If you are an overseas worker planning on migrating to Australia, it’s important to remember that Australian employers may have different expectations and requirements when it comes to what information they expect to see in your CV (Curriculum Vitae). Therefore before you start applying to jobs, take some time to tailor your CV in a way Australian employers and recruiters expect.
This guide will walk you through how to write a CV tailored for the Australian job market, focusing on essential aspects such as the ideal length, structure, CV format, presentation, and key dos and don'ts.
Understanding the Australian Job Market
Understanding the Australian job market is crucial when it comes to writing an effective CV. Australian employers value certain traits and skills, and aware of these preferences can greatly increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Tailoring Your CV to Australian Employers
A crucial aspect of tailoring your resume to Australian employers is to ensure that it aligns with the specific job requirements and industry norms in Australia. Research the industry you are targeting and understand what skills and experiences are valued by employers in that field. This will help you highlight the most relevant information and tailor your resume accordingly.
CV Length, Format and Structure
Length - Keep it concise and informative
When it comes to the length of your CV for the Australian job market, it is generally recommended to keep it concise and focused. Ideally, your CV should not exceed two pages, unless you have extensive relevant experience or qualifications. Employers in Australia prefer a concise and targeted approach, so it's important to include only relevant information that showcases your skills and experiences.
Choosing the right format
Formatting is another important consideration. Keep the layout clean and easy to read, using a simple and professional font such as Arial or Calibri.
Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and responsibilities instead of writing long wordy paragraphs, and your CV should be saved as a PDF to maintain formatting across different computers.
Structure - make information easy to find
Structuring your CV is crucial as hiring managers and recruiters generally only scan CVs to quickly identify the information they are looking for.
Contact Information to include:
- Your full name - make sure your name is at the top of each page incase pages are separated
- Contact phone number - include country code if applying from offshore.
- Email address - make sure it is professional and not inappropriate
- Nationality*
- Marital and family status*
- Current visa status or desired visa* e.g. 482 visa (expires 04/2028)
* Normally it is not recommended to include information such as nationality, marital or visa status but if your Australian work rights are dependent on a visa, this information can be useful. Your marital/family status may be important if employer sponsorship (e.g. 482 visa) is required as they would have to be willing to support any secondary applicants or if accommodation may be an issue due to location or type of vacancy.
Professional Summary: A brief section highlighting your professional background, key skills, and what you bring to the role. Keep it concise and tailored to the job you're applying for.
Skills or Areas of Expertise: Highlight relevant skills that match the job description. This can include both technical skills and soft skills, such as Menu Development, Budgeting & Forecasting and Patient After Care. Use bullet points and try to list between 5-10.
Work Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include the job title, dates of employment (ideally MM/YYYY format), the company's name, and a brief list of your key responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to make this section more digestible.
Education: Detail your academic background in reverse chronological order, including the degree obtained, the institution, and the completion date. If you're a recent graduate, you can place this section before your work experience. If you had to complete a Skills Assessment, it is worth adding this here so employers can see you have had your experience, qualifications and skills tested.
Training & Certification: Depending on your background, you might include sections for certifications, professional memberships or related courses completed. Tailor these sections to the job you're applying for, emphasising the most relevant information.
English: If you hold a current visa or require a visa and completed an English test for it, list the test company name and score achieved. If it is not applicable to you, remove this section.
What information NOT to include
- False Information: Make sure all of the information provided is accurate and true, nowadays employers have a lot of tools to easily check information.
- Negative Information: Don't include reasons for leaving previous roles or negative experiences. Focus on the positive aspects of your career.
- Irrelevant Information: Tailor your CV to the role you're applying for. This might mean excluding certain work experiences or details that don't contribute to demonstrating your suitability for the position.
Choosing the Right Resume Template
When it comes to creating your Australian resume, choosing the right template can make a big difference in how your information is presented. Instead of starting from scratch or attempting to design your own layout, it's best to use a pre-made template. This will save you time and ensure that your resume looks polished and professional.
There are many free resume templates available online, so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money on a template. Simply download one that appeals to you and fits your personal style.
When selecting a resume template, consider the industry you are applying to and the type job you are seeking. For example, if you are in a creative field, you may want to choose a template that showcases your design skills. On the other hand, if you are applying for a more traditional corporate role, a clean and simple template may be more appropriate.
Remember to customise the template to fit your own experience and qualifications. Make sure to highlight your key achievements, relevant skills, and work experience in a clear and concise manner. By choosing the right resume template, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Final Tips
- Proofread: Ensure your CV is free from spelling or grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or using a tool like Grammarly to review it.
- Customise Your CV: Tailor your CV for each job application. Highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the job description.
- Follow Instructions: If the job listing specifies certain CV requirements or how to submit your application, make sure to follow these instructions precisely.
In conclusion, to write a CV for the Australian job market requires careful consideration of the information you include, as well as the presentation of your skills and experiences. By following these tips and using a well-designed resume template, you can enhance your chances of standing out from other applicants and securing your dream job.
When you Register with Visa Jobs you get access to our Australian CV template as well as full access to our job board, visa information, tips and tools.
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