resume template for australia

Australian Resume - Guide & Formatting Tips [Free Templates!]

Every country has its own work culture and that means specific requirements when it comes to resumes and CVs. 

And Australia is no different.

If you’re doing some Aussie job-searching (or planning to do so), you probably have a few questions:

What do “resume” and “CV” refer to in Australia? Are there any formatting rules you should be aware of? How long does the resume have to be? Should you include your photo? 

Well, you’re in the right place.

We’re here to answer those questions and more!

In this article, you’re going to find everything you need to know about Australian resumes and how to prepare one.

What Makes Australian Resumes Different

• Typical Australian Resume Sections

3 Free Australian Resume Templates

How to make a convincing resume - further readings.

Let’s get to it!

We recommend creating your Australian resume in parallel with reading this guide. Just pick a template that you like, and get started.

Not sure where to look for a job in Australia? SEEK and CareerOne are some of the most popular job boards in the country.

Although it might appear similar to the U.S. resume format at first glance, the Australian resume differs in some details that if missed, might very well ruin your chances of getting a call-back. 

Don’t worry though, we’re going to cover all of those details starting with the elephant in the room:

#1. Australian Resume vs CV

Unlike the U.S., in Australia, the terms “resume” and “CV” are used to refer to the same document . You will most likely come across “resume” more often, but if not, know that the terms are synonymous with each other. 

#2. How long should an Australian resume be?

In the U.S., a resume should typically be one page . 

An Australian resume, however, should definitely be more than one page. If you are a professional, three to four pages are what’s expected. If you are a recent graduate or don’t have much experience in the field, two pages will be enough . 

Don’t forget to be to-the-point, though. Even though you have the freedom to present yourself with a lengthy resume, you shouldn’t get into unnecessary details.

If you have a lot of years of experience, you shouldn’t go more than 10 years back in your resume. If there are any earlier work experiences that you particularly want to mention, you can add a “other professional experience” section and briefly mention it there. You can also end the section with “Full resume available upon request.”

#3. Are there any language expectations for Australian resumes?

As a matter of fact, there are. If you're applying for a job in Australia you need to make sure that your resume is written in correct Australian english. 

#4. Do you include a photo in an Australian resume?

Unless you’re applying for a job that is related to your appearance (modeling or acting), it’s best to not include a photo in your resume. If the company wants you to include one, they will usually specify it beforehand. 

There are some countries, like Belgium, France, and Germany, where you should include a photo in your resume . This rule, however, doesn’t apply to Australia.

#5. What personal information should you include in an Australian resume?

Just like your photo, personal information can make you vulnerable to profiling based on gender, race, age, or appearance. To avoid that, provide only the necessary contact information like name, address, phone number, and email address. 

It’s actually illegal for employers in Australia to ask you for information like age, marital status, religion, sexual preference, or nationality.

6 Typical Australian Resume Sections

Now that we’ve gone over what makes an Australian resume different, let’s focus on its layout and format. 

An Australian resume typically has the following sections:

Resume Objective/Summary

Although it isn’t mandatory, it is recommended for you to include a resume objective or summary.

A resume objective (or career objective) states your goals for employment and what you aim for in your career. It’s 1-2 sentences and is great for recent graduates or people who are changing careers. 

• Recent computer science graduate seeking a full-time position as a programmer. Strong knowledge of object-oriented programming and application development tools.

A resume summary (or career summary) highlights your professional experience and gives the employer a glimpse of your skills before reading about them further in your resume. It’s between 3-5 sentences and is great for job seekers with years of experience. 

• Driven programmer with 8+ years of experience developing and maintaining enterprise software applications. Helped design and develop 3 successful applications over the past 5 years.

Work Experience

Your work experience should be displayed in a reverse-chronological order . With each entry, you should provide the start and end date along with a brief description of your experience, your responsibilities, and your achievements. 

When possible, quantify your achievements and responsibilities. This shows the recruiter how you stand out from the rest of the applicants: 

Marketing Manager

Achievements/Tasks

• Launched social media campaigns for the company
• Managed a large team

07/2018 - Present

Achievements

• Developed and launched promotional campaigns that increased sales revenue by 12%
• Trained and managed over 15 marketing and sales specialists, making sure sales targets were always met. 

If there are any gaps in your employment history, you should account for them as well if possible. Chances are, your interviewer will ask you about it anyway. 

If you have work experience in a large company/institution in your country that an Australian recruiter might not be familiar with, you should provide some information on your employer as well. 

For example, if you have worked as a sales manager for one of the largest toy companies in your country, don’t be hesitant to provide that information. By simply stating the name of the company you risk downplaying your experience if the recruiter isn’t familiar with the company.  

Your education history should also be displayed in reverse-chronological order. Each entry should consist of the name of the institution, date attended, your major/minor/specialization, and any related honors or awards. 

BA in Economics

Bentley University

07/2017 - 05/2021

• Dean’s List 2019, 2020, 2021
• Member of the Investment Club

A simple list of skills and strengths will provide the employer with a quick snapshot of what you have to offer and what you excel at. In general, it’s best to focus on hard skills, but if you will be listing any soft skills like “leadership” or “critical thinking”, make sure you can back them up with experiences. 

Volunteer Experience

If you have any volunteer experience , it’s important to note it on your resume. Hiring managers appreciate it. 

Often, volunteer experience can count as work experience too. Especially if it matches with a period of time you were not employed and if it is related to your profession. In that case, you can even include it in the “work experience” section. 

The name, position, and phone number of your referee/s will be enough. Most recruiters contact references after the interview process anyway.

If you want to create a resume that stands out, you’ll need to use a good-looking template.

#1. College/University Resume Template

As a student or recent graduate, you want your resume to highlight your education and emphasize your skills. This is exactly what the College resume format does. 

It has a simple and organized format that is easy to skim and has a nice aesthetic. 

#2. Professional Resume Template

Approved by various recruiters and one of our all-time favorite templates, the Professional template can adapt to all fields. 

It highlights your work experience and makes all information easy to find for the recruiter. 

#3. Creative Resume Template

If you have a career in marketing, design, advertising, or other creative fields, this is the perfect template for you. 

The Creative resume template is compact and organized but has some details that add to it a unique touch, fit for the industry you are in. 

At this point, we’ve got you all covered on Australian resumes, what they look like, and how they differ from resumes in other countries.

However, there’s always room for improving and perfecting your resume and job-searching process. 

Check out some of our top resources on job-search, resumes, and the interviewing process and be on top of your game in all steps:

• The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding a Great Aussie Job in 2024 - This guide is as good as it sounds. You’ll find all you need to know about the job-finding process in Australia.
• How to Write a Resume | Professional Guide - Everything you need to know about how to make a resume, from layout to content.
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 - The A to Z guide to the perfect CV that will land you that interview.
• 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List] - Leave nothing to chance and ace that interview by learning how to answer these unavoidable questions.
• How to Ace Interviews with the STAR Method - The key to giving a good answer to every single behavioral job interview question.

Looking for more? Head over to our career blog and find all the information you need.

Key Takeaways

The differences of an Australian resume may be subtle, but if you don’t pay attention to them, you probably aren’t getting any callbacks. 

To avoid that, when preparing your Australian resume remember:

• In Australia, “resume” and “CV” refer to the same document.
• You can and MUST go longer than one page. 3-5 pages is ideal, but 2 pages can be acceptable if you don't have a lot of experience.
• Your resume has to be written using correct Australian English so always double-check that your spelling is right
• It is highly recommended to include an attention grabbing-resume objective or summary that will make the recruiter intrigued to read further

And that’s a wrap! 

Good luck and wish you a successful job-search!

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Writing a resume in Australia (CV) – Guide and templates

Are you planning a trip Down Under, and want to find a job while you’re over here? The first step to working in Australia is creating a great CV – but did you know that Australian CVs are quite different to English or American ones? Navigating the Australian job market can be challenging, especially for those new to the country. This guide provides you with essential tips and templates to craft a resume that stands out in the Australian job market.

Table of Contents

Tailoring Your Resume for Different Job Types

As for all countries, a CV is an essential part of the job search in Australia. However, depending on the types of jobs you want to do in the country, your CV will be different. Do you see yourself working short-term on a farm, in a casual hospitality job, or in a long-term job in a city in your specific field? The steps for finding a job will vary depending on what you’re looking for. Now get creating the perfect CV to land you your dream job !

Do you need a resume for a farm job?

A resume is not always necessary to work in Australia . They won’t always ask you for one for farm jobs like fruit picking . If you are looking for a job on a farm, emailing a farmer your CV will often be a waste of time. It is better to go directly to the farms and speak with the owners or even call them and ask them if they are hiring. Independent farmers will usually not ask you for a CV in person but we still advise you to have one ready, for example if you have to apply online (this happens for some large companies).

CV for a long-term job

If you are looking for a long-term or stable job with a small or larger company, having a well-written CV that follows Australian criteria will be essential , especially for any job that requires experience or qualifications. Highlight specific professional skills, career progression, and significant achievements.

CV for a casual job

If you are looking for a more casual or temporary job in a supermarket or in catering, your CV will mainly serve to prove that you have a basic knowledge of English . It is also an excellent way to meet managers directly by handing in your CV. Focus on flexibility, customer service skills, and quick learning ability.

Since January 2024,  working holiday visa makers  can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission to the government if your work is: – in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed 6 months – in plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia – in certain industries (aged care and disability services, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only) – natural disaster recovery work – in critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, anywhere in Australia – in the critical sector of tourism and hospitality anywhere in Australia.  For any other situations not covered above, you must ask for permission to work longer than 6 months with one employer.

Certificates and trainings required to work in Australia

To work in certain industries in Australia, you will need to complete vocational training and obtain a certificate.

The most well-known certificates are:

• the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol): mandatory to work in an establishment where alcohol is served.
• the White Card : mandatory for all building trades, such as construction
• the RSG/RCG : mandatory to work in gambling establishments, such as casinos and game rooms.
• Barista : If you want to work in a coffee shop like Starbucks, MacCoffees or Gloria Jeans Coffee, you will need this training.

Showing on your CV that you have the certificates required will be a real asset when job hunting.

