WRITING

Writing a Resume

A resume or résumé is a concise written description of your education, qualifications, work

experience, and accomplishments that you submit when applying for a job. Your resume is
the first document a potential employer will look at when reviewing your application.
Accordingly, it is pertinent that you put time and effort into developing and maintaining an
updated and accurate resume. Your resume is accompanied by a cover letter that highlights
and expands on certain traits or accomplishments that would be unique or ideal assets for the
particular job.

In general, a resume should be a single page, although there are some instances where a
longer resume is warranted and even encouraged.

There are several types of resume formats. The most common include:

i. Reverse-Chronological

This is the more traditional format and is what you are most likely to come across. Reverse-
Chronological format is flexible and can be used for applicants with any level of experience.
In this format, your most recent work experience is listed at the top of your experience section.
This means that the hiring employer will first read your current (or most recent) job, and
continue down the page until they reach your oldest piece of relevant experience.

ii. Functional

A functional format focuses on your abilities and skills. It highlights the applicant’s
qualifications, and is more suitable for those with an expert level of experience.

iii. Combination

This format joins bits and pieces from both chronological and functional formats. It focuses on
specific qualifications, yet the body of the document contains professional experience similar
to chronological format. This format is useful for people with a great deal of experience in a
particular profession.

When writing your resume, you may consider what information you should add and their order:

▪ Contact Information
This section does not require a label.
▪ Resume Introduction
The resume introduction can be a qualifications summary, career objective, and
professional profile. The goal of all three is to gain the attention of an employer by
highlighting your skills and experience.
▪ Education
▪ Extracurricular Activities
▪ Awards (if any)
▪ Skills / Personal Traits / Strengths and Qualities / other relevant information
▪ References
Below is a sample resume. You may refer to this sample and write your own resume.

SUZIANA ABU BAKAR

No. 23, McAllister Road, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
010-1234567 (H/P) / suziana_abubakar@gmail.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE
A fresh graduate who is able to utilise valuable teaching methodologies creatively to disseminate knowledge to students of
all levels. Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and possess exceptional organisational skills. Key strengths
include strong attention to detail and willingness to learn and develop professionally.

EDUCATION
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak (2013 – 2017)
Obtained 3.8/4.0 CGPA for Bachelor of Education (Physics) with Honours
Universiti Teknologi MARA, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor (2011 – 2012)
Obtained 3.9/4.0 CGPA for Foundation in Science
SMK St. Georgia, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang (2007 – 2011)
Obtained 5 A+, 3 A- and 1 B+ for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak
President, Physics Club (2015 – 2016)
Secretary, Environment and Nature Club (2013 – 2015)
Representative, Student Council (2013 – 2015)
Universiti Teknologi MARA, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor
President of Physics Club (2011-2012)
Secretary, Young Inventors Club

AWARDS
▪ Dean’s Award, Semester 1, 2014/2015, Semester 2, 2015/2016, & Semester 2, 2016/2017
▪ Dean’s List, Semester 1, 2015/2016 & Semester 1, 2016/2017
▪ Best Student Award 2013 in SMK St. Georgia
SKILLS
▪ Competent in Microsoft Office XP (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Photoshop
▪ Able to incorporate the Internet, multimedia and blended approaches to teaching and learning
▪ Have a flair in writing (English language & Malay language)
▪ Efficient in writing minutes for meetings
▪ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
▪ Strong time management skills
▪ Able to multi-task effectively in high demand settings

REFERENCES
Mr. Yuresh Manikam Dr. Angela Nielsen
Principal Senior Lecturer
SMK St. Georgia Faculty of Science and Mathematics
10100 George Town Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
Pulau Pinang 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak
019-8765432 / yuresh.m@gmail.com 011-7654321 / n_angela@fsmt.upsi.edu.my
What is an e-resume?

An e-resume covers several types of resumes meant for various types of online submissions.
Today, many employers use online platforms and automated software to collect, scan and
categorise resumes when seeking qualified candidates. It may be helpful to write an e-resume
version of your existing resume to increase your exposure and ensure these software systems
recognise your qualifications. E-resumes tend to be plainly formatted with no special
characters, images, design elements or variations in text.

