In short
The problem: A CV is your first impression with an employer, yet many candidates struggle to write one that's concise, well-formatted, and tailored to the role.
The solution: Craft a succinct 1-3 page CV with the right font, format, and skills. Tailor it to each role, include a strong career objective, and address any employment gaps, then have someone proofread it.
The result: A polished, targeted CV stands out from the pile, gets you through to interview, and moves you closer to landing your ideal job.
Your CV is the most important tool that you have to impress your potential employer. Know how to write a CV, and you’ll be on your way to securing the job of your dreams. Here is expert advice from one of the best recruitment agencies in Singapore.
How to write a resume
There are many elements that you need to consider when crafting the perfect resume. Whether you are setting out in your job search to write your very first resume or you’ve decided to re-write an existing resume, you may have many questions such as, “What is a resume?”, “How long should a resume be?” and “What information should I include?” You also have to consider how to tailor your resume and lay it out, as well as consider what format it should take, be it a digital resume or a more traditional form.
We’ve created the definitive guide to crafting the perfect resume. From how to write a resume; to knowing what you should include and exclude; to tips on how to lay out and tailor your resume, we’ll help you create the perfect resume that will get you the job you’ve been dreaming of.
What is a resume?
A CV is a written document of everything that relates to your work history. Your CV can include your experience, skills, achievements, education and qualifications. As your CV is often the first impression that your potential employer will have of you, it’s also one of the most important documents that you will ever create.
Your CV needs to be up to date, meticulously correct, and it’s essential to land a job, you won’t secure a first interview without it.
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for ‘course of one's life’. Technically, a resume is generally a shorter account of professional and educational history; whereas a CV is longer than a resume and more in depth, covering professional accomplishments, awards and recognitions.
How long should a resume be?
Your resume should be no longer than 2-3 pages long. If you are a student, you may not yet have a great deal of experience, so 1-2 pages is completely acceptable.
If you have several years’ worth of experience and accomplishments, however, it can be a challenge to keep it within the page limit when writing a resume.
Remember that truly great resumes are short and succinct, so be sure to follow our guidelines as to what to include and exclude in your resume.
What is the best resume font?
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Every candidate wants to put their best font forward, particularly when it comes to their resume. Just like you shouldn't begin your resume with your "Activities and interests" section or allow it to creep onto five pages, the best resume font is one that covers a few bases.
Here are the best fonts for resume writing - see how they weigh in with your favourites.
How to write a resume career objective
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While often overlooked, career objectives are one of the most important parts of your resume as they complement your experience and skills and give prospective employers a sense of your work-related ambitions.
They don’t need to be particularly long to make an impact, but they do need to be well considered and well executed to be both meaningful and impressive.
Here are our tips on writing a career objective that wows every employer you encounter.
Putting your resume together
Now that you know how to write a resume, make your first draft. Then, take a break and review it a few days later. With fresh eyes, you can be more objective.
Consider: Are my achievements relevant for the role that I want to apply for? How can I demonstrate that my skills are of value to the organisation?
Tailor your resume and edit it as necessary. Finally, get a trusted friend to proofread your resume. You can spend all the time in the world mastering how to write a resume, but all that time can be wasted with just one spelling mistake.
How to tailor your resume
Tailoring is the key to making a good resume great. Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but the real question is how to write a resume that brings out your strengths and truly represents you.
If you ensure that the information is personalised specifically to the role and employer, your resume will stand out from the pack.
First, start with researching the role and employer, and identify what achievements or skills you have that are relevant for the job at hand.
Then, bring those achievements and skills to the forefront using these key tips.
Resume format guide
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Having a well-presented resume is critical to securing your perfect job. It's not enough to have great content; your resume layout needs to be easy-to-read, professional and appealing.
Your hiring manager will have seen hundreds of different resumes. That means that it’s important that you follow the general standard when laying out and ordering the information, to help them navigate the content and to ensure your experience stands out.
Skills to include on a resume
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While the skills for your resume will vary according to the role you’re applying for, its seniority and the industry you work in, there are some skills that will always be valued by employers.
Here are our tips on the top 5 skills you should include on your resume.
Resume templates and samples
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A resume template is used as a guide as to how a professional resume should be laid out. Resume templates also provide helpful information as to what content should be included in a resume. Often taking a ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ approach, a resume template can help to short-cut the time-intensive process that is creating the perfect resume.
There are thousands of resume templates and samples available online that can be downloaded and updated. Visit our resume templates page for resume samples including accounting and IT resumes.
How to make sure your CV stands out online
Your resume should remain the primary document you tailor for each job application. However, your online professional profile can also support your job search. Platforms such as LinkedIn can help employers and recruiters understand your experience, career history, and professional interests. Make sure your profile is consistent with your resume, especially when it comes to job titles, employment dates, skills, and achievements. Your online profile does not need to replace your resume. Instead, it should reinforce your professional story and make it easier for the right opportunities to find you.
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Now you know how to write a resume, it's important to remember that you can never invest too much time towards crafting the perfect resume. Even if you get the basics right, there are important nuances to consider that will help ensure that your resume gets to the top of the pile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I write a simple resume?
When figuring out how to write a resume that is simple, use a clean layout or template to organize your work history, skills, and a brief career objective into a concise 1-3 page document. Before applying, research the employer so you can tailor your relevant achievements and skills directly to the specific job requirements. Finally, review your draft with fresh eyes a few days later and have a trusted friend proofread it to catch any disqualifying spelling errors.
How long should a resume be for a job application in Singapore?
While general global templates allow more flexibility, the ideal resume length in Singapore is 1 to 2 pages.
1 page: Perfect for students, fresh graduates, or those with less than 3 years of experience. 2 pages: The absolute standard for mid-level to senior professionals.
Singaporean hiring managers and recruiters are notoriously time-pressed; keeping your document to a strict 2-page limit ensures your core metrics and value proposition don't get lost in a wall of text.
Should I include a photo on my Singapore resume?
Yes, including a professional profile photo is standard practice and widely accepted by local employers in Singapore. If you choose to include one, place a clean, professional corporate headshot in the top right corner of your first page. Avoid casual photos, selfies, or cropped social media pictures, as these immediately detract from a professional first impression.
Should I include my nationality or work pass status?
Yes. Due to local hiring regulations and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) frameworks, explicitly stating your work eligibility is highly recommended. At the top of your resume next to your contact details, clearly state whether you are a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or note your current work pass status (e.g., EP, S Pass, or Dependent Pass). This helps local recruiters quickly filter your profile for regulatory compliance.
Do I need to include references or salary expectations?
No. You should exclude reference contact details and salary expectations from your initial resume submission.
Use the phrase "References available upon request" if you wish, though even that is optional.Keep salary conversations strictly for the interview phase. Removing these sections saves valuable real estate on your A4-formatted page for your quantifiable achievements.