Save money on your RSA in Australia

Pay less for your RSA course (Responsible Service of Alcohol). With this certificate, you will be allowed to work in all places where alcohol is served or sold.

Download your free Australian resume templates

Download our customizable resume templates designed for the Australian job market. These templates cater to different job types and highlight the structure and content that employers expect.

👨‍🍳 CV template for working in hospitality in Australia

👨‍💼 cv template for working in marketing in australia.

Tip : For emailing your Australian resume, save the file in PDF format. This will prevent the layout from changing depending on different computers/operating systems.

Understanding Australian Resume Standards

Length of your resume.

First of all, you should know that an resume in Australia is often longer and more detailed than you might be used to. Resumes in Western Europe are usually kept to two pages, whereas an Australian resume can easily go up to five or even seven pages for a specialised job. So don’t hesitate to be specific about your experience and personal qualities.

You will also need to adapt your CV to the position you are applying for! This may seem logical, but consider presenting your experience differently depending on the job you are applying for. Some tasks, responsibilities or skills will be more relevant than others.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule! To work in the hospitality industry as a waiter or dishwasher, for example, it is advisable to opt for a shorter CV comprising 1 or 2 pages to make it easier to read quickly. (This does not apply if you are aiming for, for example, a management position in a large hotel!) Also remember to indicate the Australian certificates that are necessary mandatory for the job, such as your RSA .

Resume in Australia: Photo or no photo?

It is not generally recommended to include a photo on your Australian CV. You should also avoid including your age or date of birth as there are age discrimination laws in Australia.

However, make sure to add a section for references . You will need to include the names and contacts of previous employers who would be happy to recommend you to a new employer. Choose people who speak English and with whom you have had a good relationship.

Key Sections of an Australian Resume

Here are the different sections that must appear on your Australian resume. The order of the sections is up to you . For instance, if you have little professional experience but have completed a course or degree related to the job you’re applying for, put the “Education” section before “Work Experience”. If you are looking for a job in catering, making the “Skills” section (including your RSA) appear before your work experience could be a good idea. As a general rule, start with your most recent experience.

1 – Personal Details

Make sure to include your:

• Local Australian address*
• Australian phone number
• Professional email address
• Optional : your   LinkedIn  profile (highly appreciated in Australia for certain types of jobs).

* The majority of employers prefer to hire workers already in Australia. So put down a local address, even if it is a backpackers hostel!

Reminder: It’s not necessary to include details like your date of birth, marital status, or photo, as these could lead to unconscious bias.

 2 –  Introduction: Quick presentation of yourself and what you are looking for

Describe your professional motivation in two or three sentences. What you are looking for in a job, and why your qualities make you the right person for this specific job . Remember to specify your availability (eg. Available from January 7th 2024). This is a very short, but very important part of your resume – it’s like a mini cover letter. The idea is that your potential employer will glance at it and makes a decision on whether he or she is interested in reading the rest of your resume in a split-second.

This part can be short if you are looking for a temporary or holiday job. For example to find a job in service, you can write “I am a UK traveler on a Working Holiday Visa and I am looking for a position as a waitress in Brisbane. I have my RSA certificate and I am available to start asap.” You can also decide to say more about yourself if you wish or to highlight your skills more.

The Australian resume is typically more comprehensive than in some other countries. It’s not just about listing your experience; it’s about presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.

3 – Work Experience: “Employment history”

Provide a detailed description of the jobs you have done in the past. This includes your tasks and the responsibilities you had within the company . Highlight what you contributed to the company of your previous employers (e.g. if you worked at a bar and set up a Facebook page for them). Employers like to see that you show initiative.

As a traveller, we often want to get away from the work we did at home and try something new. If this applies to you, emphasise what you did in the past that could be an asset for this new job . For instance, if you are applying for a receptionist position, specify that you have experience hosting clients at another company.

Specify the name of the business and its industry , the start and end dates of your contract , your previous job titles , and the city and country where you worked.

Put your previous work experience in reverse chronological order , with your most recent job on the top. If you have had many different jobs in the past, only include those related to the job which you are applying for.

4 – Training and education: “Education and training”

List your education in reverse chronological order. This section should include both your degree and any professional training you have obtained such as internships, apprenticeships. For each point specify the name of the educational course, dates, school/ institution, city and country of graduation .

The Australian school system may differ from your home countries. In principle, it is built up as follows:

• High school degree;
• Bachelor’s degree;
• Advanced diploma ou Higher national certificate;
• Master’s degree;
• PhD (Doctorate).

5 – “Skills and strengths”

Highlight both hard and soft skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Mention any certifications , languages, or technical skills .

• For a job in graphic design , specify your computer skills in a ‘computer skills’ sub-section and your soft skills in a ‘personal qualities’ section (e.g. your creativity and adaptability);
• To work in hospitality , emphasise your ability to work as part of a team, your organisational and interpersonal skills.

Specify the different languages you speak and your level of competency (e.g. native, intermediate, beginner). You can also add other diplomas and certificates here, such as the RSA , White Card , and Driver’s license.

This section is very important when looking for a job in Australia. If you are not a native English speaker, any potential employer will want to know whether your English is good enough for the job you’re applying for. Also, considering that for many jobs you are required to drive, it is important to mention whether you have a driver’s license or not.

6 – Hobbies: “Hobbies and interests”

Do not neglect this part of your CV, but do not list all your hobbies either! In fact, your activities, passions and commitments will allow your future employer to better understand you. Highlight the activities you do outside the professional sphere. Whether practising yoga, being a soccer captain or even participating in community activities, these elements reflect your personality and your qualities.

Volunteer Experience/Extra-curricular Activities: Especially for those with limited work experience, such activities can demonstrate your skills and commitment.

7 – References: “Referees”

Here you include the names of people you worked with in the past and their contact details . Make sure to check with them that they agree to be listed as a contact before adding them to this list. Your future employer will probably contact them to find out more about you and the way you work, so you want to only add people that will have something positive to say. If you are not comfortable giving this information at first, just add their names and state ‘Contact details available on request’ . This will also give you the opportunity to inform your contacts that they may get a call!

Get discounts on your White Card course

Take advantage of our special offers to get your White Card and work in the construction industry.

Tips & tricks for a great Australian Resume

Put australian contact details.

Once your resume is in an Australian format, you should update your phone number and address as soon as possible.

Australian employers are much more likely hire candidates who are already in Australia.  Those who have an Australian address and phone number will have a head start.

If you do not have an address in Australia, as many travellers do not, you can add the address of your hostel or a local post office. You will always be contacted by phone or mail, so it does not make a difference.

Add a title to your Resume

The CV title will allow the employer to quickly identify which position you are applying for. Write the position offered in the title of your resume. For example: – Barista Position – Waiter Position – Manager Position – Farm Hand.

Tailor your resume to the job

In fact, depending on the job for which you are applying, your experiences, degrees, passions, etc. must be revised to be in line with the job. Your CV must be targeted ! Don’t include information that doesn’t add value or is not relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you are looking for a job in construction but do not have the experience, highlight your DIY skills, your personal DIY-related experiences. If you are looking for a sales job and have never had one before, highlight your past customer relationships as a waitress or in admin.

Digital Literacy

In today’s job market, being tech-savvy is a must. Include your proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, digital marketing tools, or any industry-specific software.

Visual Appeal and Readability

As for the layout and the visual aspect of your CV, a word of advice: go for the simplest option . Avoid overly extravagant colours and layouts. The content is much more important than the format. Australians prefer a clean and clear CV. Use a professional and readable font . Keep the size consistent, usually between 10 and 12 points.

There are many free tools online to help you create your Australian resume. Many platforms offer simple and beautiful CV templates. You can fill them out free online then download them. CVDesignR and Canva are good options.

Ensure your resume is clearly laid out , with headings and bullet points to facilitate easy reading. Avoid large blocks of text.

Print your resume

Make sure to print quite a few resumes (20-30) to hand in to places in person . You will probably want to modify your CV as time goes on, so it does not make sense to print many more. In most cities, you will find a store called  Office Works . They offer attractive rates for printing (from $0.08 per copy). Otherwise, you have the option to go to your local library . The problem with this is that sometimes it is necessary to buy a card to recharge with a minimum amount in dollars, so you end up paying more.

Do not print too many copies at once. You may not distribute them all, or you may want or need to make some changes to it over time to bring it up to date.

If you want to print a few copies, between 1 and 3, ask to have your prints done at your youth hostel, at a travel agency for backpackers or at a shop that does photo development. It will cost you less.

Hand out your resume personally

Try to walk around and hand out your CV directly to employers if you are searching for work in restaurants, bars, shops etc. Do not hesitate to ask to speak to the manager – this will allow you to meet your potential future employer and make more of an impression. First impressions are important. Wear clean and professional clothes. Avoid applying in a restaurant dressed in shorts, flip-flops etc. Sometimes handing your CV to a manager can turn into a job interview on the spot , so be prepared.

• Use Australian English spelling .
• Typos and grammatical errors . Proofread your resume multiple times or have someone else review it.
• If you’re from overseas, clarify your work rights in Australia.
• Be honest. Australian employers value integrity and straightforwardness.

Your resume is your ticket to the Australian job market. Use this guide to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, a well-crafted resume opens doors to exciting career opportunities in Australia.

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Importance of a good cv.

Your resume must also get past any  initial screening algorithms , or applicant tracking systems (ATS), which identify suitable candidates based on the use of relevant keywords.

Think of your CV as your own living, breathing personal pitch – a pitch that succinctly answers all the questions a recruiter or hiring manager has about you. The degree to which you present the reader with the information they require to make an informed decision can determine whether you are invited to interview.

This includes why you are applying for this job, with this organisation and in this industry, what value you can bring to the organisation and whether you have what is required to be successful in the role.To leave the reader with no doubt about your suitability, you must present a strong CV that clearly conveys this information.

How often should I update my CV? 

Even if you aren’t actively looking for a new role, it’s important to get into the habit of  regularly updating your CV . If you keep your resume up-to-date, when you do come to the point when you want to find a new position, there’s no risk that you’ll forget key points. Regularly updating your resume can also make you more aware of any skills or experience gaps that you need to fill to take the next step in your career.

