Crafting A Winning Australian Resume: A Guide

how to make a australian resume

Creating an Australian resume is similar to a standard resume format, but there are some key differences. Australian resumes are longer, typically between two and five pages, depending on experience level. They should be tailored to the role, highlighting skills and qualifications that directly relate to the job description. It is important to use Australian English and not include personal information such as age, marital status, religion, or nationality, as this could result in your resume being rejected due to Australia's anti-discrimination policies. Australian resumes should also include a dedicated skills section, highlighting both transferable and technical skills.

Characteristics Values
Header Full name, email address, phone number with international dialling code
Resume summary 3-5 sentences highlighting key qualifications
Length 2-5 pages depending on experience level; new graduates may have 2-page resumes
Personal information Do not include age, marital status, religion, or nationality due to anti-discrimination policies
Physical address Indicate if you are relocating to Australia or open to relocating
Photo Do not include unless the job explicitly mentions it (e.g. modelling or acting)
References Put "referees available upon request" and prepare a separate document with contact names and positions
Work experience Include international experience and tailor it to the job
Education List degrees in reverse chronological order, including institution, degree obtained, and graduation date
Skills Include a dedicated section for both transferable and technical skills relevant to the role
Achievements Focus on measurable achievements rather than generic duties, using strong action verbs
Keywords Prioritize relevant keywords from the job description to make your resume ATS-friendly
Formatting Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and an easy-to-read structure; consider using Microsoft Word
Additional sections Include volunteer work, awards, hobbies, certifications, projects, language skills, etc. to showcase your qualifications and experiences

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Resume length: Australian resumes are typically between two and five pages

The length of an Australian resume can vary between two and five pages, depending on your experience level and work history. It is important to tailor your resume to the specific job role and highlight relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences that align with the job description. This helps employers understand your value proposition and assess your suitability for the role.

When structuring your resume, use clear and consistent formatting with easily identifiable headings and sections. Begin with a header that includes your full name, email address, and phone number with an international dialing code. You may also include a physical address, indicating your willingness to relocate if you are not yet a resident of Australia. A three- to five-sentence summary at the top of your resume should highlight key qualifications and skills that make you an excellent fit for the role.

The main body of your resume should be structured with sections such as "Work History," "Key Skills," ""Certifications," and "Education." List your degrees and relevant qualifications in reverse chronological order, including the institution's name, the degree obtained, and the graduation date. For recent graduates, relevant coursework, academic achievements, and projects can also be highlighted.

Your work experience should also be presented in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or relevant job. This ensures that your most impressive roles are seen first. Within each section, use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities effectively. You can also include additional sections such as "Volunteer Work," "Awards," and "Hobbies" to showcase your values, commitments, and personality. However, avoid including personal information such as age, marital status, religion, or nationality, as this could result in your resume being rejected due to Australia's anti-discrimination policies.

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Personal information: Include your full name, email, and phone number

When creating an Australian resume, it is important to include personal information such as your full name, email address, and phone number. This allows employers to know who you are and how to contact you. It is recommended to include this information in a header at the top of your resume, making it easily accessible for hiring managers.

Your full name should be written clearly and legibly at the top of your resume. If you have any industry certifications or related degrees, you may include them next to your name. This additional information can be beneficial in certain industries, such as healthcare, where specific certifications may be required for the role.

When providing your email address, ensure that it is professional and contains your full name or parts of your name. This helps employers identify you easily and avoids any potential confusion. Avoid using inappropriate or unprofessional email addresses that may detract from your professionalism.

It is also important to provide a phone number, preferably your mobile number, so that employers can contact you directly. If you are applying for an international role, remember to include the international dialing code or country code to ensure employers can reach you without any issues.

By including this essential personal information, you make it convenient for hiring managers to get in touch with you and showcase your organisational skills and adherence to industry formatting standards.

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Photo: Including a photo is discouraged

In Australia, including a photo on your resume is generally discouraged. While it is common practice in some countries, it is not the case in Australia. Including a photo can introduce biases to the hiring process and may result in unconscious discrimination, which goes against Australia's anti-discrimination policies. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to analyse text, and photos can confuse these systems, leading to a lower score for your resume and potentially causing recruiters to overlook your application.

Additionally, including a photo may be considered unprofessional and may take up valuable space that could be used for more important details, such as your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. It is crucial to ensure that your resume is well-structured and focused on highlighting your strengths and how you are uniquely qualified for the role.

