AU
How to write CVs for jobs in Asia and the Middle East
29 July 2010
Hong Kong/Singaporean CVs
How long?
Two pages.
Layout?
Emma Charnock, regional director of Hays in Hong Kong, recommends compiling a CV in the following order:
• Personal information including name, date of birth/age, address, email and telephone number
• Summary of your education in chronological order (most recent first)
• List of qualifications and an outline of key skills
• List work experience in chronological order (most recent first)
Should you include your photo?
No.
Should you include your age?
Yes, this is very important information to include, especially in Hong Kong (and mainland China).
Does the CV need to be in Chinese?
No, apart from positions at Chinese banks in mainland China. But of course if you have Mandarin language skills, mention these prominently on your CV.
Anything else to note?
It’s very common to include a summary of key strengths at the top of a CV.
Middle Eastern CVs
How long?
Never more than two pages. Be ruthless and only include absolutely relevant information, even if your experience is vast. Include a deal list as an appendix as well as any addition information if necessary.
Layout?
As a general rule – start with a personal statement, followed by personal information, education then experience with most recent position first.
Should you include your photo?
Increasingly so – it adds a human element to your application and can also help get a foot in the door. One headhunter describes how a candidate once wooed HR with a photo that "made them look like a young Michael Douglas, when the reality was a short Andy Serkis".
Should you include your age?
A definite yes in the Middle East.
"In western markets, people are concerned about age discrimination, particularly if you're over 40," says Peter Greaves, director, head of financial markets at headhunters McArthur Murray in Dubai. "In the Gulf, a lot of experience is generally viewed as a plus point, so most people include their age. It only becomes an issue if you're over 60."
Does the CV need to be in Arabic?
No, in English. While it's an advantage to be able to speak Arabic, investment banks generally do business in English and employers want to see a good grasp of the language on a CV.
Anything else to note?
Weirdly, perhaps, local banks are interested in gaining a little information about your family situation. Putting in your marital status, and even a little about your children could serve to your advantage.
It's interesting that you mentioned that photo should not include a photo and yet the majority of job ads asks for it, particularly in Singapore.
StephenC 29 Jul 2010
RECOMMEND
Recommended 0 times | Alert Moderator