Resume and CV templates for Australia
In Australia, “resume” and “CV” mean the same thing, and employers use both words. What matters is the format: two to three pages of A4, your work rights and location near the top, a clear work history with results, and referees at the end. Photos, dates of birth and other personal details are left out.
The templates below include formats made for Australia: a tradie resume with a tickets table for your White Card and High Risk Work Licence, an academic CV for Australian universities, and a graduate resume. Every template works on A4. Edit free online, then download a PDF and an editable Word file, with a matching cover letter.
Free to edit online. US$12 (about A$18) one-off to download, with no subscription.
What Australian employers expect
- Length
- Two to three pages of A4 for most people; one or two for graduates and school leavers. Academic CVs can be longer.
- Work rights and location
- Say whether you are a citizen, a permanent resident or on a visa (with the subclass), and the suburb or city you are based in. Many recruiters screen on this first.
- Referees
- Two named referees, usually recent managers, are common. “Referees available on request” is also accepted. Either way, employers will call them before an offer.
- No photo or personal details
- Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status, religion and health. Anti-discrimination laws mean employers shouldn’t select on these, and most prefer not to see them.
- Checks and licences
- List anything the role needs, with expiry dates: Working with Children Check, National Police Check, White Card, driver licence, RSA or professional registration.
- Selection criteria
- Government and some large employers ask you to address selection criteria or write a short pitch as well as sending a resume. Read the advert carefully.
Templates that suit Australian applications
Built for Australian trades: work rights, licence and location first, then White Card, HRWL and other tickets with expiry dates.
For leading hands and site supervisors, with tickets and licences in a side panel.
For graduate programs: degree, WAM or GPA and projects first, then placements and referees.
Australian university format: ORCID, ARC and NHMRC grants, numbered publications and referees.
A safe single-column layout for AHPRA-registered health professionals and large employers.
Clear sections for your teacher registration, Working with Children Check and teaching experience.
A calm layout for CPA and CA accountants, bookkeepers and BAS agents.
Conservative and formal, for the APS, state government, law and banking.
Organised and systematic, for project managers with PRINCE2, PMP or Agile certifications.
Single-column and ATS-friendly, for IT, cloud and cyber-security roles.
Warm and personable, for sales, account management and customer success.
A modern all-rounder for marketing, digital and office roles.