Resume Tips8 min read

Australian Resume Format 2026 — How to Write a CV for Jobs in Australia

•By MyTechZ Team

Australia's job market is booming for tech professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, and skilled tradespeople. Whether you're an Australian citizen, a working holiday maker, or a skilled migrant on a 482/494 visa, your resume (Australians use both "resume" and "CV" interchangeably) needs to follow local conventions to stand out.

Australian Resume Rules

  • •No photo — Australian anti-discrimination laws make this unnecessary
  • •No date of birth, gender, religion, or marital status
  • •Length: 2-3 pages is standard (longer than US/UK norms)
  • •Include a "Key Achievements" section — Australians love results-driven resumes
  • •Referees (references) go on the resume — usually 2-3 with contact details
  • •Australian English spelling: "organise", "colour", "programme"

Standard Australian Resume Structure

  • •Contact Details — Full name, suburb & state, phone, email, LinkedIn
  • •Professional Summary — 4-5 lines summarising your career and key strengths
  • •Key Skills / Core Competencies — 8-12 relevant skills
  • •Professional Experience — Reverse chronological with achievements and KPIs
  • •Education & Qualifications — Include TAFE, university degrees, and trade certs
  • •Professional Development — Short courses, workshops, industry conferences
  • •Referees — 2-3 professional references with name, title, company, phone, email

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What Makes Australian Resumes Different?

  • •References on the resume: Unlike the US/UK, Australian employers expect 2-3 referees listed directly on your resume
  • •Longer format accepted: 2-3 pages is normal; single-page resumes may look too thin
  • •Key Achievements section: Australians want to see quantified results upfront
  • •TAFE and trade qualifications are respected — include them prominently
  • •Visa status: State your working rights clearly ("Australian Citizen", "Permanent Resident", or visa type)

ATS Keywords for Australian Tech Jobs (2026)

  • •Sydney: FinTech, React, Python, AWS, Atlassian stack, Agile, Banking/Finance
  • •Melbourne: SaaS, Full Stack, Ruby on Rails, DevOps, Startup culture
  • •Brisbane: Mining tech, IoT, Data Engineering, Government/Defence
  • •Perth: Resources tech, FIFO roles, SAP, Data Analytics, Automation
  • •Canberra: Government (APS), Security Clearance, Cybersecurity, .NET

Tips for Migrants and Working Holiday Makers

  • •State your visa type and work rights clearly at the top
  • •Get your qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian authority (e.g., ACS for IT)
  • •Tailor your resume to Australian job ads — use their terminology
  • •Australian employers check references — make sure yours are contactable
  • •Networking matters — LinkedIn is huge in Australia, keep your profile updated

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an Australian resume be?
2-3 pages is the standard in Australia. Unlike the US where 1 page is preferred for juniors, Australian employers expect a more detailed resume. Senior professionals can go up to 3-4 pages.
Do I need to include references on my Australian resume?
Yes. Australian resumes typically include 2-3 professional referees with their name, title, company, phone number, and email. This is different from the US/UK where references are provided separately.
Should I include my visa status on my Australian resume?
Yes. Clearly state your right to work in Australia — whether you're an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or on a specific visa (482, 494, Working Holiday, etc.). This helps employers assess your eligibility immediately.
What is ACS skills assessment for IT professionals in Australia?
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses overseas IT qualifications for migration purposes. If you're migrating on a skilled visa, you'll likely need an ACS assessment. Mention this on your resume if completed.

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Australian Resume Format 2026 — How to Write a CV for Jobs in Australia | MyTechZ