How to Write a Resume for Jobs in Australia: Tips for International Students

When you’re applying for jobs in Australia, your resume (or CV) is your first impression — and getting it right can make all the difference. Especially for international students, understanding local expectations and formatting standards is key.

Whether you’re applying for part-time work while studying, internships, or graduate roles, here’s everything you need to know to write a winning resume in Australia.

✅ What Should a Resume in Australia Look Like?

Unlike some other countries, Australian resumes tend to be:

• 1–2 pages (Concise is key)
• Customised for each role
• Clear and easy to read (No fancy fonts or over-designed layouts)
• Without personal photos (unless you’re in a creative field like modelling or acting)
• Without unnecessary personal details like age, marital status, religion, or nationality (to avoid bias)

🧩 What to Include in Your Resume

Here’s the typical structure of an Australian resume:

1. Contact Information
   • Full name
   • Phone number
   • Professional email
   • LinkedIn profile (optional but encouraged)
2. Professional Summary (Optional but helpful)
   • 2–3 lines that summarise who you are and what you’re looking for
3. Key Skills
   • Bullet points tailored to the job ad (e.g. customer service, time management, teamwork)
4. Work Experience
   • Job title, company, dates of employment
   • Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements
   • Start with your most recent job
5. Education
   • Your current university and course
   • Any relevant training, certificates, or short courses
6. Volunteer Work / Extracurricular Activities
   • Especially helpful if you have limited work experience
7. Referees
   • “Available upon request” is fine unless the job ad specifically asks for contact details

🔍 Tailoring Your Resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Many companies use automated software to scan resumes. Here’s how to pass:

• Use keywords from the job ad
• Avoid using images or text boxes
• Use standard section headings (like “Education” or “Experience”)

 

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Typos or poor grammar – always proofread!
• Using the same resume for every job
• Including irrelevant work experience or outdated qualifications
• Forgetting to include a cover letter (yes, it matters!)

📚 Useful Resources for Resume Writing

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some free and helpful resources:

Seek Career Advice – Resume Tips 
Monash University – Careers and employability  
University of Melbourne – Careers  
RMIT – Jobs, careers and employability  

👥 Want More Support?

At Journal, we know how important it is to feel confident in your job search. That’s why we offer regular career workshops, Journal Talks, Leadership Labs, and a supportive community to help you grow and build your future.

 

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