competitions you’ve won such as hackathons or academic prizes.

Nevertheless, this section is entirely optional. You may not want to include this section if you don’t have many awards or achievements to your name.

Your resume’s skills section relate to your hard, technical skills, rather than your soft skills. This section should disclose your proficiency in programs like Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint. Moreover, you can include additional skills in areas such as copywriting, data analytics, graphic design and so on.

These skills can be written into your resume even if you picked them up on your own. For instance, you can insert in your resume coding skills that you learnt from online courses. While you may not have received formal training in these skills, putting them in your resume shows your willingness to learn and a commitment to your personal development.

Hobbies or Interests

The section on your hobbies or interests is useful for showcasing what you like to do outside of work. However, this section is not strictly needed when writing a resume. Much depends on the company you are applying to work for.

If you wish to work at a company with a more open and diverse culture, then you may decide to add this section. Having unique interests outside of work may also create a good conversation topic. It may even allow you and your job interviewer an opportunity to connect over shared hobbies and interests.

Conversely, if you are applying to a job in a profession such as law or accounting, you may not want to state your hobbies and interests in your resume.

3. Use a Combination of the Reverse Chronological and Functional Approaches

As a general rule, you should adopt the reverse chronological approach when writing a resume. This means that you should list your most recent work experience and qualifications first, followed by the older ones.

Ultimately, employers want to know what your most recent job or qualification is. They may not be as concerned about the job you took five years ago as opposed to five months ago.

However, you can choose to use the functional approach in place of the reverse chronological method under some circumstances.

The functional resume writing approach involves putting the more relevant information about yourself first.

This is usually used when you wish to underscore the important experience or skills that you have that are useful for the job role. You can also use the functional approach to highlight the transferrable skills you have developed in previous work stints.

You can also use the functional approach where you were unemployed for an extended period of time. Using a reverse chronological method in such cases would only make your period of unemployment all the more conspicuous. 

4. Show Your Soft Skills and Key Characteristics

If you’re still wondering how to write a resume in Singapore, this is a key resume writing tip. Decide on some of the soft skills and characteristics you want to demonstrate. Then, devise ways of using your resume to show (not simply state) your soft skills.

After all, saying outright that you are a team player is not very effective. Instead, to show your ability to work in a team, you can say that you “worked closely with team members to spearhead a new initiative” in your previous job. This not only tells the reader what you achieved in your previous role, it also describes a key quality or characteristic that you possess.

5. Use Action Verbs Throughout Your Resume

Action verbs make your resume more engaging and impactful. Furthermore, strategic use of action verbs can also emphasise on your contributions. Hence, you should employ action verbs throughout descriptions and paragraphs while writing a resume.

So what are some action verbs to use in your resume?

Some examples include “executed”, “corresponded”, “orchestrated” “established” and so on.

6. Avoid Using Industry Jargon Excessively

Your resume should be easily understood by a layperson. This is because the recruiter or hiring manager handling your application may not have a technical background. As such, you should avoid using industry jargon in excess. This factor is important when deciding on how to write a resume in Singapore. 

A little bit of jargon may be used if you are applying for a position that requires extensive technical knowledge. This may possibly apply to fields like finance or engineering.

In such cases, careful placement of a few key technical terms in your resume could make you seem a little more knowledgeable. Nonetheless, this should be done in moderation and should not affect the overall readability of your resume. 

7. Proofread for Glaring Grammatical Errors and Typos

This is an obvious but often overlooked resume writing tip in Singapore. Grammatical and typographical errors look very unprofessional and leaves a bad impression on the reader. It shows one of two things. Either that that you are not meticulous enough to spot these mistakes or you simply didn’t put in the effort to write your resume. Hence, you should proofread your resume thoroughly to ensure you don’t make obvious grammatical errors or typos.

As the writer of your resume, you may become blind to glaring mistakes as you’ve read through it numerous times. Therefore, you can consider getting another set of eyes to take a look at your resume. In fact, you can ask trusted friends or family members to help proofread your resume.

8. Use a Nice-Looking Font and Font Size

Your resume should look neat and professional to prospective employers. Therefore, use a clean-looking font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman when writing a resume. In addition, the size of the font should ideally be around 10 to 12 point. This is to enhance the readability of the resume, without the reader having to strain their eyes to read your resume.