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Resume advice.

A good CV is vital. Discover tips and advice on how to write a resume with this video. Follow our tips to update your CV or download the free resume template!

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Resume & cover letters.

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How to write a cover letter

CV cliches to avoid

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Make your CV stand out

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Cv versus resume – what’s the difference  .

Today, a lot of employers and job candidates use the terms ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ interchangeably. Indeed, you may see just as many references to ‘resume templates’ as you do ‘CV templates’.

Traditionally, a CV referred to a comprehensive (up to six pages) account of your entire professional life, while a resume was a summary (up to two pages) of your education, skills and work experience. However, in more modern times, the need for a lengthy overview of your career history has become redundant, with a hiring company instead expecting a two-page summary.

At the same time, people began to use the two terms reciprocally. Now, whether you call your career overview a ‘CV’ or ‘resume’, it has no bearing on your chance of reaching an interview shortlist. 

How to write a resume | 2nd content block | UB

The purpose of a resume.

Your resume serves to introduce the relevancy of your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements to a recruiter and potential employer. A recruiter or employer may not spend longer than a few minutes reviewing your resume, so it should succinctly convey your most relevant achievements. If the reader thinks you are a suitable candidate for the role, your resume will have achieved its purpose – an offer to attend an interview. 

you must be able to demonstrate your skills, experience, and future potential.

If you can do that well in one page, that’s great. However, the average length of a resume is usually around two pages. 

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How long should my resume be.

Your resume should be approximately two pages long. If it is substantially longer, eliminate information that isn’t relevant to the role or industry.

For instance, look back at the key skills and attributes required for the job in question and then review your resume – are you using valuable space to describe skills, attributes and responsibilities from roles that don’t match up to the job in question?

If so, remove this content or, at the least, simplify your language. On your resume, you must get to the point, so don’t use ten words to say something you could say in five.  

On the other hand, one page may suffice in certain circumstances. The main thing to keep in mind when you’re writing your resume is that you must be able to demonstrate your skills, experience, and future potential.

How to write a resume | 4th content block | UB

What not to include in a resume.

Use your common sense when writing your resume. If you have been employed for many years and your career has evolved over time, knowing how to write a resume well means you will not include every role you’ve ever held, such as the casual retail position you had in high school or the captaincy of your social sporting team. Rather, use the limited space on your resume strategically by ensuring every line shows how you are relevant to the particular job you’re applying for. 

Similarly, if you have an advanced degree, few people are going to be concerned about the exams you took when you were 16 years old. Instead, only include training that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Unless otherwise stated, you don’t need to attach copies of certificates, qualifications or references. You should instead bring these to a job interview.

We also advise candidates to avoid listing their hobbies or interests. Focus instead on the experience and skills that make you suitable for the job you’re applying for. The exceptions occur when you have limited relevant experience or if the employer specifically asks applicants to list hobbies. In these cases, keep it brief. Avoid anything that could be contentious, such as political affiliations, and instead show how your personality is suited to that of the organisation. For example, consider listing a hobby that requires expertise relevant to the role, such as organisational or communication skills. 

You also do not need to design a creative resume, unless you work in a creative field. Some candidates attempt to produce a more creative resume to stand out, however it really is the relevancy of your skills and experience that will ensure you make a shortlist, not how you present your resume.

Can AI write the perfect resume?

How to write a resume | 5th content block | ub, step by step guide to writing a great resume.

Follow the below standard resume structure when looking to write your resume. Don’t forget to ensure you use clean and clear formatting. 

1. Contact information

Start with the basics such as your name, phone number, email address (make sure the email address you use sounds professional) and  LinkedIn profile . Use the phone number and email address that you use most often. You don’t want to disappoint an employer by failing to respond to their invitation to an interview in a timely fashion.

2. Professional summary 

In 50 to 150 words, describe your applicable experience and skills. This summary should prove your value and help to differentiate you. Avoid describing what you’d like from your next job and instead focus on what you can offer. This is the place for your  USP , or unique selling proposition. Tailor this section to each position that you’re applying to.

Use keywords from the job description so that an ATS can find a match.

3. Skills summary 

The reader of your resume may not have more than a minute to spend scanning each application, particularly if the volume of applications is very high, so including a skills section can capture their attention by making it immediately clear what you can offer. Compile a brief bulleted list of the systems,  skills and competencies  that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description here too.

For instance, if the ad specifies someone who has ‘effective administrative abilities and excellent interpersonal skills’, these should be addressed here with brief evidence as to where you gained those skills. Make sure to tailor your expertise to the individual position you are applying for, always.

4. Achievements

A future employer will be interested in where you went above and beyond the job that you were paid to do and achieved something great. So, next list your key career achievements, supported by facts, statistics or links. For example, if you over-achieved on your sales targets, you need to say by what percentage and over what period.

Keep in mind, this is a summary to grab interest by demonstrating you can successfully add value to an organisation in the type of job you’re applying for, so proof is essential.

5. Work experience 

Your work history should be the most detailed section of your resume, with positions listed in reverse order, beginning with the most recent. Include employer names, positions and primary responsibilities.

If your job title is unconventional, it is perfectly acceptable to replace it with a recognisable equivalent.

It is important to quantify your accomplishments – the reader wants to see facts not fluff. Focus on the value you added in each role, rather than simply listing what your duties were. This section shouldn’t read like a job description. Rather, it should tell the story of your unique strengths and accomplishments. Think of your biggest achievements for each role and provide concrete, quantifiable evidence of each. One way to help you do this is to use action verbs such as “managed” or “oversaw”. Such verbs force you to focus on what you achieved and your results in each role, which proves the value of your experience.

Avoid overused clichés in you CV  that can waste valuable space. Instead, include examples of your work to demonstrate your strengths. Remember that proof is in your results.

We also advise you not to leave gaps in your work history. If you took a year out, carried out an interim assignment, or travelled for six months, say so. Just make sure you illustrate whatever the experience was in a positive way, focusing on the fact that it gave you some great experience and knowledge.

Stating just the years you started or finished a role can also send off alarm bells. Writing "2019 - 2021" could be interpreted as employment from December 2019 to January 2021 unless you say otherwise. 

6. Education & qualifications 

Keep it concise by listing the academic qualification obtained, year of completion, the institution’s name and a one-sentence summary.

7. References 

The details of references are rarely included on resumes. It’s common for candidates to simply write, “References are available upon request” in this section of your resume. Your recruiter will then reach out for the details of your referees at the appropriate point in the recruitment process. 

Remember though, the referees recruiters and employers value the most are those people you reported to directly who can speak about how you used your skills and experience to add value to their organisation. If you are unsure who to provide as a referee, our  guide to references  may help. 

How to write a resume | 6th content block | UB

Final tips to remember when writing your resume.

By the time the recruiter or hiring manager reaches the end of your resume, they will have more than likely made their decision about whether to add your resume to the interview pile or not. Here are three final tips to help your resume reach the shortlist: Firstly, tailor your resume for each application. To make the interview shortlist, your resume must demonstrate that you possess most or all the criteria required in the job. Tailor your application for each position you apply for by expanding on your experience relevant to the job and cutting back the less relevant parts. You should also show that you are genuinely interested in this job. Failing to tailor your CV by submitting a blanket application will not impress. So, weave into your professional summary the reasons that make you a good fit for this particular position and what specifically resonates with you about the organisation or role. Secondly, make sure you add quantifiable results. As mentioned above, providing evidence to support the claims you make on your CV brings it to life and establishes for the reader the value you could bring. However, not every role allows for the sort of measurement by which you can prove your expertise. If you find yourself unsure how to add quantitative evidence this blog provides some tips. Adding links to your LinkedIn profile and online portfolios of work can also help the reader build a better picture of your competencies.

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Resume Tips Australia 2024 (+ Free Template)

by Nicole Wren | Jan 22, 2024 | Writing Advice

Table of Contents

Why a Good Resume (and Cover Letter) Matters

A quality resume (and cover letter) can significantly impact your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the job you want. Time and time again we’re told that our resume and cover letter service has been key to someone getting the job they want.

Your resume and cover letter are your first introduction to a potential employer. Knowing how to effectively present your qualifications, experiences, and skills in your resume will help ensure that you are quickly deemed suitable for an interview, and potentially the role.

Resume Tips Australia for 2024:

Think of your resume as the “answer” to the job ad.

A well-crafted job ad outlines the company’s needs, expectations, and the qualities they seek in an ideal candidate. It asks the questions: “Who can meet our requirements? Who can fit into our team and culture?”

Your resume and cover letter should ‘answer’ each of these queries. Your qualifications, experiences, and unique attributes should directly align with the job’s demands.

The average recruiter spends less than six minutes looking at your resume before deciding whether or not to shortlist you – make it count.

For example, here’s a job ad for a Construction Project Manager, and what the candidate needs:

And here’s the first page of a Construction Project Manager resume, with highlighted sections reflecting the skills and experience required:

Use Quantifiable Results (Numbers and Metrics)

When you back your achievements and experiences with concrete numbers and metrics, you provide prospective employers with tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Here’s an example of a non-quantifiable result followed by a quantifiable one:

Non-Quantifiable: “Implemented a new customer service training program that improved team performance.”

Quantifiable: “Implemented a new customer service training program that resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores within the first quarter.”

Some companies, like Google, even have specific ways they want you to structure your quantifiable achievements, such as Google’s XYZ Formula for resume achievements . If you’re struggling to come up with these achievements from your own career, here’s 50 accomplishments to put on a resume .

Ensure Your Documents Are Error-Free

Spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes can create a negative impression. To stand out as a professional and detail-oriented candidate, it’s crucial to thoroughly proofread your documents, use grammar-checking tools, and, if possible, seek feedback from peers or professional editors. We offer a free resume review service .

Get Past the ATS Bots (But Don’t Spend Too Much Time Worrying About Them)

Successfully navigating the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) sounds harder than it is. The main thing is to review the job posting to identify keywords, skills, and qualifications mentioned in the description and integrate these in your resume.

This, as well as using an ATS-friendly resume design (i.e. one that can be easily scanned, without too many text boxes or images), are really all you need to do.

