How to Write a Resume That Gets You Hired in Australia

Australian resumes are different from CVs in other countries. Here's how to create one that works.

Australian Resume Basics

Format Rules

• Length: 1-2 pages (max 2 for students)
• No photo: Unlike some countries, photos are not expected
• No personal details: No age, marital status, religion, etc.
• Clean design: Easy to read, consistent formatting
• File format: PDF is safest

What to Include

1. Contact Details

Your Name
Phone: 04XX XXX XXX
Email: professional@email.com
Location: Suburb, State (no full address needed)
LinkedIn: optional

2. Summary (Optional) 2-3 sentences about who you are and what you're looking for.

Example: "International business student at UTS with customer service experience seeking part-time retail or hospitality work. Available weekends and flexible weekday shifts."

3. Work Experience List in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Job Title | Company Name
Dates (Month Year - Month Year)
• Achievement or responsibility using action verbs
• Another point (quantify where possible)
• Keep to 3-5 bullet points per role

4. Education

Degree Name | University Name
Expected completion: Year
Relevant coursework (optional)

5. Skills

• Languages (valuable in Australia)
• Software/technical skills
• Certifications (RSA, First Aid, etc.)

Action Verbs to Use

Instead of "Was responsible for..."

• Managed, Led, Coordinated
• Created, Developed, Implemented
• Assisted, Supported, Helped
• Achieved, Increased, Improved

Cover Letter Essentials

When to Write One

• Always when the job ad asks for it
• Recommended for roles you really want
• Optional for casual retail/hospitality

Structure

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Role you're applying for
• Where you found it
• 1 sentence on why you're interested

Paragraph 2: Why You're a Good Fit

• Relevant experience or skills
• Specific examples
• Connect to what they're looking for

Paragraph 3: Your Availability

• Work rights (student visa with work rights)
• Hours you can work
• When you can start

Paragraph 4: Closing

• Thank them
• Express enthusiasm
• Mention you'll follow up

Example Opening

"I'm writing to apply for the Retail Assistant position advertised on Seek. As an international student at UNSW with previous retail experience in my home country and strong English communication skills, I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Resume Mistakes

❌ Generic objectives ("I want to work hard and grow professionally") ❌ Including irrelevant experience in too much detail ❌ Spelling and grammar errors ❌ Inconsistent formatting ❌ Using "CV" formatting (too long, too detailed)

Cover Letter Mistakes

❌ Copying the job ad back at them ❌ Focusing only on what you want, not what you offer ❌ Being too formal or too casual ❌ Not customizing for each application

Tailoring Your Resume

For Each Application

1. Read the job description carefully
2. Identify keywords and requirements
3. Adjust your summary to match
4. Emphasize relevant experience
5. Include skills they mention

Example

If the ad says: "Looking for someone with excellent customer service skills and experience handling cash"

Adjust your resume to highlight:

• Customer-facing roles
• Cash handling experience
• Specific customer service achievements

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Pro tip: Save a master resume with everything, then create tailored versions for different job types (retail, hospitality, office). It saves time when applying.