9. Save Your Resume in PDF Format

You should always save and send your resume in PDF format. If you use formats such as Microsoft Word, you run the risk of your written resume having formatting or alignment issues due to software compatibility problems. This creates a very bad impression on the part of the reader, even if the issues arose due to no fault on your part. Simple but effective resume writing tip!

10. Compose Your Resume Based on Research

Do some research on your prospective employer before writing your resume. Find out what kind of employee they are looking for.

Then, based on your research, you can compose your resume to highlight qualities that make you suitable for the job. This may improve your chances in the eyes of the reader as you appear to check all the boxes for the potential position. It may also demonstrate to the potential employer that you put in the effort to find out the job requirements and incorporated them into your resume accordingly.

11. Make Sure Your Information is Presented Clearly and Concisely

As mentioned before, employers have limited time to skim through a huge amount of resumes. Therefore, you should present your information clearly and concisely to capture their attention.

You can also make use of bullet points to illustrate the key points of your resume. This enables the reader to quickly understand your significant work experience and qualifications with just a brief scan of your resume. This is precisely how to write a resume in Singapore that awes the hiring managers!

12. Consider Using a Visume

If you wish to differentiate yourself from other job applicants, you can consider complementing your paper resume with a Visume. A Visume is a video resume that allows you to show parts of you that cannot be captured on paper. For instance, a Visume will allow the potential employer to observe your mannerisms and hear how you speak. This may be helpful especially if your written resume is not very impressive and you wish to supplement it using another means.

13. Keep Your Resume Short

Apart from keeping the content of your resume concise, you should also limit your resume to 1 to 2 pages. At the end of the day, you want to zero in on your key achievements and qualities when writing a resume in Singapore. You should not be putting every single thing that comes to mind.

The reader would be turned off if you make them read lengthy, irrelevant passages or a written documentary of your entire life. Thus, you should always strive to keep your resume short and to the point. This is key to good resume writing in this technological age.

Hopefully using our key tips on how to write a resume in Singapore will improve your job application and land you an interview! After getting your new role, you can check out our resignation letter templates to help you resign in a professional manner.

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How to Write a Resume in Singapore

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Posted On 13 Oct 2021

If you are looking for greener pastures in a foreign country, perhaps you will want to consider Singapore. Nine out of 10 foreign employees have explicitly stated that they love the Southeast Asian country’s working environment . On top of that, Singapore consistently receives top marks for education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, so it’s no wonder why applicants from all over the world are sending their Singapore resume and clamoring to find work in the so-called City of Lions. If you want to be successful with your application and land a job here immediately, Resumeble teaches you how to write a resume in Singapore with these amazing tips.

Include a cover letter

Too often, applicants to Singaporean jobs will send only their resume, not knowing that many employers here prefer it to be accompanied by a cover letter. Cover letters are a way for recruiters to get to know their candidates better, so don’t make the mistake of not including one with your Singapore resume.

Resumeble also offers cover letter writing along with our professional resume writing services . We can help ensure that your cover letter is the perfect complement to your CV Singapore or resume Singapore. Don’t hesitate to ask us to learn more about this particular service.

Customize for the job

Sending out a generic resume will only hurt your chances of getting hired. You need to make sure your resume Singapore is tailored specifically for the job and company you want to work for—this means studying the job requirements, and only including information that is relevant to the job in question. Avoid using vague and indirect wordings such as “participated in” that doesn’t really reveal how or what you contributed, and will only lead to misperceptions and misunderstandings. Use words that clearly define and describe your skills, qualifications, and expertise. This will help you secure the extra points you need to get shortlisted as the HR people evaluate your resume.

Use professionally accepted language

Singapore prides itself on its diversity—numerous races and cultures call the City of Lions their home. This means you have to be upstanding and considerate with your word choice while being respectful of the different cultures. As both British and American English are accepted here, you need to find out which English vocabulary is preferred by the company you’re sending your resume to. And be careful with words that other cultures might deem offensive or discriminating. That’s the easiest way to have your Singapore resume hurling towards the recycle bin.

Include the proper keywords

Faced with pile upon pile of applications, many employers will use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes to see if their senders qualify for the job. These automated applications detect keywords, and if your resume doesn’t contain the right terms and phrases, you can bet that it has no chance of ever reaching the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager.

