Hello everyone,
I’m Furubayashi from Good Job Magazine.
In my recent interviews with successful job changers in Singapore, they all faced one key challenge: acing the interview. A standout resume is necessary for securing that interview. It must clearly outline your career aspirations, reasons for changing jobs, and motivation for applying to the specific company.
In Japan, job applications typically require a resume and a work history. But what about resumes for job applications in Singapore? Unlike Japan, there’s no fixed template or standard format for English resumes in Singapore or other overseas markets.
Today, I’d like to share a sample of an “English resume” tailored for job seekers aiming to secure employment in Singapore.
Characteristics of Overseas and English Resumes
Japanese resumes often include comprehensive personal details, showcasing everything about the applicant, including personality traits. These resumes typically feature personal information such as address, gender, age, health status, marital status, and past salary.
In contrast, English resumes, commonly used overseas, generally exclude such personal details as employers can consider discriminatory. Therefore, omitting information like personal hobbies or special skills not directly related to the job is advisable.
Also, English resumes do not separate documents into a resume or work history. Instead, they focus on summarizing relevant information on a single page, making it easy for interviewers to understand your qualifications quickly.
Essential Elements for an English Resume
Here are the key components you need to include in an English resume:
- Personal Information: Name and contact details (a photo is not required)
- Date of Birth
- Educational Background
- Work History: Include company name, position, employment period, and job details (preferably in bullet points)
- Skills and Qualifications: Summarize work history, career highlights, and relevant personal attributes if they align with the job
Here’s an Example for your reference
Name
Address in Singapore
Tel / Email address
ObjectiveÂ
WORK EXPERIENCEÂ
Good Job Creations Pte.Ltd (Jan.2010-Dec2016)
-Position title-Â
- Prepare monthly payments for….
- Maintain existing clients and develop new clients…
- Supervise team members and report to HQ in Japan. etc…
EDUCATION
Good Job University (April.2005-March.2009)
Department Of Human Resources.
QUALIFICATIONS
- TOEIC900 (March.2016)
- Driving License (March.2008)
Critical Points for Writing an English Resume
Creating an effective English resume involves adhering to a few essential guidelines. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Keep Your Work History Brief
- Use bullet points to list your work experience.
- Summarize your business achievements and results.
- Use Consistent Fonts
- Ensure your resume has a uniform and professional look by using consistent fonts throughout.
- Omit Articles and Personal Pronouns
- Avoid using articles like “a” and “the.”
- Omit personal pronouns such as “I” to maintain a professional tone.
- Include an Objective Section
- If you have a clear idea of the job you want, write your motivation in the Objective section to highlight your career goals.
- Highlight Additional Information
- For positions requiring specific skills, such as programming or design, create a separate portfolio or include a URL to a website showcasing your work.
- Add your LinkedIn or GitHub URL to provide easy access to your professional profile and projects.
Additional Documents Required for Application
Besides your English resume, you will need the following documents when applying for a job. If you’re applying through a recruitment agency, consult a consultant to confirm the specifics.
- Transcript
- Graduation Certificate
- Passport Copy
*Note: You may also be asked to provide proof of employment from your previous job. Before extending a job offer, potential employers might contact your previous employer for a reference to learn about your work style and performance. This is common among foreign companies and serves as a background check. In some cases, a letter of recommendation may be required to verify past achievements and establish credibility.
Applying to a Japanese Company in Singapore
If you’re applying to a Japanese company in Singapore, what resume should you use? For foreign or Singaporean-owned companies, an English resume is sufficient. However, for Japanese companies, preparing a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) is advisable. Here’s why:
Many positions in Japanese companies in Singapore involve interacting with Japanese clients and communicating with Japanese superiors. As a result, hiring managers are often Japanese or expatriates from Japan.
Interviews are typically conducted according to Japanese customs, and candidates are expected to approach the interview similarly to how they would in Japan.
While it’s not necessary to use the same resume and CV as you would in Japan, presenting a Japanese-style resume can make the process smoother. It helps the interviewers, who are familiar with this format, understand your qualifications better. Therefore, we recommend preparing a Japanese-style resume as a considerate gesture.
Craft A Winning Resume!
Are you now familiar with the essentials of an English resume? An English resume is more straightforward than a Japanese resume, summarizing your key achievements succinctly. Don’t overthink it—confidently highlight your past accomplishments! You might even find it easier to write an English resume than you expected.
If you need guidance on crafting your resume, tailoring it to specific companies, or identifying your strengths, please contact us anytime! Remember, a compelling resume is the first step in securing a new job. We look forward to assisting you!
