The Australian resume format, also known as a curriculum vitae (CV) or a “resume,” follows a specific structure and style. Here is a guide on how to format an Australian resume:
- Personal Information:
- Full name: Begin your resume with your full name, preferably in bold and larger font size.
- Contact details: Include your phone number, email address, and location (city and state).
- Career Objective or Professional Summary (optional):
- Briefly describe your career goals, key skills, and experience. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.
- Education:
- Start with your most recent qualification and work backward.
- Include the name of the institution, location, degree or qualification obtained, and the completion date.
- Mention any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
- Work Experience:
- List your work experience in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent position).
- Include the name of the company, job title, dates of employment (month/year), and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
- Highlight your key accomplishments and use action verbs to showcase your skills.
- Skills:
- Create a section to outline your relevant skills.
- Include technical skills, software proficiency, languages spoken, or any other specific abilities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- You can categorize your skills into subsections if needed (e.g., Technical Skills, Language Skills, etc.).
- Achievements and Certifications:
- Highlight any notable achievements, awards, or certifications relevant to the position.
- Include the name of the award, issuing organization, and the year of achievement.
- Professional Memberships (optional):
- If you are a member of any professional associations or industry organizations, list them here.
- Include the name of the association and your membership status.
- Referees (References):
- It is common to include the phrase “References available upon request” rather than listing specific referees on your resume.
- Prepare a separate document with the contact information of your referees, including their name, position, company, phone number, and email address.
General Tips:
- Keep your resume concise and limit it to 2-3 pages.
- Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size between 10 and 12 points.
- Utilize bullet points to make your resume easy to read and scan.
- Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experience.
- Proofread carefully to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors.
If you’re creating a resume or job application, it’s generally not necessary to include your date of birth. In many countries, including Australia, it is considered inappropriate for employers to ask for this information due to potential age discrimination concerns. Focus on providing relevant professional details, such as your qualifications, work experience, and skills, which will help you showcase your suitability for the job.