UPM-CALC/SEM2/2016-17/CEL2106/MATERIAL 2

CEL 2106
COMMUNICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SEMESTER 2, 2015/16

MATERIAL 2 (WEEK 3-4)

Writing Effective Resumes

As an inventory of your education, work experience, volunteer history, and job related traits
and your skills, resumes are often your first contact with a potential employer. Thus, it is very
important to have a resume that will leave a good impression.

Analysing Common Elements of a Resume

Activity 1
Discuss the features of functional resume, chronological resume and combination resume.
Decide the best possible circumstances for when to use each type of resume.

Activity 2
Based on Sample Resume 1 and 2, identify the common elements of a resume

Sample Resume 1

__________________________________________________________________________________

ROSNANI BINTI ROSLAN

C2-1-11, Hand phone: 012-3456789

Taman Pauh Indah, Email : rosnani@yahoo.com

Jalan Pauh Indah 1,

13700 Permatang Pauh,

Butterworth

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__________________________________________________________________________________

PERSONAL PARTICULARS:

Age : 25 years Date of Birth : 27-12-1991

Nationality : Malaysian Gender : Female

Marital Status : Bachelor I/C Number : 911227-10-5432

__________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION:

University Multimedia, Cyberjaya, Malaysia (MMU)

Bachelor of Accounting (Hons.)

CGPA : 2.73

Graduation year : April, 2014

University of Technology Malaysia (Twinning Programme)

Diploma in Management Technology (Accountancy)

CGPA : 3.15

Graduation year : December, 2011

Graduate Training Scheme (PSMB & Ministry of Human Resources)

Certificate in Business Accounting

Nov 2010 - Mar 2011

Result: PASS

Sekolah Menengah Dato Mahmud Mat

SPM Grade 2 (Credit: BM, BI and Maths)

____________________________________________________________________________

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WORK EXPERIENCE:

April 2015 Present YAYASAN KEMAJUAN SOSIAL MALAYSIA (NGO)

Administrative Officer

Assisted in preparing module for e-Integrasi Pilot Project proposed by

government to boost unity at school level. This programme involved
multiracial students around Penang.
Assisted in daily administrative work pertaining to social project such as
Pembangunan Wanita/Ibu Tunggal
Prepared proposals e.g. Teleworking, Karnival Integrasi (Social Project)
Organised events (sponsorship, marketing, proposal editing)
June 2010 Nov 2010 (PART TIME)

Jan May 2012 TELEKOM MALAYSIA (MELAKA)

Trainee

Assisted Payroll Clerk to prepare payment voucher for clients

Assisted the Controller in monthly closing activities, updated selected
general ledger
Assisted the staff in filing documents
Prepared documents assigned by Head of Finance Division
Assisted the Inventory Control Manager in updating the inventory assets
for Telekom
_________________________________________________________________________________

OBJECTIVE:

To apply and contribute accounting knowledge to fulfil companys development

objectives

__________________________________________________________________________________

LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

2014 Participant in Kem Bina Negara Besut, Terengganu

2014 Member, Outdoors Recreations Committee

2013 University Representative for Quiz Juara Minda, organised

by RTM

2012 2014 Board of Students Representative Council, MMU

2012 Treasurer of Project Anak Angkat Kubang Pasu

2011 2013 Facilitator of Orientation Programme (UTM / UUM)

2011 2012 Fellow of Student Association at hostel level

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2011 2012 Fellow of Student Association at hostel level

2011 2012 Secretary for Off-campus Students

2010 2012 Board of Students Representative Council, UTM KYM

2010 Participant in Kem Bina Negara Gunung Pulai, Johor

2008 2009 Head Librarian, Sek. Men. Dato Mahmud Mat

__________________________________________________________________________________

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access) Adobe

Photoshop, Multimedia, Internet Explorer, Open Office

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE:

MYOB, UBS, SAP and ACL

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Spoken Written
English good good
Bahasa Melayu good good
French fair fair

TYPING SKILLS:

Short-hand Good 100 w.p.m

Typing Good 150 w.p.m
____________________________________________________________________________
EXPECTED SALARY: RM 1500.00 - RM 2000.00 (NEGOTIABLE)
____________________________________________________________________________
AVAILABILITY : IMMEDIATELY
___________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES:

1. Mr. Clement Gomez

Lecturer
I-Systems College (Formerly Known as Prime College Bkt Mertajam)
G-45, The Summit Bkt Mertajam Plaza
Level 7, Wisma Summit,

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No.566, Jalan Arumugam Pillai,

