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7 tips for writing your résumé
A résumé can make or break your bid for that dream job. Yet so many jobseekers make common mistakes that can be easily avoided when writing their résumés. Here are some tips on how to compose a résumé that will impress prospective employers and set you apart from your peers.

By Everlyn Lee

1) List your achievements in school and at work
Do not leave out any detail that makes you an attractive candidate. Organise your list in a chronological order, starting from your most recent achievements. However, make sure than your résumé is not longer than necessary. As a rule of thumb, fresh graduates should not have résumés that are longer than two or three pages.

2) Emphasise relevant strengths
Using the same résumé for all your job applications is lazy and works against you. Take the effort to tailor your résumé to each job application. Highlight and elaborate on your strengths that are relevant to the job, but be concise and avoid repetition.

3) Adopt simple layout & design
Go for a clean and uncluttered layout. Use tables and bullets to break down long paragraphs. Also use subheads such as "Employment Background", "Academic Qualifications" and "Referees". Avoid adding fancy pictures to your résumé.

4) Use good language
Stick to a formal tone, and present yourself as a professional with a good command of English. In addition, use positive statements and back them up with relevant facts where possible. For example, "I succeeded in improving sales by 120%" will sound more impressive than simply "I improved sales". Avoid big words when simple ones that convey the same meaning are available.

5) Stick to deadlines
Missing the deadline for submitting your résumé is equivalent to eliminating your eligibility as an applicant. On the other hand, a résumé that is submitted early will be seen early by employers. It also signals your motivation and drive, since you took the effort to beat other candidates to the application.

6) Be smart
You are not explicitly required to list your reasons for leaving your previous jobs, unless requested otherwise. But if you wish to include them, ensure that they are appropriate and that you do not sound bitter about the departure. Even if you did suffer a hard time in a previous job, try to find something good to say about it. Otherwise, it’s a better idea not to say anything at all.

7) Check for errors
Get someone to proofread the résumé for you. You will be surprised by how others can spot glaring mistakes that you fail to detect by yourself. Spelling and grammar mistakes damage your credibility and should be avoided at all costs.

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How to get job offers
Everyone dreams of getting job offers. But contrary to popular belief, job offers do not land on your lap without you lifting a finger. Find out how you can work towards making that dream a reality.

By Colin Lim

You may know of friends who were offered jobs even before leaving school, or others who always seem to have the happy problem of having to decide if they should leave their current jobs to take up better offers. It may seem too good to be true, but the same can actually happen to you.

The secret? Raising your profile as a jobseeker, which means using various channels to introduce yourself to prospective employers. All it takes is doing some basic research and adopting strategic methods to increase your visibility as an individual in the congested job market.

Here are 3 ways to do exactly that:
1) Signing up on job sites
Registering with a job site and uploading your résumé online is a simple and efficient way to reach out to multiple employers. Most sites even provide you with the convenience of updating your résumé at any time, often for free. By selecting your preferred industries, you will receive the latest updates with regards to job vacancies, which will give you an edge over applicants who rely on more traditional mediums, such as newspaper advertisements.

2) Networking
Look out for networking sessions that you can attend, as these often lead to job referrals. This is one of the best ways to get directly acquainted with employers of industries and companies that you intend to join. By getting to know the right people on a fleeting but nevertheless personal level, you will stand a higher chance of being remembered when the time comes for them to hire new talent.

3) Getting a temporary job
This might not be a popular option with the average jobseeker, but temporary positions in the form of contract jobs or internships are one way to get your foot through the door of prospective employers. If you impress them enough with your capabilities, chances are that you might be offered a permanent position that you were gunning for in the first place. Going the extra mile in completing your work and keeping an open mind are of utmost importance.
http://jobscentral.com.sg/special/enewsletter/issue2/microsite/index.php?fs=fs_2

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What to do when you're offered a job
After sending out résumés and going for job interviews, you finally have a job offer. But is this really the job you want? Before deciding to sign on the dotted line, you may want to ask yourself a few questions.

By Lim Yan Wen

After going through interviews with various companies, chances are that you would have been offered at least a job or two. You can be excited about being offered a job, but remember, you don’t have to take it up right away. Consider these questions before you decide.

Are your career goals aligned with the job?
Re-examine your intention and objectives for landing a job, and what you want from it. Always be honest with what you want.

Are you comfortable with the company’s profile?
Would you feel proud to be a part of this company? This will impact on your sense of belonging. It will also be influential in determining your commitment to the organisation and your job satisfaction.

Can you adapt to the company’s culture?
When you sat for your interview, how did you feel about the atmosphere? Look out for subtle hints about the company’s culture through the general mood of employees in the office.

Can you fulfil the job description?
Ask yourself whether you’re capable of living up to the company’s expectations, and if your abilities allow you to be competent at work.

Are you satisfied with the pay?
You should ask about the pay now that you have been accepted. This will be your only chance to negotiate with the company if the pay package does not match your expectations. When doing so, always be realistic, and bargain based on your credentials and experience.

Read the terms and conditions of your employment letter carefully for details on terms of payment, and that it includes important items such as the employer’s CPF contributions.

Ultimately, it’s all about starting with the right expectations between you and your new employer. Decide where your priorities lie and what’s best for yourself. Good luck!