According to a job market survey, conducted using an eye-tracking technique in 2013, it was found that recruiters spend just 7.4 seconds on a resume. Given the brief window, itโs extremely crucial for your resume to make a strong first impression. Small details such as layout, spacing, text flow and keyword selection are easy to overlook but can significantly impact your chances of being called for an interview. Unsure where to begin and what to do? Relax, weโve put together a list of helpful resume hacks to help you get closer to your dream job in Singapore.ย
If youโre in a rush and looking for a reliable online CV maker tool, check out Bossjobโs AICV. Itโs a free AI powered tool that lets you create stunning CVs in just minutes.ย
Top Resume Hacks An Applicant Needs to Know to Score a Job in Singaporeย
Whether you’re a fresh grad or a seasoned professional, tailoring your resume is key to getting noticed by recruiters. Here are some top resume hacks recommended by recruiters themselves.
Use simple formats, such as the F-shaped reading pattern
The study conducted by Ladders confirms that recruiters often scan resumes in patterns. In fact, according to the NN Group, the F-shaped pattern is one of the more efficient ways to read and register information. It is also the pattern recruiters prefer, as they read horizontally first, then vertically.ย
So, how to write your resume in the F-shaped reading pattern?
Incorporate the following in your resume to allow recruiters to read efficiently.
- Use subheads and headings for recruiters to quickly locate specific sections, such as experience, skills, or education.
- Start each bullet with action-oriented verbs (e.g., “Increased team productivity by 30%…”) to immediately highlight accomplishments.
- Use white space effectively to avoid overwhelming the reader.
- Limit each bullet to one or two lines for maximum readability.
- Avoid long paragraphs.ย
- Ensure important keywords appear in the top-left areas or in the first line of subheads, aligning with the F-pattern’s scanning habits.
Avoid grammatical errors and typos
A resume with grammatical errors screams careless and inattentive behaviour. It also makes you seem unprofessional in the eyes of a recruiter, hurting your job prospects in Singapore. While you donโt need a masterโs in literature to write a grammatically sound resume, you simply canโt get complacent and send the first draft either, as itโs bound to be full of mistakes.ย
So, how to avoid typos and grammatical errors in your resume?ย
By taking simple yet intentional steps such as:
- Reading your resume aloud from a paper. Engaging with a physical draft allows you to be more focussed and attentive.
- Editing your resume at a different time. Approaching your draft with fresh eyes will help you spot errors quickly.
- Using online tools like Grammarly and spell checker to rectify grammatical errors.
- Creating your CV using Bossjobโs AI-powered CV tool is one way to ensure your resume is error-free.ย
Showcase your certifications
Singaporeโs job market is highly competitive, and showing youโve invested in your personal development can make a big difference. Whether itโs a certification in Project Management, Data Science, or a language proficiency, include these qualifications to boost your chances of standing out.
If you lack certifications, itโs never too late to obtain them from institutions like NUS, SMU, or Singapore Polytechnic.
Tailor your resume as per the Job Description
Adding keywords from the job description is an absolute must to get recruiterโs attention. Why? Because most recruiters use screening tools to filter resumes based on keywords. Adding relevant keywords from the job description also tells the recruiter youโve read the job description and understand the requirements, making you appearย more serious and professional.
Create highly professional, effective, and error-proof resumes using Boss Jobโs AICV
Craft professional resumes tailored to your industry using Bossjobโs AICV, a free AI powered tool, trusted by over three thousand users. Simply choose a template to match your desired style and get AI generated content in minutes. An ideal choice for busy professionals and blue-collar workers across all industries.ย
If youโre applying for jobs in Singapore, donโt forget to check out Bossjob, an AI platform that seamlessly matches job applicants with employers. Its chat feature lets you talk to employers directly, resulting in a faster response.ย
