When you’re job hunting, your resume is often the first (and sometimes only) impression a hiring manager will get of you. I’ve read hundreds of them over the years, and let me tell you, every resume tells a story, not just about someone’s career path, but about how they think, organise information, and present themselves.
A strong resume isn’t just about getting your foot in the door for that first interview. It’s about giving the reader confidence that you can communicate clearly and get your point across, something every employer values.
The best part? You don’t need fancy templates or buzzwords that sound like they were pulled from a corporate dictionary. The secret to a good resume is simple: clarity, professionalism and impact.
And these basics never go out of style. Whether you’re a fresh graduate figuring out how to describe your internship experience, or a mid-career professional trying to condense a decade of work into two pages, the same rules apply. Think of them as the 10 commandments of writing a great resume — timeless principles that, when followed, will always help you stand out.
#1 Keep It to One Page
I’ve seen resumes that run three, four, even five pages long. I’ll be honest: I lose interest immediately after the first page. Hiring managers don’t have time to read essays. Your resume should highlight your most relevant roles and achievements, no more. The best way to summarise is with numbers that show measurable impact. For example: “Reduced reporting time by 35% through automation” tells me a lot in one line.
#2 Don’t Include a Photo
Unless you’re applying for a modeling or acting job, there is no reason to put a photo of yourself on your resume. Hiring decisions should be based on skills and experience, not appearance. Adding a photo risks creating bias—and not the good kind.
#3 Always Hyperlink Your LinkedIn Profile
We live in a digital-first world, and your online presence is part of your professional story. If you’re sending your resume, make sure to include a link to your LinkedIn profile. Why? Because hiring managers will look you up anyway. You might as well guide them to the right page, the one that shows your professional photo, career milestones, and maybe even a few recommendations or endorsements from people you’ve worked with.
#4 Never Send a Word Document
A resume sent as a Word file comes across as unpolished and careless. Word documents can look different depending on the device or Word version used, and they also raise unnecessary security concerns. PDF is the professional standard; it is clean, consistent, and final.
#5 Get the Basics Right: Formatting and Spelling
Formatting and brevity matter. A cluttered layout or sloppy spelling signals a lack of attention to detail. I’ve been genuinely puzzled to receive resumes riddled with spelling mistakes, when proofreading is such an easy win. Clean design, consistent fonts, and bullet points that highlight achievements make all the difference.
#6 Don’t Get Casual in Your Email
The email you send with your resume is part of your application. Write it properly. I once received an email with the candidate’s resume in which the individual wrote “Pls” instead of “please,” not once but repeatedly. It might sound minor, but to a hiring manager, it signals carelessness and complacency. A short, polite email written in complete sentences will always leave a better impression.
#7 Don’t List Every Job You’ve Ever Had
Your resume should focus on the roles most relevant to the job you want now. Listing every job you’ve ever done dilutes your story. Instead, highlight what you achieved and back it up with metrics.
For example:
No to “Worked in customer service for three years”
Yes to “Resolved 50+ customer queries daily with a 95% satisfaction score”
#8 Skip the Objective Statement
Objective statements like “Seeking a role to grow my skills and contribute to company success” waste space. Employers already know your objective is to get the job. Use that space for a short professional summary that showcases achievements, ideally with numbers: “Marketing professional with 7 years’ experience leading campaigns that grew lead generation by 40% year-on-year.”
#9 Avoid Buzzwords Without Proof
“Hardworking,” “team player,” “results-oriented”—these mean little without evidence. Instead of empty adjectives, show the results. For example:
No to “Excellent sales skills”
Yes to “Closed $3.2M in new business across 14 accounts in FY2024.
#10 Add Interests, But Keep It Brief
A resume should focus on professional experience, but a short line on interests can make you more relatable and create interview talking points. Running, cooking, photography—these details can spark connections and humanise your application. Keep it short, though; it should be one line, not a hobby essay.
Treat Your Resume Like A Living Document
Your resume is the foundation of every job application. Whether you’re fresh out of school or already a few promotions in, the basics don’t change: keep it concise, proofread carefully, and highlight achievements that show real, measurable impact.
Once you’ve gained a few years of experience, employers expect more than just a list of duties. They want to see a polished, results-driven document that reflects your value, and yes, they’ll assume the care you put into your resume is the same care you’ll bring to your work. Meeting that standard isn’t optional anymore; it’s the baseline.
Think of your resume as something you actively manage, not a file that collects dust until you need it. Update it after every major project or milestone so you’re not scrambling when the right opportunity appears. And don’t send out the same version to every employer, tailor it to each role, emphasising the skills and results that matter most to them.
A well-maintained resume does more than get you noticed. It reminds you of how far you’ve come, and keeps you ready for whatever comes next.
Read Also: 5 Ways To Make Sure Your CV Gets You Noticed In Singapore’s Competitive Job Market
Chua Ee Chien is currently APAC Director, Business Development at GTN, leading sales to Fintechs in the greater APAC region.
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