Key takeaways
- 1–2 pages, single column.
- CAP cited on 5.0 scale, annotated.
- Faculty (Business School / Computing / Engineering) named.
- Languages with specific proficiency descriptions.
- Photo not standard.
Format rules at a glance
- Length
- 1–2 pages
- CAP scale
- 5.0, annotated
- Faculty
- Named (Business/Computing/Engineering)
- Photo
- Not standard by default
Introduction
The NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG) teaches a Singapore-format resume that blends US one-page discipline with UK CV conventions. The skeleton is single-column, 1–2 pages, with a short profile at the top and CAP cited on its native 5.0 scale. Singapore hiring is bilingual-aware — English is universal, and Mandarin or Bahasa Melayu proficiency belongs in Skills if applicable. Photos are not standard on NUS-coached résumés.
NUS resume format
- Length: 1–2 pages.
- Font: Arial or Calibri at 10–12 pt.
- Margins: 0.5"–1" / 1.5–2.5 cm.
- Dates: right-aligned, Month Year.
- Photo: not standard; some sector-specific employers (e.g. hospitality) may request one separately.
Personal summary
Open with a 2–4 line profile naming your faculty, specialism, and target role. CFG recommends including any second-major or specialisation (e.g. Computer Science with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence) up front.
Experience section
- Open with a strong verb.
- State scope and a numeric result.
- Internships, exchange placements, and substantial student-society leadership all count as Experience.
- Cap each bullet at two lines.
Education and certifications
- National University of Singapore, then degree (e.g. Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science, BBA from NUS Business School), graduation date.
- Cite CAP on the 5.0 scale, annotated (e.g. 4.65/5.0).
- Honours classification noted on the degree line (Highest Distinction / Distinction / Merit).
- SEP (Student Exchange Programme) noted as a sub-entry.
Skills guidance
Skills sits at the bottom, grouped by Technical, Languages, and Certifications. Languages should be specific: "Mandarin (native, written and spoken)", "Bahasa Melayu (conversational)". For tech applicants, list languages and frameworks rather than self-rated stars.
Mistakes to avoid
- Citing CAP without the 5.0 scale.
- Omitting NUS Business School or NUS Computing when the recruiter audience is faculty-specific.
- Photos by default.
- Vague language claims. Specific levels matter in a multilingual market.
Frequently asked questions about the NUS resume format
Not by default. CFG's coached templates omit photos. A small number of sector-specific employers (hospitality, some service industries) may request a photo separately — supply it as an attachment rather than embedding it in the CV.
Always include the 5.0 scale annotation: '4.65/5.0'. Outside Singapore, recruiters anchored to a 4.0 GPA system can read CAP incorrectly without the denominator.
Yes — NUS faculties are distinct hiring markets, especially for Business and Computing. Place the faculty on the degree line.
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 National University of Singapore.
Source · nus.edu.sg