Applying for a job in Australia? Your CV is your first impression and expectations here are specific. Australian employers want to see clarity, relevance, and professionalism. No long-winded summaries. No flashy designs. Just a clean, well-organised document that shows you're qualified and easy to work with.
Here’s how to structure your CV for the Australian job market in 2025.
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1. Use the term “CV” not “resume”
In Australia, the term CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more commonly used than “resume,” though both are generally understood. Stick with “CV” to align with local language.
2. Keep it to 2–3 pages
Unlike in the U.S., where one page is the standard, Australian CVs can go up to two or three pages especially if you have years of relevant experience. Just make sure every section adds value. Quality beats length.
3. Use this structure (in this order)
Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location (City and State)
- LinkedIn profile or personal website (optional but useful)
Do not include a photo, date of birth, nationality, or marital status. Australian employers do not expect this information and including it can work against you.
Career Summary
This is a short paragraph (3–4 lines max) that highlights your experience, key strengths, and type of roles you're looking for. Keep it factual, not fluffy.
Example:
Experienced operations coordinator with 7 years across logistics and supply chain roles. Skilled in process improvement, scheduling, and supplier management. Currently seeking mid-level operations roles in Sydney.
Key Skills
Use bullet points to highlight 6–10 relevant skills both technical and role-specific. Match them to the job description when possible.
Examples:
- Stakeholder management
- Project coordination
- Microsoft Excel & Power BI
- Inventory control
- Customer support
Work Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each one, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Dates of employment (Month/Year)
- 3–6 bullet points describing your key responsibilities and achievements
Focus on outcomes. Use numbers where you can.
Example:
- Reduced processing time by 25% through workflow automation
- Managed inventory for 200+ SKUs across 3 warehouses
Education
List your highest qualifications first. Include:
- Degree or certification
- Institution name
- Location
- Graduation year
Include relevant coursework or achievements if you're early in your career.
Certifications or Training (if applicable)
Any short courses or industry certifications should go here. Examples:
- First Aid & CPR
- Certified Scrum Master
- Google Analytics Certificate
Referees (optional)
It’s common to include at least one referee, or to write “Referees available on request.” If you include them, list:
- Full name
- Position
- Company
- Contact (email or phone)
Only add referees if you’ve spoken to them in advance.
4. Formatting tips for 2025
- Use a basic font like Calibri or Arial
- Font size: 10–12pt for body text
- Use bold for section headings
- Use bullet points, not long paragraphs
- Keep spacing consistent and allow for white space
- Save and send your CV as a PDF
Avoid design-heavy templates or unnecessary graphics. A CV in Australia should be clean and easy to scan.
5. Customise your CV for each application
One CV won't fit every role. Match your career summary, skills, and even job titles (where appropriate) to the job description. Many employers use screening tools before a human ever sees your CV.
6. Optional: Include a short cover letter
While not always required, a one-page cover letter can help if written well. Use it to explain why you’re a strong match for the role and what you bring to the team. Keep it specific, not generic.
Stand out with a personal CV site
PDFs are still expected, but if you want to stand out, link to a simple personal site with your CV, achievements, and contact info. Tools like Hello.cv make this fast and easy especially useful if you want recruiters to find you online or see more than just a file.
Get a branded domain (yourname.cv) now
Get a free .cv Site and enhance your career