Why is an e-resume important?

Creating an e-resume is an important part of successfully seeking employment because it may

help to:

1. Match with applicant tracking systems

As technology continues to become an integral part of recruiting efforts, many employers may
use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords and desired
qualifications. Formatting your resume so that these systems can easily recognise your
document and alert hiring managers to a potential match is an important step in securing
employment.

2. Ensure consistency of formatting

Creating your e-resume and saving it as the appropriate file type may help to ensure
consistency of formatting. When submitting your e-resume to employers via online submission
portals or emails, be sure to carefully read their directions for file type compatibility. Using the
correct file type can help to ensure potential employers receive your resume in its original,
organised and visually appealing format.

3. Demonstrate your computer skills

As technology continues to become a prominent part of many professional industries,

employers may increasingly seek candidates with advanced computer skills. Creating an
effective e-resume may demonstrate your computer literacy and could help to impress hiring
managers with your technical abilities.

Types of e-resumes

Below are a few types of commonly used e-resumes:

1. Print resume

A print resume is a traditional resume that you may scan or print and send to an employer.
However, you can make an e-resume version of the physical copy of your print resume for
online applications. Print resumes often allow for some personalisation through font choice,
formatting and colour scheme. They may be beneficial when applying for positions through
digital channels such as email. E-versions of your print resume are most often effective when
a hiring manager directly reads the resumes of each candidate, rather than scanning them
through a computer programme for analysis.
If you are sending an attachment of a print resume to an employer via email, be sure to follow
their directions and save your document in the appropriate file type, such as .doc and .docx.

2. Text resume

A text resume or plain-text resume may be a great option for submitting your resume to
employers who use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and keyword-searchable databases to
select candidates. You may format a text resume simply, with no special characters, symbols,
variations in font or headers. Text resumes consist simply of the content of your resume
separated by single spaces and punctuation. Text resumes may be beneficial because of their
compatibility with several types of operating systems and resume scanning software. You may
also use a text resume when:
• You are posting your resume on many job boards;
• You are pasting pieces of your resume onto online profiles or job boards;
• You are pasting your resume into the body of an email instead of sending as an
attachment; and
• You are converting from a print resume to a web-based HTML resume.

3. Web resume

Web-based resumes are resumes you may publish to an online platform for employers to
access at any time. You may use a web-based resume for your professional online profile,
website or portfolio. Web resumes often carry the file extension .html or .htm to enable them
to be published on websites. Having a web-based resume may be beneficial if you:
• Already have a professional online presence;
• Want employers to have convenient access to your online resume;
• Want to include links to your portfolio in your resume; and
• Are pursuing a career in web design and want to demonstrate your technical skills.
 Sample E-Resume 1

Summary
Christopher Senior Web Developer specialising in front end development.

Morgan Experienced with all stages of the development cycle for

dynamic web projects. Well-versed in numerous
programming languages including HTML5, PHP OOP,
JavaScript, CSS, MySQL. Strong background in project
management and customer relations.

Skill Highlights
• Project management • Creative design
• Strong decision • Innovative
maker • Service-focused
• Complex problem
Contact solver

Address:
177 Great Portland Street, London Experience
W5W 6PQ
Web Developer - 09/2015 to 05/2019
Phone: Luna Web Design, New York
+44 (0)20 7666 8555 • Cooperate with designers to create clean interfaces
and simple, intuitive interactions and experiences.
Email: • Develop project concepts and maintain optimal
christoper.m@gmail.com workflow.
• Work with senior developer to manage large,
complex design projects for corporate clients.
LinkedIn:
• Complete detailed programming and development
linkedin.com/christopher.morgan
tasks for front end public and internal websites as
well as challenging back-end server code.
Languages • Carry out quality assurance tests to discover errors
and optimize usability.
Spanish – C2
Chinese – A1
German – A2 Education
Bachelor of Science: Computer Information Systems -
Hobbies 2014
Columbia University, NY
• Writing
• Sketching
• Photography Certifications
• Design PHP Framework (certificate): Zend, Codeigniter,
Symfony.
Programming Languages: JavaScript, HTML5, PHP OOP,
CSS, SQL, MySQL.
 Sample E-Resume 2

Elizabeth Holmes
+1 (970) 333-3833
elizabeth.holmes@coolfreecv.com

Store Manager equipped with extensive experience in

automotive sales management. Employs excellent leadership
skills and multi-tasking strengths. Demonstrated ability to
improve store operations, increase top line sales, and reduce
costs.

