A resume format that works: Stand out in Singapore’s job market

A well-crafted resume can spell the difference between hearing back from an employer and not at all.  

This deserves your special attention, given the current hiring landscape. The 2024 Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey revealed that more graduates in Singapore remained jobless six months after leaving school, even as the number of graduates has grown an average of 2.65% year-on-year over the past five years.  

To overcome these odds, your resume must be clear, professional, and tailored to local expectations. A strong, well-formatted resume highlights your skills and achievements and shows that you understand what Singaporean employers are looking for. 

This guide walks you through key resume formats, essential sections, and formatting tips. These will help you create a clear, professional resume that will help you stand out in Singapore’s competitive job market. 

• Understanding the ideal resume format 
• Key elements of a resume
• Formatting tips for resumes 
• Tailoring your resume for Singaporean employers 
• Don’t make these resume format mistakes 
• Crafting a winning resume for Singapore’s job market 
• FAQs 

Understanding the ideal resume format 

Let’s start with the basics: the resume format. Choosing the correct structure can make or break your job application. There are three main types of resume formats: 

1. Chronological resume: Most commonly used resume format 

This is the go-to resume format for most job seekers – and for good reason. It lists your work experience in a reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent role. It’s ideal if you have a steady work history and are applying for roles within the same industry. 

Best for: Experienced professionals with a clear career progression. 

2. Functional resume: Highlights the “greatest hits” 

Instead of focusing on the timeline and location of your previous jobs, this resume format highlights your technical skills and achievements. Use the functional resume format if you’re switching industries, have gaps in your employment, or are early in your career. 

Best for: Career changers, fresh graduates, or those with non-linear career paths. 

3. Combination resume: Resume-of-all-trades  

As the name suggests, this resume format combines the best of both worlds. It begins with a skills summary and then lists your work history. Use this combination resume format to showcase your competencies and professional experience. 

Best for: Mid-level professionals with a strong skill set and relevant work history. 

How long should my resume be? 

When it comes to resume format length in Singapore, one size doesn’t fit all. Unlike countries where a one-page resume is standard, resumes here are longer, especially for professionals with years of experience. 

For entry-level candidates or fresh graduates, aim for a one- to two-page resume format. Keep it concise and focused on your education, internships, skills, and any relevant achievements. 

If you’re applying for mid-level or executive roles, a longer resume format is not just acceptable but expected. Most management-level resumes in Singapore run two to three pages. Senior professionals may have resumes that stretch up to five pages, particularly if they’ve held multiple roles or led high-profile projects. 

Ultimately, your resume's length depends on how you can effectively showcase your value without overwhelming the reader. Prioritise clarity, relevance, and impact over strict word counts. 

Key elements of a resume  

What really goes into the right resume format? What key skills and career journey highlights should you include?  

While the content may vary slightly depending on your experience and industry, there are key elements that every standout resume tailored for the Singapore job search should cover: 

1. Personal details 

Start with your full name, mobile number, email address, nationality, and residential address. Including nationality is standard in Singapore due to work pass eligibility considerations. 

You may also include a professional headshot. While not legally required, it’s a common practice in Singapore, especially for entry-level or government roles. Choose a clean, formal photo—not a selfie! 

Optional: Social media profile, portfolio link, or personal website (especially for creative or tech roles). 

2. Career objective or summary 

Craft your elevator pitch to suit the position you want. In two to three sentences, explain who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re aiming for. Make it specific to the role and show your enthusiasm for the industry. 

Example (entry-level) 

Fresh marketing graduate passionate about digital campaigns and consumer psychology. Eager to contribute creative thinking and analytical skills to a fast-paced marketing team.” 

Example (experienced) 

“Seasoned HR manager with over 10 years of experience leading talent development initiatives in MNCs. Proven track record in organisational change and employee engagement strategies.” 

3. Work experience 

List your roles in reverse chronological format. For each position, include the following: 

• Job title 
• Company name and location 
• Dates of employment 
• Key responsibilities (use bullet points) 
• Noteworthy achievements (quantify where possible) 

For the last point, write your achievements to focus on outcomes, not just duties. 

• A good example: “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 30% by introducing a streamlined support ticketing system.” 
• Avoid: “Handled customer complaints.” 

4. Education section 

Include your degrees, certifications, diplomas, and relevant coursework. Start with your most recent education. Include: 

• Degree title 
• Institution name 
• Years attended 
• Honours, GPA (if above 3.5), and awards

 5. Skills 

Include a tailored mix of hard and soft skills. Prioritise the skills mentioned in the job description. 

• Hard skills: SQL, Canva, Microsoft Excel, SEO, etc. 
• Soft skills: Communication, leadership, time management, EQ. 

Hot tip: Soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, and time management are highly valued by Singaporean employers, so don’t count them out! 

6. Additional sections 

Assuming you can back them up, these can help set you apart from applicants competing for the same job: 

• Certifications: PMP, CFA, Google Analytics, etc. 
• Achievements & Awards: Dean’s list, employee of the month, sales champion. 
• Languages: English (fluent), Mandarin (conversational). 
• References: Include two to three professional references with their titles and contact information. 

Formatting tips for resumes 

Presentation matters. The right resume format makes it easier for hiring managers to focus on your experience and relevant skills without distractions. Make it easy for them to keep reading, and stick to the following simple resume layout and formatting tips: 

• Font: Stick to clean, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 pt size. 
• Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins. 
• Resume layout: Keep it simple. Avoid fancy designs, colours, or graphics unless you’re in a creative field. 
• Bullet points: Use them to break up information for easy reading. 
• Consistency: Ensure uniform spacing, fonts, and formatting throughout. 

