Writing a good resume is the first step in the job search process.

Did you know most employers spend less than a minute screening a resume? So how can you write a great cv to capture the attention of the interviewer and increase the chance of an interview?

Some key tips of a Winning Resume

• The length of your resume should aim to cover 2 to 3 pages and no more than 5.

• The cv should contain accurate details on the name of the employers, the duration of employment with each employer, title of roles held, academic qualifications etc (especially in light of the current trend for some employers to do detailed cv background check before an offer is confirmed).

• It is a good practice to include a cover letter/email summarising your key relevant experience relating to the specific job opening. Some may include a paragraph on "why you should hire me", which highlights your key selling candidacy points in relation to the role requirements.

• The resume should include provide a database of skills, experience, responsibilities and achievements that you have held for each role. It is  critical to include relevant experience relating to the specific post!

• Remember that your resume will be the documents/ script for the interviewer's questions.

• Make sure the cv is clear and visually attractive with no grammatical and spelling errors.
  
  
• It is helpful to include the reasons for the various career moves (as these are inevitable questions that interviewers will like to know).

• Information regarding your notice/availabilty period, and salary info (current and expected salary), referee s' details  should be included in the resume or on the cover letter/email whenever possible.

Chronological resumes with key Achievements recommended

• The most widely accepted style is the chronological resume, i.e. the cv is presented in reverse date order with the latest/current appointment presented first.

• We recommend presenting your career background as a series of positions held with each employer, and with the achievements listed against each position.

• More space can be allocated to the more recent positions, since these are the most recent experience and these are the roles where the more important achievements are usually found.

• In some situations, a functional resume is acceptable (though this is less used in practice and less preferred by most recruiters). A functional resume is one where you group your skills and experience under `functional' headings which are content related. Examples of typical functional headings can be “management skills”, “business partnering skills” , "project management skills" etc.