What to put on a resume: Your complete Australian guide

What to put on a resume (at a glance)

• Contact details: Your name, phone, email, suburb and state. No photo, no date of birth.

• Career profile: 3–5 sentences on who you are and the value you bring.

• Key skills: 6–10 skills matched to the job you're applying for.

• Work experience: Reverse chronological, with achievement-based bullet points.

• Education: Qualifications, certifications, and relevant training.

• Referees: 2–3 professional references (with their permission).

• Tailor it every time: Match keywords from the job ad so both ATS software and recruiters can see you're a fit.

Need a hand? Register with APM to check your eligibility for free personalised resume support.

When an employer reads your resume, they may only spend a short amount of time looking at it first. That’s why it’s important to make the key information easy to find.

A clear, well-structured resume can help show an employer who you are, what you’ve done, and what you could bring to the role.

In this guide, we’ll explain what to put on a resume step by step, with practical advice for Australian job seekers.

If you’d like extra support, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) at APM can help you build your resume, prepare applications, and feel more confident in your job search.

The 7 sections every Australian resume needs

If you're wondering what to put on a resume, start here. These seven sections form the backbone of every strong Australian resume, whether you're an entry-level job seeker entering the workforce for the first time or returning after a break.

1. Contact details

Your name should appear clearly at the top of the page. Include your phone number, a professional email address, and your suburb and state (for example, “Parramatta, NSW”). You can also include a LinkedIn profile link if it’s relevant to the job.

In Australia, resumes usually don’t include personal details such as your photo, date of birth, marital status, religion, or nationality. These details aren’t needed for most roles, and leaving them off helps keep the focus on your skills and experience. 

2. Career profile (or professional summary)

This short section (around 3 to 5 sentences) introduces who you are, your key strengths, and the type of role you’re looking for. 

A clear career profile is specific and focused. For example: 

Weak: "Hardworking team player seeking a new opportunity to grow my career."

Strong: "Customer service professional with 4 years' experience in retail and hospitality. Known for resolving complaints quickly and training new team members. Looking for a front-of-house role where I can use my communication skills to create great customer experiences."

The second example gives an employer clearer information about your experience and strengths. 

If you're not sure how to write yours, APM's team can help you shape it. Our resume and cover letter resources are a great starting point.

3. Key skills

List 6 to 10 skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This section helps employers quickly see what you can do and how your experience matches the role. 

Mix technical skills ("Forklift licence," "MYOB," "Data entry") with transferable skills ("Time management," "Problem-solving," "Team collaboration"). When possible, match the language used in the job advertisement. For example, if the advertisement mentions “stakeholder engagement,” use the same wording if it reflects your experience. 

4. Work experience

This section outlines your previous roles and responsibilities. 

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. For each position, include:

• Job title

• Employer name and location

• Dates of employment (month and year)

• 2–4 bullet points highlighting your key achievements or responsibilities 

If you don’t have paid work experience yet, that’s okay. You can also include volunteer roles, internships, work placements, or significant projects. These experiences can still show valuable skills and initiative.

And if you’re entering the workforce for the first time, a skills-based resume format may also work well. This format focuses more on your abilities than on a long work history. 

5. Education and qualifications

List your education from most recent to oldest. Include the qualification name, the institution, and the year you completed it. If you are currently studying, you can include the expected completion date.

You can also list relevant short courses, certificates, or training. For example, a First Aid certificate, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), or a short course related to your field can show initiative and relevant knowledge.

6. Certifications and licences

If the job requires specific licences or checks, make them easy for employers to find. This might include a White Card, forklift licence, Working with Children Check, or driver’s licence. Including them in a separate section can help ensure they are clearly visible.

7. Referees

Most resumes include two or three professional referees. These are people who can speak about your work skills and experience. For each referee, include their name, job title, organisation, and contact details. Always ask for their permission before listing them.

A former manager or supervisor can be a good option. If you’re new to the workforce, a teacher, course coordinator, or volunteer supervisor can also provide a helpful reference.

