Gen Zs, Check Out These Resume Building Tips To Make A Good Impression

Kudos on your graduation! You've crossed that academic finish line, and now it's time to set your sights on the world of work. To secure your dream job, you'll need a standout resume. While there are many templates out there for you to peruse, here’s what we think would benefit you.

Read on to discover essential tips for building a compelling resume that will help land you a job interview.

1. Start with an Executive Summary

At the top of your resume, craft an executive summary. This should be a concise statement that highlights your qualifications and career aspirations. Your executive summary is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers, so make it count.

Example: "Recent marketing graduate with a passion for digital advertising and a proven track record of creating engaging social media campaigns. Eager to apply my skills to drive business growth and innovation in Singapore's dynamic market."

2. Mention Educational Details

Your education is a crucial focal point, especially if you're a recent graduate. Include details like your degree, the name of your institution, your graduation date, and any relevant academic honors or awards. If you have an impressive GPA, consider mentioning it.

Example:

- (Relevant Certification)

- (Education Institution)

- (Graduation Date)

3. Highlight Relevant Courses, Projects, and Competition

Given the competitive job market, you should emphasise relevant coursework and projects. This is where you can showcase the knowledge and skills you've acquired in your field of study. If you happen to have taken part in hackathons or other competitions, be sure to list them out (along with any outstanding achievements) here too!

Example:

- "Relevant Courses: Market Research, E-commerce Strategies, Consumer Behaviour, Business Ethics."

- “Capstone Project: Consumer Behaviour across the Singapore Shopping Sale 2022 at Singapore Shopping Mall”

- “Competition: ABC Innovation Challenge (2022) | Second Runner Up”

4. Include A Skills Section

Being adept at technology, Gen Z often boasts a wide range of digital and technical skills. List these in your resume, including both hard skills (like programming languages, software proficiency, or data analysis) and soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability).

Example:

- Hard Skills: Python, Google Ads, Microsoft Excel

- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Cross-cultural Communication, Adaptability

Bonus tip: When possible, show how your hard skills or soft skills relate back to your previous internship experience or projects.

5. Showcase Internships and Volunteering Experiences

Even if you haven't held traditional jobs, emphasise any internships or volunteer experiences. Focus on what you accomplished and the skills you developed.

Example:

Marketing Intern, ABC Start-up (May – August 2022)

- Assisted in crafting and executing social media campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement.

- Conducted market research and analysed data to identify target demographics.

6. Customise for Each Application

Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. Carefully read the job description and align your skills and experiences with the position's requirements. Put simply, it’s market practice to have multiple resumes for different roles.

7. Use Action Verbs

Start your bullet points with powerful action verbs. This gives your resume a dynamic feel and demonstrates that you were actively involved in your experiences.

Example: Instead of saying "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say "Managed social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 25%."

8. Quantify Achievements

Where possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers make your accomplishments more impactful and measurable.

Example: "Increased website traffic by 30% in 3 months" or "Led a team of 5 volunteers for a community project."

9. Proofread and Edit

A polished resume is vital. Scan for typos, grammatical errors, and overall consistency. Seek a friend or mentor's feedback to help you refine your resume.

10. Keep it Concise

Your resume should be clear and concise, ideally fitting on a single page. Be selective about the information you include, focusing on the most relevant details. Remember, your prospective hiring managers may be impressed by your organisation skills!

11. Use A Professional Email Address

Ensure your email address is professional; it's best to use your full name or a variation of it.

Example: john.doe@email.com

Remember, your resume is your introduction to potential employers. It's not about having years of experience but showcasing your potential and what you can bring to the table in Singapore's competitive job market. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a resume that captures your strengths and helps you take your first step into the Singaporean professional world. Best of luck!

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