Ruqayyah Snyder
Creating a CV for a job application in Australia involves understanding the local conventions and unique requirements of the Australian job market. The terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably, with resume being the more common term. Australian resumes are longer than their US counterparts, typically spanning two to five pages depending on experience level. A generic resume is unlikely to stand out, so it's important to tailor your CV to each role by reflecting the skills, experience, and keywords from the job ad. This demonstrates to employers that you possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities for the position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 2-5 pages depending on experience level |
| Format | Reverse-chronological |
| Language | Australian English |
| Personal Details | Name, address, phone number, email address, city, state |
| Photo | Not necessary unless the job advert asks for one |
| Career Objective | Included |
| Work Experience | Detailed, in reverse-chronological order |
| Skills | Technical, transferable, soft, and hard skills |
| Qualifications | Include certifications, training, and professional development |
| Achievements | Include awards and distinctions |
| Hobbies | Included to provide a glimpse into your personality |
| Volunteering | Included |
| Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Keywords | Included |
| Gaps in Employment | Explain in a positive way |
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What You'll Learn
CV structure and formatting
The terms ""CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably in Australia, with ""resume" being the more commonly used term. Australian resumes are longer than US resumes, typically reaching two to five pages depending on the experience level. The chronological format is the most widely accepted format, where you list your past roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job. This format ensures your most impactful roles are seen first.
Your CV should be straightforward, professional, and tailored to the job you're applying for. It should include a clear layout that is easy to read, with a subtle use of formatting and colour to make your document stand out. It should also be written in Australian English, ensuring clarity and professionalism, and avoiding spelling errors or informal phrases.
The CV should begin with a header that includes your name, location (city and state), phone number, and a professional email address. You may also include a link to your LinkedIn profile. It is not necessary to include a photo unless the job advert asks for one, and you should avoid adding any personal demographic information such as your age, gender, date of birth, or home address.
Following the header, include a three- to five-sentence resume summary that highlights your key qualifications and how they make you an excellent fit for the role. This should be tailored to the specific job description, reflecting the language and keywords used in the advert. You should also include any relevant Applicant Tracking System (ATS) keywords to increase your chances of passing through the ATS used by many Australian employers.
The sections and content of an Australian CV are similar to those in a UK CV or US resume. However, it should showcase relevant experience and skills that reflect the expectations of Australian employers, such as transferable skills like teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication. Volunteer work is highly valued in Australia and can be included in a separate "Volunteer Work" section or integrated into your career history if the experience is directly relevant to the role. Certifications and training programs can also be listed in a dedicated section to showcase your qualifications clearly.
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How to list skills and qualifications
When crafting a CV for a job in Australia, it's important to showcase your unique skills and qualifications while adhering to local conventions. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to list your skills and qualifications effectively:
Understand the Australian CV Format:
Australian CVs typically follow a reverse-chronological format, focusing on providing a detailed work history. Ensure your CV includes essential contact information such as your full name, city, state, phone number, and professional email address. Avoid unnecessary personal details such as age, gender, or marital status. Australian employers value comprehensive CVs, often spanning two to five pages, depending on your experience level.
Tailor Your Skills to the Job Description:
Read the job description carefully and tailor your CV accordingly. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experiences that directly relate to the role. Use language and keywords that reflect the job requirements, making it clear to employers that you possess the necessary skills and experience. This demonstrates your suitability for the position and increases your chances of standing out in the competitive Australian job market.
Include a Dedicated Skills Section:
Create a dedicated section for your skills, highlighting both transferable soft skills and technical hard skills. Soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, effective communication, and leadership are highly valued in the Australian work culture. Hard skills refer to technical competencies specific to the role, such as computer literacy or expertise in certain software. Include any professional qualifications, certifications, or training relevant to the position.
Provide Examples and Achievements:
When listing your skills, provide concise examples or achievements that demonstrate how you've utilised those skills effectively. For instance, if you're mentioning leadership skills, you could refer to a time when you led a successful project or team initiative. This approach showcases your abilities in action and makes your CV more compelling.
Highlight Volunteer Work and Certifications:
Australian employers appreciate candidates with volunteer experience, so consider creating a separate "Volunteer Work" section. Highlight specific skills and achievements gained through volunteering, such as organisational abilities or leadership roles. Additionally, list any relevant certifications or training programs, including the certification name, issuing institution, and completion date. This showcases your commitment to professional development and enhances your CV.
Remember, the key is to tailor your CV to each job application, ensuring your skills and qualifications align with the expectations of Australian employers and the specific role you're applying for.
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What personal details to include
When applying for a job in Australia, it is important to include personal details in your CV. This allows employers to know who you are and contact you easily. Here are some tips on what personal details to include:
Full Name
Include your full name at the top of your CV. You may want to make the text slightly larger or use a different colour to create a definitive heading. This helps recruiters instantly know whose CV they are reviewing and can easily find yours among dozens of applications. It is usually appropriate to exclude your middle name and only provide your first and last name.
