Is Your Resume Singapore-Ready? Here’s What Hiring Managers Expect

If you’re applying for jobs in Singapore, your resume needs to work harder than ever. Local hiring managers and recruiters have specific expectations — and if you’re using a generic global template, you may be missing the mark.

Whether you’re new to Singapore or just haven’t been getting callbacks, this guide breaks down what makes a resume “Singapore-ready” — and what to avoid.

1. Keep It Short and Impactful

Ideal length: 1 to 2 pages.

In Singapore, hiring managers expect concise resumes that highlight relevant experience, not full career histories. Remove outdated or irrelevant roles and focus on impact in your most recent positions.

✅ Do:

• Summarize your career in 4–6 bullet points per role

• Focus on results, not just responsibilities

• Use numbers wherever possible (“Increased sales by 35%”)

🚫 Don’t:

• Use a 4-page CV unless you’re in academia or research

• Copy-paste your full job scope

2. Tailor for the Local Market

Singapore is an international hub — but preferences are still local.

✅ Do:

• Use British English (e.g., “organise” not “organize”)

• Align your titles with local naming conventions (e.g., “Senior Executive” instead of “Individual Contributor III”)

• Highlight Singapore or APAC experience, if you have it

🚫 Don’t:

• Use jargon from another country or company-specific terms without context

3. Highlight Work Pass Status (If Applicable)

If you’re not a Singapore citizen or PR, hiring managers want to know if and how you can work locally.

✅ Do:

• Clearly state your work eligibility (e.g., “Currently on a valid Dependant Pass with LOC eligibility”)

• If you need sponsorship, mention it honestly

🚫 Don’t:

• Leave it vague — HR needs to filter fast

4. Add a Clear Skills Section

Singapore employers often use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to filter resumes. Including a targeted skills section boosts your match rate.

✅ Do:

• Include both soft and hard skills (e.g., “Stakeholder Management,” “SQL,” “Google Analytics”)

• Match your skills to the job description

🚫 Don’t:

• List only soft skills — balance is key

5. Use a Clean, Professional Format

Singapore hiring managers appreciate simplicity and clarity.

✅ Do:

• Stick to clean fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)

• Use consistent formatting and bullet points

• Save as PDF unless told otherwise

🚫 Don’t:

• Use infographic-style resumes for corporate roles

• Include your photo unless you’re in modeling or acting

6. Include Contact Details (But Leave Out the Birthday)

✅ Do:

• Add your phone number with country code (+65)

• Use a professional email

• Include your LinkedIn profile if it’s updated

🚫 Don’t:

• List your birthday, NRIC number, religion, or full address — it’s outdated and unnecessary in most industries

Bonus Tip: Attach a Short Summary at the Top

This is your elevator pitch. A 3–4 line summary can help recruiters quickly understand your value.

Example:
“Results-driven digital marketer with 6+ years’ experience in e-commerce and performance marketing across Southeast Asia. Strong track record in driving 7-figure campaigns, with hands-on expertise in Meta Ads and SEO.”

Final Thoughts: What Makes a Singapore-Ready Resume?

Singapore hiring managers want clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Your resume should help them say “yes” in 10 seconds or less.

If you’re struggling to land interviews, it may not be your experience — it might just be your formatting or lack of local alignment.

Need Help Finding a Recruiter in Singapore?

HelloRecruiters connects job seekers with local recruiters who know your industry and the market. Get matched today → hellorecruiters.co/singapore