Australian Resume Writing: The Ultimate Guide

Written by <a href=

Nicole Wren" width="516" height="516" />

Written by Nicole Wren

man writing a CV at computer

Table of Contents Toggle Table of Content Toggle

Australian Resume Writing: The Ultimate Guide

How to Write an Australian Resume

Each part of your resume plays a crucial role in presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the position. Here’s the standard Australian resume format:

Header with Contact Information:

Your name, phone number, and email address should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume. If applicable, include a professional LinkedIn profile or portfolio website.

Professional Summary or Objective:

A professional summary highlights your most important achievements and skills, while an objective focuses on your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. Use a summary to shine a spotlight on your track record, especially if you have extensive experience.

Work Experience:

List your previous roles in reverse chronological order. Focus on what you accomplished in each role, using action verbs and quantifying results wherever possible. For each position, provide a brief description of your responsibilities and significant achievements.

Key Achievements/ Accomplishments:

It’s really important in resume writing that you list your key achievements or accomplishments in your roles within your resume. This is what will help you stand out to future employers amongst the competition. Provide concrete examples of your success, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “reduced processing time by 30%.” Here are 50 ideas for accomplishments for your resume.

Once you have your ideas, you’ll need to effective present your accomplishments so they are concise whilst also showing what you can do. The XYZ format for writing resumes is one tool you can use to do this.

picture of 5 entry-level resume designs

Entry Level Resume Writing Service $ 249.00 includes GST Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 7 customer ratings

picture of 5 professional resume writing service designs fanned out

Professional Resume and Cover Letter Service – Mid-Career $ 349.00 includes GST Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 31 customer ratings

image of 5 executive resume writing service designs

Senior Professional & Executive Resume Writing Service $ 549.00 includes GST Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 5 customer ratings

Education:

Your educational background should be listed next, starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of each institution, its location, your degree, and graduation year. Relevant honors or distinctions can also be mentioned.

Skills Section:

Hard skills include specific technical knowledge or training, while soft skills focus on interpersonal and organisational abilities.

Referees:

In the Australian resume format, you can list two referees (including their names, job titles, organisations and phone contacts). Some people prefer to state ‘available upon request’ in this section, which is also widely accepted. In this case, a potential employer may ask for the contact details later in the application process (usually when you are a shortlisted candidate).

Additional Sections:

Depending on your field and the job you’re applying for, you might also include sections for certifications, awards, publications, projects, or volunteer work. These can provide further evidence of your qualifications and commitment to your profession.

ATS (Keyword) Optimisation

Many companies (especially larger ones) use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Ensure yours is ATS-friendly (and approved, not declined!) by the ‘bots, by using a straightforward format and including relevant keywords from the job posting. This guide provides more information (and an example) of how to write an ATS-friendly resume.

What is the Best Australian Resume Format Design?

Use a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting. Choose a standard font like Arial or Calibri, and keep the size between 10 and 12 points. Utilise bold and italics sparingly to emphasise important information.

Resume templates like this government resume template can be a helpful starting point, especially for beginners, but ensure that you customise sufficiently to stand out. A tailored resume reflects your unique skills and experiences more effectively than a generic one.

Customising Your Resume for the Job

Every job application should involve tailoring your resume to align closely with the job description. Identify key skills and experiences that the employer values by studying the job description closely, and then adapt your resume for each application, emphasising different aspects of your experience or adjusting your professional summary to mirror the priorities of each role.

Write a Strong Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference, providing context for your resume and highlighting why you are a perfect fit for the role. Professional resume and cover letter writers can help write your cover letter.

Writing an Executive Resume

An executive resume is often longer than a standard resume, and requires more emphasis on your ability to lead, strategise and get results.

Writing a Student or New Graduate Resume

If you are a student or new to the workforce, you might struggle to know what to put in your resume. The important thing is to identify transferrable skills throughout school or in your extra-curricular activities (like sports clubs or volunteering). This guide provides more information on how to write a student or new graduate resume.

Avoiding Common Resume Writing Mistakes

Even small mistakes can derail your chances of getting an interview. Typos and grammatical errors are the most common pitfalls. Always proofread your resume multiple times or have it reviewed by a trusted peer or resume writing professional (feel free to contact us!).

Avoid vague terms like “synergy” or “go-getter.” Instead, use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements. Tailor your resume to the role. Generic resumes are less likely to impress recruiters who are looking for specific qualifications.

Resume Examples

In Australia, different industries require different resume formats. Reviewing resume examples can help you understand what is required.

Government Resumes

Mining Resumes

Each sector in Australia also has their own preferences, for example, Perth and WA mining resumes have their own standards.

Nursing Resumes

Our resume writers are experts in writing nursing resumes.

Teacher Aide Resumes

Aged Care Resumes

Writing resumes can be tricky for the aged care industry, especially if you don’t have any experience. This guide to writing resumes for an aged care worker with no experience can help. Review this template for entry-level aged care resume and cover letters.

Quality resume writing is a crucial step in your job search. By applying these tips and strategies, you can construct a resume that not only looks professional but also highlights your achievements in a way that resonates with recruiters.

