The plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansAustralian resume format and template
Australian resumes tend to be a little longer than US ones and often end with referees. Resume and CV are both used. Start from a template below and the editor uses Australia and New Zealand settings: A4 paper and no photo.
At a glance
- Usually called
- Resume (CV is also used)
- Length
- Two to three pages is common
- Paper
- A4
- Photo
- Usually left out
- Personal details
- Leave out date of birth, marital status and religion
- Referees
- Often two, listed at the end or available on request
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
Sections to include, in order
- Contact details. Name, phone, email and suburb or city.
- Career summary. A short paragraph on your experience and strengths.
- Key skills. A short list that matches the selection criteria or job ad.
- Employment history. Most recent first, with responsibilities and achievements.
- Education and training. Qualifications, licences and short courses that matter for the role.
- Referees. Name, title, company and contact details, with their permission.
Tips
- Use Australian and British spelling (organise, centre).
- Some public sector roles ask you to address selection criteria separately. Keep the resume itself concise.
- Add visa or work rights status if you are not a citizen or permanent resident. It saves the employer a question.
- Ask your referees before listing them.
Example referee entry
Sarah Mitchell, Operations Director, Coastline Logistics
sarah.mitchell@example.com · 0400 000 000
Templates that suit this format
Use template starts with Australia & New Zealand settings: A4 paper and no photo. You can change them in the editor at any time.
Contemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansA conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4A dense, tidy single column with contact details aligned right and ruled headings.
One column, contact details on the right · Nunito SansA large serif name and section labels in a quiet left margin, like a magazine page.
One column, labels in a left margin · Fraunces + InterGenerous whitespace and a quiet hierarchy that lets your experience speak for itself.
One column · Nunito SansQuestions
How long should an Australian resume be?
Two to three pages is common for experienced candidates. Graduates often use one or two.
Do Australian resumes include referees?
Often, yes. Many applicants list two referees at the end. Writing "Referees available on request" is also accepted.
Should I add a photo?
Usually not. It is not expected and most applicants leave it out.
Already have a resume?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.