How to write a resume when you are new to Australia

A resume that worked well overseas may need real changes for Australian employers. They want to see your work rights quickly, understand your overseas experience and qualifications, and feel confident you will fit in. These are the changes that matter most.

State your work rights clearly

Put one line under your contact details. Recruiters often filter on this first:

• “Permanent resident, based in Brisbane, QLD”
• “Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), work rights until June 2027”
• “Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), full work rights”

If you would need an employer to sponsor you, say so honestly. Being clear saves time for you and the employer.

Switch to the Australian format

• Remove your photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality and religion.
• Use A4 paper and Australian spelling (organise, centre, program).
• Keep it to two or three pages, with older roles cut to one line each.
• Add two referees at the end, or write “Referees available on request”.

Explain your overseas experience

Australian employers may not recognise your previous employers. Add one line under each to explain what the organisation does and its size, and use numbers to show the scale of your own work.

Overseas qualifications and registration

Give the qualification, the institution and the country, plus the nearest Australian equivalent if you know it. Regulated professions, including nursing, medicine, teaching, engineering and many trades, need Australian registration or a licence before you can practise. Say where you are in that process, for example “AHPRA registration in progress, expected March 2027”. Your state or territory government can tell you whether your qualification is recognised for work.

Build local experience and referees

Employers often look for Australian experience. Volunteering, temp work through recruitment agencies, short contracts and professional associations are quick ways to build it, and each one can give you a local referee. Even one local referee makes overseas experience easier to trust.

Match the Australian tone

Australian workplaces are generally informal and direct. Write in plain, confident language, back up claims with results, and avoid very formal or flowery phrases. Teamwork, a practical attitude and getting on with people are valued.

Checklist for newcomers

• Work rights and visa subclass near the top.
• No photo, date of birth or personal details.
• One line describing each overseas employer.
• Qualifications with Australian equivalents where you know them.
• Registration status for regulated professions.
• At least one referee who can be reached in Australian hours.

The Classic · Nurse résumé template

A simple, widely accepted layout that works in every Australian industry.

Use this template

The Modernist · Modern CV template

A modern option with your career summary across the top of the page.

Use this template