GLOBAL RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

SOUTH AFRICA

Resume Guidelines

Personal Information (Include):

1. Date of Birth
2. Marital Status
3. Nationality

Special Skills (include):

1. Language Skills (include level of proficiency)
2. Computer Skills
3. Public Speaking
4. Specialized Training

Education:

1. List high school/secondary school name and graduation date

Professional Experience:

1. Use company descriptors
2. Explain gaps in employment

Formats:

1. Brief profile: Summarized version of comprehensive resume that includes personal data, educational background. Professional experience is not elaborated. Current or relevant positions are detailed. Brief profiles are submitted initially.

2. Comprehensive CV: Includes specifics in each position you’ve held. Begin with personal data, then education, followed by experience. Chronological, reverse chronological or functional formats are all acceptable

Length: No restrictions

Cover Letter Guidelines

1. Include qualifications and area of expertise
2. Name current employer and describe your position
3. If applying to a job posting, list the reference and job title at top of page
4. A work permit is required if you are not a South African
5. Explain why you are not presently employed
6. Specify availability to interview

Length: No more than one page

GLOBAL RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

SINGAPORE

Resume Guidelines

Personal Information (Include):

1. Age
2. Race
3. Nationality
4. Sex

Education:

1. List high school/secondary school name and graduation date
2. Include extracurricular activities during high school and college

Professional Experience:

1. Indicate your reason(s) for leaving
2. Explain gaps in employment

Special Skills (include):

1. Language Skills (especially the ability to speak Mandarin. Japanese, Bahasa Indonesian/Malaysia, or Thai are useful. Helpful Chinese dialects are: Cantonese in Hong Kong and Kwang-chou, and Hokkien in Taiwan and some parts of China.

2. Computer Skills

3. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – US Companies)

4. GAP (General Accounting Principles – British Companies)

Military Service: Include rank, achievements, areas of training, responsibilities

Hobbies/Interests: Include to give employer idea of what kind of person you are (can also mention religious interests)

Length: No longer than three pages; one page is most common


Cover Letter Guidelines

1. Address to a specific person
2. In Singapore, Chinese surname appears first (i.e. Tan Eng Hock should be written as Mr. Tan)