Experience Highlights
09/2015 to 05/2019 • Results-oriented
Store Manager • Revenue generation
LUXURY CAR CENTER, New York • Business development
• Motivate and coach employees to meet service, sales, • Effective marketing
and repair goals. • Organisational capacity
• Create and modify employee schedules with service • Operability and
levels in mind. commitment
• Recruit and hire top mechanics, service advisors, and • Ability to motivate staff
sales people. and maintain good
• Maintain detailed logs and reports of services relations
performed, profit, and budget information. • Resistance to stress
• Help out in sales and repair areas as needed and • Good manners
maintain comprehensive current knowledge of
operations.
Education
09/2014 to 09/2015
Store Manager Bachelor of Science: Automotive
JAPAN CAR CENTER, New York Technology - 2014
Technical Institute, NY
• Answered customer questions and resolved service
issues in a timely manner.
• Diagnosed customer issues by asking probing
questions and write up repair orders. Hobbies
• Ordered supplies and kept inventory at optimal levels.
• Coordinated equipment repairs and maintenance. • Playing chess - great way
to unwind, destress, and
keep the mind sharp.
The following are some resources that you can refer to if you need to look for a suitable
template to prepare your e-resume:

https://www.coolfreecv.com/#google_vignette

https://zety.com/blog/new-teacher-resume-example

https://resume.io/resume-templates/simple

https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates/

https://www.cvmaker.com/resume-examples
Writing a Cover Letter

Now that you have written your resume, you will need to write a cover letter. The cover letter
is crucial to introduce yourself to the hiring employer, provide detailed information on why you
are qualified for the position applied and fill in places your resume cannot describe.

When writing a cover letter, follow the basic format of a typical business letter. Include the
following sections in your letter:

▪ Your Contact Information

▪ Date
▪ Employer's Contact Information
▪ A reference line (e.g., "Application for Administration Assistant Manager")
▪ Salutation: an address to the recipient directly (e.g., "Dear Mr. Han" - try to avoid using
"To whom it may concern" if you can)
▪ An opening statement that briefly introduces you to the reader
▪ Body of Letter
Include information on the job you are applying for, why you are a good fit for the
position, and how you will follow up. Take the time to match your qualifications to the
job.
▪ Closing Paragraph: to request for an interview and thank the employer for their
consideration.
▪ Your signature
Use the following sample cover letter to prepare a cover letter to accompany your resume.

Suziana binti Abu Bakar

No. 23, McAllister Road
10450 George Town
Pulau Pinang
Tel. No.: 010-1234567
E-mail: suziana_abubakar@gmail.com

10 September 2018

Mr. Han Yu Weng

Human Resource Manager
Sri Melati International School
No. 44, Jalan Diplomatik 3/1, Presint 15
62050 Putrajaya

Dear Mr. Han,

Application for the Position of Physics Teacher

As a highly motivated and enthusiastic fresh graduate with strong communication and interpersonal
skills, I am interested in applying for the secondary-level Physics Teacher position in your
distinguished school.

Personal attributes that I believe make me suitable for this position include:

▪ capable of applying appropriate teaching and assessment methodologies;

▪ contribute to the designing and development of lesson plans and teaching materials;
▪ teach with consistent effectiveness, taking into account individual students’ educational
needs;
▪ make full use of Information Communication Technology and the new technologies to
enhance and engage students’ learning;
▪ promote students’ intellectual, moral, cultural and personal abilities;
▪ provide guidance and advice to students on educational and social matters; and
▪ support school activities and functions.

I am keen to develop my professional skills and look forward to discussing my application with you
at an interview scheduled at your convenience. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your
consideration. I can be contacted at all times on the details provided above.

Thanking you in advance for your time.

Yours sincerely,

Susiana
(SUZIANA BINTI ABU BAKAR)