To have the proper keywords in your resume, you must comb over the job posting thoroughly, with a keen eye on prominent and unique keywords. Very often, these will be specific skills, know-how, training, and experiences in the job description. Take note of these keywords and use the exact wording on your resume. If you don’t and simply use a similar word, the ATS may not pick it up. By using the proper keywords, you’ll be able to match up your qualifications with what the company is looking for in a candidate.

Be ready with your references

Make sure to include three to four references in your resume. These can be your former managers and mentors who you personally know in a professional capacity. Include their names, job position, the name of the company/institution they work for, and contact details which should include their email and phone number. Don’t forget to include the country code if they’re not from Singapore. Inform your references beforehand so they can prepare with a glowing recommendation of you in case a potential employer calls them up.

How to write a resume in Singapore: What not to do

Just as there are good practices to writing a Singapore resume, there are also bad ones. Keep in mind to avoid the following mistakes on how to write a resume in Singapore if you want an application that impresses you.

Mistake #1: Writing an overstuffed resume

Your vast experience may amaze regular people, but not recruiters and hiring managers, especially if most of what you listed is unrelated to the job in question. Boost your chances by limiting your resume Singapore to one or two pages, with only your most important and relevant information included. Keeping your resume brief and to the point makes it easier to read, and ensuring every piece of information is relevant makes it more recruiter-friendly.

Mistake #2: Including proficiency in basic computer programs

Word, Excel, Powerpoint—knowledge in these basic applications just doesn’t impress anyone anymore, especially in a highly technological nation like Singapore. Unless the job posting specifically mentions them, it’s best to forgo listing down these basic computer skills, as these make you appear more of a newbie. Instead, list down in your Singapore resume your more advanced and unique computer proficiencies to pique their interest.

Mistake #3: Anything negative

Your Singapore resume is meant to market your capabilities input you in a good light, so there’s no room for anything negative. Even if your previous jobs were unpleasant, avoid putting former employers and co-workers down, both in your resume and job interview. If the hiring manager asks why you did not include your former boss as a reference, provide a brief and positive explanation, but refrain from badmouthing anyone.

Work with Resumeble for your Singaporean resume

Worry no more about how to write a resume in Singapore. Let Resumeble’s resume writer Singapore worry about your resume or CV Singapore so you can focus on other aspects of your application, such as securing a work visa or preparing your answers for the job interview. Our resume writing services come with a 60-day interview guarantee. Take the right steps toward a fruitful career in Singapore by hiring us for your resume writing needs. Contact us today!

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter 
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives 
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews 

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3 minute read

4 Resume Templates to Use That Work Best for Singaporean Employers

Before you start applying for a job, it is imperative to have a killer resume. after all, your resume could make or break a first impression..

A comprehensive resume should detail your key traits and abilities as well as your work experience.

It should highlight the key achievements and accomplishments in the workplace.

Your resume should also include brief information about your academic qualifications as well as your interests. There are no one-size-fits-all resumes. If you need some inspiration to beef up your resume, check out four of the most popular templates below!

Chronological resumes

The chronological resume is probably one of the most common resume templates used today. It helps recruiters get a quick and thorough understanding of your most relevant and recent experiences.

This format is ideal for jobseekers who have had several years of experience in one industry. If you have worked for various companies in a particular industry, then this template would be useful in exhibiting your key skills and abilities.

Attend walk-in interviews, virtual career fairs, workshops and more! Explore Career GRIT and find events and other resources best suited to your career journey. Check it out now.

Pen your own chronological resume

Your resume should include contact information as well as relevant employment history. Ensure that you incorporate the following in this order:

• Your name and contact information (mobile number, email, and social media platforms)
• A brief introduction about yourself
• Employment history in chronological order
• Educational history in chronological order
• Skills and interests

Try to keep your resume to one page and exclude all irrelevant job experiences as most recruiters do not spend any longer than a minute on one applicant.

Functional resumes

Unlike chronological resumes, a functional resume focuses on skills, qualifications and job experience. It also places emphasis on qualities and personality traits.

If you are a mother who has taken extended periods of time off work to care for your children or a jobseeker who is researching for opportunities outside of your industry, you might want to consider using a functional resume instead of a chronological one.

Craft a functional resume like a pro

There is no strict template for a functional resume. Regardless, make sure to include these details in the following sequence:

• Name and contact information
• A short summary of your qualifications
• Work experience
• Group your primary skills and abilities
• Document your academic qualifications

The trick to nailing a functional resume is choosing the right words that get your resume noticed. Research some of the keywords and specific qualities recruiters look out for and weave them into your resume.

