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How to Write a Resume That Stands Out in Australia
If you’re applying for roles in Australia, whether it’s in a fast-paced startup, a growing SME, or a more traditional business, your resume is often your first real chance to make an impression.
And in Australia, we like things that are clear, concise and down-to-earth. No fluff, no exaggeration, just a solid, honest summary of what you bring to the table.
Here’s a guide to writing an Australian-style resume that actually gets read (and hopefully, gets you hired).
Before You Start: Know Where You’re Headed
Don’t rush into formatting just yet. Take a step back and think about:
- What role are you aiming for? Your resume should highlight the experience and skills that make sense for that role.
- Who’s reading it? A recruiter? A startup founder? Someone in HR? Each one may value different things, so tailor your tone and structure accordingly.
What to Include in Your Resume
Here’s what most hiring managers do want to see:
- Contact Details
- Phone and email = must-haves.
- LinkedIn = nice to have.
- City and state (e.g. Sydney, NSW) = helpful for location fit.
- On a visa? Add a quick note like “Full-time rights on Graduate Visa Subclass 485”.
- Professional Summary
- A short intro (2 to 3 lines) that tells us who you are, your key strengths, and what you’re looking for. Keep it real, and keep it relevant.
- Work Experience
- List roles in reverse chronological order.
- Include job title, company name, dates.
- 3–5 bullet points per role with real impact (e.g. “Reduced customer support response time by 25%”).
- Use strong, active language! Aussie employers appreciate initiative.
- Key Skills
- Highlight both technical and soft skills.
- Don’t just list everything under the sun. Focus on what matters for the role you want.
- Education & Training
- Include relevant degrees, courses, certifications, and years completed.
- Extras (if relevant)
- Languages, side projects, and volunteering are great if they show curiosity, initiative or people skills. That’s gold in a startup.
What to Leave Out (Seriously)
- Photos, age and marital status are not needed and not culturally expected in Australia.
- Generic buzzwords such as “team player”, “hardworking”, “motivated” don’t mean much without proof.
- Irrelevant jobs or outdated experience.
- Typos and grammar errors. Australian spelling matters (e.g. “organise” not “organize”).
🧠 Bonus Tip: Think Like a Startup
Startups and SMEs are all about adaptability, quick learning, and rolling up your sleeves. Use your resume to show how you contributed, not just what your title was.
Instead of: “Responsible for managing social media”
Try: “Grew Instagram engagement by 50% in 3 months through original content and community campaigns.”
🔍 Ready to Put your tailored resume to good use?
Check out our Job Board to find roles that match your skills, and make sure your resume reflects exactly what the job’s looking for!
How Australiance Can Help You
At Australiance, we specialise in helping startups and SMEs navigate these pivotal hiring moments. From finding the right candidates to ensuring a seamless onboarding process, we’re here to make your hiring decisions count. Are you ready to scale smarter? Let’s connect and find the talent your business needs to thrive.
Our Key Services:
- Talent Acquisition: Australiance Talent helps you find top talent that fits your company culture and growth goals in the APAC region. If you’re looking to hire internationally, the INAUTALENT is your go-to resource!
- Market Entry and Expansion: Whether you’re a startup entering the Australian market or an SME aiming for regional expansion, Australiance Access provides expert advice on navigating Australian regulations and market dynamics.
- Strategic Connections: Startup&Angels connects you with key contacts, including investors, law firms, and migration companies, essential for your business growth. Their monthly events and network help you build relationships that can lead to investment, strategic partnerships, and professional services tailored to your needs.
For more details, check out our FAQs about Australiance’s Services.
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