Key takeaways
- 2–3 pages is normal in Australia.
- Personal Statement opens the page.
- Named referees at the end (2–3 contacts).
- Cite WAM on Sydney's scale if competitive.
- Work-rights status noted for international graduates.
Format rules at a glance
- Length
- 2–3 pages
- Personal Statement
- Yes, at the top
- Referees
- Named at the end (2–3)
- Work rights
- Stated for internationals
- Photo
- Never
Introduction
The University of Sydney Careers Centre teaches an Australian résumé/CV that differs from both the US one-page resume and the UK CV in two specific ways: named referees are listed at the end (with name, role, organisation, and contact details), and 2–3 pages is the norm for graduates and professionals. Australian recruiters also expect a short Personal Statement at the top.
Sydney resume format
- Length: 2–3 pages.
- Font: Arial, Calibri, or a clean serif at 10–12 pt.
- Margins: ~2 cm.
- Dates: right-aligned, Month Year.
- Photo: never.
Personal summary
Open with a 3–4 line Personal Statement: your stage of study or career, your specialism, the role you want. Australian recruiters lean on this paragraph more than US or UK ones.
Experience section
- Open with a verb in the correct tense.
- Name scope and result.
- Treat volunteering, student-club leadership, and tutoring as Experience entries if substantive.
- Cap each bullet at two lines.
Education and certifications
- The University of Sydney, then degree (e.g. Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering), graduation date.
- Include WAM if competitive — Sydney uses a WAM/grade-point system; cite it on its native scale.
- Honours class noted on the degree line if applicable.
- HSC achievements can stay for current undergraduates.
Skills guidance
Skills sits before the Referees block. Group by category — Technical, Languages (CEFR levels), Certifications. Australian recruiters expect specific tools and any work-rights status ("Australian citizen", "Permanent resident", "Working visa, no sponsorship required").
Mistakes to avoid
- Omitting referees. Australian CVs typically include 2–3 named referees at the end.
- Forcing a one-page version. 2–3 pages is normal here.
- Adding a photo.
- Omitting work-rights status when applying as an international graduate.
Frequently asked questions about the Sydney resume format
Yes — Australian convention is to list 2–3 named referees (name, role, organisation, phone/email) at the end of the CV, with their permission. 'References available on request' is uncommon in AU.
2–3 pages is normal for graduates and professionals. One-page résumés are reserved for very early-stage or schools-leaver applications.
Yes if you're an international student or graduate — Australian employers often need to confirm visa status before further screening. Sydney Careers Centre recommends a one-line note in the contact block or under Personal Details.
Career coaching and hiring-side experience, written into practical resume and job-search advice.
Based on public career-center best practices. Not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Sydney.
Source · sydney.edu.au