Tips and recommendation for Resume Writing.

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IIUM Science Students Society (SCIENCESS)
Career Workshop * 13 April 2014
By Nur Haryati Hisham
Former Head of HR, Mesiniaga Berhad

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Quick facts about the resume
 Your resume has less than 30 seconds to impress any potential
employer.
 On average, between 100 to150 people apply for every advertised
vacancy.
 A resume is designed as a marketing document and NOT designed
to go on and on.
 Your personal profile is the MOST important part of your resume.
 There is no such thing as a standard layout when it comes to writing
your resume.

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Your resume. What’s the big deal?
 The job market is hyper-competitive. Make sure your
resume helps you stand out. Know what recruiters
look for.
 The resume is still the most important document for
job-seekers. It’s the first document screened by
recruiters, the first point of contact.
 A well-written resume saves time and maximises your
chance of success. Always have your resume with
you, ready to hit “Send”.
 Helps you cast the widest net in landing your dream
job.
http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/11/17/10-things-that-define-a-killer-resume/

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The anatomy of a resume
Your contact
information personal
profile:
• A recent & decent
profile picture
• Email address
• Contact number
Your career objectives:
• Clear and concise
• Good for fresh job-
seekers
• States why the
recruiter should read
your entire resume
Your professional
experience:
• Highlight
accomplishments &
results
• Useaction verbs and
active voice descriptions
Your education:
• For fresh graduates,
list this at the top
• Start with the highest
level of education
• Write your
college/university
name in full
Source: http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/12/18/anatomy-of-a-killer-resume/

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The cover letter
 This is also your email to prospective recruiters. Build
a good template and make it work for you.
 Compulsory when a written application is required.
 Highlights valuable traits:
 Attention to detail. Must be error-free.
 Show off your writing skills and command of language
 A sign of courtesy and professionalism
 Ability to follow instructions
 A chance to personalise your application and express
interest in the position and organisation

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Tips for writing a winning resume
 Get organised. Match your strengths with the job requirement.
 Know your reader
 Be clear and concise
 Use action verbs and active voice
 Use facts and figures
 Keep it short. Follow the 2-page rule.
 Pick the right format. Chronological, functional or both.
 Write the resume
 Get help editing your resume. Ask for feedback.
 Get it out there!
Source: http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/11/18/10-ways-to-build-a-resume-like-a-professional-resume-writer-the-dos/

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Fatal flaws of a bad resume
 Your email address and your profile picture can either seal the
deal or secure your resume a one-way trip to the trash bin.
 Never email a “naked” resume. A good cover email/letter is
never a waste of time.
 Never, ever send out a resume and a cover letter that are
badly-written or riddled with spelling and grammatical errors.
 Do not break the 2-page rule. Remove clutter and content that
conveys minimal substance or relevance.
 Leave out references until they are asked for.
 Always send your resume and cover letter in PDF format. The
formatting in a Word (.doc) document can and will go wrong.

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Putting your resume to work
 Cast the widest net. Get it out there!
 Sign up at all good job portals
 Scan for career fairs and walk-in interviews
 Scan the job ads, especially the Saturday Star recruitment section
 Targeted approach vs. “flood the market”
 What is your dream job?
 Who is your targeted employer?
 Where is your preferred job location?
 Beyond the resume. Caution: common sense required.
 A blog, Tumblr or LinkedIn page that highlights your career aspirations
and achievements.
 Do not disclose personal information. Never over-share.
 Try an Infographic resume.
 Keep your resume updated and ensure that the content
featured is current and relevant.

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Conclusion
 Your resume is a marketing tool to get yourself noticed
and to help prospective employers match you against
their requirements.
 A well-written cover letter/email along with a polished
resume will give you the advantage you need in a hyper-
competitive job-market.
 Never, ever commit the fatal flaws of a bad resume.
Know what they are and be sure to steer clear off this
path to silent rejection.
 Like most things, landing a job requires strategy. Be
prepared and think this through before you hit “Send”.
 Keep your resume updated. You never know when
opportunity might strike, taking you a step closer to your
dream job.

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