Nicole Wren

Nicole Wren

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

Recommended Services:

Entry Level Resume Writing Service

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Senior Professional & Executive Resume Writing Service

Rated 5.00 out of 5

Professional Resume and Cover Letter Service – Mid-Career

Rated 4.94 out of 5

Google Logo

This organization especially Bridee Is really a very good resume and cover letter writer. My thanks are not enough to appreciate her. I can just say God bless her.

Pritam kumar Deb
4 July 2023

Google Logo

Really impressed with this process from start to finish. Bridee communicated with me through the process and really made sure she had a string understanding on my skills, knowledge and experience. Really happy with the final product and happy I made the decision to use this service. Thanks so much

Natalie
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Nicole was very professional and able to meet my expectations, despite my tight timeline. I would have no hesitation in recommending her!

Celia Wood
4 September 2021

Google Logo

A really good quality service from good people. I would definitely use their services again, and I would have no problem recommending them to anyone! Thanks again.

Josh Ball
4 January 2023

Google Logo

Can’t recommend enough! Bridee has got the touch! Super thorough, professional and really quick too! Resume and cover letter came out far better than I could have ever done Thank you Bridee!

Egat Wilkins
18 June 2024

Google Logo

What can I say Bridee was so professional and easy to deal with. I highly recommend getting your resume done by Bridee you won’t regret it.

Brittany Godden
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Bridee is an excellent resume and cover letter writer. I am thoroughly impressed with her work. It was an very pleasant process and I would highly recommended to my friends and family.

Tahlia Clarke
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Great dealing with Resumes to Impress and very happy with the outcome.

Brad Pat
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Bridee was great to work with, always willing to make small changes for me, and was just very helpful throught the whole process and very calming

Alex Ford
30 November 2023

Google Logo

The cover letter I received from Nicole was straight forward and exactly what was required and encapsulated what I can provide to this potential employer. Thank you Nicole.

Tamara Delafontaine
12 November 2019

Google Logo

The name says it all! Wish I had come here sooner Thanks again for the help 🙂

Jace Mears
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Qiuck ,great on communication very professional ,would highly recommend

Christopher Timms
4 March 2023

Google Logo

Extremely happy with Nicoles awesome work on my resume, cover letters and response to selection criteria. She corresonded until she had the information she needed to do a great job on my projects, did it quickly and Ive already had a job offer just in the short time Ive been working with these guys. More than happy to recommend their services to others !!

Andrew James
4 January 2023

Google Logo

Hi Bridee Just to let you know you have done an amazing job on my Resume. Nothing was a problem and you put a lot of time and effort into getting everything correct.Your ability to make everything so professional is an absolute credit to you Kind Regards Mary Quinn

Mary Quinn
4 December 2022

Google Logo

Thank you so much to Local Resumes for helping me in achieving my dream job , for the kind , quirtious, professional guidance, and giving me terrific support, if anyone needs the help of Local Resumes , please contact them, so you can achieve that well paid position, extremely happy.

Mark Wilson
4 September 2018

Google Logo

I have been using this service from Resumes to Impress for over 3 years now and have had multiple updates done to my resume. Their service has been extremely professional and efficient. I have had a number of comments during interviews about how good my resume looks. I have no hesitation in recommending their service to anyone looking for a great resume or cover letter.

71snapcase
4 October 2022

Google Logo

Nicole, listened to what l was asking and what l needed to give me a professional edge to my resume. I sent her a copy of my long wordy and unorganised resume. Within a few short hours she presented me with my new professional resume that high lights my skills and attributes. She managed to take 7 pages of history, skills and experience into a beautifully layed out 2 page conciese resume that really packs a punch. I applied for a job the very same day l received the resume back 🤞well worth the cost totally recommend your service thank you

Sachi J Lee (Sachi Solokitty)
4 September 2020

Google Logo

I recently used Local Resumes to have my resume updated as it has been a long time since I have had to look for a job. Nicole was professional and gave me a great resume which got me the job I was after.

Scotty S
4 September 2018

Google Logo

Nicole from Resumes to Impress was wonderful to deal with from beginning to end. Nicole's career focused questions were the magic touch that got me thinking about all of my career highlights and in turn lifted my confidence and allowed me to be interview ready. The Resume and Cover letter Nicole completed was of the highest professional quality and hit all the right key areas for prospective employers. Nicole's turn around was quick and within 12 hours of receiving the Resume I already have a job interview. I highly recommend Nicole, it is definitely worth the investment.

Danielle Te
4 September 2021

Google Logo

These guys are absolutely amazing, helpful and thorough. Definitely would recommend them. Used them for myself and my teenage daughter 😁😁😁😁😁

Heidi Gallagher
4 October 2022

Google Logo

I have had my resume and cover letter done professionally before , however found that Bridee is by far the most knowledgeable, caring and accommodating person to work with. Her commitment to ensuring she provides top of the line service shows in the way that she wants to deeply understand your previous employment background, skills and assets to really enhance these in your new documents. Through the whole process I knew that she genuinely wanted to see me succeed in the application process and within a fortnight of receiving my documents I have landed 3 interviews and 1 paid work trial. I highly recommend Bridee if you are wanting a resume to impress.

