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Singapore Resume Templates / Expectations

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brian_singapore
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Singapore Resume Templates / Expectations

Post by brian_singapore » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 3:34 am

Hi,

I'm hoping I'm not going to be flamed for this question. I surely thought it would have been covered adequately in the forums, but perhaps I'm not searching properly or more likely the search terms are simply too generic and end up hitting a vast quantity of the threads across this forum.

I'm looking for a template for a Singapore resume. I've done some searching on recruitment sites, on google and using the search functionality for this forum. I've heard Singaporean companies usually expect things like a photo, details on citizenship, ethnicity, religion etc. I've seen examples of this on CVs from other countries in the region. I'm looking for the specific norms for Singapore.

Most of the recruitment sites give general tips but not a specific format or listing of what is expected. Most templates I've found online don't contain any of the above information and look no different from western style (CAD/US) CVs. I'm not sure if this is because the expectations are essentially the same and I'm the one out of the loop, or I'm not coming across the correct information.

Could someone help me out and either point me to a good template or at least provide a listing of what would be expected?

Edit: Completed a paragraph

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Re: Singapore Resume Templates / Expectations

Post by the lynx » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 9:54 am

brian_singapore wrote:Hi,

I'm hoping I'm not going to be flamed for this question. I surely thought it would have been covered adequately in the forums, but perhaps I'm not searching properly or more likely the search terms are simply too generic and end up hitting a vast quantity of the threads across this forum.

I'm looking for a template for a Singapore resume. I've done some searching on recruitment sites, on google and using the search functionality for this forum. I've heard Singaporean companies usually expect things like a photo, details on citizenship, ethnicity, religion etc. I've seen examples of this on CVs from other countries in the region. I'm looking for the specific norms for Singapore.

Most of the recruitment sites give general tips but not a specific format or listing of what is expected. Most templates I've found online don't contain any of the above information and look no different from western style (CAD/US) CVs. I'm not sure if this is because the expectations are essentially the same and I'm the one out of the loop, or I'm not coming across the correct information.

Could someone help me out and either point me to a good template or at least provide a listing of what would be expected?

Edit: Completed a paragraph
To start, a regular format of CV/resume (like the ones you see used in Europe, North America and Australia) will do in Singapore, with minor points.

1. Any MNC worth its salt based in Singapore will not bother to ask for anything outside of regular CV/resume format.

2. All SMEs (especially run by locals or Asian PRs) will always have to ask for you to include your photo, gender and nationality. Religion, sexual orientation, height/weight, vital stats are unnecessary unless you're into modelling or ministerial roles.

3. Unless specified otherwise, there is no strict rule on how long your CV/resume should be or how detailed it should be. Recruiters usually ask for only 2-page ones but HRs normally wouldn't care. As long as the important information is inside (education, experience, skills).

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Post by PNGMK » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 10:13 am

The photo is so that HR can practice ageism, sexism, racial and religious discrimination without actually appearing to do so.

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Post by brian_singapore » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 10:29 am

PNGMK wrote:The photo is so that HR can practice ageism, sexism, racial and religious discrimination without actually appearing to do so.
Yep understand the use of the photo, but also that in some countries without one, your CV will also be discarded :-p.

My photo looks surprisingly like Tom Cruise ;-)

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Re: Singapore Resume Templates / Expectations

Post by brian_singapore » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 10:30 am

the lynx wrote: To start, a regular format of CV/resume (like the ones you see used in Europe, North America and Australia) will do in Singapore, with minor points.

1. Any MNC worth its salt based in Singapore will not bother to ask for anything outside of regular CV/resume format.

2. All SMEs (especially run by locals or Asian PRs) will always have to ask for you to include your photo, gender and nationality. Religion, sexual orientation, height/weight, vital stats are unnecessary unless you're into modelling or ministerial roles.

3. Unless specified otherwise, there is no strict rule on how long your CV/resume should be or how detailed it should be. Recruiters usually ask for only 2-page ones but HRs normally wouldn't care. As long as the important information is inside (education, experience, skills).
Thanks, this was very useful.

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Post by beppi » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 5:41 pm

You can also include your current salary and salary expectation if offered the job. They will ask you that anyway, so it saves time to put it into your CV.