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Combination resumes

The next format is a combination of chronological and functional resumes. Like a functional resume, a combination resume is ideal for jobseekers who have skills and abilities that are more relevant than employment history. Essentially, a combination resume exhibits what you can do, not what you have done.

However, a combination resume does not neglect employment history. Instead, it includes relevant employment history and also lists key skills and knowledge you have developed from them.

A template combination resume

While the combination resume is more flexible in nature, incorporate these important pieces of information:

• A brief summary of your skills and qualities
• Professional experience
• Education and credentials

Feel free to get creative with a combination resume!

Targeted resumes

The final resume format on our list is a targeted resume. This resume is customised based on the position you want and the industry you would like to enter. Not only will aligning your resume get you noticed but it would be easier for you to demonstrate that you are the perfect fit for the job. Click here to learn more about how aligning your resume can increase your chances of nailing a role.

Tailor your resume to impress recruiters

Like combination resumes, there is no fixed targeted resume format. Insert the following in a cohesive manner and your resume should be good to go:

• Name and contact details
• Summary of qualifications
• Work history
• Education and training

Make sure all experiences and qualifications are related. For example, if you are thinking of applying for a role as a writer, include information about your written abilities as well as past projects you had to work on that involved a great deal of writing.

Or, consider crafting an online resume. Read on to find out how .

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Home / 4 Resume Templates to Use That Work Best for Singaporean Employers

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How to write a resume in Singapore

CV Writing | LinkedIn Profile | Cover Letter

It is important to know how to write a resume in Singapore to help you get invited to a job interview with an employer. The resume is the first and most preferred way of introducing yourself, so it should highlight all of your strong points.

• Professional Introduction

The professional summary section needs to be the first thing on your resume that an employer sees. Because of that, you want to have it at the beginning of your resume, right under your name and contact details.

Do consider the perspective of the recruiter/Hiring Manager. He/she is seeking a candidate who fits a job description and can bring value to an organization. They may not have time to delve deeply into your CV and slowly figure out who you are, so you need to connect the dots for them in an effective manner in your introduction.

2. An area of expertise section

Area of expertise skills are the abilities you have that are transferable and can be brought to your new employer. Area of expertise skills can be shown on a resume by listing the specific skills that you have. The area of expertise gives hiring managers a quick way to assess whether an applicant is qualified for a position. Hiring managers spend six seconds on average, reviewing a resume. If your skills are concise and easy to read, you have a better chance of being selected for a job interview.

3 Duties and Responsibilities

Job responsibility summaries include information about roles, activities and tasks that relate to fulfilling job requirements. Always remember to focus on your primary responsibilities instead of listing all the duties.  Primary job responsibility is typically one paragraph made up of three or four details that highlight that particular job.

4. Key contributions

Most candidates know to include the duties and responsibilities of their positions on their resume. Still, they often leave out one of the most important elements of their professional history: their key contributions. Having key contributions on your resume can help illuminate your strengths, history of success and growth to potential employers. It shows what you can bring to the table.5

5 Education and Professional Certifications

Education and Professional Certifications is another key section employers look for on resumes. This information will inform interviewers of your background, which can help you understand more about your fit for the role. If your qualifications are particularly relevant to the position or include any required credentials, this section may quickly set you apart from other candidates. Details you should include on your qualifications are as follows

The name of your school Location of your school The degree you obtained (if applicable) Your field of study Graduation year (if applicable)

Ready to start writing?

Remember that every resume is different. For more detailed and individualised professional assistance, get a complimentary free resume review from us here .

Are you looking for jobs in Singapore? You can find a listing of the most popular job sites in Singapore here .

Would you like to have more career advice for your job search in Singapore, you can also visit MyCareersFuture here .

Would you like to know what the market rate for your salary in Singapore is? Visit the Manpower Ministry guide here .

  How to write a CV How to write a CV in Singapore How to write a resume How to write a resume in Singapore

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How to write a resume

When it comes to resumes, not all information is relevant or necessary. Learn more about the steps involved in writing your resume and the information you should include in the different sections, from your opening statement, to work history, education and training.

Choosing the resume format for you

Before anything else, you need to choose the resume layout that suits your experiences and the job you are applying for.

