How To Write an Australian (Aussie) Style Resume: Explained

Crafting a resume might seem overwhelming when you begin your job search in Australia. Yet, by putting effort into it, you can develop a professional resume tailored to the Australian format. Remember that your resume is crucial in the Australian job application process.

Creating a resume specifically suited for use in Australia is essential to make a positive first impression on potential employers. A well-written Aussie-style resume can give you a competitive edge.

Check out this guide to learn how to write an Australian resume for the first time with no experience. It covers what to include, what to highlight, the ideal length, and more to assist you in your job applications in Australia.

1. The Purpose of A Resume

Your resume will help you reach out to your potential employers and give you a chance of landing an interview, so it should demonstrate all the vital information.

Here is what your resume should reflect:

• You are employable.

• You have the proper education and qualifications.

• You have the relevant skills and experience.

• You meet both the job and the company's requirements.

• You have the right level of professionalism for the job. 

2. How Long Should A Resume Be?

The length of your resume may vary, depending on your education and experience.

One or two pages are sufficient if you are a student and need more experience. Whereas, if you have plenty of work and study experience to show, 3 to 4 pages should be enough. 

Remember, even if your resume has only one page, as long as you present it well, it will be better than a three-page resume.

3. Choosing The Right Format For Your Resume

You can choose between three types of resume formats, depending on your experience level and the job you are applying for.

Here are three different formats that you can use to create a resume:

• Skilled-Based or Functional Resume Format: This format usually focuses on your most relevant experience. A skilled-based resume format is suitable if you want a career change or need more work experience.

• Reverse Chronological Resume Format: The most common and popular format applicants use. In this format, your latest experience appears first. The reverse chronological resume format is best for people with a lot of work experience. It applies to the job position they are interested in.

• Combination Resume Format: This format is perfect for job seekers who want to demonstrate their diverse skills. For instance, if you are applying for a position that requires expertise in more than three fields, then the combination resume format is the best choice. It also allows you to place your experience so that the recruiter sees it first.

4. What Is The Best Resume Font?

When it comes to preparing a resume, fonts play a crucial role. So make sure to strategically choose the font, keeping in mind the length of your resume and the structure.

Consider the following things when selecting the right font:

• Clear Font: Always remember some fonts may not appear clear, especially when you switch them to italics. Therefore, before selecting a font, check for clarity, no matter your resume format. Also, some fonts may appear distorted, particularly when you use symbols or smaller font sizes.

• Easy on The Eyes: Your font must be easy to read and should not create confusion or strain. Make sure it is readable both on paper and computer.

• Non-Distracting: When a hiring manager reads your resume, you want your skills and experience to stand out. Hence, try using a non-distracting font that keeps the reader's mind open.

Some of the best fonts that you can use for your resume include the following:

• Arial 

• Georgia

• Times

• Calibri

• Garamond

5. What To Include In A Resume?

In addition to the proper layout for your resume, you must focus on the content. If you are wondering what to put on a resume, we have discussed below the crucial elements you should include in your resume.

Contact Details

Your resume must have updated contact information, including your phone number and professional email address. It is optional to include your home address. However, in some situations, it might be required.

Furthermore, do not add the contact information in the header of your resume, as some recruitment software may need help reading details in headers or footers.

Objective or A Summary

An objective or a summary is a short opening statement of around 50 to 100 words describing who you are, where you have studied or worked, and how you can contribute to the company.

All in all, the summary should be relevant to the job description. It should quickly summarise your experiences, skills, and overall career goals.

Educational History

Your educational history should only include your higher education qualifications in chronological order, beginning with the most recent qualification you have achieved.

You only have to mention your results if they prove how well-suited you are for the job. If you are currently studying, include that information as well.

Employment History

When providing your work history, mention the name of companies and job roles in chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Also, remember to add the dates you worked there for.

Suppose you are a student and want to write a resume without experience. You can include other details like volunteer work, internships through university or TAFE, and more.

For each job role, provide a list of your achievements and responsibilities. Additionally, you must mention the significant contributions you made to the organisations.

Furthermore, if you have had any gaps in your career, explain them briefly and positively. Do not leave out this information, as the employer may find it suspicious.

Key Skills and Strengths

This section on your resume allows you to highlight your intellectual abilities and personality. So make sure to mention your attributes and relevant technical knowledge, demonstrating how you are better suited for the job than other applicants.

When claiming to have a particular transferable skill, provide evidence like - "Excellent verbal and communication skills acquired through customer service work and study experience."

Referees / References

This should be the last entry on your resume. Try to mention at least two people on your resume who will recommend you as an employee. Your referees should preferably be someone whom you have previously worked with.

Make sure to seek their permission before you list them in your resume and let them know the details about your job position.

You can also provide referees' names, current job titles, and phone numbers so that the recruiter can contact them.

If you do not prefer to incorporate references on your resume, you can write "Available on request." This will enable you to inform your referees before someone tries to contact them.

6. What Not To Include in a Resume?

Sometimes, you need to learn what not to include in your resume to leave out all the irrelevant information and ensure your resume is more professional and focused.

Here is a list of things you should not include in your resume:

• Personal Information: You do not have to give any personal information in your resume that may include your nationality, race, religion, marital status, political preferences, children, and more.

• Tables: You may think that including information inside a table will make it look more presentable, but some recruitment software does not read tables. So avoid using them and instead use simple formatting to make your resume stand out.

• Overused Phrases: Do not include overused phrases such as out-of-the-box thinker, dynamic individual, etc. Instead, consider how you can present your skills in a way that will benefit the organisation.

• Salary Details: Leave the salary details off your resume as, during your interview, it can serve as an essential negotiating tool.

• Grammatical Errors: Submitting a resume with grammatical errors will ensure you do not get the interview. So before sending your resume, double-check it and look for mistakes or something you might have missed.

7. Resume Writing Tips

Here are some additional tips on how to write a resume and land a job interview instantly:

• Pay Attention To Your Online Presence: There is a huge possibility that your recruiter might look for your professional online profile. So make sure you have an active LinkedIn account that shows your employment status and other details.

• Do Not Copy Resume Templates That You Find Online: Remember, most Australian employers look for authenticity and uniqueness in your resume. When copying a resume template, you will make yourself look like every other candidate who needs more effort to prepare a well-written resume.

• Have Your Resume Proofread: Ask a family member or a trusted friend to proofread your resume. Check also for grammatical errors or other information that might be missing.

• Be Patient: Due to the high number of applicants, increased expectations, and broad stakeholder involvement, the Australian recruitment process can be lengthy. Hence, be patient when expecting a response from the recruiter.

8. Final Words

A properly formatted and well-written resume is integral to the job-searching process. Therefore, it is crucial to modify your resume as per Australian resume requirements when applying for a job in Australia. 

You can also search for resume writing examples online and get an idea of how to write a resume without experience. Do not let a poorly written resume ruin your chances of getting a perfect job opportunity.

Useful Links to Explore: 

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?