What Is a Very Basic Resume Format in Australia?

When you're putting together your first resume or just need something straightforward, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The good news is that a basic Australian resume doesn’t need to be flashy. In fact, simple is best—clear layout, easy to read, and to the point.

Resume format

So, what does a very basic resume format in Australia look like? Let’s walk through it step by step.

1. Contact Details (Top of the Page)

Start with your name in bold at the top of the page. Then include:

• Mobile number

• Email address (keep it professional)

• Suburb and postcode (no need for your full street address)

• LinkedIn profile (optional, but a good idea if it’s up to date)

2. Professional Summary (Optional, But Helpful)

Just 2–3 lines about who you are, what you bring, and what you’re looking for. Keep it punchy.

Example:

Reliable and motivated retail assistant with over 2 years of experience in customer service. Known for a friendly attitude and strong attention to detail. Looking for a new opportunity in a fast-paced retail environment.

3. Skills

List 5–8 key skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. These can be a mix of soft skills (like communication) and technical ones (like Microsoft Excel).

Example:

• Customer service

• Cash handling

• Teamwork

• Time management

• Microsoft Office

• Conflict resolution

4. Work Experience

Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include:

• Job title

• Company name and location

• Dates you worked there

• A short list of responsibilities and achievements

Example:

Retail Assistant Big W, South Yarra VIC Jan 2022 – Present

Served customers and operated registersRestocked shelves and managed inventory Awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ in May 2023

5. Education

Again, list your most recent education first. Include:

• Course or qualification

• Institution name

• Dates attended (or expected completion)

Example:

Certificate III in Business TAFE Victoria 2023 – Present (Expected finish: Nov 2024)

VCE Prahran High School Graduated: 2022

6. References

You can either list 1–2 referees (name, job title, contact number), or just say:

References available on request

If you do include referees, make sure you’ve asked them first!

Final Tips:

• Keep it to 1–2 pages max

• Use plain fonts like Arial or Calibri

• Save as a PDF before sending

• Tailor it to the job (even if it’s a basic version)

A basic resume in Australia doesn’t need fancy design or big words—it just needs to show clearly who you are, what you can do, and how to contact you. With the layout above, you’ll be off to a solid start.