What is the Best Resume Format for 2024 in Australia?

The reverse chronological resume format remains the preferred resume format for job seekers in Australia in 2024. This is where you list your work experiences in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job at the top.

What Should I Include in my Resume Australia?

Your resume should include the following sections:

Contact Information: Begin your resume with your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile.

Professional Summary/Objective: Provide a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your career goals and key qualifications. This section is optional but can be beneficial when it reflects the details of the job ad you are applying for.

Key Skills: Include a section that showcases your core skills and competencies relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Work Experience: List your relevant work experiences, starting with your most recent position and working backward. For each job, include your job title, company name, dates of employment (include months you started and left e.g. January 2021 – December 2023) and detailed bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Education: Mention your educational background, including degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and any relevant certifications or additional coursework.

Additional Sections: Depending on your field and the job you’re pursuing, you may include sections for certifications, awards, publications, projects, volunteer work, or professional memberships.

References: Instead of listing references on your resume, simply state, “References available upon request.”

How do you list skills on a resume in Australia?

In many Australian resume templates, key skills are often included on either the left or right column of the document. Alternatively, they can be listed at the beginning, following the professional summary or objective statement, or at the end, just before the education or references section. The list should be concise (aim for 5-10 key skills), and aligned with the job you’re applying for.

How far back should a resume go Australia?

In Australia, the general guideline is to include your most relevant and recent work experience, typically spanning the last 10 years. However, there can be variations based on individual circumstances and the specific job you’re applying for. For example, if you are making a career change and have some relevant experience in your new career from many years ago, you still might want to include this.

How many references should be on a resume?

On an Australian resume, unless the application guidelines specifically state you need to include the names and details of references, you can simply state “References available upon request.” Including references on a resume has become less common, and employers typically request them later in the hiring process, often during or after the interview stage.

Should I put hobbies on my resume?

Hobbies and personal interests are generally not necessary on a resume unless they directly demonstrate skills, qualifications, or experiences that are applicable to the job. In most cases, employers are more interested in your professional qualifications, work experience, and achievements. However, if a hobby is relevant to the position or can showcase transferable skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork, or creativity), you can consider including it.

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

CVs are typically longer than resumes and can extend to multiple pages, depending on the candidate’s experience. They are comprehensive and include extensive details about a person’s academic and professional history. They are often used in academic contexts.

In Australia, it’s common to use the term “resume” or “CV” interchangeably for job applications in most industries. However, for academic or research positions, especially in higher education or scientific fields, the more comprehensive CV may be required.

How often should I update my CV?

Updating your CV every 2 years is a practical guideline, though the frequency may vary based on career milestones, skills development, job changes, and specific job search efforts. It’s advisable to refresh your CV whenever you achieve significant career goals or acquire new skills and accomplishments. Each job change or promotion presents an opportunity to update your CV to reflect your current role and responsibilities accurately. Periodic maintenance can prevent the need for major overhauls in the future.

How long should a resume be?

In Australia, the ideal length for a resume typically falls in the range of 2 to 3 pages, with exceptions based on individual circumstances. A concise 1-page resume is suitable for those with limited experience or entry-level positions, focusing on key qualifications. A 2-page resume is the standard for most job seekers, offering ample space to present work history, skills, and achievements thoroughly. In select cases, such as extensive experience or technical backgrounds, a 3-page resume may be justified, but it’s vital to ensure that all content remains relevant.

What NOT to include in your resume

• Irrelevant Personal Information: While your contact information is crucial, avoid including personal details like your date of birth, marital status, gender, or nationality, as these are generally considered irrelevant.
• Irrelevant Work Experience: Exclude work experiences that are not relevant to the job you’re applying for. Focus on showcasing the most pertinent qualifications and skills.
• Outdated qualifications or achievements: No need to include your high school awards 😉
• Details About Why You Left Your Previous Roles: Unless it was a very short role, and you want to explain your leaving for professional reasons (i.e. short-term contract only).
• Unrelated Hobbies and Interests: Unless they directly demonstrate relevant skills or characteristics, avoid listing hobbies or interests. These can take up valuable space without adding value.
• Unexplained Career Gaps: Explain any gaps in employment, including travel, study, renovations or caring responsibilities. Focus on the positives of what you achieved during these times.
• Salary Information: Do not disclose your salary history or salary expectations on your resume. This information can be discussed during the interview or negotiation phase.
• Photos: In Australia, it’s not customary to include a photograph on your resume, unless the job specifically requires it.

Do I need to attach copies of my qualifications to the resume?

In most cases, you do not need to attach copies of your qualifications to your resume. The employer will usually ask for these once you have been offered the position – you will need to provide them in order to be successfully onboarded.

2024 Resume Tips Australia: Trends – What’s New?

Ai resume writing (chatgpt).

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in resume writing has become wide-spread. Even us professional resume writers have come to rely on these tools! However, we have also had numerous applicants come to us with a ‘ChatGPT resume’ that simply isn’t getting them to interview.  

The trick is knowing what information to input into the AI, and a lot of that comes from the individual. While AI simplifies and streamlines resume writing, it is essential for job seekers to use these tools judiciously, ensuring that their unique qualities and experiences shine through in their applications.

Stating What YOU Can Do For The Employer

In some roles and industries, it is commonplace for an applicant to be asked to prepare goals for the company or to discuss their potential contributions at interview. This is most common in positions where strategic thinking, leadership, and a clear understanding of the company’s objectives are critical.

Offering this information within your cover letter can help you stand out amongst the pack. It’s something our resume writing team has had a lot of success with, and it’s a trend for 2024.

Here’s an example for an applicant applying for a Senior Marketing Manager role:

“As a Senior Marketing Manager, I would start by conducting a comprehensive market analysis to identify key customer segments and competitive opportunities. I would utilise my experience in data-driven decision-making to develop tailored marketing campaigns, harnessing the power of social media advertising and content optimisation to reach our target audience effectively. My goal would be to not only increase brand visibility but also to drive a 20% growth in lead generation within the first quarter of my tenure.”

Maintaining an ‘Achievement Bank’

An “achievement bank” is a collection of specific achievements and quantifiable results from your professional experiences that you can draw upon when writing your resume, cover letter, or during job interviews. Once you have a professional resume, it’s something that we recommend jobseekers do to make maintaining it easy.

The idea is that when you do something awesome at work, you open up your Word document/ Notes file etc. and make a note of it. Then, when you’re ready to apply for your next role, you simply open the achievement bank to make updating your resume a breeze.

Download FREE CV Template

I hope these resume tips Australia have been helpful.

Targeting government jobs specifically? Read how to write your resume for government job applications .

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

Recommended Services:

Government Resume Template

Cover Letter Writing Service – Australian Private Sector Jobs

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Resume template

Resume formats and content may vary from industry to industry, so do your research to understand the expectations of employers in your field. 

The information below is an overview of the most common elements of an Australian resume. It is not intended as a one-size-fits-all template. The resume can also be structured in the way that best presents your skills and experience. For example, if you have extensive, relevant industry experience, you might find it preferable to place ‘Employment History’ before ‘Education’.

Resume sections

Personal details.

• Use your name as the heading in large, bold lettering. There is no need to include the words ‘resume’ or ‘curriculum vitae’ anywhere in the heading.
• Include contact phone number/s and your preferred email address. You can also add a residential address, however, this is optional. Employers will be using these details to contact you, so ensure your email address and voicemail greeting reflect your professionalism. 
• International students or permanent residents may benefit from indicating their visa status and work rights.
• There is no need to add extra information such as a date of birth, photo or nationality.

Career objective/Profile/Summary [Optional]

• This section describes the type and level of position you are seeking and the industry or area in which you would like to be employed. A well-targeted career objective makes you look focused and enthusiastic and helps the reader interpret the information that follows in the resume.
• The objective should be brief and realistic with a focus on what you are able to offer, eg, ‘Seeking a research position within Environmental Sciences where my university studies in water management and my work experience in local government environmental management can be utilised.’

Skills summary [Optional]

• This section can be useful for drawing the recruiter’s attention to your key competencies.
• Focus on skills that are relevant to the job by checking the selection criteria or keywords in the job advertisement.
• Skills can be technical (eg, experience with a particular type of software or lab procedure), industry-specific (eg, classroom management for primary school teaching) or transferable (eg, team work, leadership, time management).
• Offer evidence when you claim to have a particular transferable skill, eg, ‘Excellent written communication skills developed through activities ranging from writing complex technical reports during my science degree to press releases in my role as Publicity Officer for the Student Biological Society’.
• Include your tertiary qualifications, and if recent, also your secondary qualifications. State the full name of the institution and the month and year you completed (or expect to complete) the qualification.
• Start with your most recent qualification/studies and work backwards.
• Other information you could include: your majors, your current grade or WAM, academic awards, merit scholarships, international exchanges, your thesis title and brief description (for research students) and any other relevant achievements.
• Note that this is not the best place to list short courses or trade certificates unless they are relevant to the role.

Experience is a broad term that can refer to a range of practical activities. You may wish to list all of your practical experience under this heading or divide it into different categories. If you have a mix of industry relevant experience and less relevant work, you can divide the section into ‘Relevant Experience’ and ‘Other Experience’. This will ensure that the employer sees the most relevant information first. Some other possible headings are below.

• This is one of the more common headings for listing experience.
• Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include your position title, the name of the organisation and the month and year you commenced and concluded the employment.
• List your responsibilities and any outcomes or achievements. Quantify where possible, eg, ‘supervised 5 junior staff members’, ‘increased monthly sales by 12%’.
• Be clear about the skills you have used or developed, particularly if you have not included a skills summary on your resume.

Practicums/Placements

You can use this heading for any industry-related experience you have gained as part of your degree, eg, clinical placements for Nursing, teaching practicums for Education, field education placements for Social Work.

• List the name of the organisation, duration of the placement, responsibilities, achievements (if any) and learning outcomes.

Volunteering

This section refers to unpaid work undertaken in the not-for-profit sector, community groups, NGOs or charitable organisations. Most employers will be interested in your voluntary work because it offers evidence of initiative and transferable skills.

