Everything you need to know about an Australian resume format to land a job down under

Job-hunting in Australia, like anywhere else, requires a professional resume. But there are a few key differences about Australian resumes that you’ll need to be aware of before applying for jobs there. Having a resume in the “Australian style” will give you a leg-up on the competition, especially if you have an international background, and leave the best possible impression with Australian hiring managers.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to create a resume suitable for the Australian job market, including:

• How do I write a resume in Australia?

• How do you list skills on a resume in Australia?

• What should not be included in a resume in Australia?

• Which skills are most required in Australia?

• Australian resume format sample

Demystifying the Australian resume

At first glance, an Australian resume isn’t that dissimilar from most other resumes, but there are a few differences you need to be aware of. First of all, in the US, the terms “CV” and “resume” are two different documents, with the CV being used primarily in academia. However, the terms are used interchangeably in Australia, so if you see a job posting that requires a CV, but you “only have a resume,” relax—you’re fine. Also, typical resumes in Australia are much longer than in the US, with Australian resumes being three to four pages long (two if you're a recent graduate), as opposed to American resumes, which are typically one to two pages long, maximum.

Sections on an Australian resume

There are sections that you’ll want to include on your Australian resume, although the order in which they appear can vary depending on your level of work experience. If you’ve got a lot of experience, you’ll want to use the reverse chronological format, but if you're a career changer or new to the workforce, you'll want to put your skills and education front and center. But regardless of your format, use a professional-looking font (no Comic Sans!), and be sure to use Australian English, which shows the hiring manager you’ve done your research and can easily acclimatize to a new country and its culture.

Other sections to include are:

• A header, which provides your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio, if applicable.

• A career profile (also called a "professional summary"), is one to three sentences that gives a synopsis of who you are and a few of your accomplishments.

• Your work history, which includes your job title, where you worked, and how long you were there—usually listed in reverse chronological order. Include "action verbs" and your achievements in the role, using quantifiable data when possible. And even if you have a lot of experience, your work history shouldn’t go back more than about ten years. Older experience can be placed in a separate section titled, “Other Professional Experience.”

• Your education starts with your most recent degree and works backward. Include the name of the institution, how long you were there, and any honors you received.

• Any relevant certifications. Some industries have required certifications, so do your research.

• A skills section, that lists any hard or soft skills not mentioned in your work history. Make sure to tailor these skills so that they align with the job description, and separate your technical skills from your soft skills. Include any languages you speak.

• Any volunteer experience, including the name of the organization and your role. 

The most in-demand skills in Australia

While the most sought-after skills in Australia are constantly changing due to the global economy, at present, these are some of the most sought-after skills by Australian employers:

• Healthcare 

• Construction

• IT

• Accounting/Finance

• Teaching

• Engineering

Things not to include in an Australian resume

There are a few things you don’t want to include on your resume, such as:

• Personal or demographic information, such as date of birth, ethnicity, or marital status

• A photograph

• Religious affiliations

• Irrelevant information

• Job references (unless specifically requested)

Template for a 2023 Australian resume

Here’s a template you can use when creating your Australian resume. Remember, formats and content may vary, depending on your field or industry, so make sure you know what is expected and format your resume in a manner that best highlights your experience, skills, and accomplishments.

An important thing to remember is that, in general, Australian employers respect straightforwardness, practicality, and a direct expression of skills and experience that are pertinent to the specific job they’re hiring for. Although Australian resumes tend to be longer, you don’t have to include every single thing you’ve ever done. Keep your resume concise and tailored for the position you’re applying for. Make sure you emphasize any international or cultural experience you have, demonstrating that you can adapt to new and diverse environments, which is important in an ever-increasing global economy.

Need some resume inspiration? Check out our Resume Examples tool, which will provide you with a variety of professional, expert-tested resume templates to help your resume stand out from the crowd.

Key takeaways

1. The terms “resume” and “CV” are used interchangeably in Australia.

2. Australian resumes tend to be longer than American resumes, generally three to five pages, depending on experience.

3. Don’t include things like personal information, photographs, marital status, or references (unless requested).

4. Make sure to use Australian formats and spelling, such as “colour,” “labour,” “centre,” or “analyse.”

5. Your Australian resume should be concise, easy to read, and tailored for the job you’re applying for.