An effective résumé or CV is the most powerful job-searching tool available. It can make the difference between being invited for an interview and being rejected. An employer will have numerous applications to look through and will only spend a short time scanning each one, so it is essential that the jobseekers résumé/CV is presented clearly, written concisely, and sells his/her abilities and personal strengths.

In Singapore, the terms "CV" and "résumé" are interchangeable. Both terms refer to a full and detailed application history.