• Lay out your experience in a similar way to your employment – title, organisation, dates, duties, achievements/outcomes.

Extracurricular activities

Here you can include student clubs and societies, sporting activities, mentoring, student representative roles and more. As with volunteering, most employers value extracurricular activities.

• Again, lay out in the same way as your employment. Give enough detail for the employer to understand your contribution to the organisation/team/program and the skills you have used.

Memberships

Include membership of any professional associations or industry bodies .

• Use the full and correct name of the organisation, the year of your membership, and your level of membership, eg, student, affiliate, professional, etc.

Conferences/Publications/Articles

• Relevant for applicants with research-based qualifications , or those seeking media/communications/writing roles.
• List your papers and conferences in the formatting used by your industry or discipline area.
• If applying for a non-research role, consider summarising and/or quantifying your publications or conferences, eg, published three research articles on the topic of XYZ in high impact journals, demonstrating excellent written communication skills.

Add your own relevant section/s

You can include other relevant sections in your resume if you have a particular set of experiences that you would like to bring to the employer’s attention. Choose a clear heading that describes your experience and ensure that all points in the section are relevant to the heading. It is important that the section is closely related to the job to which you are applying. Some examples include:

• ‘Leadership’ – for students with experience in student leadership such as mentoring, executive roles in clubs/societies, student politics, or other leadership roles.
• ‘Community Involvement’ – for students who are active in charity or not for profit work, volunteering, advocacy or other community development activities.
• ‘Exhibitions’ – for students seeking work in the visual arts.
• This should always be the last entry on your resume. List 2 or 3 referees who can comment on your work-based skills. If you prefer not to list them on your resume, simply write ‘Available on request’. This will allow you to check in and warn your referees before they are called. Always seek a referee’s permission before you list them in your resume and give them information about the job.
• Choose the person who will give you the best reference, ideally, a previous work/volunteer supervisor, manager or an academic.
• Include their name, job title, current organisation, contact details, and their relationship to you, eg, ‘Thesis supervisor’, ‘Current manager’, if the relationship is not clear from their job title.

Final resume review

Is your resume:

• Targeted and relevant to the role and industry/type of employer?
• Demonstrating the transferability of your experience and skills to the role?
• Presenting your information in an accessible format that best promotes what you have to offer?
• Clear & concise?
• Professionally formatted with good grammar and spelling?
• Making the best first impression possible?

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How To Write an Australian Resume

In This Guide:

What is an australian resume format, what sections to include in your australian resume, example australian resume, final thoughts on an australian resume.

Searching for a new job is an ongoing process, but there are ways to decrease the time you spend looking for the ideal position. When you have an outstanding resume, you increase your chances of the hiring managers pulling your document out from the stack of other applicants.

Australia pays a higher minimum wage than the United States, so it’s no surprise that many job seekers want to move to make a better living. Read on to learn how an Australian resume differs from the standard format. You’ll find out what sections you should include to ensure the hiring manager knows you’re the right fit for the job.

An Australian resume looks similar to standard resumes, but there are some key differences you won’t want to miss. For example, skipping details can make the difference between a hiring manager giving you a callback or passing you by for a candidate that paid attention to the specifics.

A resume and a CV are two distinct documents in the United States. However, Australian job postings use the terms interchangeably. Therefore, as long as you have a resume that includes the sections below, you can apply to jobs that ask for a resume or CV with the same document.

Australian resumes are typically three to four pages long, depending on your work experience. New graduates looking for entry-level positions might have a two-page resume. This length differs from the standards in the United States, which ask for a concise one-page document.

When you’re ready to create your Australian resume, include the following sections. You can put them in different orders depending on your strengths. For example, professionals with plenty of work experience use the reverse chronological format to showcase relevant jobs. New graduates list education first, while people changing careers highlight their skills.

You should follow formatting guidelines regardless of the layout you choose for your Australian resume. Use a dark font so it’s easy to read. Write your resume in correct Australian English to show the hiring manager you can adapt to the language and culture.

Your resume always starts with a header that contains your contact information . You don’t need to include information about your demographic, as that can lead to profiling. You also shouldn’t have much personal information since the rest of your resume will show the hiring manager more about you.

The contact information in the header includes items such as:

• Phone number
• Email address

Some applicants may include their website if it’s a professional portfolio of writing samples, photography, or other information relevant to the job posting.

Career Profile

A career profile, also known as an objective or summary , states your career goal. While it’s not a required section, it’s ideal because it shows the hiring manager what you’re looking for in terms of employment. They can read this brief section and know whether you’re a match.

This section can range from one to three sentences long and gives a broad overview of who you are and what you want to do in the position. However, you don’t want to get too detailed because your specific work experience and education come later.

For example, someone fresh out of school can write: “Recent human resources graduate looking for a full-time position in payroll, employee benefits, and performance tracking.”

Someone with years of job history applying for the same position might write: “Human resources professional with over 12 years of experience seeks a role in hiring and onboarding.”

You can see how both objectives give information about the person while showing the hiring manager their intentions. Keep this format in mind as you brainstorm your summary.

Work Experience

Your work experience is an essential part of an Australian resume. This section is your opportunity to show the hiring manager what you’ve accomplished in the past and how you hope to continue in a new position.

The most common way to organize your work experience is in reverse-chronological order . This approach means your most recent job is at the top of the list since it’s where you currently work or the role you just left. From there, you go back through your job history, ending when you hit ten years or reach your first job, whichever comes first.

List your position since the hiring manager needs this information more than anything else. Then include the company name and the dates you worked there. Below this information, list any achievements you accomplished in the role in the form of bullet points.

Use active language in your resume. Instead of bland words like “did” and “tried,” use action verbs, such as :

• Streamlined

These words express more action about your accomplishments and convey your sense of professionalism and productivity to the hiring manager.

Though you have up to four pages to fill, you don’t need to include irrelevant details in this section. For instance, applicants with years of work experience should only go back ten years. If you have relevant experience from jobs over ten years ago, create an additional “Other Professional Experience” section and list the highlights there.

List your education in reverse chronological order, just like your work history. Start with your most recent degree and work backward.

Most professionals only need to include higher education in this section. Include any degree you earned, listing the institution and dates attended. If you accomplished anything outstanding during your education, like Dean’s List or an academic scholarship, mention it.

People seeking entry-level jobs might also include their high school diploma if they have no other education. For example, if you completed Technical and Further Education (TAFE), list it here. Once you attend college, the hiring manager will know you have a high school education, so you don’t need to mention it.

If you’re applying for work and only have a high school diploma, include noteworthy details, like a distinction in a relevant course or membership in a club.

Your skills include strengths and knowledge you might not mention in your work history or education. These can be hard skills, like with graphic design software or another language. They can also include soft skills, like impeccable communication or time management skills.

If you have different ranges in your skill sets, consider separating them for clarity. You could have a section entitled “Areas of Expertise” separate from “Technical Skills,” showing the hiring manager where you exceed and where you have a working knowledge.

You should include skills that are relevant to the job. In fact, including specific terms from the job listing will help your resume stand out from the crowd. Many employers want to hire someone who

Volunteer Experience

Like skills, the volunteer section is a chance to share additional information about your passions and experience that might impact how well you can perform the job. Even if some volunteer experiences don’t align with the position, showing the hiring manager that you prioritize giving your time to volunteer organizations will make a positive impression.

If you have any gaps in your work history but volunteered during that time, be sure to list the experience in this section. Volunteering is a great way to explain what you were doing when you weren’t officially employed.

Hiring managers used to require applicants to list references on their resumes. You could name three professional contacts to verify the information on your resume. However, most hiring managers don’t need references as soon as they read your resume. They make a decision based on the information alone, then call you in for an interview or take you out of the running.

You should have three professional references in your notes, though. You might need to give the information to the hiring manager after your interview if they choose to move you ahead in the process.

Read the job description carefully. Some companies might mention that they want references with the application, so you could add them to your resume. You could also include this section and specify that references are available upon request, though it’s not necessary.

Below is an example of an Australian resume that gives you the basic format. Of course, since a professional with an extensive work history should have at least three pages of content, you’ll want to expand from this general foundation, but it’s a great starting point.

First and Last Name

Home Address

Phone Number

Email Address

Career Summary

Graphic designer with ten years of experience seeking to move from print multimedia to advertising campaigns. Expert use of Adobe Creative Cloud.

Print Production Manager at Global Graphics, 2013 to present

• Conceptualize visuals based on the company’s rough drafts

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, Art University, 2016

Associate of Art in Graphic Design, Graphic Community College, 2013

• Conversational experience with Spanish

Creating an Australian resume isn’t too different from the basic format, so you shouldn’t have trouble spotlighting your experience and education. Make sure you use Australian English and put your best foot forward to stand out from the crowd. Happy job hunting!

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Australia CV Tips & Format Requirements

Applying for a job in Australia? This guide has the tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect Australian CV. Create your VisualCV today!

Australia CV Requirements

As with most countries, Australia has its own specific work culture and set of expectations for CVs. When applying for a job in Australia, it is important to ensure that your CV adheres to Australian CV requirements and is tailored to impress Australian recruiters and employers.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

Australia CV Tips and Rules:

Australia CV Length: For experienced professionals, a three or four page resume is expected in Australia. If you are recently graduated or new to the workforce, two pages is sufficient, but as soon as your work history is robust enough for three to four pages, your resume should expand accordingly.

Australia CV Terminology: The terms ‘resume’ and ‘CV’ are used synonymously in Australia - they refer to the same document. The word ‘resume’ is used more commonly, however, so if in doubt, use that one.

Australia CV Language: When writing your resume, be sure to use correct Australian English - don’t forget those extra u’s, as in ‘colour’ and ‘labour’ (as opposed to the American spellings ‘color’ and ‘labor’).

Australia CV Format, Order and Layout:

Australia CV Photo: As a rule of thumb, it is best not to include a photo in your Australian CV. If you intend to host your resume online, or if you are in a creative industry where visuals are highly valued, then an image may be an asset. Be sure to do your research, however - if the company you are applying to isn’t expecting a photo, it can hurt your chances. As Australian HR and recruitment consultant Karalyn Brown says , “When you put your photo on your resume you are inviting a recruiter with their own set of prejudices, to consider how you look along with what you may have achieved.”

