Crafting a compelling resume can prove to be a daunting task for many individuals. The challenge of deciding what information to include, how to structure it, and which format will captivate potential employers often leads to feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty.

A simple Google search for the best resume format only adds to this confusion, with so much conflicting advice and varied opinions. Despite this abundance of information, the most important thing to consider is your audience and ensuring your resume is tailored to the specific preferences of Australian employers and recruiters.

So, what’s the best layout for a resume in the Australian job market?

• Opting for a one-column layout that reads from left to right offers a solution that goes beyond aesthetics. It ensures a seamless flow of information, mirroring the natural way we absorb content.
• A one-column layout enhances compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems, increasing the likelihood of your resume navigating the initial automated screening stages successfully.
• To further elevate your resume’s readability, incorporate ample white space and clear headings/subheadings to facilitate effortless navigation for the reader.

Maintaining Simplicity is Key

• Use clean fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Garamond, with a font size no smaller than 9/10.
• Avoid cluttering your resume with images or graphics, as the focus should be on the clarity of your content.
• The preferred file types are Word and PDF, ensuring compatibility across various platforms.

Essential Sections and Content Your Resume Should Encompass

1. Contact Information: Include your address (or suburb, state and postcode), mobile number and LinkedIn url. Ensure your email address is appropriate and professional.
2. Name, Headline & Strategic Keywords: Under your full name, craft a compelling headline that succinctly defines your professional identity in the context of your career. Tailor your headline to match the types of roles you are applying for. Identify key keywords from job ads or position descriptions and incorporate three of the most important ones under your headline.
3. Career Profile: Write a concise and strategic summary (4-5 lines) that narrates your career story in relation to the role. Include your professional title, years of experience, industries/sectors worked in, specialist skills relevant to the role, and the value you can contribute. Relate this to the specific job ad, incorporating keywords to align with the employer’s needs.
4. Career Highlights or Accomplishments: Select 3-5 strategic career highlights and position them in the top third of your resume. Emphasise achievements that showcase the unique value you can bring to an organisation. Relate these accomplishments to the specific requirements of the role you are applying for.
5. Key Skills or Key Areas of Expertise: List 10-15 key skills directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Include a mix of technical, interpersonal, and industry-specific skills. Ensure alignment with the job ad/description to capture the employer’s attention.
6. Education & Training: Place specific qualifications on the first page if they are a requirement for the role. If qualifications are less relevant, consider placing them on the last page of your resume.
7. Career Summary: Provide a snapshot of your career history, offering a brief overview of your professional journey.
8. Professional Experience Section: List your professional experience in reverse chronological order. Include your title, organisation, and dates of employment for each position.
9. Role Responsibilities: Offer a succinct overview of your role and key responsibilities. Highlight experiences relevant to the tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job ad. You can consider using bullet points for clarity, but avoid an exhaustive list of duties.
10. Key Achievements: Include 2-5 key achievements for each role (more if possible!). Quantify results and outcomes whenever possible using numbers, dollar values, percentages, etc., to make achievements measurable and impactful.

Final Advice

When applying for a role, remember that your resume is your ticket to securing interviews and you will often be going up against hundreds, sometimes thousands of other applicants. In a competitive job market, where first impressions matter, each section of your resume should be strategically written to communicate your unique value proposition to help you stand out as the ‘best-fit’ candidate.

At Career Revival, recognised as one of the best resume writing companies in Australia, we specialise in tailoring resumes to individual strengths and industry standards.

For personalised assistance and to navigate the intricacies of current Australian best practices, contact us on 0404 889 643 or info@careerrevival.com.au for an obligation-free chat or explore our writing services on our website here Career Revival Writing Services

Your resume is not just a document; it’s a tailored invitation for prospective employers to discover the exceptional professional you are.