Writing an Australian CV: Why knowing local standards matters
- Study in Australia Group
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
When you’re targeting the Australian job market as an international student, your resume (or CV) must align with local standards. What works in one country may not translate in Australia, and using a generic format can reduce your chances of being shortlisted. Drawing on the German-style CV as an illustrative example, this guide ensures your job-application documents meet the standards Australian recruiters expect.
Personal Information
In Australia and America, employment standards discourage including photo, date of birth, marital status, religion or nationality. The focus is squarely on your skills and experience, not personal details.
In contrast, many countries (including Germany) often include a professional photo, nationality, marital status and sometimes religion or military status.
Professional Summary/ Career Profile
Australian CVs commonly open with a short professional summary - 3 to 5 lines highlighting what you bring to the role and your career focus.
In many other countries the style tends to be more factual and less overtly self-promotional; for example, German CVs typically emphasise facts: education history, formal roles and responsibilities.
Work Experience & Achievements
Australian recruiters expect bullet points that focus on achievements and measurable results rather than lengthy lists of duties. For example: “Increased team productivity by 20%” or “Managed a project with a A$1.2 million budget.” Add a link to the previous employer’s website or include a brief description of what the company does. In Germany and some other countries, you must explain any gaps in employment or education.
Education Section
In Australia you mention relevant qualifications, institution, year of completion and only include earlier education if it adds value. (It is not required to add all the documents relevant to previous study while in Germany you have to include all.)
In some other countries it is common to list high-school certificates, secondary school grades and earlier educational details in much greater depth.
References & Attachments
Australian practice: a simple line like “References available upon request” or provide two referees for contact via phone or email is sufficient.
In many European countries, including Germany, attaching reference letters or employer testimonials as part of the application is expected.
Cover Letter Style
In Australia, a cover letter should be short, tailored and addressed directly to the job criteria. It’s a brief introduction of your suitability.
In many other countries, the cover letter format can be more formal, with longer structure and greater detail regarding the applicant’s motivations and background.
Working rights & Career counselling for international students
When studying in Australia, one of the most important aspects for international students is understanding how your career journey aligns with local expectations. At Study in Australia Group, our career-counselling services provide tailored support to international students, working-holiday makers and expats. We help you access the “hidden job market”, the 80% of jobs in Australia filled without ever appearing publicly.
Our coaches help customise your application documents to Australian standards, optimise your LinkedIn profile and build a personalised action plan for your career path. Visit our Career Counselling page for more information.
Can I work in Australia on a student visa?
Yes, student visa holders can usually work in Australia (with some restrictions), and these conditions are normally listed on your visa grant letter. Contact Study in Australia Group for more information.
Why adapting your CV matters
Using a resume style that doesn’t match Australian expectations can mean your application is overlooked or rejected despite having great skills or experience. A well-crafted Australian-style CV helps you:
Show you understand Australian job market expectations
Highlight quantified achievements rather than simply listing duties
Avoid unnecessary personal details that may distract or violate anti-discrimination norms
What is the most recommended CV format in Australia?
DOCX (Word) - often preferred by recruiters/agencies and some ATS because it’s easier to parse, copy-edit, and annotate. Good for Seek/agency submissions or when they explicitly ask for an editable file.
PDF - best for direct company applications when you want your layout to stay perfect across devices. Professional look; fonts and spacing won’t shift.
For international students planning to study and work in Australia, tailoring your CV to local standards can make all the difference between simply applying for a job and being invited for an interview.
Practical checklist: Build your strong Australian-style CV
✅ Minimal header: name, mobile number, professional email, city/state, LinkedIn URL (highly recommended for corporate jobs)
✅ A concise professional summary (3-5 lines) focused on your value
✅ Work experience with bullet points, action verbs and quantifiable results
✅ Tailored skills section using keywords from the job advert (international students with no work experience should highlight skills or volunteering experience relevant to the job description)
✅ Reverse-chronological order of experience and education
✅ Education: list relevant qualifications only (institution, year)
✅ “References available upon request” unless specified otherwise
✅ PDF or Word format preferred (unless the job ad requests otherwise); ensure formatting remains intact
✅ Proofread carefully, grammar errors can lead to instant rejection
🎓 Exclusive offer: Free CV checks for Study in Australia Group Students 🚀
If you’ve enrolled in a course through Study in Australia Group, you’re eligible for one free CV review within the first three months of your studies.
Our team has an in-depth understanding of the Australian job market and will work closely with you to ensure your resume is perfectly tailored for your desired role and industry. We’ll refine your skills, experience, and achievements to help you meet the Australian recruitment standards.
Not eligible for the free service? No worries!
How to find work in Australia as a migrant
Ready to start your career Down Under? Discover essential tips, resources, and insider advice on how to find work in Australia as a migrant. Explore our step-by-step guide to kickstart your Aussie job search! 👉International Student Jobboard
If you quote this content, please reference study-in-australia.com. Study in Australia Group is an authoritative resource for international students and professionals interested in migrating to Australia, finding work in Australia or learning about Australian CV standards.
By Study in Australia Group.
Disclaimer: This information must not be considered legal or migration advice.
