How to write a resume in Australia
Australian resumes are short, factual and easy to scan. Start with your name and contact details, then a few sentences about the work you want, then jobs, skills and tickets. Use this builder, or copy the same structure into SEEK, Indeed, Jora or an employer form.
Australian resume format
Use a single column, black text on white, clear headings and no skill bars or graphics. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) read simple layouts more reliably than infographic CVs.
- Name and contact (phone, email, city)
- Professional profile
- Key skills you actually have
- Work experience with dates
- Licences and certificates (RSA, White Card, forklift, First Aid)
- Education (short)
- Availability
- References on request, or named referees who agreed
What should you put on an Australian resume?
Work you have done (including overseas hospitality or farm work), tickets you hold, the city you are in now, and when you can start. For WHV jobs, it helps to say you can work weekends, relocate, or do specified / 88-day work if that is true.
What should you leave off your resume?
Passport number, Tax File Number, bank details, Medicare, date of birth, gender, marital status, religion and photos. Do not invent RSA, White Card or Australian experience.
Australian resume tips for backpackers
Write in simple English. Keep farm and hospitality jobs even if they were short. Add the town (Cairns, Bundaberg, Mildura) because regional employers search that way. Browse live backpacker jobs after you download.
Hospitality resume tips
Mention table service, POS, cash handling, barista or housekeeping only if you have done them. RSA is often expected where alcohol is served. See hospitality pay rates.
Farm work resume tips
List crops, packing sheds, physical work and that you can start soon. Pair your CV with the harvest calendar and farm work pay guide.
Construction resume tips
A White Card is the usual site entry ticket. Add labouring, manual handling and WHS only if true. Read the WHV construction guide.
Warehouse resume tips
Pick packing, RF scanning, forklift and dispatch are the phrases employers search. Confirm forklift only if you hold a licence. See warehouse pay rates.
Do you need a photo on an Australian resume?
No. A photo is unusual for these roles and can hurt ATS parsing. Skip it unless the employer asks in writing.
How long should an Australian resume be?
One page is fine if you are new to Australia. Two pages if you have several relevant jobs. Cut unrelated work rather than shrinking the font.
Australian resume example
Name, Cairns phone and email. Profile: three years of restaurant work, available immediately. Skills: customer service, table service. Experience: waiter, Bologna, 2022–2025, with four short bullets. Certificates: RSA (QLD). Availability: casual and weekends, willing to relocate for regional work. References on request.