Easy resume tips for Singaporeans
For fresh graduates and first-time job seekers in Singapore, crafting a standout resume can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Recruiters often sift through dozens – if not hundreds – of resumes for each job posting, so first jobbers need to make every word count. Here are some easy resume tips to help you stand out from your peers:
1. Focus on transferable skills
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Even if you lack direct work experience, highlight soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, or communication. These skills are highly valued across industries. According to a LinkedIn study, Singaporean recruiters rank adaptability and collaboration as top skills in 2024.
Weaker: “Good at working in teams.”
Stronger: “Collaborated with a team of five on a business case competition, securing 1st place by presenting a data-driven marketing strategy.”
2. Quantify your achievements
Wherever possible, include metrics to show your impact. Numbers, percentages, or measurable results are more compelling than vague statements. For example:
Weaker: “Managed social media for a student club.”
Stronger: “Increased Instagram followers by 20% in three months through strategic content planning for the Student Marketing Club.”
3. Tailor your resume for each job application
Generic resumes rarely make it past the first glance. To truly stand out, your resume needs to feel like it was written specifically for the role you’re applying for. This means customising key sections—especially your Summary Statement, Skills, and Work/Project Experience—to align with the job description.
Weaker: “Looking for a job to learn and grow.”
Stronger: “Motivated marketing graduate with hands-on experience in data analysis, eager to help [Company Name] grow its digital presence.”
Pro Tip: Don’t just copy and paste keywords—use them naturally while showcasing your unique contributions. This not only helps you stand out but can also ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often used by HR teams in Singapore to screen applications.
4. Showcase the impact of your internships & projects
Internships and school projects are staples for first jobbers, but to stand out, focus on showcasing the impact of your contributions, not just the tasks. Use action verbs, quantify results where possible, and frame your experience in a way that highlights problem-solving, leadership, or initiative.
Think: Did you tackle an unusual problem or step outside your assigned role? Recruiters value initiative. Also mention what you learned or improved, especially if it’s relevant to the job.
Weaker: “Interned at XYZ Company, helping the team with administrative tasks and data entry.”
Stronger: “Streamlined data entry processes during my internship at XYZ Company, reducing errors by 15% and saving 5 hours per week for the team.”
Pro Tip: If your projects or internships involve well-known Singaporean brands, government organisations, or multinational companies, be sure to name them. Employers are more likely to recognise and value your experience if it’s with reputable institutions. If the company isn’t well-known, briefly describe it (e.g., “a local SME specialising in digital marketing solutions”).
This approach ensures that your internships and projects feel impactful, even if they’re similar to what other candidates list.
5. Use a clean & professional layout
A resume with an eye-catching yet professional design can set you apart. Avoid clutter—stick to one or two fonts, ensure clear section headers, and keep the formatting consistent. According to TheLadders, most recruiters typically spend only about 6 seconds scanning a resume, so clarity is key.
Weaker: Overly designed resume with multiple fonts, colours, and graphics.
Stronger: A single-page resume with sections clearly divided by headers (e.g., “Skills,” “Experience,” “Education”). Use fonts like Arial or Calibri for a clean look.
6. Link to your online portfolio
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If you’re applying for creative roles—like design or media—an online portfolio is a must. Platforms like Behance, LinkedIn, or even a simple Google Drive link can showcase your work beyond words.
This isn’t just limited to creative fields – those in business and finance can use platforms like GitHub and Tableau Public to share projects, such as financial models, dashboards, or data visualizations.
Weaker: Embedding your portfolio link in a graphic that might not load properly.
Stronger: Adding a clickable hyperlink: “Portfolio: [your-portfolio-link.com]”. Include a URL shortener like bit.ly or QR code if you are submitting a physical copy of your resume.
7. Highlight languages & tech skills
If you’re fluent in multiple languages (e.g., English, Mandarin, Tamil, Malay), mention it. Similarly, proficiency in tools like Excel, Google Analytics, or design software can give you an edge. Employers in Singapore often look for bilingual candidates due to the country’s diverse market.
Weaker: “Knows Microsoft Office and can speak Mandarin.”
Stronger: “Fluent in English and Mandarin (spoken and written); proficient in Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP) and Google Analytics.”
8. Keep it concise
For first jobbers, a one-page resume is the gold standard. Recruiters don’t need a life story—just the highlights that showcase why you’re the best fit.
Weaker: Including irrelevant hobbies or unrelated part-time jobs.
Stronger: Highlighting school projects, leadership roles, or internships directly tied to the job. For example: “Co-led a design team to create branding materials for a university event attended by 500 participants.”
9. Add a personal touch with a summary statement
Open your resume with a short summary or objective – think of it as an elevator pitch. This 2–3 sentence section should quickly convey your career goals and what you bring to the table. Make it specific and aligned to the role:
Weaker: “Fresh graduate looking for a job to grow skills.”
Stronger: “Detail-oriented business graduate with experience in financial modelling and a passion for data-driven decision-making.”
10. Proofread. Then proofread again.
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A clean, error-free document demonstrates professionalism, strong communication skills, and respect for the recruiter’s time.
On the flipside, typos and grammatical errors on a resume can significantly damage your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Recruiters can interpret such mistakes as a lack of attention to detail or enthusiasm for the role, landing your application in the reject pile.
Weaker: “Proficient in Microsoft Ofice and experienced in event managment.”
Stronger: “Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced in event management.”
Run your copy through proofreading tools like Grammarly for a quick spelling and grammar check – but don’t rely solely on them as they aren’t 100% foolproof.
It’s also a good idea to get a friend or family member to help catch mistakes you might not notice. Printing and reading a hard copy of the resume would also help provide a fresh perspective and spot errors missed on screen.
Apply for your first job with confidence with these resume tips
Your resume is more than just a list of qualifications—it’s your first opportunity to impress hiring managers and show them you’re the right fit for the job. By tailoring your resume, highlighting your strengths, and ensuring it’s free of errors, you increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
Remember, a strong resume can be the key to unlocking your career. Head over to Cultjobs to explore exciting first job opportunities in Singapore, and start applying today. Your dream job could be just a few clicks away.
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