Here are 3 popular resume formats to get you started:

Reverse chronological resume

list your work experience starting with your most recent position

Functional resume  

emphasises your skills and abilities, not employment history and dates

One page career summary  

A targeted snapshot presented as a single page career summary

Resume Examples

It can be tough deciding on the resume format that best highlights your achievements and fit for a job. Take a look at our examples of 3 common resumes formats to get a better understanding of how each resume highlights your skills and experience.

Reverse chronological resume example

One page career summary example

Functional resume example

Follow our step by step guide to writing a winning resume that will give you the best chance of securing an interview for a job.

Resume Templates

Do you need to write a resume in a hurry? We've done the hard work for you. Download our free resume templates and get writing.

Reverse chronological resume template

One page career summary template, functional resume template.

Job Search Essentials

Featured articles, resume & cv, best resume formats for 2024 (with 10+ templates).

March 04, 2023

A well-written CV starts with selecting the right resume format. 

But what is the best resume format for you? More importantly, which format is the most effective in helping you land your dream job?

In this Resume Format Guide for 2024, we will explore various resume formats, identify the best resume format for you, and share templates for you to get started with these effective resume formats.

See our other most popular articles:

• ATS-friendly Resume Templates
• 50+ Resume Samples
• Ultimate CV Guide
• Contact us to write your CV

In This Guide:

Resume Guideline

Your resume layout matters.

Here are the standard rules you should follow when formatting a resume:

• Set  one-inch margins  on all four sides.  This keeps your resume neat and ensures that you don’t have large, stretched blocks of text that look unprofessional.
• Pick an  11 or 12pt resume font  and stick to it.  Choose an attention-grabbing (but professional) font. We recommend Roboto or Overpass. 
• Divide your resume into legible sections : Contact Information, Resume Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Use  bullet points   to list work achievements and responsibilities, academic details, etc. They help make the resume much more readable.
• Be consistent with your resume formatting  (stick to the exact date format: e.g.,  11–2018  or  November 2018 .)
• Use single or 1.15 line spacing.  You don’t want the information on your resume to look all cramped up. 
• Add an extra space before and after each section heading.
• Don’t make your resume longer than  one page .  Unless you have many years of relevant work experience, there’s no reason for your resume to be two or three pages long.
• Don’t use photos on your resume.  Unless the job description specifically asks for them.
• Permanently save your resume as a PDF file.  It’s the safest choice, as it guarantees your resume layout will stay intact no matter what device opens it. 

Top 3 Resume Formats in 2024

There are 3 Resume Formats dominating the Resume Writing industry in 2024:

• Reverse-chronological
• Combination (of Reverse-chronological and Functional Resumes)

What are these formats exactly, and how do they differ?

1. Reverse-chronological Resume Format

The Reverse-chronological format puts your latest work experiences at the top, followed by past work experiences.

This is the most common resume format used by jobseekers. You might even be following this format with your own resume too!

2. Functional Resume Format

The Functional format emphasizes more on your skills than prior work experience. It is also known as a “skills-based resume”. 

In this format, your Key Skills and Areas of Expertise dominate the top of your resume, followed by Work Experiences curated to show how you’ve applied your skills across different roles you’ve held in your career.

3. Combination Resume Format

As its name suggests, the Combination format merges elements from the Reverse-chronological and Functional formats.

This results in a resume with a strong emphasis on your skills, but also an emphasis on work experience arranged in a chronological manner. 

Of the 3 formats, most jobseekers will likely follow the reverse-chronological format.

It’s effective, clear, and simple to read.

It works very well for entry-level and mid-level workers.

But trouble arises when you progress into your career. The reverse-chronological format could lead to a very lengthy CV of more than 2 pages.

Your resume might read like an autobiography, outlining every nitty gritty detail in your career.

Over time it becomes very difficult to read, and more ineffective at landing you new jobs.

So what can you do?

At ResumeWriter, we’ve written thousands of effective Resumes that land our clients jobs (we refund their purchase if they don’t!)

And we’ve found that one format is the most effective at catching the readers’ attention, so you can land a new role.

(Hint: It’s none of the above three formats!)

