Key takeaways
- 1–2 pages, single column.
- GPA on 4.3 scale, annotated.
- Photo optional — local yes, multinational no.
- Cantonese, Mandarin, English explicitly described.
- Faculty named on the degree line.
Format rules at a glance
- Length
- 1–2 pages
- GPA scale
- 4.3, annotated
- Photo
- Optional, employer-dependent
- Languages
- Cantonese / Mandarin / English specified
Introduction
HKU's CEDARS Careers and Placement section teaches a résumé tuned for the Hong Kong hiring market — finance, professional services, fintech, and the regional offices of multinationals. The skeleton is 1–2 pages, single column, with a Profile/Career Objective at the top. Hong Kong norms differ from US/UK in two specific ways: GPA is cited on HKU's 4.3 scale, and photos are optional but more accepted than in the US/UK — many local employers expect a small photo, while multinationals prefer it omitted.
HKU resume format
- Length: 1–2 pages.
- Font: Arial or Calibri at 10–12 pt.
- Margins: 1.5–2.5 cm.
- Dates: right-aligned, Month Year.
- Photo: optional — include for local-firm applications, omit for international firms (HKU offices of Goldman, Bain, etc.).
Personal summary
Open with a 2–4 line Profile / Career Objective: faculty, specialism, target sector. For finance applicants, name target divisions (IBD, Markets, Asset Management) and any Series-equivalent qualifications in progress.
Experience section
- Open with a strong verb.
- Quantify outcomes — Hong Kong finance and consulting recruiters scan numbers first.
- Treat substantial student-society leadership and exchange placements as Experience.
- Cap each bullet at two lines.
Education and certifications
- The University of Hong Kong, then degree (e.g. BBA(Law) and LLB, Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering), graduation date.
- Include CGA / GPA on HKU's 4.3 scale, annotated (e.g. 3.85/4.3).
- Awards (Dean's Honours, HKU scholarships) as sub-entries.
- Faculty named on the degree line.
Skills guidance
Skills at the bottom, grouped. Languages should be specific: "Cantonese (native)", "Mandarin (native, written and spoken)", "English (full professional)". Multilingual capacity is a major signal in the Hong Kong market.
Mistakes to avoid
- Citing GPA without the 4.3 scale.
- Including a photo on an international-firm application. Use judgement based on the employer.
- Vague language claims. Be specific about Cantonese, Mandarin, and English levels.
- Forcing US one-page discipline when material warrants two pages.
Frequently asked questions about the HKU resume format
It depends on the employer. Local Hong Kong firms often expect one; international firms (Goldman, Bain, BCG offices in HK) prefer photos omitted. CEDARS recommends matching the employer's norm.
Always include the scale: '3.85/4.3'. Outside HKU, the 4.3 scale isn't universal, and recruiters anchored to a 4.0 system will misread it.
Yes — they are distinct languages with distinct value in different roles. Be specific about written, spoken, native, and professional levels.
Career coaching and hiring-side experience, written into practical resume and job-search advice.
Based on public career-center best practices. Not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Hong Kong.
Source · cedars.hku.hk