Winning Resume for Asian Job-Seekers

By Kathleen Pokrud

The First professional resume-writing book The First professional resume-writing book specially designed for Asian job-seekers in the global marketplace.

Over 20 Senior HR professionals from leading Asian leading companies sharing what criteria they use in screening resumes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathleen Pokrud
• Release date: Jul 11, 2010
• ISBN: 9786169064800

Kathleen Pokrud

Kathleen Pokrud is a result-oriented manager with 20 years of professional experience in project management, business planning and analysis, customer service and key account management, practical sales and marketing, public relations services, and bottom-line budgeting skills with multi-national companies. During her tenure in the conference, exhibition and publishing industries, Cathy acquired tremendous experience in commercial copy-writing. She strongly believes that a winning resume is the first step to make the cut to the “Yes” for interview. She is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Careers Coaches (PARW/CC) in the United States.While researching for her book, Cathy interviewed hundreds of senior human resources professionals from leading companies in Asia. Differing from the current Western-based resume writing books which concentrate only on theories and guidelines, her book includes a useful chapter on “Valuable Tips from the Pros”. Over 20 leading senior HR professionals have contributed articles to share their practical advice on how you can effectively prepare your resume.

Book preview

TOP WINNING RESUME

Your Resume is Your Personal Advertisement!

As someone who sifts through thousands of resumes every year, the principals described in this book DEFINITELY catch my attention... They will help you lay-out a proper roadmap to prepare a winning resume. The chapter of articles, contributed from various hiring managers in Asia, is a must-read. So if you want to land a great job, you must buy this book.

Arthur F. Carmazzi

Founder of the Directive Communication™ Methodology who is ranked as one of the world’s Top 10 Leadership Gurus

Best Selling Author of 5 books including: Lessons from the Monkey King and Identity Intelligence

www.carmazzi.net and www.directivecommunication.com

One size does NOT fit all when it comes to communicating for results. Ms. Pokrud has written a clear, concise and compelling book which should be read by all Asian job seekers — and those who will be working with them!

Leil Lowndes

Author of How to Instantly Connect with Anyone and How to Talk to Anyone

A wonderful guide of key checklists to preparing a winning resume. Cathy has captured the issues that are relevant to our Asian culture. An absolute must-read for all job seekers in Asia!

Werasak Choonhajak

Director of Human Resources, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel

Author of Come On In, We Will Check You into the Hotel

Kathleen Pokrud’s Winning Resume" targets Asian job seekers brilliantly illustrating the true formula for a successful resume in the Asian environment. You will find plenty of insights on every page."

Thomas G. Christiansen

General Manager, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel

Winning Resume for Asian Job-Seekers

Kathleen Pokrud

Published by Kathleen Pokrud at Smashwords

©®070708

Copyright registered with Copyright Protection Services International

Copyright 2010 Kathleen Pokrud

Kathleen Pokrud has asserted her right registered with Copyright Protection Services

International as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, without written permission from the author, except a reviewer, who may quote brief passages for a review.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN 978-616-90648-0-0

http://www.topwinningresume.com

Disclaimer

This book was written as a guide only, and does not claim to be the final definitive word on any of the subjects covered. The statements made and opinions expressed are the personal observations and assessments of the author based on his own experiences and were not intended to prejudice any party. There may be errors or omissions in this guide. As such, the author or publisher does not accept any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage that may have been caused, or alleged to have been caused, through use of the information contained in this manual. Errors or omissions will be corrected in future editions, provided the publisher receives written notification of such.

DEDICATION

To my parents: Albert K.Y. Kwok, for being a role-model who is always willing to teach and share his vast knowledge with others, and Lily Kwok, from whom I inherited the love and joy of writing.

SUPPORT EDUCATION

10% of all author royalties are donated to educational non-profit projects.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing a book is a huge project which takes time and effort, and most importantly, teamwork. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who made this vision and goal of mine a reality.

First, I must thank my parents for spending many years nurturing my self-confidence so that I might believe in myself.

I thank my husband, Dr. Boonyarit Pokrud, as my life-partner and backup for the past two decades. He planted the first seed, encouraging me to write this book. I also thank my son, Pitchakorn Pokrud, who has shown me ways to deal and communicate with the new Internet generation. He has been my most enthusiastic cheerleader.

I also wish to express my gratitude to all of the Human Resource Managers who have taken the time to give me their useful insights during the research of this book. Their practical advice and thoughtful suggestions have been invaluable. I especially want to thank all of the senior HR professionals who have contributed articles to Chapter 8: Valuable Tips from the Pros: Shermaine Chong, Karen Davies, Vernon Goh, Josh Goh, Panjit Howe, Anne Hutton, Paul Huynh, Eddie Jiang, July Kong, Julie Lee, Leila Liu, Satinee Mokaves, Thomas M. Nielsen, Umesh Phadke, Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul, Tippawan Sirikoon, Tom Sorensen, Wannaporn Srivatthanangkoon, Manoon Sunkunakorn, Dr Dawarit Tansuphasiri, Siriphan Thongtheppairot, Gary Woollacott, and Joanna Zhao.

