Overview
In Australia, both "resume" and "CV" terms are used, with resume being more common for most job applications. A typical Australian resume is 2-3 pages. Australia has strong anti-discrimination legislation covering age, sex, race, and disability. Photos, date of birth, and marital status are generally not included.
Key CV Guidance
Including a photo on an Australian resume is not standard and is discouraged in most industries. The Fair Work Act and state anti-discrimination laws protect applicants from discriminatory recruitment practices. Most Australian employers and HR professionals recommend omitting photos.
Date of birth is not included on Australian resumes. The Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) and state/territory anti-discrimination laws protect job seekers from age-based discrimination. Omit date of birth.
Marital status is not included on Australian resumes and is protected under anti-discrimination legislation.
Nationality is not typically included. Work authorization note (e.g., "Australian citizen", "Permanent Resident") may be relevant for visa applications or security-clearance roles.
Length & Formatting
Most Australian resumes are 2-3 pages. Senior professionals may use 3-4 pages. Early-career candidates may use 1-2 pages. Academic CVs are longer.
Clean, professional formatting on A4 paper. Clear headings and white space. Most industries expect professional but not overly designed CVs. Save as PDF unless Word is requested.
ATS are commonly used by Australian employers, especially larger companies and public sector. Use standard headings, keyword-match to job postings, avoid graphics-heavy formats.
Work Experience & Education
Reverse chronological order is standard. Bullet points for responsibilities. Quantified achievements are valued (e.g., "managed a team of 12", "reduced costs by 18%"). Action verbs are recommended.
Include degree, institution, city/state, and graduation year. Vocational qualifications (TAFE, Certificate IV, Diploma) are valued and should be included. Professional membership (e.g., CPA Australia, Engineers Australia) may be listed.
Skills sections are common. Technical and software skills, industry-specific competencies, and language skills. Safety certifications (e.g., RSA, White Card) are important in relevant industries.
Key Differences — Australia CV
- "Resume" is more commonly used than "CV" for most job applications
- Standard length is 2-3 A4 pages
- No photo, no date of birth (anti-discrimination)
- Vocational (TAFE) qualifications are valued
- Referees expected — "References available upon request" or include 2 referees
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not including a Key Skills or Core Competencies section
- Including a photo
- Not listing Australian-equivalent qualifications
- Using US spelling (use Australian/British English)
- Not tailoring the resume to the specific job posting
Official Sources
This guidance is based on general Australian practice and publicly available information. Resume/CV requirements vary by employer, industry, and role. Always check the employer's specific guidance.
Use our free CV builder to create a professionally formatted Australia CV with country-specific guidance applied automatically.