One of the hardest tasks for any job seeker in hunting for work is writing a résumé. But the importance of the document is immense, being as it is the first contact a person has with a prospective employer.

Most companies prefer résumés to be submitted electronically, so create the document in a common programme, such as MS Word, so it can be easily opened and read by all.

Include such basic information as your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Make sure the e-mail address you use sounds professional.

Next, list your education (secondary and tertiary) and qualifications. After a lively career objective that indicates what you want, list your work experience in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.

Include employers' names, positions held and responsibilities. Also, where appropriate, include your salary level achieved, and the reasons for leaving each job. It is also important to include details of two referees.

When formatting your résumé, ensure there is plenty of white space. Don't place too much information on one page, or use graphics or fonts that are difficult to read as they distract from the content.

Finally, don't forget to run a spell check. It's worth getting someone to proofread your résumé to check for spelling, layout or typing errors.

Marc Burrage, regional director, Hays Hong Kong