Best Resume Format in 2024 (Recommended by Us)

• Senior Sales Director with 10+ years of experience in B2C sales to clients in industries such as FMCG, F&B, hospitality, and automotive.
• < More career overview or key workscope lines here >
• Discover how to write an Executive Summary here
• Lead team of 10 executives to drive all aspects of sales and marketing for leading FMCG brand.
• Prepare strategic business plan, monthly reports, setting of revenue targets, and business forecasts.
• <More work descriptions here>
• Consistently exceeded sales target by 120% month on month.
• Learn how to Write Accomplishments on your Resume here .
• <Insert work descriptions here>
• <Insert achievements here>
• [Degree], [Course], [Institution] | YYYY-YYYY
• Technical Skills: MS Office Suite
• Languages: English, Chinese
• Availability: 1 months’ notice

References available upon request [There’s no need to list your references; if HR is interested in you they will ask you for them.]

After 10 years of writing CVs , we’ve discovered that this resume format works best in 2024 that brings real results for our clients.

• It is concise . Starting your Resume with an Executive Summary tells recruiters all they need to know about your career highlights in a snap. 
• It captures your skills . Our resume format captures the skills-based resume format, and more.
• It showcases your value-add . Achievements are added separately from Work Experiences, making your unique accomplishments crystal-clear.
• It shows your career narrative . A career narrative helps you stand out from other jobseekers with a similar background as yourself. 
• It is readable by ATS scanners. By inserting headers and keywords that ATS scanners look out for, your resume becomes more parsable and more likely to be sent to a human reader.

It is readable by humans . Our resume format is more modular than a reverse-chronological format. This tells recruiters your critical career highlights, while keeping your resume concise and readable.

8 Resume Formatting Tips to Beat ATS Scanners

Our resume format is effective, but can only get you so far if it’s filled with ineffective content.

Here are some resume formatting and writing tips to bear in mind:

• Name and Professional Title
• Personal/Contact Information
• Executive Summary
• Key Skills/Technical Skills
• Work Experience
• Achievements
• Education & Professional Qualifications
• Awards & Certifications
• Miscellaneous Information
• Times New Roman
• Remove photographs from your resume.
• Keep your resume as short and as concise as possible. Leave out work descriptions that are already implied or obvious.
• Focus on your current and latest 2-3 work experiences. Condense or omit earlier roles such as internships and part-time jobs if possible.
• Quantify your Achievements and Work Experiences where possible.
• Ensure sufficient spacing between sections and sentences so your resume is readable.
• Save your Resume as a PDF or Microsoft Word file.

Now that you’ve learnt our most effective resume format, why not try writing one of your own?

Get extra resume help and download one of our 10+ Resume Templates today! Our templates are designed in our recommended format and written by professional resume writers.

10+ Resume Templates with our Resume Format

#1 timeless black.

Timeless Black is a simple yet elegant ATS friendly template. Recruiters love this for its condensed text block and easy to read sections.

#2 Professional Blue

Simple yet distinctive in style. A slight shade of blue that looks great even when printed in black & white.

#3 Professional Black

An all black variation of our professional template.

#4 Classic Red

A clean template with an exciting dash of red. Perfect if you’re looking to stand out with a bit of colour.

#5 Classic Blue

A blue variation of our classic template. A more understated but still colourful option.

#6 Bold Red

A striking template with bold text and distinctive red tones. Gives a very macho feel.

#7 Modern Blue

A more contemporary style, with dashes of blue scattered throughout.

#8 Modern Purple

Variation of our modern template, with a fun hue of purple.

#9 Modern Green

Variation of our modern template, with a touch of green to add colour to the CV.

#10 Simple Violet

Simple template with a fresh shade of violet.

#11 Simple Green

Variation of our simple template with a soothing tone of green.

Common Questions about Resume Formats

What resume formats do you recommend.

The majority of people can stick with the Reverse-chronological Resume Format . A Functional Resume Format can be a better option if you have more skills than experience, and a

What is the most common resume format?

The Reverse-chronological Resume Format is the most commonly used CV format across the board, with the vast majority of templates using this style.

Are a resume format and resume template the same thing?

The answer is that no, not really. Whilst a template is a downloadable document that gives you a skeleton of your CV and will set out your format, the format itself is the order of which you choose to write your CV. So whilst they’re related, they’re not the same thing.

How do I write a simple resume?

Writing a simple resume doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you include all of the essential items of a CV (like your Executive Summary, Achievements and Experiences of your career, you should be fine.

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