How to make a resumé: Step-by-step guide with examples

Making a resumé for the first time can feel overwhelming. You know you’ve got something to offer, but putting it into words isn’t always easy. If you find yourself staring at a blank document, you’re not alone. Resumé writing can be a challenge at any career stage.

That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to take you through every step of the process. Whether you’re starting your first job or polishing your old resumé, these tips and templates can help you craft a strong, well-structured resumé.

The importance of a good resumé

A resumé isn’t meant to tell hiring managers every detail of your work history – it’s a tool to help them picture you in the role. That’s why tailoring your resumé to each job application is crucial. Think of it as your personal pitch saying, “Here’s what I can bring to your team.”

Make yours stand out by asking yourself: What do I want this resumé to say about me? Every section should reinforce that message.

Use keywords from the job ad to show you’re aligned with what the employer is looking for. This also helps you get past automated filters.

Resumé vs curriculum vitae (CV): What’s the difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a resumé and a curriculum vitae (CV) aren’t quite the same. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Length: A resumé is succinct, usually fitting on one page. A CV is longer as it provides a comprehensive career overview.

• Focus: Resumés are tailored to a specific job and highlight relevant experience and skills. CVs detail your full academic and professional background.

• Industry use: Most industries across Australia require a resumé. A CV is typically used in fields like academia, science, and medicine.

Resumés and CVs serve different purposes. Knowing their differences will ensure that you match what hiring managers want to see.

6 steps to creating your resumé

Step 1: Choose the format that works for your experience

Start with a blank document or use a template or resumé builder. Choose a clean, simple layout that organises your resumé with clear headings like Summary, Experience, and Education.

There are three main resumé formats:

1. Reverse-chronological resumé: This format lists your work history in order, starting with the most recent. It’s the most common choice and works best if you have at least a few years of experience. It highlights career progression and is ideal for staying in the same industry or role.

2. Functional resumé: This focuses on skills instead of job history. Go with this format if you’re changing careers or re-entering the workforce. It’s also an excellent option for recent graduates with strong extracurriculars.

3. Hybrid (or combination) resumé: This blends elements of the two formats, allowing you to showcase both skills and experience. Use this if you want to emphasise your abilities while still providing a clear work history.

Step 2: Get the basics right (and skip the fluff)

Make sure your resumé has your full name, mobile number, and email. A simple, professional email like [email protected] works best. If you’re a student applying for part-time work or your first job, your university email is also a good option.

Consider adding a resumé summary. This is an introduction at the top of your resumé, ideally just one to three sentences, highlighting who you are and why you’re a good fit for the role.

Finally, leave out your photo – it’s not standard in Australian resumés – and your complete address. A resumé objective usually isn’t necessary either, unless you’re making a significant career change.

Step 3: Write your work experience like a human, not a robot

Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements and contributions. This paints a better picture of the value you bring to a role. Use active verbs and quantify results to make your impact clear. Here are some examples:

Does your job history include short stints or large gaps? Address these briefly and honestly. You can focus on what you learned or contributed in your shorter roles. Give a reason for employment gaps and mention any relevant freelancing, learning, or volunteering you took on during that time. 

Example: Took a year off to care for a family member; kept skills up to date through online courses.

Step 4: List your skills the smart way

Read a few job ads for roles you’re interested in. Which skills appear repeatedly? Those are the ones employers value most. They can be:

• Hard skills: Technical abilities like coding, data analysis, or proficiency with specific software

• Soft skills: Personal strengths like problem-solving, communication, and time management

Now, look at your own experiences. Where have you used the skills required for this role? Even if you’re switching careers or have limited work experience, you’ve likely gained transferable skills. For example, if a job requires “strong leadership skills” and you’ve mentored younger students, put that in your resumé.

You can dedicate a section to skills in your resumé. Even better, weave them into your work experience to provide context. Here are two ways to do it:

1. Quick list: Communication | Teamwork | Microsoft Word | Cash handling

2. Descriptive phrase: Collaborated with a team of four to run a school fundraiser, managing cash and speaking with donors.

Step 5: Make your education section work harder

If you’re new to the workforce, place your education at the top of your resumé. Go beyond listing your degree, university, and graduation date – include relevant achievements and experiences.

Awards, online courses, and leadership roles in student organisations show your abilities. Mentioning these helps hiring managers see the transferable skills you bring to the role.

Step 6: Clean it up and check it twice

While there aren’t hard and fast rules on resumé length, one page is ideal if you’re a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional. Your resumé can be two to five pages long if you have extensive experience and are looking for senior positions.

To make your resumé easy to skim, use a clean layout with bold headings and enough white space between sections. Stick to one to two simple fonts and use bullet points.

Do a spell-check or run your document through free tools like Microsoft Editor or Grammarly. Save your resumé as a PDF. Give it a professional file name like: Sam_Taylor_Resumé.pdf.

