Written by certified humans. First draft in 1 working day. Our guarantee

hello@penworthcv.com

Australia · Resume guide

How to write a Australian Resume

How to write an Australian resume in 2026: two to three pages, no photo, Australian spelling, referees, work rights and selection criteria for government roles.

AUAustraliaResume guide · 2026

The short answer

An Australian resume is usually two to three pages, a little longer than a US resume, with a career summary, achievement-focused experience and referees or "referees available on request" at the end. Don't include a photo or date of birth, use Australian spelling, and state your work rights if you're on a visa.

Length
2 to 3 pages
Photo
No
Date of birth
No
Spelling
Australian English
Referees
Usually 2, or "on request"
Called
Resume (or CV)

Include

  • Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, and suburb and state
  • A career summary
  • Experience with achievements and key responsibilities
  • Education, licences and tickets (for example a White Card or driver's licence where relevant)
  • Work rights or visa type if you're not a citizen or permanent resident
  • Two referees, or "Referees available on request"

Leave out

  • Photo
  • Date of birth or age
  • Marital status, religion
  • Tax file number
  • Full street address

A bit longer, and that's fine

Australian employers are comfortable with two to three pages. They often like to see key responsibilities as well as achievements for each role. Senior candidates sometimes go to four pages, but every line should earn its place.

Referees

Australian employers check references seriously and often call two referees, usually recent managers. You can list them with their permission or write "Referees available on request". Make sure they know you've named them.

Government jobs and selection criteria

Australian Public Service and state government roles often ask for responses to selection criteria or a one- to two-page pitch against the capabilities listed. These are scored, so follow the instructions exactly. The STAR method (situation, task, action, result) is the usual structure.

Visa and work rights

If you're on a temporary visa, say which one and when it expires, or that you'll need sponsorship. Hiding it only delays a no.

Where to apply

The job boards and sites most used by employers in Australia:

  • Seek
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed Australia
  • Jora
  • APSJobs (federal government)
  • State government job sites

Reviewed by the PenworthCV writing team, October 2026. Conventions change: always follow the instructions in the job ad.

FAQ

Australia CV questions

Both are used for the same document. "Resume" is slightly more common.

Two to three pages for most professionals.

Either list two referees with permission or write "Referees available on request". Both are normal.

Get started

Applying in Australia?

Get a Resume written to Australia conventions by a certified writer, with your first draft in 1 working day.

Free reviewFind my package