Philippine resumes retain a personal information section and character references that most Western markets dropped years ago. The other defining feature of the market is BPO hiring at scale, where English proficiency, shift flexibility and communication skills are screened explicitly and belong near the top of the page.
Philippines resume rules at a glance
Name: Resume, occasionally CV
Length: One to two pages
Photo: Commonly included, particularly for BPO and customer-facing roles
Personal details: A personal information block is conventional. Do not include your SSS, TIN or PhilHealth numbers
References: Two or three character references with contact numbers are expected
Date format: MM/DD/YYYY or Month YYYY
Spelling: American English — organize, analyze, center
Paper size: A4 or US Letter, both accepted
What to include, in order
Personal information — name, address, contact number, email
Career objective
Educational background, with honours and awards
Work experience or on-the-job training (OJT) for fresh graduates
Skills, including English proficiency and system knowledge
Character references with contact numbers
Mistakes that cost people interviews in Philippines
Including government ID numbers such as SSS, TIN or PhilHealth on a resume — provide them only after hiring.
Fresh graduates omitting OJT and practicum, which Philippine employers treat as genuine experience.
Listing character references without asking permission or providing working contact numbers.
Applying to BPO roles without foregrounding English communication skills and shift availability.
Using an informal email address instead of a professional one.
Philippines resume questions
What should a fresh graduate resume include in the Philippines?
Lead with education, honours and awards, then on-the-job training or practicum described as real work — organisation, duties and what you achieved. Add skills, seminars attended, and two or three character references. OJT is the strongest evidence a Philippine fresh graduate has, so give it room.
Are character references required on a Philippine resume?
They are conventional and frequently checked. Two or three people — a former supervisor, an OJT coordinator, a professor — with job title, organisation and a working mobile number. Always ask permission first.
Should I include a photo on my resume in the Philippines?
It is common and expected in many sectors, particularly BPO, retail and customer-facing roles. Use a plain professional headshot. If you are applying to an international company that screens with applicant tracking software, a version without the photo is safer.