About file types: ATS-friendly resume format tips 

Most large employers in Singapore use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen job seekers' resumes. First, follow an ATS-friendly resume format – ideally .pdf or .docx – to ensure compatibility. Next, use the following tips to make sure your resume passes the scan: 

• Avoid tables, text boxes, or columns
• Stick to standard section headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education) 
• Use keywords from the job description 

Finally, proofread before you hit “send”! Typos, inconsistent formatting, and grammar mistakes can quickly send your resume to the back of the pile.  

Tailoring your resume for Singaporean employers 

Sending the same resume to every employer may limit your chances. Customising your resume increases your chances of standing out. 

For instance, if you're applying for a role at a government-linked company, you might highlight structure, discipline, and collaborative skills. For a tech startup, focus on innovation, agility, adaptability, and technical skills. 

Use these tips to tailor your resume effectively: 

1. Research the company 

Before applying, take the time to understand the company’s mission, tone, and recent initiatives. Aligning your resume with their values and priorities shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role. 

2. Mirror the job ad 

Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job posting into your resume, especially in your skills and work experience sections. This not only highlights your relevance but also helps your resume pass ATS screening systems. 

3. Show cultural fit 

Singaporean employers value team players who can adapt to structured, multicultural environments. Highlight soft skills relevant to the industry, like collaboration, professionalism, and flexibility; these show you’ll thrive in the company’s culture and contribute positively. 

4. Highlight relevant achievements 

Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate a measurable impact in your recent job, such as increased sales, improved processes, or successful projects. This shows employers how you’ve delivered results—and how you can add value to their team. 

5. Be formal yet friendly 

Use clear, respectful language that conveys professionalism without sounding stiff or robotic. Avoid jargon, Singlish, and overly casual expressions to strike a tone that’s both approachable and appropriate for Singaporean workplaces. 

6. Should you use British or American English? 

Both are acceptable, but be consistent. If you write “organise” (British), don’t write “analyse” (American) later down in the resume. Choose based on the company’s style, or stick with British English, as it’s more commonly used in Singapore. 

Don’t make these resume format mistakes  

Even a polished resume can be undermined by avoidable mistakes. Here are the biggest pitfalls to steer clear of: 

1. Overly casual language or slang 

Maintain a friendly but professional tone in your resume. Overly casual phrases like “kinda helped” or “did stuff” weaken your achievements – stick to clear, formal wording that reflects your skills and experience.  

2. One-size-fits-all resumes 

Generic resumes won’t get you noticed. Tailor your resume format and content to match each job’s requirements and employer expectations. 

3. Irrelevant personal info 

Details like age, religion, or marital status aren’t required and can distract from your qualifications. Focus on what’s relevant to the role. 

4. Using an unprofessional email 

If your default email sounds straight out of primary school (“[email protected]”, or “[email protected]”), your resume is likely to be tossed in the trash bin. Use an alternate, more professional-sounding one (like [fullname]@gmail.com) instead.  

5. Ignoring career breaks 

If your job history reflects a gap year or a career break, don’t leave it unexplained. Employers appreciate honesty and context. According to a CNBC survey, over 50% of hiring managers are more likely to contact candidates who explain their resume gaps. If possible, use the break to highlight your personal growth, freelancing, certifications, or volunteer work. 

Crafting a winning resume for Singapore’s job market 

In Singapore’s job market, a resume should go beyond simply listing your experience. It should reflect your strengths, goals, and fit for the role. How you tailor your resume format can make a real difference in whether you land that first interview. 

Don’t wait for the perfect role to start polishing your resume. Update it regularly, get feedback from trusted professionals, and keep it aligned with your career goals. With the right structure and a clear, confident tone, your resume can help you win your desired job in Singapore's dynamic career market. 

FAQs 

1. What’s the best resume format for job seekers in Singapore? 
   ⁠The chronological resume format is the most widely used and preferred by employers in Singapore. It presents your career journey in reverse chronological format, making it easy to see your career progression. 
2. How long should my resume be? 
   ⁠For fresh graduates, 1 to 2 pages is ideal. Mid-level and executive resumes can go up to 3 to 5 pages, especially if you have extensive experience in your recent job or multiple leadership roles. 
3. Should I include a photo on my resume? 
   ⁠Although photos aren’t mandatory in modern resume templates, they are common in Singapore. A professional headshot is recommended, especially for entry-level roles or government applications. 
4. What file format should I use to submit my resume? 
   ⁠Use a .pdf or .docx resume format to ensure compatibility with the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by most large employers in Singapore. To ensure your resume is ATS-compliant, avoid using tables, text boxes, or columns. Stick to standard section headings (e.g. Work Experience, Education) and use keywords from the job listing description. 
5. Can I use either British or American English? 
   ⁠Yes, both are acceptable. Just be consistent throughout your resume. British English tends to be more common locally. 
6. Do I need to tailor my resume for each job? 
   ⁠Absolutely. Customising your resume to reflect the job description and company culture greatly improves your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. 
7. What sections should I include in my resume? 
   ⁠Every resume should cover essential areas such as personal details, a professional summary or objective, work experience, an education section, and relevant skills. To strengthen your job application, you can also include certifications, awards, languages, and references.