Australia CV Personal Information: The only personal information required for an Australian resume is your contact information - your name, address, phone number, mobile number and email address (which should be some variation of your name - keep it professional: [email protected] or something similar). Any other personal information such as age, marital status, and number of children is not relevant to your experience or job performance and should not be included.

Australia CV Objective: It is recommended, though not mandatory, that you include a Career Objective at the top of your resume. This can also be called a Career Profile or Summary . Your objective serves as a short introduction to you and to your resume and should give the hiring manager a reason to continue reading. According to Karalyn Brown , “A resume without a career objective is like a movie without a title, or a trailer.” Your objective should be brief - three to five lines - and should give a very clear description of the experience you are bringing to the position, and what your goals and ambitions are for the role you are applying to.

Australia CV Work Experience: Display your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent position at the top. Each entry should include the beginning and end date of your tenure, and be sure to account for gaps in your employment. Give details about your work experience , including your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Use quantifiable information wherever possible, and use powerful verbs like ‘delivered’, ‘trained’, and ‘promoted’.

Australian CV Education: List your relevant degrees and diplomas in reverse-chronological order , including dates. Include the name of the institution, your major, minor, and specialization, as well as any significant awards you may have received.

Resume template: Browse through our gallery of Australian resume templates .

3 Australian CV Examples

Hr australia cv example.

Engineer CV Example Australia

Australian CV example

Other sections for your Australian CV:

If you have information that you would like to display that was not covered by the sections above, you can include them in a separate section on your resume. Other sections include:

Skills: It is common to include a simple list of skills kept separate from your work history. This is to provide a quick, at-a-glance look at what you excel at, without delving into your experience too much.

Volunteer Experience: Volunteering experience should be noted on your resume. If you prefer, you can include volunteer experience in your Work History section, but be sure to note when a role is a volunteer position. Languages: If you are fluent in multiple languages, noting them may be an asset.

References: A simple ‘References available on request’ note will do here. It is not necessary to provide references until requested to by an employer or recruiter.

Does Australia Use CV or Resume?

In Australia, CV and Resume are used interchangeably. So you are free to select between either as your word of choice.

How do I Write a Good Australian CV?

Important things to keep in mind while writing your Australian CV is that your CV should be more than 1 page, you should follow Australian English, avoid including a photo and customize your CV for each job that you are applying to.

What is the Right Length for an Australian CV?

Most Australian hiring managers expect a CV to be more than 1 page long. An Australian CV should expand in number of pages as the experience of the job applicant increases.

Should I Put Address on my Australian CV?

While we recommend that you add your current location on your Australian CV, adding the full address isn’t advisable. Avoid listing the street name and simply list the city and the state you live in instead.

Conclusion:

A well written and correctly formatted resume is integral to your job search. When applying for positions in Australia, it is important to tailor your resume to suit Australian CV requirements and expectations. Don’t let a poor resume stand between you and a great career in Australia!

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Résumé templates - the why and how

You don't have to start from scratch to create an awesome résumé. There are heaps of free résumé templates available online or as templates in your word processing software.

Your goal is to choose a template that matches the employer and the job.

For many jobs, it's best to play it safe with a simple to read format that clearly outlines how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job. For a creative job, your résumé may need to reflect your creativity. For example, you might even want to submit a video résumé . Remember, the more research you do on the employer beforehand, the easier it will be to pick a template to suit them.

Don't forget you need to tailor your résumé to the specific job and employer to be competitive for the job. Check out our article 'Build your résumé'  for more tips.

To help you out, we've got a couple of simple résumé templates for you to download below.

Check out our templates below

Résumé template - option 1.

You can use this template to create a résumé!

Résumé Template - Option 2

This résumé template can be completed and submitted to employers.

Example Résumé Template - including Top Tips

This example résumé can help you to understand how to tailor a résumé to get an employer's attention.

Related articles

Four steps to tailoring your résumé.

Building your résumé

How to tailor three different types of job applications

Australian Resume Examples To Get A Great Job In 2024

Impress Aussie recruiters and hiring managers.

(316 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)

Contributing Editor | HR, careers & job search

I founded three separate companies over the past decade to help leaders and organisations do their best work. Arielle Executive helps leaders get noticed while Arielle Partners & Talent Avenue connect organisations to Australia's best leadership talent.

Last updated: March 20th, 2024

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Applying for jobs in Australia can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what the hiring process looks like, what an Australian resume should include, and if you don’t have any great Australian resume examples to learn from.

Yet, we’re at the starting blocks of 2024 – and despite the lowest unemployment in history , competition for the best Australian jobs is tough.

Below, you’ll find Australian resume examples, resume samples, templates and guidelines designed to help you meet the expectations of Australian recruiters and hiring managers.

Consider using my:

• Recommended free resume builder , if you’re on a budget.
• Professional resume service , if you’re a mid-career professional.
• Executive resume writing service , if you’re a senior leader.

Australian Resume Examples To Get You Hired.

Let’s start with a resume example that does everything right. It’s the perfect resume for the Australian job market.

Above: Don’t be scared. You’ll be able to write a resume just like this by the time you finish this article.

In a moment, I’ll comb through this resume example page by page, explain why it’s effective and show you how to write one just like it.

(Related: Which City Has Better Job Prospects: Sydney Or Melbourne?)

What Makes Australian Resumes Different?

Australian employers look for these 6 features when deciding whether your resume warrants their attention:

• Clean design with white space and subtle graphics.
• Precise targeting of a specific role.
• Resume length is appropriate for the candidate’s level of seniority.
• Work history provides big-picture context.
• Achievements are front-loaded , quantified and commercially relevant.
• Correct Australian English throughout.

Before I unpack each of these, let me share a little-known but essential nuance of Australian culture.

Knowing this secret will massively improve your chances of getting your resume noticed in the Australian job market.

How To Impress Australian Employers.

Australians are famous for their laid-back attitude. They appreciate confidence and professionalism but severely dislike arrogance and hubris.

When crafting your resume, you must position yourself as a confident and highly competent individual.

Don’t get carried away, though. Your resume should not read like it was written by Conor McGregor, for Conor McGregor.

Above: He never had a chance against Mayweather.

Aussies don’t relate well to overly brash and self-aggrandising people. (They reserve a term for them that begins with a “w” and rhymes with “tanker”).

Striking a balance is vital.

• You don’t want to undersell yourself, but…
• You must not come across as God’s gift to employers, either (more on this shortly).

Structure Of A Great Australian Resume.

Now that you understand the cultural background that you’re dealing with let’s delve into the critical specifics of resume writing.

A perfect Australian resume begins with getting the resume format, length and design 100% right.

What’s The Ideal Resume Length?

Australian resumes vary between 2 and 5 pages in length. The exact length of your final draft will be driven by your level of seniority and the complexity of your skillset.

• Don’t submit a one-page resume (unless you’re a graduate). It lacks the detail Australian recruiters are looking for.
• Don’t exceed 5 pages . If you find yourself needing more pages, you’re probably trying to create a laundry list of everything that you’ve done, ever. Go back to the drawing board and ask yourself whether your targeting is still on point. Your most recent roles should have the most detail.
• 3 pages is a good length if you’re a mid-level professional or a manager. But if you’re a senior executive, don’t be surprised if you end up with 4 or even 5 pages.

Should You Use The Chronological Resume Format?

No, because:

• In 99% of cases , the reverse-chronological format is your best friend. (This means organising your work history by date, with the most recent role appearing first).
• If you are in the 1% of the population that would benefit from a different resume format, you already know who you are. (And you need to decide between a functional resume format, a chronological resume format or a hybrid format).

What Design Principles Must Your Resume Follow?

Keep your design clean and simple. Don’t create a fruit salad with excessive font styles, sizes and fonts.

Limit yourself to two font sizes and two font styles across the entire document.

• Stick to the internationally accepted font styles and sizes (e.g. Calibri, Myriad Pro, 11pt).
• Don’t use tables , images or graphs. Many Australian companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) recruitment software tools – and these  tend to be easily confused by unnecessary detail.
• White space is your friend. Dance in the tension between white space and text. Too much of the former, and you’ll have a very long resume that looks empty. Too much of the latter, and your resume will appear dense and intimidating.

Do You Need To Include Your Photograph?

In some countries, it’s standard practice to include your headshot at the top of your resume. Not so in Australia.

Do not include a photograph of yourself – regardless of how handsome or pretty you think you are.

What Spelling Quirks Do You Need To Be Aware Of?

A few. Replace American English with correct Australian English spelling. That’s:

• ‘ Analyse ’, not ‘Analyze’
• ‘ Behaviour ’, not ‘Behavior’
• ‘ Centre ’, not ‘Center’.

This is obvious, but I need to say it anyway – triple-check spelling and grammar (read my guide to linguistic mistakes that make you look dumb ).

Do Australians Expect A Specific Paper Size?

It’s HIGHLY unlikely that an employer will ask you to print your resume, but if they do, follow these rules:

• Use A4-sized paper . Australia and Europe follow the same rules here.
• Don’t use US Letter size (8” x 11”).

Do You Need To Include Your Marital Status and DOB?

No. No need to include your race or religion, either. ( Why ?)

How To Structure The First Page Of Your Australian Resume .

Above: Notice the abundance of white space. I use it to create a clear hierarchy of information and a friendly, approachable feel.

The first page of your resume makes or breaks your job prospects. No pressure!

In most cases, it will contain a headline, your professional profile, employment summary and key skills. Here’s how to get them right.

1. Your Headline.

The headline on a resume typically appears under your name, and is essentially your tagline.

My advice is to match your headline with the job you are applying for. Include any certifications that add credibility and, if possible, highlight your specialisation. For example:

• Ben Barnes | Chief Financial Officer | Chartered Accountant | Manufacturing

This is not the place to be cool, so no ‘Number Monkey’, ‘Head Honcho’ or ‘Moral Captain’ references. Please.

2. Your Profile.

Also known as a resume summary , this is a place to inject some ‘colour’. Think story. Think brand. Think impact.

(Related:  25 Elements You Must Include On Your Resume ).

