Today, resumes are reviewed not only by hiring managers, but often by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-enabled screening tools designed to manage high volumes of applications.
With the right structure, clear achievements and thoughtful use of tools such as AI for refinement rather than replacement, you can create a resume that stands out for the right reasons.
Read on for our practical guide to writing a resume that secures interviews.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
You will often hear the terms ‘CV’ and ‘resume’ used interchangeably.
Traditionally, a CV, short for curriculum vitae, is a detailed academic record outlining education, research and publications. A resume, on the other hand, is a concise one to two-page summary of your education, experience and skills.
In Australia, resume is now the more commonly used term across most industries.
What are the key elements to include?
A resume should clearly demonstrate:
- Your experience
- Your education
- Your key skills
- Your achievements
- Your career progression
Its purpose is to quickly show a prospective employer why you are suitable for the role.
The most important principle remains unchanged: tailor your resume for every application.
This means:
- Reflecting the language and capabilities outlined in the job description
- Highlighting the most relevant achievements
- Aligning with the organisation’s values and priorities
Many employers now use ATS software to scan resumes for keywords and required skills before a human reviews them. Reviewing the job advertisement closely and ensuring your genuine experience mirrors the criteria is essential.
AI tools can assist with identifying key themes or refining your wording, but your resume should always reflect your authentic experience and voice.
Other important considerations include:
- Clear, professional tone and language
- Accurate and up-to-date information
- ATS-friendly formatting
- Clean, readable layout
Guide to Writing a Resume
Whether you are a graduate or an experienced professional, the structure below will help you create a clear and compelling document.
Click here to download our resume template.
1. Fill Out Your Personal Details
At the top of your resume, include:
- Full name
- Mobile number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile URL
Ensure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume, as recruiters frequently cross-reference both.
Depending on the role, you may also include:
- Portfolio link for design, content or creative roles
- GitHub for technical positions
- Confirmation of working rights if relevant
Before applying, it is worth reviewing your digital footprint. This includes checking your LinkedIn profile, reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts, removing or updating any content that may be viewed unfavourably by employers, and ensuring your online presence aligns with the professional image you want to present.
2. Present a Profile
Your profile is a short paragraph at the top of your resume that acts as your professional summary.
It should:
- Highlight your experience level
- Reflect your key strengths
- Align with the role you are applying for
- Include measurable impact where possible
Keep it concise and tailor it for each application.
For example
Experienced Professional:
HR professional with 15 plus years’ experience leading workforce planning and organisational development initiatives. Known for building high-performing teams and implementing people strategies that support sustainable growth.
Graduate:
Final-year Media and Communications student seeking a professional placement. Highly organised and proactive communicator with hands-on experience supporting digital campaigns and event coordination.
AI tools can be useful for refining clarity or tone, but avoid generic phrases such as “results-driven professional.” Specificity and credibility are far more impactful.
3. Highlight Your Skills & Experience
Your skills section should reflect capabilities that directly align with the role. Rather than simply listing traits, demonstrate impact.
Instead of:
Strong communication skills
Consider:
Delivered cross-functional communication strategy that improved internal engagement scores by 22 percent.
Employers increasingly look for measurable contributions. Australian HR Institute workforce trends research highlights that hiring managers continue to prioritise demonstrated capability and outcomes over generic skill claims.
Where possible:
- Include numbers
- Reference improvements or efficiencies
- Highlight projects you have delivered
4. Outline Your Employment History
List your employment history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role first.
Include:
- Company name
- Job title
- Dates of employment
- Key responsibilities
- Achievements
Focus on your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience unless earlier roles are directly relevant. If you held short-term contracts or project-based roles, clearly indicate they were time-bound by design. Use concise bullet points and balance responsibilities with outcomes.
5. Introduce Your Educational Background
This section should include:
- Qualifications
- Institutions
- Completion dates
Keep it relevant and current. Academic grades or ATAR are generally unnecessary unless you have recently graduated and the employer specifically requests them.
You can also include:
- Certifications
- Professional development
- Industry accreditations
Continuous learning is viewed positively, particularly as industries evolve alongside technology.
6. List Personal Interests
Including interests is optional but can provide insight into your personality and values. This can be particularly relevant in creative industries or organisations that emphasise cultural alignment. Choose interests that feel authentic and reflect positively.
7. References
Instead of listing referees directly, include: “References available upon request.”
Ensure your referees:
- Are aware you are job searching
- Can speak positively about your work
- Understand the type of roles you are applying for
Three referees are generally sufficient.
Using AI to Strengthen Your Resume
Used thoughtfully, AI can elevate your resume. Used carelessly, it can reduce credibility. The goal is to present a resume that is tailored, measurable, clear and unmistakably yours.
AI tools can assist with:
- Refining wording
- Improving clarity
- Checking grammar
- Extracting keywords from job descriptions
- Identifying skills gaps
They should not:
- Invent experience
- Exaggerate achievements
- Replace your personal voice
The Key Purpose
A strong resume captures attention quickly, clearly communicates your value and aligns directly with the role you are pursuing.
By focusing on measurable outcomes, tailoring each application and presenting your experience with clarity, you significantly improve your chances of progressing to interview.
Every career journey is different, and the right guidance can make all the difference. Our specialist consultants take the time to understand your experience, ambitions and market, providing considered advice tailored to your goals.
Meet the team and connect with the consultant aligned to your industry.