This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers
Introduction
After years of working in the recruitment industry, I've come to realise the importance of a finely-tuned resume in securing a job here in Australia.
Your resume, which is a strategic marketing instrument, takes centre stage in presenting your amassed skills, wealth of experience, and suitability for the position you're looking for.
Considering the increase in competition, I cannot stress enough the significance of understanding the distinct prerequisites and expectations of Australian employers.
Join me in this blog post as I walk you through the art of crafting an impactful resume that's aligned with the Australian job landscape.
Understanding the Australian resume format
In Australia, the most common resume format is known as the reverse-chronological format. It presents your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent job.
This format allows employers to quickly scan through your experience and qualifications, making it easier for them to assess your suitability for the role.
If you're not sure whether you are eligible to work in Australia, click the button below for more information on visas.
Structuring your resume
To make your resume visually appealing and easy to read, follow these guidelines:
Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top of the page.
Professional Summary: Write a concise summary highlighting your key skills, experience, and career goals. Tailor this section to match the specific job requirements.
Work Experience: List your work history in reverse-chronological order. Include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Education and Qualifications: Mention your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and relevant training courses.
Skills: Highlight your core skills and abilities, both technical and interpersonal, that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Achievements and Awards: Include any notable achievements, awards, or recognition you've received throughout your career.
Referees: Optionally, you can provide the details of professional references who can vouch for your skills and character.
Tailoring your resume to the job
Australian employers like customised resumes that directly address the requirements of the position. Here's how you can tailor your resume effectively:
Job Description Analysis: Thoroughly read the job description and find the key skills, qualifications, and experience sought by the employer.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your relevant work experience and achievements, drawing attention to how they align with the requirements of the role.
Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description to enhance your resume's visibility to applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers.
Achievements: Showcase quantifiable achievements that show your impact in previous roles. This helps employers understand your potential contributions.
Language & formatting
While writing your Australian resume, keep the following points in mind:
Use Australian English: Adjust your language and spelling to match to Australian conventions. For example, use "organisation" instead of "organization" and "centre" instead of "center."
Keep It Concise: Aim for a maximum of two pages, focusing on the most relevant information.
Use Bullet Points: Organise information using bullet points, making it easier for recruiters to scan your resume quickly.
Proofread: Get rid of any spelling or grammatical errors and ensure consistent formatting throughout the document.
If you'd like some tips on how to proofread your resume effectively, click the button below to read our guide.
Conclusion
Writing a good resume tailored to the Australian job market can greatly increase your chances of getting an interview.
By following the guidelines in this blog post, you'll have the knowledge and insights needed to create a great resume that gets the attention of Australian employers.
Remember, every application is unique, so customise your resume for each job opportunity, showing your skills, achievements, and passion for the role.
For further guidance on how to write a resume in Australia, I encourage you to read SEEK's article on the topic.
Good luck with your job search!
Are you looking for a job?
Now that you better understand how to write a resume in Australia, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.
At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.
If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.
What are your thoughts?
I'd love to have a conversation with you about this topic - please leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or opinions 🙂
Christian Madsen
Managing Director of 11 Recruitment