Your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Here's how to make it count in the Australian job market.
1. Keep It Concise
Australian employers prefer CVs that are 2-3 pages maximum. Focus on your most relevant experience from the last 10-15 years.
"I receive hundreds of applications. If I can't see your value in 30 seconds, I move on." - HR Manager, Sydney
2. Use an ATS-Friendly Format
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. To pass through:
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts
- Include keywords from the job description
- Save as a .docx or .pdf file
3. Start with a Strong Summary
Your professional summary should be 3-4 sentences that highlight:
- Years of experience
- Key skills
- What you're looking for
Example:
Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and brand management. Skilled in SEO, content strategy, and data analytics. Seeking a senior marketing role in a growing tech company.
4. Quantify Your Achievements
Don't just list responsibilities. Show impact with numbers:
Instead of:
- Managed social media accounts
Write:
- Grew Instagram following from 5K to 50K in 12 months, increasing engagement by 300%
5. Tailor for Each Application
Customize your CV for each job by:
- Matching keywords from the job description
- Highlighting relevant experience first
- Adjusting your summary to align with the role
6. Include the Right Sections
A typical Australian CV should include:
- Contact details
- Professional summary
- Key skills
- Work experience
- Education
- Certifications (if relevant)
- References (or "Available upon request")
7. Format for Readability
- Use clear headings and bullet points
- Choose a professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Garamond)
- Maintain consistent spacing
- Use reverse chronological order
8. Remove Unnecessary Information
Australian CVs typically don't include:
- Photo
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Nationality (unless relevant for visa)
- Full address (suburb and state is enough)
9. Check for Errors
Proofread multiple times and ask someone else to review. Common mistakes include:
- Spelling errors
- Inconsistent tense
- Missing contact information
- Outdated content
10. Use Our Free CV Checker
Not sure if your CV is up to scratch? Use our free AI CV Checker to get instant feedback on:
- ATS compatibility
- Keyword optimization
- Format and structure
- Areas for improvement
Final Checklist
Before submitting your CV, ensure:
- [ ] It's tailored to the specific job
- [ ] All dates and details are accurate
- [ ] Contact information is current
- [ ] No spelling or grammar errors
- [ ] File is named professionally (FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf)
Your CV is your marketing document. Make every word count!