When applying for jobs in Australia, having a well-structured and localised Curriculum Vitae (CV) can make all the difference. Australian employers expect a clear, concise, and relevant CV that highlights your qualifications, experience, and suitability for the job formatted to meet Australian standards.
Whether you're applying from abroad or within the country, this guide will help you craft a professional CV that matches Australian expectations.
1. Key Differences CVs in Australia vs. Other Countries
Before diving into the format, it's important to know what makes the Australian CV unique.
-Typically 2 to 3 pages long (not more than 4 pages, even for senior professionals)
-No need for a photo or personal details like age, marital status, or religion
-Focus on skills, accomplishments, and results
-Clear, easy-to-read formatting with bullet points
-A cover letter is usually submitted separately, not part of the CV
2. Australian CV Format (Step-by-Step)
Here's the typical structure of a CV in Australia:
1. Contact Information ,at the top of the page, include;
-Full Name
-Mobile Number (include country code if applying from abroad)
-Professional Email Address
-LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)
-Suburb and state (once in Australia); or simply note ''Relocating to Australia''
-No need for date of birth, nationality, or photo.
2. Professional Summary (Career Overview)
A short 2-3 sentence paragraph that highlights:
-Your profession and years of experience
-Key skills or specialties
-Career goals and value you bring to employers
Example:
''Experienced Civil Engineer with over 6 years of expertise in urban infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia. Skilled in AutoCAD, project management, and safety compliance. Seeking opportunities in Australia's growing construction sector."
3. Core Skills / Key Competencies
A bullet-point list of technical and soft skills relevant to the role:
-Project Management
-Data Analysis
-Stakeholder Communication
-Customer Service
-Microsoft Office Suite
-CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce)
-Budgeting & Reporting
-Customise this section based on the job description you're applying for.
4. Work Experience
List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include:
-Job Title
-Employer Name, Location
-Dates of Employment (month/year – month/year)
-Responsibilities & Achievements (4–6 bullet points)
-Focus on outcomes, not just tasks.
-Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.
Example: Customer Service Representative
Telstra, Sydney | March 2021 – Present
-Managed an average of 70+ customer calls per day
-Resolved 95% of complaints on the first contact
-Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% within 6 months
5. Education & Qualifications
List in reverse chronological order:
-Degree or Certification Name
-Institution Name
-Year of Graduation
-Major Subjects (optional)
-If your qualification is from abroad, mention its equivalence (if assessed).
6. Certifications & Licenses (if applicable)
-First Aid Certificate (valid until 2026)
-White Card (for construction work)
-Working with Children Check (NSW)
7. Languages
If you speak multiple languages, especially useful in customer-facing or healthcare roles.
8. References
You can either list 2 professional referees with:
-Name
-Job Title
-Company
-Email and Phone Number
Or simply write "References available upon request."
Tips for Writing an Effective CV
-Tailor your CV for each job application. Use keywords from the job ad.
-Avoid large blocks of text. Use bullet points and white space.
-Keep it professional and honest. Don't exaggerate or lie about qualifications.
-Proofread. Grammatical or spelling errors can hurt your chances.
-Use Australian English. For example, write 'organisation' instead of “organization.”
Optional additions you may also include
-Professional Development, Courses or workshops completed
-Volunteer Work, If relevant to the job
-Portfolio or Website, For creative or IT roles
Final Checklist
Before you hit send on your application, make sure your CV:
-Is customised for the job
-Matches Australian format and tone
-Is clean, simple, and 100% error-free
-Includes only relevant details
Want Help Writing Your CV?
If you're unsure where to start, consider:
-Downloading a free CV template tailored for Australia
-Getting advice from a career coach or migration agent
-Reading job descriptions on platforms like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn to understand employer expectations.