Australian Resume Format (2026): Length, Referees and Work Rights
Australians say resume (CV is also understood). Australian resumes are longer than American ones, typically two to three pages, and often end with a referees section. Clear work rights are important, because many applicants hold temporary visas.
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Australia resume format at a glance
| Name | Resume (CV also used) |
|---|---|
| Length | 2–3 pages |
| Paper | A4 |
| Photo | No |
| Personal details | No date of birth or marital status |
| Address | Suburb/city and state (e.g. "Sydney, NSW") |
| Spelling | Australian English (British-based: organised, colour) |
| Dates | Month Year – Month Year |
| References | Referees section common: two referees or "Available on request" |
Section order
- Header: Name, mobile (04xx or +61 4xx), email, city/state, LinkedIn; work rights line.
- Career summary: 3–5 lines.
- Key skills: Skills matching the ad or selection criteria.
- Employment history: Reverse-chronological with achievements.
- Education & training: Degrees, certificates, licences (e.g. White Card, RSA).
- Referees: Two professional referees, or "Available on request".
Header example
0412 345 678 · olivia.nguyen@email.com · Sydney, NSW · linkedin.com/in/olivianguyen
Full working rights (permanent resident)
Include
- Work rights near the top
- Achievements with numbers
- Relevant licences (White Card, RSA, driver licence)
- Referees or "Available on request"
Leave out
- Photo
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Tax File Number
Work rights and visa status
Many employers filter on work rights first. State them clearly: "Australian citizen", "Permanent resident – full working rights", "Temporary Graduate visa (485) – full work rights until 2027" or "Requires sponsorship".
Cover letters
A cover letter is usually expected. Government jobs often require responses to key selection criteria, commonly written with the STAR method. Try the free cover letter generator.
Where to find jobs
- SEEK
- Indeed Australia
- Jora
- APSJobs (federal government)
- state government job boards
Common mistakes
- Cutting to one page and losing useful detail.
- Not stating work rights.
- American spelling.
- Ignoring selection criteria for public-sector roles.
Check your resume before you apply
Pick Australia in the free ATS checker to test length, spelling, personal details and keywords against a real job ad, or use Job Match for bullet rewrites and a cover note.
Other countries
FAQ
How long should an Australian resume be?
Two to three pages is typical. Graduates can use one or two.
Should I include referees?
Yes, a referees section is common. List two referees or write "Available on request" and have them ready.
Do I need to state my visa?
Yes, if you are not a citizen or permanent resident. Employers want to know you have work rights for the role.
Should I add a photo?
No. It is not expected in Australia.