Contact Information
Provide your contact information, such as your address, city, state, phone number, mobile number, and email address. Ensure your email address is professional and some variation of your name (e.g., [email protected]). If you are submitting your CV digitally, consider adding hyperlinks to your contact information. You may also include a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile if you have one.
Avoid Unnecessary Personal Details
Refrain from including unnecessary personal details such as your age, date of birth, marital status, home address, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or number of children. These details are not required for job applications in Australia and are not relevant to your job performance. Keep this section concise and focused on essential information.
Photo (Optional)
Including a photo in your CV is generally not recommended in Australia. However, if you are in a creative industry or hosting your resume online, an image may be beneficial. Research the company's expectations, as including a photo when it is not requested can hurt your chances of selection.
Career Objective or Profile (Optional)
Although not mandatory, you may include a career objective or profile at the start of your CV. This section should be brief, consisting of two to five sentences. Introduce yourself, explain your career goals and ambitions, and provide a clear description of the experience you bring to the position. This helps employers understand your motivations and why you are a good fit for the role.
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How to discuss work experience
When it comes to discussing work experience on your CV, it's important to be concise, scannable, and easy to read while including all the important information. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:
Structure and Formatting
Use the reverse-chronological CV format, listing your most recent and relevant job first. This ensures your most impactful roles are seen first. Each work experience entry should include the role title, company or organisation, approximate dates (month/year), and a brief summary of your responsibilities, tasks, and achievements. You can use bullet points or sentences to describe your job duties, but keep the length to around 3-5 bullet points or 2-3 lines of text.
Tailor Your Content
Study the job description and person specification to decide what work experience is most relevant to the role. Highlight experiences that showcase skills valued in Australian work culture, such as teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication. If you have any ongoing paid jobs, list them first in a "Professional Experience" section, followed by a separate section for work experience placements.
Focus on Achievements
Instead of simply listing responsibilities, emphasise your achievements and accomplishments, especially those relevant to the role you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a project management role, highlight achievements related to project management methodologies. Include any volunteer work or community engagement that demonstrates your skills and professional development.
Use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Keywords
Incorporate keywords from the job ad within your CV to increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems used by many Australian employers. This helps your CV stand out and showcases your suitability for the role.
Avoid Unnecessary Details
While Australian CVs are typically longer than those in other countries, avoid including unnecessary personal details such as age, gender, marital status, date of birth, or a photo unless specifically requested. Focus on providing a detailed outline of your work history, education, and skills, ensuring your CV aligns with modern recruitment processes and expectations.
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How to tailor your CV for Australian employers
The Australian job market is highly competitive, so it's important to tailor your CV to suit the role you're applying for. Here are some tips on how to create a CV that appeals to Australian employers:
Structure and Format
The terms ""CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably in Australia, with ""resume" being the more common term. Australian resumes are longer than those used in other countries, typically spanning two to five pages depending on your experience level. The chronological format is the most widely accepted, listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or relevant job. This ensures your most impressive roles are seen first and allows you to focus on your professional history.
Personal Details
Start your CV with a snapshot of your personal details, including your full name, city and state, phone number, and email address. Ensure your email address is professional and includes your first and last name. Avoid including unnecessary personal details such as age, gender, date of birth, marital status, or home address, as this is not required for Australian job applications and could introduce unintended biases.
Summary and Career Objective
Include a three- to five-sentence resume summary at the top, highlighting your key qualifications and how they relate to the role. You can also add a career objective, which demonstrates a clear connection between your experience and the employer's requirements. This helps employers understand your career goals and ambitions.
Skills and Achievements
Focus on highlighting your relevant skills, including both hard skills specific to the role and soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication, which are highly valued in Australian work culture. Include any professional qualifications, certifications, and relevant training. Also, mention any volunteer work, which is highly regarded by Australian employers, and highlight the skills and achievements you gained through these experiences.
Language and Tone
Use Australian English and avoid spelling errors and informal phrases. While it's important to showcase your unique skills and qualifications, avoid self-inflating adjectives such as "exceptional" or "outstanding." Instead, let your experience speak for itself. Use language that reflects the job description, incorporating keywords, responsibilities, and achievements that align with the specific role.
Remember, Australian employers often look for candidates who can adapt to the local work culture and environment, so tailor your CV to showcase your ability to thrive in diverse settings.
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Frequently asked questions
You should include your name, address, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one. It's also important to include a dedicated skills section that highlights both transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication) and technical skills relevant to the role. Certifications and training programs can also enhance your CV, showcasing your commitment to professional development.
Australian CVs are typically longer than those used in other countries, often reaching two to five pages depending on your experience level. For graduates or those early in their career, two pages are usually sufficient, while experienced professionals may have CVs up to five pages long.
It's important to tailor your CV to the specific job you're applying for, using language and keywords that reflect the job description. Avoid including unnecessary personal information such as age, gender, marital status, date of birth, religion, or a photo, as this can introduce unintended biases in the recruitment process. Focus on highlighting your relevant skills, qualifications, and achievements, and consider including any volunteer work that demonstrates key skills or provides relevant experience.
