Top Tips for your creating your Australian CV

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The significant importance this document can play in the direction of an individual’s career goals and objectives is of great importance, especially when you are selling yourself from far away. Write with the intention to create interest, to persuade the Australian employer to call you. If you write with that goal, your final product will be very different than if you write to inform or catalogue your job history.

Working In Job ToolsCV checklist:

The following information is a guideline. We suggest you use your own style, but always remember to keep the presentation professional and to the point.

  • Use a simple program such as MS Word. Most Australian companies prefer CVs submitted electronically – and this will be critical when applying to Australian companies from overseas. Create your CV in a common program such as MS Word so it can be easily opened and read by recipients.
  • Provide a brief background to UK companies. Remember that employers in Australia won’t be familiar with many UK companies. It is sometimes useful to provide a brief overview of your employer’s business including industry sector, what they do, and company size.
  • Do not leave gaps in your résumé. If you took a year out, carried out an interim assignment, or travelled for six months, say so, or potential employers may suspect the worst.
  • Length is not a real issue - about 4 pages is the norm. Australian CVs tend to be more detailed than their UK counterparts. Don’t get caught up in trying to keep your résumé down to two or three pages, however, do ensure the information you include is as succinct as possible.
  • Include a link to your own website if you have one. If you have your own website profiling your work, include the URL on your résumé; however, do not simply submit the URL address instead of a résumé.
  • Limit the amount of info per page. When formatting your résumé, ensure there is plenty of white space. Don't put too much information on one page, or use graphics and flowery or small fonts that are difficult to read.
  • Remember to spell check your CV! This is the first impression your potential employer will receive of you, so take time to get it right. If possible, ask someone to proofread your résumé to check for any spelling, layout or typos – don’t rely on your spell check alone.
  • Attach your résumé to an email. Don't paste the text into your email program where it could be distorted.
  • Don't attach supporting documents unless requested. These are generally not required in the first instance, although some online application forms do allow you to upload supporting documents. You will generally be asked for these prior to an interview.

Cover letter checklist

Cover letters are a unique selling tool when approaching a prospective employer directly, and are vitally important to applications sent by overseas candidates. This is your chance to capture the attention of an Australian employer and demonstrate the qualities that set you apart from other applicants:

  • Keep it brief. Your cover letter should ideally not exceed one A4 page, well spaced.
  • Tailor each cover letter to the job listing. Where possible, accounting point by point for each of the requirements listed by the employer and detailing how you are qualified to meet these requirements.
  • Be clear and concise. Use strong verbs that demonstrate action and accomplishments, for example ‘organise’, and ‘supervise’.
  • Find out the details of the contact person. Do a bit of research and if a name is not supplied, try to find out who the application is going to. Don't forget to include your own contact details (doublecheck for accuracy).
  • Think about the structure. You letter should include an introduction and identification of the position (for example their reference number used in the job advert), relevant qualifications and your current position, and a summary of how you meet their core skill set.
  • Address the employer's essential criteria/core skill set. Identify your skills, experience and attributes that match the employer’s essential criteria. It can sometimes be helpful to use the same headings they have supplied, with a short sentence or two addressing each one. Look for keywords (eg team player, flexible, outgoing, dynamic) that reveal what attributes they are looking for, and show how you embody them. If you can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria, you will greatly increase your chances of an interview.
  • Proofread it properly! Have a trusted friend or colleague review both your résumé and cover letter prior to submission. It's vital there are no errors if you want to be taken seriously.

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