If this is your first time writing a proper resume to apply for jobs, you must be wondering what actually makes a good resume. What information should you include, to make it look comprehensive and professional? HubbedIn Singapore asked several top recruiters about what details they would like to see in a good resume but not all job seekers include them in theirs, and here are their answers.

What is a Resume?

A resume is summary of your professional background, usually accompanied with a cover letter; both written in a formal way of writing. It supposed to show who you are, your educational background and work history, what kind of experiences you have, and how does it relate & how can it contribute to the position you’re applying. 

Nowadays it’s almost always required to have a resume to apply for a job, because that’s the only way a recruiter can get to know about the candidates before the whole interview process can begin.

For the first timers, maybe you already know what basic information should be included in a resume. But a good, relevant, and detailed resume can definitely help you to stand out among all other applicants. 

7 Details to Include in a Resume

HubbedIn Singapore asked several top recruiters about what information they would like to see in a resume and would be helpful for them, but not all candidates include them in their resumes. Here are 7 key points that they basically believe should be in a resume;

1. Contact details

Of course, contact details need to be in the resume, right? As a matter of fact, many candidates didn’t include it in detail, or forgot to put them in at all. Avoid only putting one way to communicate with you in there, it’s better to set up several alternatives like an e-mail address (make sure it’s your active e-mail), and other messaging apps that you have on your phones (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram). 

Some candidates only put their home numbers (land line) in their resume, and some others only put one cell phone number (and if it’s set on silent mode, then there goes their opportunities). Let’s avoid that; the idea of giving out your resume is so recruiters know you exist and can contact you. Put several alternatives on how people can contact you, if you think there’s a chance you can’t be reached in your main phone number.

2. Current location

It’s easier for the recruiters to process your application if they’re already know where you are at the moment, and where you will be once the you got the job later. You don’t have to put the exact details of your home address in the resume, just put the city/town of the country you’re currently living in. Remember, your resume can be passed around between relevant parties, and you don’t want to put too much of any personal information (your complete address, for example) in there, right?

Just write down the town you’re in (e.g., “Jakarta, Indonesia”, “Singapore, Singapore”, “Bangkok, Thailand”, “Manila, Philippines”, etc); keep it simple, but still useful for the recruiters.

3. Job description

This is what bothering most of the recruiters; candidates often didn’t include relevant job experiences, or not putting enough details of what they were doing in those jobs. 

If you’re applying for a digital marketing job, then it’s better to only put all working experience related to digital marketing fields in your resume, and take out the irrelevant ones. Yes, we know it looks good to list everything you’ve ever done in there, but it’s really not helping to expedite the recruitment process. Always better to tailor your resume to the jobs you’re trying to apply.

And another thing is, candidates were writing relevant job experiences, but not the details of those work. What were your responsibilities, your job descriptions? By having these descriptions, it can help the recruiters to understand what kind of workload and how much knowledge you had. You don’t have to explain it in too much details, just 1-2 sentences are enough. If the recruiters need more information, they can ask you later during the interviews.

4. Projects

If you have a special section on your resume about list of projects that you were involved with, just add an explanation of what was your role at that time, and what were your responsibilities. Many candidates just list in the project names, without elaborating even a bit about what were their contributions to that project. If it’s not quite significant, or not even related at all, to the position you’re applying, it’s better to just take it out from the resume.

5. Portfolios

If you happen to have your portfolios in digital files, it’s important to also show it your resume; even better if you just prepare a shared folder (for example, Dropbox or Google Drive) and put a clickable hyperlink in your resume. You can also attach them, but most of the time it’d be just making the size of the resume file bigger. It’s easier for you to do and prepare, and easier for the recruiters to review your portfolios later. 

6. LinkedIn profile

Do you have a LinkedIn profile? If yes, then it’s definitely should be in the resume. Just like the portfolios, you only need to write in a clickable hyperlink in your resume, leading to your updated LinkedIn profile. 

If you don’t, then you should probably start to create one. 

7. Hard skill sets

Now lastly don’t forget to mention about your skills to run certain apps and programs, especially if you’re aiming for software development, data analysis, or graphic designer roles. If you’re good at it, don’t be shy; just include them on the list. But remember, avoid writing something that you are actually not too familiar with. Don’t exaggerate.

So, that was the 7 details that should be in a good resume, but many job seekers have missed out. If any of those points related to your situation, then just make sure it’s in your resume for the next time you’re applying for jobs somewhere. Good luck!

Ready with Your Resume? Then Send It to Us!

To accommodate the growing needs of talented tech jobs, HubbedIn Singapore steps in to help creating the process easier and flexible, for both business owners AND job seekers. Our experienced recruiters will scan, identify, and present good candidates to the clients. We’re always looking for efficient ways to help jobseekers to develop their career & to help business owners to grow their organizations.

Feel free to send us your resume to talent@hubbedin.com, and one of our recruiters will get in touch with you. Don’t forget to sign up, and build your own customized landing page for your profile.