CV vs. Resume: What's the Difference for Australian Job Seekers?

Navigating the job market can feel like learning a new language, and sometimes the terms themselves are confusing! One common question we hear from Australian job seekers is: “Should I be writing a CV or a resume? What’s the difference here?”

It’s a great question, because the answer isn’t the same everywhere in the world. Let’s clear up the confusion so you know exactly what Australian employers are looking for.

CV vs. Resume: The Traditional Difference

In many parts of the world, particularly the US and Canada, there’s a distinct difference:

• Resume: A concise (usually 1-2 pages) summary of your skills, experience, and education tailored to a specific job.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae): A longer, more detailed document (often many pages) covering your entire academic and professional history. It’s typically used in academic, scientific, or medical fields.

The Australian Context: It’s Simpler Here!

Here’s the good news for job seekers Down Under: In Australia, the terms “CV” and “Resume” are generally used interchangeably.

When an Australian employer asks for your CV or your resume, they almost always mean the same thing: a document summarising your relevant skills, qualifications, and work history, tailored to the job you’re applying for.

While “resume” might be slightly more common in everyday conversation, “CV” is widely understood and accepted in professional contexts. You’ll see both terms used in job advertisements.

What Australian Employers Really Want

Forget the label for a moment. What Australian recruiters and hiring managers actually expect to see is:

• Conciseness: Typically 2-3 pages is standard. Very senior roles might justify a bit longer, but brevity is valued.
• Relevance: The document MUST be tailored to the specific job ad. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the requirements.
• Clear Structure: Easy-to-read sections including:
  • Contact Details
  • Professional Summary/Career Objective (Optional but recommended)
  • Key Skills
  • Work Experience (Reverse-chronological order, focusing on achievements)
  • Education and Qualifications
  • References (Usually noted as “Available upon request”)
• Focus on Achievements: Don’t just list duties; showcase your accomplishments using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.

Essentially, they want the standard professional document you’d typically call a resume in North America, but here, calling it a CV is perfectly fine too.

So, Which Term Should You Use?

1. Check the Job Ad: If the advertisement specifically asks for a “CV” or a “Resume,” use that exact term for your document filename and any references to it in your cover letter. It shows attention to detail.
2. If Unspecified: Either term is generally acceptable. “Resume” might be slightly more common, but no one will penalise you for using “CV”.
3. Focus on Quality: Honestly, the content, clarity, and relevance of your document are far more important than whether you label it a CV or a resume.

The Key Takeaway

Don’t get bogged down worrying about CV vs. Resume in Australia. Focus your energy on creating a compelling, tailored document that clearly shows why you’re the best fit for the job. Whether you call it a CV or a resume, make sure it effectively markets your skills and experience.

Need help crafting that perfect Australian-style CV or resume? ThePerfectCV offers templates designed with local expectations in mind, and our AI tools can help you tailor your content and highlight your achievements effectively.

Ready to land that interview? Start building your job-winning Australian resume today!