CV Format for Australia (2026 Guide)
Australian resumes are detailed and achievement-led, typically longer than US resumes, and often require a separate statement addressing selection criteria — especially for government and academic roles.
At a glance
What to include
- A profile or career summary at the top
- Key skills relevant to the role
- Work history with employer, dates and quantified achievements
- Education and professional development
- Referees — named with title, phone and email is preferred; 'available on request' is acceptable
What to avoid
- Photo, date of birth, marital status or visa details on the resume itself
- US spelling — use Australian English (organise, programme, colour)
- A one-page resume if you have substantial experience — Australian recruiters expect detail
- Skipping the selection-criteria statement for government roles
For Australian public-sector and academic roles, a separate statement addressing each selection criterion is mandatory, not optional. Allocate real effort to it — it is often scored before anyone reads your resume.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an Australian resume be?
Two to three pages is standard for experienced professionals. Early-career applicants can use one to two pages. Do not force everything onto one page.
Do I list referees on the resume?
Named referees with contact details are preferred. 'Available on request' is acceptable, but listing them signals readiness.
Do I need to address selection criteria?
For government, academic and many not-for-profit roles, yes — in a separate document. It is often the first thing assessed.
Localize your CV for Australia
Paste your current CV and our free preview shows exactly what changes for Australia — photo, length, dates, wording and order.