14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Telephone: 04-537 0020

2. Ms. Elia Mastura Bt. Kamaruddin

Officer
Yayasan Kemajuan Sosial Malaysia (NGO)
38, Tingkat 3, Jalan Todak 2,
13700 Bandar Sunway,
Seberang Jaya
Butterworth
Telephone: 04-398 5502
aleya6biz@yahoo.co.uk

Sample Resume 2

Name Chong Lai Fun

Address No. 8 Lorong 9 Taman Malam,

14400 Bukit Antarabangsa, Pulau Pinang

Telephone 04- 888 8888

Hand phone 011-8763 8527

E-mail lai_fun@yahoo.com

Personal Particulars

Age 25 Date of Birth 21 January 1991

Nationality Malaysian Gender Female

Marital Status Single Religion Buddhist

Academic Qualifications

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1. Open University (OUM) Degree in Public Administration

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan D.K. CGPA 3.48

Nov 2011 - Nov 2014

2. Sek. Men. Teknik Batu Lanchang Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia

2007 - 2008

Relevant Seminars/Courses/Conferences/Workshops Attended

16 19 August, Kursus Bina Negara Mahasiswa - Asas Mahasiswa, OUM

2013
Kem Desa Mahmood, Pasir Mas, Kelantan

Organised by Biro Tatanegara

29 May, Seminar Peperiksaan dan Kerjaya

2007
Auditorium A, Paras 5, KOMTAR, Penang

Organised by Jawatankuasa MMK Belia dan Sukan Negeri

Pulau Pinang, Majlis Belia Negeri Pulau Pinang, Jabatan
Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang

10 11 May, Kem Motivasi Pemantapan Rohani Pelajar Puteri 2006

2006
Sek. Men. Teknik Batu Lanchang

Organised by Unit Bimbingan, Kaunseling dan

Permuafakatan

28 Feb 02 March, Kursus Kepimpinan Pengawas

2005

Kem Angkatan Tentera Pusat Latihan PERDA, Bukit Panchor,

S.P.S.

Organised by Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga

Negara, Pulau Pinang

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26 August, Seminar Pendidikan

2004
Sek. Pokok Machang, Tasek Gelugor, S.P.U

Organised by KRT Taman Pokok Sena Indah

Kursus Prinsip dan Amalan Koperasi

11May,
Dewan Sek. Men. Keb. Guar Perahu
2004
Organised by ANGKASA

Extra-Curricular Activities

Vice President

APD Prefect 2002 2007

Kelab Pembimbing 2006

Rakan Sebaya

Treasurer

Pandu Puteri 2003 2007

School Prefect 2003 2007

Hostel Prefect 2003 2007

Competencies

Language Proficiency Written Spoken

Bahasa Malaysia Good Good

English Average Average

Japanese Basic Basic

Computer Skills Years Level

Microsoft Office 3 Intermediate

Adobe Acrobat 2 Intermediate

SPSS 1 Beginner

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Awards

Sek. Men. Teknik Batu

Lanchang

2008 Best Student

References
Name Dr. Masya Ghazali Prof. Dr. Elengkovan Nadarajah

Telephone No. 011- 976 1245 010-96985002

Email masya@ump.edu.my Lecturer

Position Lecturer School Dean

Company Open University Open University

Relationship Supervisor Supervisor

Activity 3
Based on Activity 2, decide for your own resume:

a) the type of resume that you want to use.

b) the number of sub-headings that you will have.
c) information that you think should be discarded.

Share your decisions with the class.

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Action words, also called power words, are essential in any resume to project skills or
accomplishments. They make the resume more positive and strong, showing the applicant in
the best possible light.

Highlighting Strengths and Accomplishments using Appropriate

Action Verbs

Activity 4
Compare sentence A and sentence B below. Decide which sentence carries more conviction.
Justify your answer.

1. A B
John was the boss of the 10-member John supervised the 10-member
Development Team. Development Team.
1.
A B
2. Attained the Most Innovative Designer Outperformed others by winning the
Award Most Innovative Designer Award.

A B
3.
Annually chaired the Shareholders Led the meeting of Petronas
Meeting in Petronas Shareholders annually
2.

A B
4. Rhodia taught the ladies how to play Rhodia coached the ladies how to play
netball. netball.

