Creating a professional resume is actually not the difficult part when it comes to job-hunting as there are various interview guides out there for your reference.
The difficult part comes in when deciding on WHICH resume is suitable for the position(s) you’re applying for. Need help? Here’s our guide on the Standard Resume Formats for jobs in Malaysia.
Standard Resume Formats in Malaysia
Standard Resume Format 1: Chronological
A chronological resume is a traditional format that everyone is familiar with. It emphasises recent work history, listing job positions with the most recent positions on top and the earliest ones at the bottom (reverse chronology).
When to use a Chronological Resume?
If your employment history is consistent and you are steadily advancing in the same industry, this format is for you. For example, if you have a few years of experience in the same industry/sector, or if you are consistently climbing the corporate ladder.
When to avoid using a Chronological Resume?
This format is most suitable for jobs in the same/similar industry. If you are looking to change careers, or have inconsistent job experience, We’d recommend using a functional or combination resume instead.
What to include in a Chronological Resume?
You should include your contact information, resume summary, professional working experience, relevant & marketable skills, and your academic qualifications.
Optional:
Volunteer work and special interests you may have.
Standard Resume Format 2: Functional
A functional resume focuses on the specific, relevant skills to the position that job applicants are applying for. Applicants will showcase a professional summary, their skills and work experience closely the positions related to the job application.
The functional resume highlights your marketable skills BEFORE your work experience. That’s the biggest difference between functional resumes and chronological resumes. Your work experience can then be used as an example of your skills.
When to use a Functional Resume?
If you don’t have a solid record of professional work experience, or you are constantly changing careers, then a functional resume may be for you. When applying for any position, make sure you focus on the main skills that the employers are looking for.
When to avoid using the Functional Resume?
Ultimately, some industries such as Accounting and Engineering would prefer the chronological format. In this case, a resume focusing on skills may not be effective. If you have a mixture of some experience and skills, you should consider the combination format.
What to include in a Functional Resume?
You should include your contact information, resume summary, the relevant skills and support them with your experience and qualifications.
Optional:
Any volunteer experience and special interests you may have.
Standard Resume Format 3: Combination
A combination resume combines both formats. This type of resume is useful to showcase professional summary, work experience and skills using the reverse chronology method.
When to use a Combination Resume?
Being in between the Chronological and Functional formats, the combination resume is suitable for a slight career transition.
A scenario: You may have some experience in managing a large portfolio but you are still not a Senior Associate. This format can help to highlight your capabilities such as time & project management, sales achievements and other transferable skills.
What to include in a Combination Resume?
You should include your contact information, resume summary, the most relevant skills for the position, achievements and experiences to support your skills and other academic qualification(s).
The format is more flexible in terms of listing your work experience or skills first. It depends on which section is more suitable for the job applied.
Regardless of the Standard Resume Formats
1. Resume Readability is Key
Since employers go through multiple resumes in a day, the last thing you’d want is to send a messy resume to your future employer. Ensure that your resume is spaced neatly, with easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri and Times New Roman.
2. Make it ATS-friendly
The use of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is getting more popular in recent years. Make sure that your resume can be easily processed through an ATS without critical errors. Try using simple layouts and the right keywords effectively.
3. Keywords Make The Dream Work
The keywords you include in your resume plays an important role in passing an ATS and convincing potential employers to offer you a job interview. Research on the job posting, identify and include the keywords in your resume in order to gain the advantage.
4. Personalise Your Resume
As mentioned, there are tons of resume templates out there for you to choose from. However, you’d have to personalise your resume in order to stand out from THOUSANDS of other resume templates out there. Showcase your originality and personality!
Closing Remarks
By now, we hope that you have understood the various standard resume formats for jobs in Malaysia. Since your resume is a summary and an extension of yourself, you should put in more effort in creating the best resume for any job that you’re applying for.
How about creating your own video resume? Have you created your job application letter? Job Majestic is here for you every step of the way.