Most candidates will use this space to detail their overarching experience, qualifications and specialisation. For example:

While that approach is reasonably effective, do one better and get to the heart of what makes you unique:

3. Your Employment Summary.

You may be familiar with the 2012 study undertaken by online job-matching service TheLadders that claimed  recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds reviewing an individual’s resume .

Using an eye-tracking technique, researchers found that recruiters focused on your name, current job title, company and dates of employment.

You must include this information on the first page of your resume – and do so in a clear and easily digestible format.

In Australia, recruiters look at your last 10-15 years of employment history. Only go back further if your earlier experience is highly relevant.

4. Your Key Skills.

Also known as “Key Assets”, this section is a condensed summary of your capabilities. It’s an opportunity to provide recruiters and hiring managers with a glimpse into your:

• Technical skills.
• Hard skills.
• Soft skills.

Importantly, resist the temptation to create a table that lists generic skills like “problem-solving”, “empathy” and “negotiation”.

Instead, follow my resume examples above to create a set of 1-2 sentence stories that showcase your most commercially relevant strengths. For example:

How To Structure The Midsection Of Your Australian Resume .

Above: Some recruiters will skip straight to this section. They want to know two things: why you were hired and what you achieved.

Here, Australian employers expect you to get into the meat of your roles.

List each of your roles in reverse chronological order, ensuring that you provide both the big picture context and tactical detail. Here are my power tips for getting it right:

• Don’t confuse responsibilities with achievements . They’re not the same .
• Don’t use 3rd person references – unless you’re the Queen. “Emma leads a team of 5 HR Advisors”. Ergh, too much puffery.

Most importantly, front-load and quantify your achievements. For example:

Is much better than:

How To Structure The Last Page Of Your Australian Resume .

Above: Resist the temptation to put in less effort on the last page. Finish strong.

Well, it’s time to wrap things up.

This typically means listing your education, additional career history, professional development and references.

1. List Your Education.

To quote the great Sir John Monash, pioneering scholar, soldier and engineer who lent his name to one of Australia’s leading universities:

Australians, like most Westerners, value education and continuing professional development.

Be sure to highlight your academic and professional qualifications by including the name and major of your degree, along with the awarding institution:

• Graduate , Australian Institute of Company Directors, GAICD
• Bachelor of Science , Psychology The University of Cambridge

There is no need to include the year of completion on your resume. Also, don’t worry about including education that is no longer relevant (e.g. high school).

2. List Your Earlier Career History.

Do you have roles that fall outside the 15-year window? Don’t list the gory (but entirely irrelevant) details in your precious professional experience section. Stick them here instead.

3. List Your References.

Australian recruiters appreciate data protection restrictions and don’t expect to see referee names, addresses, and telephone numbers on your resume.

• Writing “References available on request”   is perfectly acceptable .
• Referee details will be requested in later stages of the recruitment process

4. Optional Sections.

Aside from your previous experience, achievements and personality flavour, there are a few other details that you can consider including on your resume:

• Non-Executive / Committee / Voluntary Roles : Don’t be afraid to expand on these, as you would your professional experience, provided they enhance your value proposition as a professional.
• Professional Memberships / Affiliations : e.g. Member of the British Psychological Society, Fellow of the Financial Planning Association of Australia or the National Association of Sales Professionals
• Visa Status : Show that you are eligible to work in Australia. For more info on Visa requirements and applications, head to the Australian government’s “Working In Australia” website: ( http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work )
• Publications : Provided they are relevant and credible.
• Awards : List them simply as you would your education, e.g. Award Name, Awarding Body, Year. If you’ve earned the award at work (e.g. President’s Club 2021), include it as an achievement for a specific role.
• Volunteer Experience : Always a good idea to include if you have this under your belt.
• Personal Interests and hobbies : Include if you’re early in your career. If you’re a manager and above, you can probably put your resume’s real estate to better use.

Download 3 Free Australian Resume Templates.

I’m about to provide you with 3 free resume samples that you can use to kick-start your resume writing journey.

But first, a word of caution.

It’s very easy to get carried away with downloading resume samples from the internet. Unfortunately, free resume templates are typically very generic and stuffed with meaningless keywords.

You need to treat them as a starting point of your resume – NOT an almost perfect CV that requires minor tweaks. (Learn more about the dangers of downloading resume templates here ).

These resume samples are pre-loaded with the right resume format and design cues but are devoid of all resume content.

This is intentional, as I don’t want these templates to become a crutch that then leads to a boring, generic resume that looks exactly like thousands of other resumes online.

You need to write your resume content from scratch for best results.

Resume Sample #1.

Download Now :

Resume Sample #2.

Resume sample #3., browse more australian resume examples..

Here’s a list of Australian resume examples that you can use to inspire your own resume:

• Australian IT Project Manager Resume Example
• Australian Business Analyst Resume Example
• Australian Accountant Resume Example
• Australian Lawyer Resume Example
• Australian Senior Executive Resume Example

What Are The Best Job Search Sites In Australia?

Everyone knows about SEEK, Indeed and LinkedIn. But did you know that several excellent niche job search sites cater to specific role types? Check out:

• GradConnection – jobs for graduates, interns and folks with minimal work experience
• Ethical Jobs – jobs for folks who seek a purpose.
• FlexJobs – jobs for people interested in remote work.

Remember To Customise Your Australian Resume For Each Job Application.

Australian hiring managers view your resume as a targeted marketing document. It’s not an “everything for everyone” dossier that lists everything you’ve ever done.

Follow these steps to customise your resume for different jobs:

• Read the job description thoroughly . Look at the job title and the main requirements of the role.
• Reflect on your experience and decide whether you have relevant skills for the job.

For example, if the role requires someone with “great customer service skills” and “strong communication abilities”, include these keywords in your resume and back up these claims in your achievements.

4 Bonus Resume Writing Tips:

The above resume examples will help you produce a perfect resume to help you land a dream job in Australia. Before we part ways, here are my bonus tips for bagging a job “down under”’:

• Pay attention to your online presence . LinkedIn plays a significant role in Australian recruitment and should form a part of your professional brand.
• Use professional resume examples with caution.
• If you’re an executive or a senior business leader, more rules apply to you –  be sure to read my piece about  executive resumes .
• Be patient . Landing a role in Australia can take 12 months, especially at the senior level.

Alright, that’s all I have for you today.

P.S. Let me know in the comments below if you want to see any specific Australian resume examples (or Australia-specific job search tips).

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Australian Resume Format: Land Your Next Job in Australia

Australia is among the countries paying the highest minimum wage in the world, which means a permanent demand for skilled workers. If you are planning to work, study, or settle in Australia, this is a perfect time.

All resume examples in this guide

Australian Resume Example

Casey James Administrative assistant [email protected] +61 2 1356 5828 https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey

Profile summary

A dedicated administrative assistant with over 5 years of experience in legal firms excited to contribute to Telco Pty Ltd's dynamic culture. As administrative assistant for the CEO, I was responsible for the CEO's schedules and travel plans while also managing the general administration functions at M&A Consultants.

Professional Experience

June 2019 to Present Telco Pty Ltd

• Hired over 50 legal associates in 2021 including advertising, shortlisting, and scheduling interviews
• Worked with attorneys and clients on legal requirements
• Planned and managed the executives' annual travel budget
• Carried out training programs for administrative tasks for the new employees
• Implemented an internal communication platform and managed the transition to reduce the lead time of email communications by 30% ‍

Aug 2017 to May 2019 Milton Associates

• Managed a $50,000 annual budget for the procurement of stationery
• Contributed to an increase of 15% in customer satisfaction by handling client inquiries
• Supported the operations of the finance and marketing departments through administrative duties
• Created, edited, and proofread client proposals
• Managed the client database and updated the CRM weekly
• Carried out social media activities on LinkedIn and Instagram

Bachelor’s degree in HR management, 2012-2015 Australian National University

• Recruitment
• HR strategy
• Employer branding

GPA- 3.8/4 Diploma in Information Technology 2018-2019 Institute of Technology, Melbourne

• Advanced computer literacy

The expertise of Calendar management and scheduling tools Database management MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Sharepoint) Client call handling Strong written and verbal communication Business intelligence Teamwork and delegation when needed

All major brands and businesses, top universities, great weather are some of the many reasons why Aussie has become The Lucky Country for international students and immigrants.

However, just landing in Australia will not guarantee you a job – especially one that pays well. Most well-paid jobs receive thousands of applications and go through a series of shortlisting and interviewing processes.

Reading this article will save you months of your time applying for jobs and the opportunity cost of living in Australia without a proper job. Also, we discuss:

• Resume examples and how each section should be written
• Job applications for international students
• What to include and what to exclude
• Ideal resume length in Australia

And many more.

Consider having a look, if you would like to create a professional resume with one of our ready-to-fill resume templates tailored to the Australian market.

While the elements of your resume will change depending on the position you apply for, the basic structure of an Australian resume will remain the same. Here is an example of a perfect Australian CV for an administrative assistant.

Australian Resume for International Students

Australia provides a variety of opportunities for international students to study, work, and settle in the country. In other words: the Australian economy needs you.

International students will have access to a variety of full-time and part-time job opportunities based on the allowed hours during their studies.

This sample Australian resume is to apply for a part-time job in a restaurant (but it also works for other similar roles):

Curtain Welsh

+61 2 1256 8723

https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtainw

Professional summary

A highly organized, flexible, and experienced student with a strong focus on customer service and impressive time management skills who is keen to work in the restaurant industry looking for a part-time position at Fleet.

Work History

April 2018 to Nov 2019

Mc Donalds- UK

• Handled over the phone inquiries of the customers– over 20 calls a day
• Responded to web inquiries and communicated orders to the appropriate personnel
• Achieved a customer satisfaction of 25% in 2019 as one of the best Mc Donald restaurants in the UK
• Knowledge of menus scored 98%
• Became the main customer-facing officer in 2019
• Developed a welcoming atmosphere with the staff and management

Cambridge High School, 2014-2017

• Excellent at accounting and math
• Student council president for 2016
• Expertise in POS system entries
• Cash handling
• Microsoft excel
• Social media expert
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• High energy

English Native

French Fluent

Chinese Basic

How do Australian Resumes Differ from American ones?

