Global Resumes & Cover Letters: Spain & Portugal

by Darlene Zambruski | April 21, 2009

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Resume Guidelines

Personal Information (Include):

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

Education:

1. List high school/secondary school name, location and graduation date
2. Indicate if you studied abroad
3. Do NOT mention extracurricular activities

Professional Experience:

1. Use company descriptors

Special Skills (include):

1. Language Skills (proficiency: basic, middle, high or fluent)
2. Computer Skills

Volunteer Experience: Should be supplied

Interests/Hobbies: Briefly mention

Format: Personal information first, followed by education and experience
A4 page setup rather than 8 ½” x 11”

Length: No more than three pages; two pages is customary

Cover Letter Guidelines

1. Position you’re applying for and why
2. Skills, experience, abilities that will be valuable to targeted company

Length and Format: No more than one page; A4 page setup rather than 8 ½” x 11”

Global Resumes & Cover Letters: South Africa

by Darlene Zambruski | April 14, 2009

SOUTH AFRICA

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

by Darlene Zambruski | April 7, 2009

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)

Global Resumes & Cover Letters: Saudi Arabia

by Darlene Zambruski | March 31, 2009

SAUDI ARABIA

Personal Information (Include):

1. Date of Birth
2. Marital Status
3. # of Children
4. Nationality
5. Citizenship(s)
6. Religious Affiliation

Education:

1. Include name and address of each institution attended

Professional Experience:

1. Use company descriptors
2. List all employers worked for

Special Skills (include):

1. Language Skills
2. Computer Skills

Residency Permit/Letter of Release:

1. Note whether you have a transferable igama (residency permit) or can obtain a letter of release from your present employer

Format:

Education, experience, personal details (in that order); do NOT leave any gaps in dates.

Length:

Three to four pages is acceptable

Cover Letter Guidelines

1. Position you’re applying for and why
2. Skills, experience, abilities that will be valuable to targeted company
3. Detail any commitments preventing you from traveling to an interview on specified dates