However, there may be exceptions to this guideline. If the job description explicitly mentions including a photo, such as for a modelling or acting role, then it would be appropriate to include one. It is always a good idea to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the role and the expectations of the industry you are applying to.

While some people may argue that including a photo can give the employer a more complete picture of the candidate, it is important to remember that your skills, qualifications, and experience should be the primary focus of your resume. In Australia, it is advised to omit the photo and instead focus on presenting your qualifications, work experience, and skills in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that including a photo on your resume may be considered a potential security risk. When applying for jobs, it is essential to protect your personal information and identity. By excluding your photo, you can maintain a level of privacy and security while still providing potential employers with the necessary information to assess your suitability for the role.

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References: Put referees available upon request and prepare a separate document

When it comes to references, or "referees" as they are known in Australia, it is standard practice to include the phrase "referees available upon request" on your resume. This indicates to potential employers that you have references ready to provide if needed. It is important to note that Australian employers often like to speak with referees who can attest to your skills and abilities in the workplace.

It is recommended to have at least three professional references prepared and readily available. These references should be individuals who can vouch for your qualifications, skills, and work experience. They can include previous managers, supervisors, or colleagues who have worked closely with you. If you have any local contacts in Australia, such as a previous manager from part-time work or a professor from a study abroad program, be sure to include them as well.

Prepare a separate document that contains the names and positions of your references. This document should also include each referee's contact information, such as their email address or phone number, or any other relevant details. This makes it convenient for employers to reach out to your references when requested.

While it is not necessary to include your references with your initial application, some companies may specifically request references along with your resume. Always read the job description carefully and follow any instructions provided. If references are not explicitly mentioned, you can simply state that they are available upon request.

Remember, your references are an important part of the hiring process as they provide verification of your qualifications and skills. By choosing strong referees and providing their details in a separate document, you can ensure that potential employers in Australia have easy access to additional information about your capabilities and suitability for the role.

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Skills: Include a dedicated section for both technical and transferable skills

A resume is a concise document that highlights an individual's educational and professional journey. It is crucial when applying for a new job as it is often the first point of contact with potential employers. It provides a summary of your skills, qualifications, and experiences, showcasing your suitability for the role.

When creating an Australian resume, it is important to include a dedicated section for both technical and transferable skills. This section should be tailored to the job you are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. For example, if you are applying for a digital marketing position, your technical skills could include Google Analytics and A/B testing, while your transferable skills could include creative problem-solving and collaboration.

  • Use a balance of hard and soft skills: Hard skills refer to technical abilities, such as software knowledge, data analysis, or project management. Soft skills, on the other hand, are transferable skills like communication, leadership, or creative problem-solving. A mix of both types of skills demonstrates a well-rounded candidate.
  • Provide context for your skills: Instead of simply listing your skills, demonstrate how you have applied them in previous roles. For example, you could describe a project where you utilised your data analysis skills to improve business outcomes.
  • Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use specific numbers or percentages to showcase the impact of your skills. For example, you could say, "Increased sales by 20% in six months," instead of simply stating, "Increased sales."
  • Include language skills: Language skills can be a valuable asset, especially in roles that involve communication with international clients or colleagues. Be sure to list the languages you are proficient in and your level of proficiency.
  • Highlight relevant projects: Describe any projects you have worked on that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Explain your role, the skills you used, and the positive outcomes achieved.
  • Avoid embellishing or exaggerating: It can be tempting to stretch the truth on your resume to make yourself stand out. However, Australian HR managers are adept at identifying lies or exaggerations, so always remain honest and truthful about your skills and experiences.

Remember, the skills section of your resume is crucial for showcasing your unique qualifications and abilities. By providing a well-rounded and honest overview of your capabilities, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Frequently asked questions

Australian resumes are typically longer than standard resumes, ranging from two to five pages depending on experience level. It is also important to note that Australian employers often like to speak with references who can vouch for your skills and abilities.

Your full name, email address, and a phone number with an international dialling code. Do not include personal information such as age, marital status, religion, or nationality, as this could result in your resume being rejected due to Australia's anti-discrimination policies.

Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and an easy-to-read structure. Prioritise relevant keywords from the job description to make your resume ATS-friendly. Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities effectively.

A dedicated skills section that highlights both transferable and technical skills relevant to the role. You should also include your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or relevant job. Other optional sections include volunteer work, awards, and hobbies.

No, including a photo is discouraged in Australia as it can introduce biases to the hiring process. The only exception is if the job explicitly mentions including a photo, such as for a modelling or acting role.

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