Published in: Resume Writing Guidance

Latest Regional Resume Writing Standards in Malaysia

Author Proresumes Team

Published on: March 11, 2026

Want to work as a foreigner in Malaysia?

Explore this guide to learn about the Malaysian resume standards and details required in every resume section.

What is the document name used for the job application in Malaysia?

The name of the Malay job application document is resume or CV. Since the region uses English for their primary language for the job document, applicants utilize these words interchangeably.

The short form of the Latin word Curriculum Vitae (CV) is mostly used for job applications or detailed career documents. However, the word resume is only used to refer to job application documents.

Moreover, some Malay people also use the term Curriculum Vitae, which is a variation of the word Curriculum Vitae.

Related: Guidelines and Format for UK CV in 2026

Regional resume standards used in Malaysia in 2026

Malaysia is situated in the Southeastern region of the Asian continent. It follows a mix of resume standards utilized by the Asian, European, and American sides of the world. The standards followed by the Malay resumes include:

Resume Length

The length of the Malay resumes is preferred to be up to two pages. The Malaysian job applicants are advised to use a one-page resume when they don’t have enough experience. Moreover, applicants like new graduates or those who want to transition into different careers should use a single page.

Meanwhile, the job applicants who are working at senior executive, leadership, or managerial positions require more than one page. Malaysian hiring managers expect a two-page resume from these job applicants along with their relevant career details.

Paper Size

The paper size that is mostly used by Malaysian job applicants is A4. The A4 paper size is part of the A series, which is known as the German ISO 216 standard.

The following are some of the dimensions of the Malaysian resumes according to the A4 size:

1. 210 x 297 mm
2. 21 x 29.7 cm
3. 8.27 x 11.69 inches

Resume Format

The format used for Malay resumes is similar to the formats preferred by the international resume standards. The resume format mostly preferred by the Malaysian hiring managers is the reverse-chronological format.

This resume format is preferred because of the following reasons:

• It highlights the most recent experience.
• It shows progression during the career.
• It highlights the tenure of an applicant at each organization.
• It is easily scannable.

Moreover, Malaysian job applicants also use other resume formats, including:

1. Functional or skills-based resume
2. Hybrid or combination resume

What is the main language used for resumes in Malaysia?  

The main language that is used by Malaysian job applicants is the UK version of English. Even though there is a Malaysian dialect of English (Manglish) used for main communication in the country, it isn’t used professionally.

British English is a standard version of the language and is used for educational, professional, and other purposes.

However, it is recommended by resume experts to use concise and correct English and UK spellings. Experts also suggest the use of action verbs, strong grammar, and accurate terminology for Malaysian resumes.

Looking for ways to get a Malaysian job? Optimize your resume today according to the advice of resume experts at ProResumes. Moreover, get a free resume review today!

Guidelines for an applicant’s photo in a Malaysian resume or CV

The Malaysian local business sector and recruiters often require a resume picture from job applicants. However, it is considered an optional resume part for many international or foreign-affiliated corporations in the country.

Many employers don’t care about a photo-less resume, while some often find it weird. However, many local recruiters prefer a resume picture and assume an applicant to be ignorant if they don’t provide one.

The following are some photo guidelines that should be considered while getting a photo for a resume:

• Always use natural lighting for the photo.
• Always dress in a professional or dark dress.
• Avoid the use of makeup or beauty filters.
• Have good facial expressions while taking photos.
• Get a clean, simple, and neutral background for the picture.

Guidelines for the references section in a resume in Malaysia

The references section isn’t a part of the Malaysian resumes unless it is required explicitly in the job description. Freshers are often expected to add a separate references section in their resume to build credibility.

However, the use of references or the (references available upon request) phrase isn’t necessary for the Malay resumes. Moreover, the best method to provide references to recruiters is through a reference list.

Applicants can add the following details of the references in the references list:

• Full name
• Occupation
• Company
• Phone number
• Email address

What are the essential resume sections for a resume in Malaysia?

The main parts of a Malay resume include the following:

Personal information

The first section includes the job applicant’s details like:

• Full name
• Contact information (Email address and phone number)
• Nationality (For foreign applicants)
• Work permit status (For foreign applicants)

However, the following applicant details aren’t a part of the Malay resume:

• Age
• National ID number
• Marital status
• Religion

Professional summary

It is a precise description of an applicant’s career journey within three to four lines. It includes details like:

• Years of experience
• Achievement
• Skills
• Career goals

Work Experience

The expertise section focuses on key details such as the following:

• List the recent position first.
• List the organization’s name.
• Add dates of employment
• Add work positions
• Add main duties at work
• Add quantified achievements
• Add internship experience

Education

The education section in the experience section includes details like:

• Name of institute
• Years attended
• Title of degree
• Major degree program
• Professional certifications
• Study abroad experience

Additional Sections

The additional sections that are a part of the Malay resumes include:

• Language proficiency (English, Bahasa Malay, and others)
• Skills (Hard skills and soft skills)
• Hobbies (Only if relevant to the job)

How to optimize the CV or resume document in Malaysia?

Here’s a list of some tips to optimize job applications in Malaysia:

• Always use readable fonts with ten to twelve text sizes.
• Use industry-specific terms to optimize applicant tracking systems.
• Avoid using more than two pages for job applications.
• Visa status and nationality are often required for foreign applicants in Malay resumes.
• Always use formal language in the resumes and avoid slang or humor.
• Avoid talking negatively about past employers in the Malay resume.

Check out ProResumes resume guidance blogs to solve the issues in your resumes.