Looking for a job in Australia? Whether you’re a local jobseeker or an international worker on a visa, one of the first and most important steps is crafting a resume that aligns with Australian standards.Unlike CVs used in some other countries, Australian employers typically prefer clear, concise, and tailored resumes. Here’s how you can stand out with a professional, job-ready resume in Australia.
1. Keep It Short and Simple
Australian resumes are usually no longer than 2–3 pages, even for experienced professionals. Avoid unnecessary personal details like age, gender, marital status, or a photo (unless specifically requested). Focus on what matters: your skills, experience, and achievements.
2. Start with a Strong Summary
Open with a professional summary — a short paragraph (3–4 lines) at the top that highlights who you are, your key strengths, and your career goals. Tailor this to each job you apply for.
✅ Example:
Friendly and reliable worker with experience in packing, farm work, and customer service. Quick learner, team player, and ready to start immediately. Currently based in Brisbane and open to relocating for the right role.
3. Work Experience — Newest to Oldest
List your recent jobs first. Each should include job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and a few bullet points describing your duties.
✅ Example:
Blueberry Picker：XXX Berry Farms – Coffs Harbour NSWSep 2023 – Dec 2023
-
Picked, packed, and sorted blueberriesMet daily picking targets in various weather conditionsWorked in a team of 30+ seasonal workers.
4. Show Off Those Skills
You don’t need to be a ninja — just tell them what you’re good at.
🛠 Key Skills
- Fast and accurate picker
- Able to lift 20kg (and keep smiling)
- Reliable with early starts
- Great team player
- Knows how to follow instructions
5. Add Your Education & Licences
Just the basics!
🎓 Education: High School Diploma, Major in Business and Economics – Graduated 2021
🏷️ Licences & Certifications:
- Forklift Licence (LF) – QLD Safe Work
- White Card – Issued 2023
- RSA – For working in licensed venues like bars or restaurants
6. Including Referees Can Strengthen Your Application
Including references can give your resume that extra edge!
You can keep it simple by writing:
References available upon request — totally fine and very common in Australia.
But if your previous boss was awesome and happy to recommend you, why not list them? It shows confidence and helps employers trust you faster.
Also, if you’ve had some jobs where you only worked for a few weeks, employers might wonder why. Having references in those cases can help boost their confidence in you.
7. Keep It Tidy
Your resume doesn’t need glitter or fireworks — just keep it neat.Skip the funky fonts and neon colours. Use something simple like Arial or Calibri, and make sure everything is easy to read.
PDF it before sending — nobody likes a weirdly formatted Word doc.
🕒 Bonus Tip: Be Clear About Your Availability
Letting the employer know your earliest start date is a great way to stand out — especially if you’re available immediately. You can mention this in your professional summary or in your email/application letter.Even if it’s not on your resume, adding a short note in your email about handling your own accommodation and transport also shows initiative and reliability — and can improve your chances of getting the job.
🔍 Real-World Tip: Licence Alone Isn’t Enough
Having a licence is great, but experience matters more. For example, if you’re applying for a forklift operator role but don’t have much hands-on experience, you should describe your training in detail or mention related tasks you’ve assisted with— such as moving heavy items, working in a warehouse, or helping with loading and unloading — to demonstrate your skills and confidence.
Clear, specific examples help employers build trust in you faster — especially when you’re new to the role but eager, willing to learn, and ready to work.
💬 Final Words from NEST Labour
We’ve seen hundreds of resumes — some great, some… not so much.
A clear, honest, and simple resume will get you much further than one full of fluff.
Wishing you all the best in finding your ideal job!
