How to Write an Australian Resume (CV) that Gets You Interviews in 2025

23 November 2025 • Updated for 2025 hiring

Use a clean, two-page, ATS-friendly layout tailored to the ad.

Australian employers expect concise, keyword-rich resumes that pass ATS and prove impact. This step-by-step guide shows you the 2025 Australian resume format, the right keywords, and bullet examples using the STAR method. It includes a copy-paste template, selection criteria tips, and cover-letter guidance.

1. The Australian Resume Format (2025)
2. Make It ATS-Friendly
3. Find the Right Keywords
4. Write STAR Bullets That Prove Value
5. Copy-Paste Resume Template
6. Addressing Selection Criteria
7. Cover Letter That Complements Your CV
8. Common Mistakes in Australia
9. FAQs

The Australian Resume Format (2025)

• Length: 2 pages for most roles; 1 page for interns/grads; 3+ for academia/research with publications.
• Sections (order): Header → Professional Summary → Key Skills → Work Experience → Education → Certifications → Extra (volunteering, languages).
• What to exclude: photo, age, marital status, visa numbers (state work rights in the summary instead), full address (city + state is enough).
• File: PDF for human readers; keep a .docx version for specific portals that parse better.
• Style: simple fonts (Calibri, Arial, Helvetica), 10–11 pt, clear headings, bullet points, generous white space.

ATS struggles with tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and images.

Make It ATS-Friendly

• Plain structure: no tables or multi-column text boxes; use standard headings.
• Simple bullets: hyphen or round bullets. Avoid icons and graphics.
• Consistent dates: MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY (e.g., Feb 2023 – Oct 2025).
• Keywords: mirror the language of the ad: “stakeholder management”, “Power BI”, “myGovID”, “ISO 27001”, “child-safe standards”, etc.
• File name: Firstname-Lastname-Role-2025.pdf.

Find the Right Keywords

Scan 3–5 recent ads for your target role and list recurring skills, tools, and certifications. Prioritise phrases that sit under “About you”, “Must have”, or “Key selection criteria”. Examples by category:

• IT: Azure, AWS, Terraform, CI/CD, Python, SQL, Power BI, ServiceNow, SOC2, ISO 27001, ITIL.
• Accounting: BAS, GST, MYOB, Xero, AP/AR, month-end close, reconciliations, CPA/CA.
• Customer service: inbound/outbound, SLA, conflict resolution, CRM, Zendesk, de-escalation.
• Construction: WHS, SWMS, RFIs, tendering, Primavera, cost control, stakeholder liaison.
• Students/grads: internship projects, labs, capstones, GPA (if strong), campus leadership.

Build a mini keyword bank from multiple current ads.

Write STAR Bullets That Prove Value

Each bullet = Action + Metric. Add brief context if needed. Use present tense for current roles, past tense for previous roles.

• Customer support: “Resolved 40–60 tickets/day with 95% CSAT, meeting all SLAs for first response and resolution.”
• Data analyst: “Built Power BI dashboards used by 6 teams, reducing monthly reporting time by 70%.”
• Construction PM: “Delivered a $4.2m fit-out 3 weeks early with 0 LTI and 2% under budget.”
• Graduate: “Led a 4-member capstone for a local SME, increasing online conversion by 22% after UX changes.”

Copy-Paste Resume Template

FIRSTNAME LASTNAME | City, State | 04xx xxx xxx | firstname.lastname@email.com | LinkedIn URL
Work rights: Full-time (no restrictions) | Availability: 2 weeks

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[Role title] with [X] years’ experience in [industry/skills]. Strengths in [3–5 keywords from the ad].
Known for [impact metric], [stakeholder skill], and [tool/process]. 

KEY SKILLS
• Skill/Tool • Skill/Tool • Skill/Tool • Stakeholder management • Communication • Problem solving

WORK EXPERIENCE
Company, Role — City, State (MMM YYYY – Present)
• [STAR bullet with numbers]
• [STAR bullet with numbers]
• [STAR bullet with numbers]

Company, Role — City, State (MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY)
• [STAR bullet]
• [STAR bullet]

EDUCATION
Degree, Institution — City (YYYY)  |  Certifications: [AWS/Azure/CPA/ITIL/etc.]

ADDITIONAL
Volunteering • Languages • Professional memberships
  

Addressing Selection Criteria

Government and some corporate roles use key selection criteria. Provide short STAR examples that map to each criterion. If asked to upload a statement, keep it to 1–2 pages and mirror headings from the ad.

• Communication: “Drafted monthly stakeholder updates read by ~200 staff; engagement grew +35%.”
• Teamwork: “Co-led a cross-functional squad of 7 to ship a new onboarding flow, cutting support tickets –18%.”
• Problem solving: “Automated reconciliation, saving 10 hours/week and eliminating manual errors.”

Cover Letter That Complements Your CV

Use a targeted, one-page letter. Open with the role title and a single sentence value statement. Pick 2–3 requirements and prove fit with metrics. Close with availability and work rights.

Common Mistakes in Australia

• Too generic: same resume for every role. Tailor keywords and bullets to the ad.
• Tables and graphics: pretty but ATS-unfriendly.
• Responsibilities only: list outcomes, not just duties.
• Missing work rights: include them in the header or summary.
• Referees on page: write “Referees available on request”. Provide later.

Link a portfolio or GitHub where relevant. Keep samples concise.

FAQs

Is a photo required on Australian resumes?

No. Photos are uncommon and can disrupt ATS parsing. Focus on achievements and keywords.

What if I have no “local experience”?

Use projects, internships, volunteering, and metrics. Show tools used in Australia (e.g., MYOB/Xero, ServiceNow, PTV/Opal operations, WHS).

Should I include referees?

Write “Referees available on request.” Provide contact details after interview or when requested.

PDF or Word?

PDF for direct email. Keep a clean .docx for portals that parse Word better.