I also thank my editors, Mary E. Gonzalez and Catherine Cheng. Editing someone else’s writing seems like a thankless job, but both of them took to the task at hand with practical insight and good grace.

If I have missed anyone who has been instrumental in creating this book, please forgive me. I am grateful to everyone for all of your support, including my readers. I hope you find this book helpful, and good luck in your job hunting!

About Me

I am a result-oriented manager with 20 years of professional experience in project management, business planning and analysis, customer service and key account management, practical sales and marketing, public relations services, and bottom-line budgeting skills with multi-national companies.

During my tenure career in the conference, exhibition and publishing industries, I acquired tremendous experience in commercial copy-writing. I strongly believe that a winning resume is the first step to make the cut to the Yes for interview. I am a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Careers Coaches (PARW/CC) in the United States.

With the research on this book, I interviewed hundreds of senior human resources professionals from leading companies in Asia. Differentiate from the current Western-based resume writing books which concentrate only on theories and guidelines, this book includes a useful chapter entitled, 8. Valuable Tips from the Pros on page 76. Over 20 leading HR senior professionals as a hiring manager are contributing articles to share their practical advice to you as readers on how you can effectively prepare your resume. Companies include Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Hong Kong, Marriott International, Siam Cement Plc Thailand, KPMG Vietnam etc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

1. Difference between a CV and a Resume

2. 30-Second Elevator Test

Response to Job Advertisements – Make Sure YOU Will Be Seen

30-Second Elevator Test

Showcase your Competencies and Broadcast your Assets

3. What is the Financial Value of your Resume?

The Hidden Cost of an Average Resume

Increase Your Earning Potential with Career-Building

A Winning Resume GUIDES the Interview Process

The 4Cs of a Winning Resume

Adjust your Pitch to each Job Application

4. The Need to Select the Right Words – Powerful words

Your Resume in English

Use Action Words

Advertise Your Accomplishments

Highlight the Qualifications in You

5. A Step-by-step Guide to a Winning Resume

A Word of Caution on Resume Templates

3 Essential Ingredients of a Winning Resume

The Sections of Your Professional Resume

5 Key Steps System for Resume Writing

Professional and Personal Achievements List

6. Resume Checklist

Guideline for a Professional Presentation/Layout

Irrelevant Items to Avoid and Omit

Use of Personal Pronouns

Sending Your Resume via the Internet

Resume Preparation Checklist

7. Brilliant Cover Letters

Cover letters are Business Correspondence

Different Types of Cover Letters

Key Contents of a Standard Cover Letter

Checklists for Brilliant Cover Letters

8. Valuable Tips from the Pros

The Importance of English Proficiency - Joanna Zhao, Google China

Handling Gaps in Your Career Path - Eddie Jiang, Jobmet China

Beware of Standardized Resume Templates - Leila Liu, Wang & Li Asia Associates

Tailor Your Resume - July Kong, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Advice from an Investment Bank

No Excel Format - Shermaine Chong, Manpower Malaysia

List Your Accomplishments - Vernon Goh, Taylor’s Education Group

4 Common Mistakes in Resumes - Josh Goh, The GMP Group

Be a Sales Person for Yourself! - Julie Lee, JW Marriott Seoul Hotel

Only Team Players Need To Apply - Tippawan Sirikoon, Advanced Info Service Plc.

Your Window of Opportunity is Less than 5 Minutes! Thomas M. Nielsen, Big C Supercenter Public Co., Ltd.

Demonstrate Process Improvement or Cost Reductions - Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul, CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Ltd.

Standing Out From the Pack - Anne Hutton, DBM Thailand

The 5 Qualities of A Wow! Resume - Umesh Phadke, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Thailand

No Photo on Your Resume - Tom Sorensen, Grant Thornton, Thailand

A Successful Online Resume Application - Satinee Mokaves, JobsDB Recruitment (Thailand) Limited

Knowing a Third Language is Your Competitive Edge - Dr Dawarit Tansuphasiri, Loxley Public Company Limited

Small Items Count - Wannaporn Srivatthanangkoon Manpower Thailand

Tailor the Words in your Resume to Each Application - Panjit Howe, Marriott Thailand

Is Yours an Impressive Resume? - Gary Woollacott, Opus Recruitment Ltd

From the Desk of an Experienced Recruiter in Asia

Applying Without a Covering Letter - Siriphan Thongtheppairot, Tesco Lotus Thailand

Do Your Homework - Manoon Sunkunakorn, The Siam Cement