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Post by Strong Eagle » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 9:07 pm

beppi wrote:You can also include your current salary and salary expectation if offered the job. They will ask you that anyway, so it saves time to put it into your CV.
VERY bad advice... unless you are applying to be a clerk at at 7-11 store.

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Re: Singapore Resume Templates / Expectations

Post by BillyB » Tue, 13 Aug 2013 10:32 pm

brian_singapore wrote:Hi,

I'm hoping I'm not going to be flamed for this question. I surely thought it would have been covered adequately in the forums, but perhaps I'm not searching properly or more likely the search terms are simply too generic and end up hitting a vast quantity of the threads across this forum.

I'm looking for a template for a Singapore resume. I've done some searching on recruitment sites, on google and using the search functionality for this forum. I've heard Singaporean companies usually expect things like a photo, details on citizenship, ethnicity, religion etc. I've seen examples of this on CVs from other countries in the region. I'm looking for the specific norms for Singapore.

Most of the recruitment sites give general tips but not a specific format or listing of what is expected. Most templates I've found online don't contain any of the above information and look no different from western style (CAD/US) CVs. I'm not sure if this is because the expectations are essentially the same and I'm the one out of the loop, or I'm not coming across the correct information.

Could someone help me out and either point me to a good template or at least provide a listing of what would be expected?

Edit: Completed a paragraph
Attach a picture with your wangers hanging out and you've got yourself a guaranteed interview......

.........ooops, sorry, Brain. Better book in for that sex change op........

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Post by the lynx » Wed, 14 Aug 2013 8:32 am

Strong Eagle wrote:
beppi wrote:You can also include your current salary and salary expectation if offered the job. They will ask you that anyway, so it saves time to put it into your CV.
VERY bad advice... unless you are applying to be a clerk at at 7-11 store.
Agreed.

To add, I have seen countless of CVs and resumes sent by especially Malaysians and Singaporeans which included these two voluntarily. Just because it is a norm among the majority, it doesn't make it right either. I doubt it helps the job seeker but it certainly helps the hiring managers!

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Post by beppi » Wed, 14 Aug 2013 3:11 pm

He asked what is the norm, not what makes sense.

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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Wed, 14 Aug 2013 3:49 pm

the lynx wrote:
Strong Eagle wrote:
beppi wrote:You can also include your current salary and salary expectation if offered the job. They will ask you that anyway, so it saves time to put it into your CV.
VERY bad advice... unless you are applying to be a clerk at at 7-11 store.
Agreed.

To add, I have seen countless of CVs and resumes sent by especially Malaysians and Singaporeans which included these two voluntarily. Just because it is a norm among the majority, it doesn't make it right either. I doubt it helps the job seeker but it certainly helps the hiring managers!
Yep.

Oh, two other things. Happy belated birthday and welcome back from Laos! :wink:
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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Post by the lynx » Wed, 14 Aug 2013 4:02 pm

sundaymorningstaple wrote:
the lynx wrote:
Strong Eagle wrote: VERY bad advice... unless you are applying to be a clerk at at 7-11 store.
Agreed.

To add, I have seen countless of CVs and resumes sent by especially Malaysians and Singaporeans which included these two voluntarily. Just because it is a norm among the majority, it doesn't make it right either. I doubt it helps the job seeker but it certainly helps the hiring managers!
Yep.

Oh, two other things. Happy belated birthday and welcome back from Laos! :wink:
Thanks gramps! :love:

Laos is beautiful. You should visit it (health permitting) :) :P

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Post by Strong Eagle » Wed, 14 Aug 2013 8:44 pm

beppi wrote:He asked what is the norm, not what makes sense.
Most assuredly, not the norm for professional positions. Only the most junior (and clueless) put this info on a CV. And that includes locals.

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Post by g-shock » Sun, 18 Aug 2013 12:16 am

Recently i helped out at a talk at Citibank for writing professional resumes. I still have the notes with me and wouldnt mind sharing them for free.

pm me if you need it.

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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Sun, 18 Aug 2013 12:51 am

Tic...toc...tic...toc.....
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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