How to write a great CV in Australia
Having a very well written CV will help you stand out from the crowds and potentially line you up for a job interview – and eventual employment in the career of your choice.
A few tips to get started
- Keep your CV at 1-3 pages long.
- Look for CV templates and customise them.
- Use Australian English and check your spelling.
- Check your grammar.
- Do not brag. Let your experience, skills and background speak for themselves.
- Have your references ready and include their contact details.
- Do not overshare when it comes to personal details. An employer does not have the right to ask you about your age, marital status, religion, nationality or sexual orientation.
- Personalise your CV to each job application according to their requirements.
The structure of your Australian CV
- Include your personal information (full name, email address, phone number and address if needed).
- Write a brief executive summary. This can contain your achievements, objectives, aspirations and qualities. Speak in the third person singular.
- List your work experience (in reverse chronological order). Include your achievements for each role and the skills gained.
- Add your education. Specify your school, university, degree, honours and awards.
- Write down your personal skills.
- Make sure to include other relevant information such as awards, languages, internships, volunteer work and certifications.
- Name three to five references and include their contact details. It is commonly asked for in Australia.
Do attach a cover letter to your CV
- Include the date
- Address the recruiter
- Start with a salutation
- Convince your employer by talking more about your relevant qualities
- Align yourself with the company values
- Sign with your full name