Tips on Writing Resume

Length
Human resources professionals usually receive huge number of job applications every day. So a resume that is clear and precise will certainly make you stand out from others. Even though there is no limitation to the length of a resume, one to two pages are desirable and the maximum is three pages.

Relevant information
If you want to give as much information as possible within two pages of your resume, you should only give information relevant to the job. Avoid personal details such as hobbies, marital status, weight, height or number of children you have.

Achievements
To distinguish yourself from other applicants, do not just list out job responsibilities in the past. Most employers know these already. Instead, try to highlight achievements especially quantifiable ones.

Key words
Some large organisations scan resumes by looking for key words of certain industries or skill sets. Therefore, use key words such as contract negotiation, project management, network support, and product development.

Proofreading
Remember to proofread your resume again and again to avoid any typos. Misspelled words will give an impression that either you do not know the spelling or that you do not put effort in preparing your resume. Some employers, especially those in the editorial field, throw away resumes with spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Design
The design is as important as the content. Make your resume easy and comfortable to read. Highlight your strengths clearly. Do not print it on fancy coloured paper.

Even if you apply jobs in the same industry, different firms have different requirements. Tailor your resume to employersÕ needs. When your resume reaches the hand of the human resources staff, it may stay there for only 15 seconds. So, make it a useful marketing tool. It may help you win a dream job.

How To Be An Interview Winner

1. Confident, happy and positive attitude
2. Strong presentation, in terms of communication skills, dress and/or handshake
3. Provision of real life examples to demonstrate answers
4. Ability to illustrate how they stand out as a candidate
5. Clear career plan or aspiration
6. Enthusiastic and passionate about the role
7. Communicate the benefits they can bring the business
8. Prepare questions in advance to ask the interviewer
9. Displays a good understanding of the role
10. Is an active listener

1. Poor verbal communication skills
2. Not answering the question asked
3. Not researching the company or role before the interview
4. Leaving a mobile phone on
5. Inability to provide solid examples of previous experience
6. Exaggerating experience or skills
7. Focusing on the negative rather than the positive in situations or experiences
8. Inability to answer technical questions
9. Arriving late
10. Not displaying an interest in the role

While each job is different, it seems that being happy and confident in a job interview does help improve the interviewer’s opinion of a candidate, said Emma Charnock, general manager of Hays Hong Kong. If you smile, maintain eye contact and speak clearly, you present yourself as self-confident and assured about your ability to do the job.

Poor verbal communication skills, such as giving short answers, struggling to articulate answers, speaking quietly or not thinking before speaking, are all big mistakes.

Equally, not listening properly to the question asked, giving an unrelated answer or being unsure of the question and so launching into a long and unrelated answer rather than asking for clarification, is also disadvantageous. If you can’t answer a question, say so, Emma said.

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