5. A B
Utilised the companys assets to produce Use the companys assets to produce
innovative products innovative products

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Activity 5
Based on your completed THT Week 2, write a sentence to describe your strengths
effectively by using appropriate action verbs. Exchange and analyse the completed work with
your friend.
*(refer to appendix for list of action verbs)

No. Strength Evidence Sentence (Action Verb)

Attended communication
Good Trained to communicate effectively with my
E.g. skills workshop organised by
communication skill clients from different background.
Cambridge Press in 2015

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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The general rule of subject-verb agreement is that the subject of a sentence should always
agree with its verb in number and person. If the subject is third-person singular, you must
add an s to the verb. And if the subject is plural, do not add an s. In the sentence, They
manage multiple budgets, the verb manage requires no s because the subject they is
plural.

Avoiding grammar mistakes like those listed above can work wonders in improving your
eligibility as a candidate. By leaving superficial errors off of your resume, you give the
employer more time to focus on the depth of your qualifications

Ensuring Correct Subject-Verb Agreement in the Resume

Activity 6

Review and revise these sentences to ensure that they are SVA error free.

1. A dynamic person who are not afraid of new challenges.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

2. The famous compsoser have arrived.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

3. One of the most intelligent student who score full marks for every examination.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

4. The advice from the senior team and the input from the public was considered in
developing the program

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

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5. Our team have been working diligently and everyone are making excellent progress.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

6. Ten tons are a heavy load.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

7. The boss, as well as his colleagues have neen robbed by the robber.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

8. The candidates is not well-proficient in English.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

9. Comfortable shoes and lose-fitting clothing was recommended for the interview.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

10. You should decide which one of the three choices A, B, or C best answer the question.

Error: ______________________________

Correction: __________________________

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Activity 6
Identify and correct the errors on tenses, SVA, and word choice in the sample resume
below by completing the tables provided.

SARAVANAN S/O SIVAKUMAR

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address : 5703 Bukit Mertajam, 13110 Penaga, Seberang Perai Utara, Penang, Malaysia.

Telephone No. : 04-3235755

Mobile No. : 019-4942509/019-5712509

Email : saravanan@yahoo.co.uk

PERSONAL PARTICULARS

Age : 25 years Date of Birth : 19th Feb 1991

Nationality : Malaysia Gender : Male

Marital Status : Single IC No. : 910219-07-5247

Permanent Residence : Malaysia

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Highest Education

Level : Degree/Diploma CGPA : 3.048/2.785

Field of Study : Marine Science/Fisheries

Major :

Institute / University : UMT/UPM

Located In : Malaysia Graduation Date : July 04/August 14

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

1. Company : North fish Aquacultures Sdn. Bhd.

Name

Position Title : Executive

Position Level : Fresh/Entry Level

Specialization : Operations

Industry : Aquacultures

Monthly : RM 1880.00
Salary

Date Joined : Jan 2016 Date Left : Present

Work : The task include planning a programme, monitoring fish grow-out and water
Description parameters, researching and developing a system for product quality control.

2. Company : Altima Resources

Name

Position Title : Sales Executive

Position Level : Fresh/Entry Level

Specialisation : Marketing Scientific & Research Equipment

Industry : Research Institute/University

Monthly : RM 1700.00
Salary

Date Joined : 6th Feb 2015 Date Left : Dec 2015

Work : Coordinates with government agencies and universities in Kuala Lumpur,

Description Selangor and Terengganu for sales of research equipment. Make report on
sales, key-in customers data onto system and meet monthly sales target

3. Company : Kolej Universiti Sains & Teknologi Malaysia (KUSTEM); formally known as
Name Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Position Title : Demonstrator

Position Level : Contract

Specialisation : Limnology & Oceanography

Industry : University

Monthly : RM 1000
Salary

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Date Joined : : : Jul 2004 Date Left : Nov 2004

Work : Brief students on how to handle the experiment, including sampling method,
Description samples preservation, laboratory equipment, and method of analysis,
evaluated data and report writing.

TOP SKILLS

Skill Years Proficiency

>5 Advanced
MS Office
>5 Moderate
SPSS >5 Moderate

AutoCAD R14

LANGUAGES

Proficient (0=Poor - 10=Excellent)

Language Spoken Written

Bahasa Malaysia 10 10

English 9 9

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

2001-2004: Kolej Universiti Sains & Teknologi Malaysia (KUSTEM); formally known as

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Bachelor Of Science (Marine Science).

CGPA: 3.048

1999-2001: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Diploma in Fisheries.

CGPA: 2.758

1990-1991: Sekolah Menengah Teknik Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Penang.

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Gred: 2; Aggregate: 32

1987-1989: Sekolah Menengah Sri Muda, Penaga, Penang.

Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP).
Gred: A (18)

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1999-2004: Member of Fisheries & Marine Science Club (FIMAS)

1990-1991: Member of Persatuan Kadet Bersatu Malaysia (PKBM).

