The Australian Resume Format Guide

Landing your dream job in Australia starts with a strong resume. However, unlike their American counterparts, Australian CVs follow a different format. Get a downloadable sample of an Australian resume format. Or you can read a simple guide below to crafting a resume that will impress Aussie employers.

Length:

The first surprise for many is the length. Unlike the one-page standard in the US, Australian resumes are typically two to three pages long. Recent graduates can get by with two, while seasoned professionals can use up to four or five pages. The key is to be concise and focus on the most relevant experience and skills.

Formatting Tips:

• Use a clear and readable font like Arial or Calibri.
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.
• Use bullet points to highlight achievements and responsibilities.
• Proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors.

Structure:

Australian resumes follow a reverse-chronological format, listing your work experience from your most recent position backward. Each entry should include the company name, your job title, and the dates of your employment.

Here are the core sections to include:

1. Contact Information:
   • Full name
   • Address (optional)
   • Phone number
   • Email address
   • LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)

The contact information should be at the very top of your resume. Make sure your email address is professional, avoiding casual or humorous addresses. While listing your address is optional, it can be beneficial to include your city and state to indicate your proximity to the job location.

2. Professional Summary:
   • A brief statement summarising your professional background, skills, and career objectives. It should be tailored to the position you are applying for and be no more than three to four sentences.

This section is your elevator pitch. It should convey who you are, your experience level, and what you can bring to the prospective employer. For example:

“Experienced marketing professional with over 10 years in the industry, specialising in digital marketing strategies, brand management, and content creation. Proven track record of driving engagement and increasing revenue through innovative campaigns.”

3. Key Skills:
   • A bullet-point list of your core competencies and skills relevant to the job. This section allows hiring managers to assess your qualifications quickly.

Tailor this section to match the job description. If the job posting emphasises specific skills, make sure those skills are prominently listed here. Use bullet points for clarity and conciseness.

4. Professional Experience:
   • A detailed list of your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
     • Job title
     • Employer’s name
     • Dates of employment
     • Key responsibilities and achievements

When detailing your work history, focus on achievements rather than just listing duties. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments when possible. For example:

“Marketing Manager, XYZ Company

• Led a team of 10 in developing and executing digital marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in sales over one year.
• Implemented a new content strategy that improved social media engagement by 50%.”

5. Education:
   • List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, including:
     • Degree(s) obtained
     • Institution name
     • Graduation date

List your highest degree first, and include relevant coursework if it directly applies to the job. If you are a recent graduate, consider placing this section before your professional experience.

6. Certifications and Professional Development:
   • Any additional certifications, courses, or training relevant to the job.

This section showcases your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Include any certifications, workshops, or courses that enhance your qualifications.

7. Volunteer Experience (Optional): Include volunteer work if it demonstrates skills or experience relevant to the position.

Employers in Australia value a well-rounded individual. Highlighting your volunteer work and extracurricular activities can demonstrate your teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.

8. References (Optional): In Australia, references are usually requested upon interview, so they are not necessary to include here.

It is standard practice in Australia to indicate that references are available upon request. Prepare a separate document with your references’ contact details and have it ready to provide when asked.

Additional Tips:

• Tailor your resume: Adapt your resume to each job application, emphasising the skills and experience most relevant to the advertised role.
• Use strong action verbs: Replace generic verbs like “responsible for” with action verbs that showcase your accomplishments (e.g., “managed,” “developed,” “increased”).
• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify the impact of your work (e.g., “increased sales by 15%”).
• Keep it relevant: Focus on the past 10-15 years of experience unless earlier experience is highly relevant to the position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Including Irrelevant Information:
   • Only add details that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Focus on what makes you a strong candidate for the specific position.
2. Using an Unprofessional Email Address:
   • Make sure your email address is professional. An address that includes your name is ideal.
3. Being Too Vague:
   • Be specific about your achievements and responsibilities. Vague statements can weaken the impact of your resume.
4. Ignoring Keywords:
   • Many companies use ATS to filter resumes. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing this initial screening.
5. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements:
   • Focus on what you achieved in your previous roles rather than just listing your duties. Quantifiable achievements can significantly strengthen your resume.

Remember, your resume is a living document. Regularly update it with new experiences, skills, and achievements to ensure it remains current and relevant. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you are well on your way to success in the Australian job market.