Sarah Frerichs
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Kathleen Caden from Resumes to Impress was exceptionally professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Her services significantly alleviated the stress of preparing applications, selection criteria, and cover letters, allowing me to fully focus on interview preparation. This was invaluable to my job search success.

Elizabeth Cumming
30 December 2023

Google Logo

Excellent service and quality. Very fast and efficient on short notice!

Joshua Cheek
4 December 2022

Google Logo

Excellent service provided by Kathleen who produced a very detailed and high quality product at a reasonable price. I have already been recommending this company to family and friends. Thank-you very much for your work Kathleen!

BaM
4 February 2023

Google Logo

Resumes to impress was a great choice I made. Bridee worked to update me resume to such a high standard it was incredible. The options and styles of which I could of had my resume looking was really great. As well as other aspects I could of added to it. Eg. A cover letter. I now feel my resume will stand out when I apply for jobs online. Thanks to Resumes to Impress.

Russell Jaeger
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Excellent service, fast, polite and really took the time to get to know you and help.

Daniel Reay
4 November 2022

Google Logo

Bridge from Resumes to Impress was thorough and meticulous in doing my resume and would highly recommend them.

gerard beech
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Bridee was really helpful every step of the way. I am really happy with my new resume. An easy 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 😊

Josh Ball
4 December 2022

Google Logo

Bridee at resumes to impress was the most helpful professional polite person I had the pleasure of working with . I am so glad I found them ..Bridee was so patient with the process nothing was too much trouble . It was definitely worth the money and was a positive experience ,thankyou for providing good old fasioned service that doesnt really exist these days .

grant sindelar
4 June 2023

Google Logo

I contacted resumes to impress to help me write my resume. Bridee was a breath of fresh air, so easy to deal with and swift in her response. She was very patient and kept changing my resume until I was 100% satisfied. She gave me some great advice along the way of what to focus on in my resume and what to put in it. I can’t speak highly enough of Bridee. The whole experience was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. And my resume and cover letter blew everyone who read it away. Thank you Bridee from the bottom of my heart, I couldn’t have done it without you.

Menno Nentjes
4 October 2022

Google Logo

Unbelievable research went into my job description and what I needed to convey to future employers. Quick response times. Absolute joy!

Old School
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Bridee is an expert at what she does. She turned a drab and lackluster cover letter and resume into a work of art that attracted the attention of potential employers. Bridee worked with us over the course of a week, using her experience and wordsmithing skills, to logically and creatively bring to the forefront skills and achievements that needed to be highlighted. The results of our investment were immediate. Within 24 hours of applying for a series of jobs, we received phone calls from prospective employers. If you are serious about securing that ideal job we would recommend you contact Bridee now and give yourself that advantage you deserve.

David Gillies
4 September 2022

Google Logo

Hi Bridee, Thank you for making the process not overwhelming. I got the application in and it’s the best I’ve ever submitted. I feel confident that my documents show me in my best light. In the past I would have given up and not applied feeling daunted by the process. But you are a great listener (and note taker) and I really appreciated being able to talk through a lot of my experience. You where great at getting my words into a strong and clear response structure for the page. It’s great to know my CV and cover letter are up to current standards as well. You where a great at deciphering my long list of work history making it not only readable but clear to see how much of a range of experience I have. Thanks so much again and I will be recommending you to everyone!

Morag Mirankar
4 October 2022

Google Logo

Resume was terrific! Bridee did an amazing job. Forever grateful as it got my partner a full time FIFO job. Thank you so much!

Ondrae Vince-Nelson
5 November 2023

Google Logo

Very talented lady, really easy too work with her. she gets exactly what I need every time I require of her services

Alexandra Johnson
4 September 2018

Google Logo

Did up my own resume and only had a few call backs. Bridee did one up for me and the job offers literally rolled in. I wanted my dream job but new I had to start at the bottom and work up but this resume got me 3 offers of my dream job to choose. Well worth every cent spent. Able to also tweak the final product my self. That you.

Steve Bisset
4 November 2022

Google Logo

I considered myself quite proficient with resumes writing, but off my wife’s suggestion I paid the money and sent it to Nicole to tweak it a little. She had had a friend highly recommend her so I took her advice. Nicole essentially decluttered, then supercharged what was sent to her. It was exactly as I had it in my head but couldn’t quite get on paper. I would without any doubt or hesitation use her again, and will recommend her to anyone seeking a much needed tweak also. Great communication, polite, efficient, quick - And I got the job!

Aben Sansoni
4 September 2018

Google Logo

Really impressed with this process from start to finish. Bridee communicated with me through the process and really made sure she had a string understanding on my skills, knowledge and experience. Really happy with the final product and happy I made the decision to use this service. Thanks so much

Natalie
4 September 2022

Google Logo

I have had my resume done and also added a late notice cover letter and the team were absolutely fantastic and fast! would 100% recommend

Mitchell Lane
4 January 2023

Google Logo

Bridee does amazing work. I have utilised Bridees’ service on two occasions now and thoroughly recommend her. Lifted my resume and applications to next level in professional presentation and delivered to a short deadline when required. First rate 🙂 thanks Bridee