Lastly, print it out or view it on a different screen. Is it easy to scan in under 30 seconds? Can you quickly pick out your name, contact info, job title, and top three skills? If not, go back and edit it for better readability.

Final check: Does your resumé answer this one question?

Would I call this person for an interview?

If your answer isn’t “yes”, do another round of polishing. Make sure your resumé is tailored to the role. Use the job ad as a guide to emphasise your most relevant skills and experience.

Want to stand out? Try a digital or interactive resumé

If you’re applying in creative fields like design, marketing, and tech, consider going beyond the standard PDF to make your application memorable.

Try crafting a visually appealing resumé with design tools like Canva. Explore interactive options such as a personal website, a digital portfolio, or even a short video resumé as a way to showcase your skills in action.

At the same time, keep in mind that unique resumé elements should match your role. Thinking outside the box can give you an advantage in creative jobs, but in industries like finance and administration, a clean and professional resumé usually carries more weight.

What NOT to include in a resumé

Most resumés fit into a single page, so you don’t have much space to play with. Save room for the details that will help you get the job, and leave out things like:

• Too much info: A resumé should be concise and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Cut out irrelevant details that don’t help you stand out.

• Your age: Keep hiring biases out of the picture by leaving out any mention of your age, unless the position has age-related requirements.

• Personal hobbies and interests: Steer clear of mentioning your leisure activities unless they’re relevant to the job scope or industry.

• Negative comments on previous employers: Avoid showing dissatisfaction with your previous organisations as this may seem unprofessional. Stick to neutral, objective facts.

Resumé example for students

Resumé example for applicants with no job experience

Resumé example for first-job seekers

Final tips to remember when writing your resumé

1. Keep it short and relevant. 
2. Stick to one page if you can.
3. Tailor your resumé for each job.
4. Avoid sending the same generic resumé for all your applications.
5. Highlight achievements, not just duties.
6. Include measurable results where possible.Use clear, active language.
7. Ditch the passive voice and buzzwords.
8. Choose the proper resumé format.
9. Use a reverse-chronological format for most cases, but adapt if needed.Include skills that match the job. 
10. Provide examples of how you’ve used them.Make it easy to skim.
11. Put the most relevant info at the top. Use bullet points, readable fonts, and consistent formatting.
12. Skip unnecessary details.
13. No need to include your age or unrelated jobs and hobbies.
14. Proofread carefully.
15. Don’t let typos and errors hurt your chances.
16. Ask yourself: Would I call myself for an interview?
17. Refine your resumé until you can confidently say yes.
18. Save and review.
19. Export it as a PDF, double-check the file name, and get a second opinion before submitting.

You’ve got this – now hit send

If you’ve followed the steps above, pat yourself on the back. You’ve already taken a big step towards landing your next job. Crafting a strong resumé will get easier the more you apply and fine-tune your personal pitch for each role.

Didn’t get an interview right away? That’s okay. Use it as a learning experience. Keep track of where you’ve applied, follow up with the hiring manager, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.

FAQs

What’s the best resumé format in Australia right now?

The reverse-chronological format is the standard for Australian resumés. It starts with your current or most recent job and works backward, making it easy for recruiters to see your career progression. 

Other formats, like functional or hybrid resumés, are usually better suited for career changers or applicants with employment gaps.

How long should my resumé be?

If you’re an early-career or first-time job seeker, aim for one to two pages to keep it concise and impactful. Use bullet points to highlight your experience and achievements clearly. 

In Australia, resumés can be three to five pages long for those with extensive work history, but every detail should add value. Hiring managers often skim applications quickly, so focus on the most relevant information.

Can AI write the perfect resumé?

AI tools like ChatGPT and online resumé builders are great for getting started. They can suggest content and help you structure your resumé. 

However, you’ll still need to customise the output to reflect your personality and experience. Hiring managers can tell when a resumé feels too generic. Use AI as a support tool, but don’t skip the human touch.

Can I use the same resumé for every job?

You can start with a basic resumé, but it’s best to tweak it for each application. Look at the skills or experiences emphasised in the job ad. Make sure those are front and centre in your resumé. Tailoring your resumé to a job application shows you’ve put thought into the role and improves your chances of standing out.

Should I include references in my resumé?

There’s no need to list references on your resumé. Most employers will only ask for them after the interview stage. 

Instead, you can end with a line like: References available upon request. Make sure you’ve gotten your referees’ permission and their contact details ready to go if needed.

How do I make my resumé stand out if I have little experience?

Focus on what you have done. It can be volunteer work, school clubs, or helping out in the family business. Think about the skills you’ve developed, such as communication, organisation, or leadership. Use action words and concrete examples. 

For instance, instead of writing “worked on school newsletter,” you can say, “wrote and edited articles for school newsletter distributed to 300 students.” Showing initiative and a willingness to learn goes a long way with employers.