Australian Resume and New Zealand CV: Format, Referees and Work Rights

Australia and New Zealand sit between the British and American traditions. Australians usually say resume, New Zealanders say CV, and both expect a document that is slightly longer and more detailed than a US resume — but with the same strict rules on personal data. Two details catch most international applicants out: referees and work rights.

Length and structure

• Australia: two to three pages is normal for experienced candidates; one page reads as thin.
• New Zealand: two to three pages, with a short profile at the top.
• Order: contact details, profile, key skills, experience (reverse chronological), education, certifications, referees.
• Spelling: Australian and New Zealand English follow British spelling — organise, programme, CV.

Work rights: say it on page one

Recruiters in both countries filter first on whether you can legally work. Add one line under your contact details: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or the exact visa subclass and its expiry. For skilled migration, mention a positive skills assessment if you have one (for example from Engineers Australia, ACS or VETASSESS). Leaving it out makes the recruiter assume the worst.

Referees

Unlike the UK and the US, Australian and New Zealand employers really do call referees, often before an offer. List two recent supervisors with name, title, company, phone and email — or write Referees available on request if you need to protect your current employer. Always ask your referees first.

Key selection criteria (government jobs)

Public-sector jobs in Australia often require a separate statement addressing each selection criterion. Answer each one with a short example using the STAR method — situation, task, action, result — and reuse the exact wording of the criterion.

What to leave out

1. Photo, date of birth, marital status, religion — anti-discrimination law makes them a liability.
2. Full street address — suburb and state are enough.
3. Local qualifications without context — add the Australian or New Zealand equivalent where you know it.

In Australia, the line that decides whether you are read at all is often not your experience — it is your visa status.