School Representative for Perbarisan Hari Tuan Teramat Mulia Yang DiPertuan
Negeri Pulau Pinang.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Personal Qualities: I has been describing as a self-motivated and liberated person. I am also a
positive thinker, meticulous and responsible.

Preferred work style: I prefers to work in a fairly planned environment where my performance
can be measured with some accuracy. I would like to think that I am a strong-minded person,
yet realistic about my chances of ending a task successfully.

Executive Qualities: I was involve in several programmes during my studies thus, I am used to
fulfilling leadership roles and decision-making.

Willing to Travel : Yes

Willing to Relocate : Yes
Possess Own Transport : Yes
Availability : Immediately after a notice period of 1 month.

REFERENCES

Name : Dr. Ahmad Samsuddin Bin Ahmad

Telephone No. : 09- 668 3176

Email : sham@umt.edu.my
Position : Lecturer
Company : Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
Relationship : Co-Supervisor

Name : Prof. Madya Dr. Kamaruzzaman Bin Yunus

Telephone No. : 012-9085734
Position : Lecturer
Company : Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Relationship : Supervisor

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A. Identify and correct the errors on tenses and SVA from the above resume by
completing the table below.

No. Error Correction

e.g. describing described

B. Identify and correct inappropriate word choices from the above resume by completing
the table below.

No. Word Correction

e.g. meticulous disciplined

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Appendix

Action Words & Phrases for Resume Development

The following phrases and words may help with organizing your resume statements. They
make an impact as they concisely convey accomplishments, making your resume more
readable.

Achieved Charted Familiar with Measured Replaced

Approved Constructed Focused Mediated Reported
Accepted Completed Formulated Monitored Remodelled
Accumulated Dealt with Fabricated Motivated Reduced
Acted Decided Facilitated Moderated Reversed
Advised Defined Fashioned Modified Recorded
Allocated Delegated Founded More than ___ Retrieved
Appraised Delivered Familiarized years of Reinforced
Appointed Demonstrated Finalized experience Represented
Assessed Designated Fund-raised Negotiated Recipient of
Assisted Designed Gathered Observed Scheduled
Acquired Determined Generated Obtained Selected
Alleviated Developed Guided Operated Serviced
Anticipated Devised Handled Organised Shared
Applied Directed Headed Originated Specified
Amended Dispensed Helped Oversaw Spoke
Arranged Displayed Hired Participated Supervised
Authored Distributed Hypothesised Performed Solved
Assembled Documented Honoured as Piloted Supported
Assigned Dramatised Identified Perfected Synthesised
Attained Drafted Illustrated Persuaded Studied
Addressed Diagnosed Imagined Planned Strengthened
Advised Decreased Improvised Predicted Streamlined
Adapted Dispatched Improved Prepared Summarised
Audited Evaluated Initiated Presented Surveyed
Acted/Functioned Executed Innovated Prevented Systematised
Bargained Expanded Inspired Problem-solved Structured
Briefed Edited Instructed Processed Saved
Budgeted Examined Interpreted Produced Shaped
Built Extracted Integrated Programmed Successful in
Balanced Engineered Interviewed Promoted Subcontracted
Chaired Enabled Invented Proposed Successful in
Changed Encouraged Investigated Protected Specialised in
Controlled Explained Increased Published Sorted
Consolidated Eliminated Influenced Pinpointed Simplified

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Coordinated Established Inspected Prioritised Suggested

Corresponded Educated Informed Projected Taught
Clarified Expedited Introduced Purchases Transferred
Collected Elected Implemented Provided Translated
Conducted Employed Instrumental in technical Tested
Critiqued Endured Innovation Proven track Treated
Calculated Enforced resulted record Tolerated
Computed Enlarged in Proficient Trouble-shot
Contained Entertained Installed Questioned Tutored
Coached Estimated Initially Raised Terminated
Competent Exhibited employed Reasoned Trained
Communicated Experimented Judged Recommended Tabulated
Conceptualised Expressed Justified Recruited Understood
Created Evaluated Knowledge of Referred Utilised
Counselled Experience Launched Regulated United
Classified involved Lectured Rehabilitated Updated
Catalogued Enlarged Learned Reorganised Upgraded
Compiled Effected Listened Researched Verified
Composed Expertise Located Resolved Validated
Contributed Experienced Made Reviewed Wrote
Consulted in all Maintained Revised
Contracted facets/phases Managed Revitalised
Extensive Mapped Restructured
training Marketed Reconciled
involvement Repaired
Adapted from: Community Employment Services, Ontario Canada, http://www.ceswoodstock.org/job_search/resumeaction.shtml

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