Originally posted by sohguanh:
[b]These days, there are plenty of Uni grads who can't even produce a simple letter. Let alone an appealing Resume.
Depending on the post you are applying, being able to compose a good resume does not indicate you are capable. Capable in formulating good essay maybe but in technical work (if post is for engineer)?
Tat is why nowadays smart employers actually have a written test on the technical areas pertaining to the post. This is to sieve out those english perfect writers and technically competent employees. Engineers no need be good english writers but they better be technically competent 
Company can't be paying good money for an engineer to write good essay but cannot do the technical work? Assume company don't have habit to outsource the technical work to others.[/b]
Your point of view is valid, and makes sense. However, I find it idiotic that people go through years of studies in universities and graduate to face problems with written communication in English? What went wrong in the education system? DO they conduct Engineering studies in Mandarin? Is there Computer Science in Mandarin?
There exists two groups of people out there; first one, they studied what they studied because their peers are in it, second one, they studied what they studied because of their genuine INTEREST in it.
Now, it is group two, that are more likely to yield competent Engineers or whatever. But in terms of written English, it all comes down to prefered choice of spoken language. I can't understand why the need to insist on speaking in Mandarin at work when clearly, no technical terms, components, and or formulas were ever written in Mandarin? Is there a friggin BONUS for speaking the most in Mandarin? If there is, I can come to grips with it.
And as for group one, this is the group we are likely to find people with the most certifications/qualifications but when it comes to practical work and common sense at work, all those paper qualifications are as good as toilet papers!!
I know of someone who can learn or study anything by heart and obtain the qualifications. But after that, he can't seem to recall or apply what he learnt! Why? I asked him and he admits he don't understand a lot of the things he learnt! OMG! He has a damn good memory, but has no passion in anything. Can't find an interest.
Therefore, I feel that in life, one needs PASSION in whatever you pursue. Whether you have a uni qualification or not, your interest, and attitude counts the MOST! As for Resumes, it all depends on what position you are applying for. I hire people for my own busines I know. One can only write or talk so much, but at work, your color will show up.
Presentation and first impression counts as usual, but importantly, the Resume must look like your character, and not look too clinicallly written like from following some "template".
First I read you in writing from your Resume, then I see you and talk to you. If you don't match your writing both in character, I'm already half-hearted.
Originality is KEY.