How to write bullet points that actually get noticed

Many resumes list duties rather than achievements. For example: "Responsible for answering phones." "Managed stock." "Assisted customers."

There's nothing wrong with those statements. But there's nothing memorable about them either. They tell a recruiter what you were supposed to do, not what you actually did.

The fix is a simple formula: Action verb + What you did + The result.

Instead of: "Responsible for customer complaints"

Try: "Resolved an average of 15 customer complaints per week, achieving a 95% satisfaction rating"

You don't always need numbers, but they help. Even small details make a difference: "Trained 3 new team members" is more vivid than "Helped train staff."

Start every bullet point with a strong action verb. Here are some to get you thinking:

• Achievement: Achieved, Exceeded, Improved, Increased, Delivered
• Leadership: Led, Coordinated, Supervised, Mentored, Directed
• Efficiency: Streamlined, Reduced, Consolidated, Reorganised, Optimised
• Creation: Developed, Designed, Established, Implemented, Launched

Use the past tense for previous roles and the present tense for your current one. It’s also common to leave out personal pronouns in resumes. 

For example, “Led a team of five” rather than “I led a team of five.” This keeps your resume clear and easy to read. 

How to tailor your resume (and why it's non-negotiable)

Tailoring your resume means adjusting it for each role you apply for. This helps employers quickly see how your experience matches the job. 

A generic resume may still show your skills, but a tailored resume makes it clearer why you’re a strong fit for that specific position. 

Here are a few simple ways to tailor your resume: 

1. Read the job ad carefully: Look for the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities the employer is asking for.

2. Mirror the language: If the advertisement mentions a specific skill, such as “stakeholder engagement,” use that same wording if it accurately reflects your experience. 

3. Update your career profile: Adjust your summary so it highlights the experience and strengths that are most relevant to the role. 

4. Prioritise relevant experience: In your work history, place the most relevant responsibilities or achievements first under each role. 

5. Review your skills section: Make sure the skills you list match the requirements and priorities in the job advertisement. 

Tailoring your resume can take a little extra time, but it often improves your chances of being noticed by employers.  

If you’d like support with this process, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) at APM can help. 

An employment consultant can work with you to review job advertisements and strengthen your resume for different roles. 

How to format your resume for online applications 

When you apply for jobs online, your resume may first be scanned by recruitment software before a person reads it. These systems help employers organise applications and identify candidates whose experience matches the role. To make sure your resume is easy to read by both software and recruiters, keep the format simple.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Use a single-column layout
• Use clear section headings such as “Work Experience”, “Education”, and “Skills”
• Choose standard fonts like Calibri or Arial
• Include keywords from the job advertisement where they accurately reflect your experience
• Avoid putting important information in headers, footers, or graphics 

When applying through online job portals, saving your resume as a Word document (.docx) is usually the safest option. If you are emailing your resume directly to an employer, a PDF can also work well.

Keeping your resume clear and simple helps ensure employers can easily read your experience and skills.

What not to put on your resume

Knowing what to put on a resume is important, but knowing what to leave out can be just as helpful. Your resume should focus on information that shows your skills, experience, and suitability for the role. 

Here are some things that are usually best left off a resume:

• Personal details that aren’t relevant: In Australia, resumes typically don’t include details such as your photo, date of birth, marital status, religion, nationality, or number of children. These details are not required for most job applications. 

• Your full home address: Including your suburb and state is usually enough. There’s generally no need to include your street address. 

• Salary expectations: It’s best not to include salary expectations unless the job advertisement specifically asks for them. 

• Reasons for leaving previous jobs: This information can be discussed later during an interview if needed. 

• General statements without examples: Words such as “team player,” “self-starter,” or “passionate” can be vague on their own. If you include these qualities, try to support them with examples of your work or achievements. 

• Highly designed templates or graphics: Some resumes use complex layouts with icons, graphics, or multiple columns. While they may look appealing, simpler formats are often easier for employers and recruitment systems to read. 

• Very old or unrelated experience: Focus on your most recent and relevant experience. If earlier roles are important, you can list them briefly under a section such as “Earlier experience.” 