An Australian resume is similar to an American one in terms of style and format. A minor variation could, however, make your resume look odd in a pool of Australian resumes. Therefore you must consider the following points while preparing and sending your resume to Australia.

• American and Australian English have differences related to spelling and vocabulary: you should read further , identify those differences, and incorporate the relevant changes in your writing. Using correct Australian English on your resume will give you an edge during screening.
• In Australia, a resume is often called a ‘CV’: in your email body, you can mention that you have attached the CV to give it a more Australian feel.
• Australian resumes are lengthy compared to the American ones: how long they should be and what information makes up the additional pages will be discussed below.

Consider also how resume format, structure, and other information differ in Canadian resumes compared to Australian and American resumes.

How to make an Australian Resume?

An Australian standard CV layout would be a great place to start making your resume. We have highlighted each section with the information you should include and the best practices.

1. Start with The Resume Header

Your CV should start with your name and contact information. This is generally followed in many regions including Australia.

Name is typically the first name and the last name followed by the current job title (if it is relevant to what you’re applying).

Contact information should consist of your email address, a mobile phone number, and a link to your LinkedIn profile or the portfolio (if relevant).

• Do not include your mailing address unless the job advertisement has specified about it
• Update your LinkedIn profile pic, cover photo, and description before putting the link in your CV
• Don't use official emails; use your personal email instead

2. Write a professional summary or an objective summary

This is considered the sales pitch in your CV. In this, your objective should be to communicate to the hiring manager that you’re a potential candidate for the position.

Writing a resume summary is simple if you know the right technique. The professional summary should consist of 2-3 sentences that describe you. Use the first sentence to describe your experience and how your expertise would help the new employer. In the second sentence, write about how that helped your previous employer and the results you achieved.

Just like this:

The objective summary would be the same as the professional summary: you should write your career objective instead of your previous experience. Objective summaries are used in case you do not have much experience for the position or you’re in a career transition.

3. Continue with Your Work Experience

This is the most important part of any resume whether it is in Australia, the USA, Europe, or any part of the world. This section can make or break your Australian job dream.

While writing your employment history, the format you pick matters. There are mainly three standard resume formats : reverse chronological, functional, combination. Though all three formats are accepted in Australia, the most popular one is the reverse-chronological format.

In reverse chronological resume format, you should list your experience starting with the most recent position. This provides the hiring manager the opportunity to access the most up-to-date experience of the candidates with ease.

Here’s a set of guidelines to follow when writing your experience section:

• State the company name, job title, and the period
• Use bullet points to describe your experience
• Use specific details of projects you were assigned to, achievements, and the tools used
• Use numbers wherever possible to add credibility to your statements
• Use keywords that are specific to the industry, the job role, and are mentioned in the job advertisement

An applicant tracking system is in place in many Australian companies which carries out the initial shortlisting of applications – your resume should be keyword-heavy to get through this step.

4. What to Include in The Education Section?

For most job positions, your education would come in handy even if it is not directly relevant. List down your education section giving priority to your highest academic achievements.

If you have completed any academic program in Australia, that would be an advantage.

In writing this section, use a consistent format. Also write to the point as this should be a small section of the resume.

Put the academic qualifications that are relevant to the job you apply for. For instance, if you are applying for a part-time job in a cafe to cover your expenses while you study, you might not want to put your Masters's degree in the resume. Many employers don't hire overqualified candidates because they think they won't last.

5. What Skills to Put in The CV?

The skills section is common on resumes in many regions, though a generic list of skills does not work anymore – also in Australia.

The skills of a candidate could be either soft skills or hard skills. What most hiring managers expect is a combination of these two types.

• Time Management
• Communication skills
• Business intelligence
• Problem-solving
• Organizational skills
• Negotiation
• Creative thinking

Instead of just putting up a list of soft skills in your skills section, identify 3-5 most important skills required to perform your duties on the job.

How do you find these?

Employers often describe the personal traits they expect from the candidate in the job advertisement.

Expertise in ventilation systems and HVAC

Technical report writing, BOQ preparation, and tendering

Electrical and Electro-mechanical systems

Mechanical system designing with Solid Work and Auto Cad

6. Should I Put Additional Sections?

Of course! Additional sections are a great way to showcase some of your most marketable skills. A separate heading on your resume gives the information more visibility.

In an Australian CV, the following additional sections are recommended:

• Volunteer experience
• Computer skills
• Licenses and Certifications

It is not required to include all these additional sections in your resume. Putting more of these sections would make it difficult to achieve the main objective of additional sections which is more visibility.

What Is a good Resume Length for Australia?

Typical Australian resumes are quite lengthy compared to the USA ones. There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long it should be, but definitely more than one page like in the US.

For professionals, three to four pages is a good CV length. For entry-level jobs and recent graduates, try to make the CV two pages.

You should utilize this space to present the most important information about yourself – being relevant to the position you apply for as much as possible. Most applicants from the USA who spent hours compressing their resumes to fit one-page standard struggle in Australia to decompress it to fit the Australian standards.

The important factor to remember here is that you should not expand your resume in a way that the information is not interesting to read or less relevant.

Whether it is in the US or Australia, it will be a human who will read your resume and make a decision. Write your resume as long as it has to be but as succinct as possible .

What should you not include in an Australian-style resume?

If there is some information, formatting, or features missing in your resume, it won't be rejected, but if you include something the Australian job market considers inappropriate, it will.

Including a photo of you in your resume is considered a Capital sin in Australia . This is due to strict anti-discrimination labor laws and regulations. It is believed that the candidate’s photo could influence the employer’s decision of shortlisting for an interview.

The CVs that come with a photo is typically ignored to prevent possible discrimination lawsuits against the employers and recruiters.

There are however ways to bypass these and get the same benefits of putting a picture without breaking the law. Visit our detailed guide on Resume Pictures to learn about the countries where you should not include a picture and everything else about the topic.

Resume, CV, Curriculum Vitae in the Title

This is an old practice of writing resumes. In many countries including Australia, this practice is no longer accepted.

Recruiters already know the document is your resume when they receive it.

More than 15 years old experience

You should use reverse chronological order to write your experience section. This will allow you to showcase your latest experience first. However, some candidates list down experiences that are more than 15 years which are not relevant to the context.

While you're allowed to write 3-4 pages for your CV in Australia, try not to include irrelevant or too old experiences to fill up the space.

Personal information

Do not include personal information such as age, gender, religion, or marital status. These could lead to the rejection of your CV in Australia on the basis of anti-discrimination policies in recruiting.

Interesting Facts about The Australian Job Market

• The job market keeps growing

Simply “there have never been so many jobs available in Australia at one time”, an Australian labor market research study says.

The post-pandemic Australia is going to be full of well-paid opportunities and the government is opening up borders for international skilled workers who are interested to work, studying, and settling in Australia.

• Salaries are among the highest worldwide

As businesses in Australia are experiencing labor shortages, salaries are increasing further. In general, salaries in Australia are among the best salaries in the world. As of 1 July 2021, the National Minimum Wage is $20.33 per hour or $772.60 per week whereas this figure is adjusted every year.

• The healthcare and the engineering industries lead the market

Jobs in healthcare such as doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, hospitality workers will be in high demand. In addition, construction and engineering sectors will have many opportunities including construction laborers, brick workers, and plumbers.

Another sector falling into the high-demand category is accountants and finance professionals – for both government and private-sector jobs.

If your job search is in one of these categories, you’ll experience a higher level of demand – having a great resume together will help you land the best job.

Tips for Making an Australian-style Resume

These pro tips will make your next Aussie CV stand out from the rest of the pack.

• Read the job description or the advertisement to pick the keywords your employer care about – include them naturally in your professional summary, experience, and skills sections.
• Include a link to your LinkedIn professional profile or portfolio website in the header – check whether the link work in PDF and MS Word formats.
• Choose a resume template that represents your personality and tailor it to match the industry you apply to – check out our ready-to-fill resume templates . If you are creating your template, make sure your formatting such as fonts, font sizes, colors, and margins are consistent throughout.
• In Australia, skill certifications and licenses are highly valued by employers – if you do not have one, consider applying for relevant certification.
• Use a tool like Grammarly and check for general grammar mistakes as well as for Australian English variations in your resume.
• Write your resume tailored to the job instead of sending the same CV for every job.
• Write a cover letter that complements your resume – check out our cover letter templates to get an idea

Key Takeaways When Writing an Australian Resume

• Start your resume with the header – include name and the contact information
• The professional summary should consist of two sentences - one describing your expertise and how it would benefit the employer, and one explaining how it helped the previous employer.
• The experience section should not just contain a list of tasks you performed in your job - it should be results-oriented, with numbers to provide credibility
• Follow a consistent format to showcase your education qualifications – add relevant academic qualifications only.
• Write a combination of soft skills and hard skills - you'll likely find the skills employers are seeking in a potential candidate in the job posting.
• Use additional sections to provide a pleasant surprise to the hiring manager – but ignore the irrelevant information.
• One page resume is not the standard followed in Australia – you can expand your resume into multiple pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do australians say ‘resume’ or ‘cv’.

Australians use the words ‘CV’ and ‘Resume’ interchangeably – both referring to the same thing. However, again, we do not advise using the word ‘CV’ or ‘Resume’ at the top of the resume as a heading.

When you’re sending an email with your resume attached, you can use the word ‘CV’ in your body text to refer to the attachment.

What do Australian employers look for in a resume?

It would be your experience, professional summary, skills, and education sections consecutively. Some Australian recruiters, however, look for a solid professional summary that summarizes the candidate’s profile.

Most shortlisting is done based on the experience section. This also depends on the type of profession. For high-skill jobs, they would give priority to education.

Do I need a cover letter with my Australian resume?

In Australia, some employers expect cover letters while others would not. Also, some industries and professions require the applicants to send a CV with a cover letter.

In the following situations, a cover letter is useful:

• If the job advertisement states the requirement of a cover letter
• If you do not have much experience related to the job, but you would like to express your enthusiasm to work for the company
• Your CV is a general one which includes all your career history – you can use a cover letter to summarize what is relevant to the particular job position

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