Your Winning Resume Format Guide (2025) | Malaysia CV Format

Crafting a compelling resume in 2025 requires more than just listing your experiences. With the Malaysian job market becoming increasingly competitive, it's essential to present your qualifications in a format that resonates with recruiters and passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This guide provides insights into the most effective resume formats and tips to enhance your CV for the Malaysian job landscape.

 

1. Understanding the Malaysian Resume Landscape

In Malaysia, the terms "resume" and "CV" are often used interchangeably. However, the standard practice leans towards concise documents that highlight relevant experiences and skills. Typically, a resume should be 1-2 pages long, focusing on recent and pertinent information.

 

2. Choosing the Right Resume Format

Selecting the appropriate resume format is crucial. Here are the three primary formats:

• Chronological Resume: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal for those with a solid work history in the same field.

• Functional Resume: Emphasizes skills over work history. Suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment.

• Combination Resume: Blends both chronological and functional elements. Great for highlighting relevant skills while providing a work history.

3. Essential Sections of a Malaysian Resume

Ensure your resume includes the following sections:

• Contact Information: Full name, phone number, professional email

• Professional Summary: A brief overview of your qualifications and career goals.

• Work Experience: List of relevant job roles, responsibilities, and achievements.

• Education: Academic qualifications and relevant certifications.

• Skills: Both hard and soft skills pertinent to the job.

• Additional Sections: Languages, volunteer work, or other relevant experiences.

4. Tailoring Your Resume for ATS

Many Malaysian companies utilize ATS to filter resumes. To ensure your resume gets noticed:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate terms from the job description.

• Simple Formatting: Avoid complex layouts, graphics, or tables that ATS might not read.

• Standard Fonts: Use fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in sizes 10-12.

• File Format: Submit your resume in PDF or Word format.

 

5. Highlighting Achievements and Skills

Rather than just listing job duties, focus on accomplishments:

• Quantify Results: Use numbers to showcase achievements (e.g., increased sales by 20%).

• Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that match the job requirements.

• Soft Skills: Emphasize communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including Irrelevant Information: Avoid personal details like age, religion, or marital status.

• Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread multiple times to ensure accuracy.

• Generic Resumes: Tailor your resume for each job application.

7. Utilizing Resume Templates and Tools

Leverage available resources to craft a professional resume:

• VisualCV: Offers templates tailored for the Malaysian market. 

• ResumeWriter.MY: Provides samples and writing guides for various industries.

• Canva: User-friendly platform with customizable resume templates.

By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing the recommended resources, you can craft a resume that stands out in the Malaysian job market of 2025. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your professional journey—make it count.

If you need further assistance or personalized feedback on your resume, feel free to reach out!

 

Looking for new career opportunities? Check out our latest job openings here: Job listings

Need hiring support? Connect with Reeracoen Malaysia today!

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in our blog articles is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the ever-evolving nature of certain topics may result in content becoming outdated or inaccurate over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals or experts in the respective fields for specific advice or guidance. Any actions taken based on the information contained in our blog articles are solely at the reader's discretion and risk. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences incurred as a result of such actions.

We may occasionally provide links to external websites or resources for further information or reference. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for the content or accuracy of these external sources. Our blog articles may also include personal opinions, views, or interpretations of the authors, which do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation as a whole. We encourage readers to verify the accuracy and relevance of information presented in our blog articles and to seek professional advice when needed. 

Your use of this website and its content constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.
 

Reference: 
https://www.reeracoen.com.my/en/articles/resume-trends-2025-how-to-write-a-cv-that-stands-out-to-employers
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-your-resume-should-look-like-2025-5-must-have-jessica-b3v6e/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-craft-winning-cv-malaysian-job-market-winningcvexecutivesearch-6pdnf
https://my.jobstreet.com/career-advice/article/9-tips-to-improve-your-resume-format
https://www.resume-now.com/resume/templates
https://www.resumewriter.my/blog/fresh-graduate-resume-sample
https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates
https://www.resumewriter.my/blog/how-to-write-a-resume