How to format your resume 

A clear resume layout helps employers quickly understand your experience and skills. Good formatting also makes your resume easier to read on screen and through online application systems. 

Here are some formatting tips commonly used in Australia:   

• Length: Most Australian resumes are two to four pages, depending on your experience. If you are early in your career, one to two pages may be enough. 

• Font: Use clear, easy-to-read fonts such as Calibri or Arial, usually between 10 and 12 point. Headings can be slightly larger to help organise the document. 

• Layout: Use a single-column layout with clear section headings. Leave enough white space between sections so the document is easy to read. Standard A4 page size and margins of around 2 cm work well. 

• Bullet points: Bullet points can help highlight achievements and responsibilities. Try to keep each point short and clear, ideally one or two lines.  

• Spelling: Use Australian English spelling, such as “organise”, “colour”, and “centre”. 

• File name: Save it as FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx (or .pdf). A clear file name is a courtesy that makes a recruiter's job easier.

A note on employment gaps and disability disclosure

You may have taken time away from work for many reasons, such as health, caring responsibilities, study, or personal circumstances. Employment gaps are common and do not prevent you from writing a strong resume. 

If you have a gap in your work history, you don’t always need to explain it. If you choose to mention it, a short note such as “Career break” or “Personal development” next to the relevant dates is usually enough. 

You can also include activities from that time, such as: 

• Study or short courses

• Volunteering

• Community involvement

• Caring responsibilities

These experiences can still show valuable skills and initiative.

Disability disclosure 

You are not required to disclose a disability on your resume. Many people choose to focus their resume on their skills, experience, and what they can contribute to the role.

If you decide to share this information, it is often more appropriate to do so in a cover letter or during the interview process, particularly if you need adjustments for the recruitment process.

There are also supports available to help people with disabilities succeed at work. For example, the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) may help cover eligible costs for workplace adjustments, equipment, or services such as Auslan interpreting.

If you’d like guidance with your resume or job applications, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) at APM can help. Our team supports people living with disability, injury, or a health condition to prepare for work and connect with employers.

You can register with APM or call APM on 1800 276 276 to learn more about the support available.

Your next step

You now have a clear understanding of what to put on a resume and how to present your skills and experience in a way that employers can easily read. 

The next step is putting this into practice and creating a resume that reflects your strengths and goals. 

If you would like extra support, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) at APM can help. Our team supports people living with disability, injury, or a health condition to prepare resumes, build confidence, and connect with job opportunities. 

If you’re ready to get started, you can register with APM or call 1800 276 276 to speak with a team member about the support available. You can also explore our interview tips and job search resources to continue building your confidence. 

Frequently asked questions about what to put on a resume

Do I need a cover letter with my resume?

In many cases, yes. A cover letter allows you to explain why you are interested in the role and how your experience relates to the position. It can also be a helpful place to mention things such as career changes, employment gaps, or information you choose to share about your circumstances.

Should I save my resume as a Word document or a PDF? 

It can be helpful to keep both versions. A Word document (.docx) is often preferred when applying through online job portals. A PDF may work well when emailing your resume directly to an employer. Always check the job advertisement for any specific instructions.

Do I have to tell an employer about my disability on my resume? 

No. Disclosing a disability is a personal choice, and you are not required to include this information on your resume. Many people choose to focus their resume on their skills, experience, and strengths. If you decide to share information about disability, you may prefer to discuss it later in the recruitment process. Your Inclusive Employment Australia provider can help you think through what feels right for you.

What to include in your resume if you have no work experience?

If you're entry-level or have no paid work history, focus on education, transferable skills from study or volunteering, personal projects, and relevant work placements. A skills-based resume format highlights what you can do rather than where you've worked. Include any relevant information that shows initiative—online courses, community involvement, or extracurricular achievements all count. 

Where can I get free help writing my resume?

There are several places in Australia where you can get free support with your resume. If you have a disability, injury, or a health condition, you can register with an IEA provider like APM for personalised resume support. 

The JobAccess helpline (1800 464 800) also offers free expert advice and downloadable resume templates. Workforce Australia provides coaching for all job seekers.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au