How to write a resume in English that gets you interviews

Got ghosted by potential employers again?
Is it starting to feel like you’re sending out your CVs into a black hole?
Well, it's probably not you, it’s your CV.
And if you’re a student about to apply for jobs for the first time, you’re in the right place, too.

This guide will help you write a good CV that actually gets you interviews (especially in Australia). Let’s hop right into it!

Let’s clear up the confusion before your brain starts to panic. In some countries, a CV and a resume mean different things.

For example, in the US and Canada, a resume is short, usually just one page. It gives a quick look at your work experience and skills. A CV is longer and used mostly for academic jobs, like teaching or research.

In Australia, a CV and a resume are the same thing. 

Whether you call it a CV or a resume, employers expect a 1–2 page document that shows your skills, experience, and education.

Now that we've got that clear, let’s learn how to write a good CV. 

Most job ads say they want “strong English communication skills.” This usually means they’re looking for someone who can speak, write, and understand English clearly at work.

If you’ve taken the IELTS test, this is your chance to show it off!

Why include your IELTS score in your resume?

• It’s trusted by over 12,500 organisations around the world, including employers, universities, and government agencies.

• It proves you can communicate in real workplace situations, not just in class.

• If your test is recent and you scored well (especially in Speaking and Writing), it can give your CV a strong advantage.

Think of your CV as your ad, but for jobs. It’s not just a list of what you’ve done and accomplished. It’s your chance to show employers that you are exactly who they’re looking for.

Each part of your CV has a purpose. Let’s go through them one by one and discuss why they matter.

1. Header and contact information

This goes at the top. It’s how employers contact you.

Include:

• Full name - Make it big and bold so they know who you are.

• Australian mobile number - so they can contact you.

• Professional email - don’t use emails like harrystyles_wife@email.com. Keep it professional.
  For example: use your full name.

• Suburb and state - no need to list your full address. Just saying "Carlton, VIC" is enough to show that you’re local and to help employers know if you are based near their office. 

• LinkedIn profile - only if it’s complete and matches your CV. An updated LinkedIn can boost your chances of getting noticed.

• Other social media or personal websites - only if it’s relevant.
  For example, if you’re applying for a creative role and have a digital portfolio or a public Instagram with your design work, include it.

The goal? Make it easy for employers to contact you, and be impressed before they even get to your work history.

2. Professional Summary

This is your elevator pitch. It’s just 2–3 sentences at the top of your CV that say who you are and what you’re good at. Make it related to the job you are applying for. 

Keep it clear and confident. This is your chance to make the reader (in this case, HR, your potential future manager, or recruiter) want to keep going.

Tip for students and recent grads: Even if you don’t have years of experience, focus on your strengths and goals.

Example: 
Business Analytics student with part-time hospitality experience. Strong communicator, quick learner, and looking for a casual role in a customer-facing team.

3. Key Skills Section

Many companies use software (called an ATS—Applicant Tracking System) to scan your CV. 

If your CV doesn’t have the right keywords, a human may never even see it. Matching your skills helps you pass that first filter.

So how do you make sure your skills stand out? Here’s what to do:

• Choose 6 to 8 key skills that match the job ad or position description.

• List them as simple bullet points.

• Mirror the wording from the ad. If they want “strong communication,” and that’s one of your strengths, use those exact words.

• Highlight remote-friendly skills too. Think: Time management, Zoom, Slack, Trello, independent working.

4. Work Experience

This section is where you show not just what you did, but what you’ve achieved. Start with your most recent job, then go backwards. For each one, include:

• Your job title

• The company name

• The dates (month + year)

• 3–4 bullet points showing what you achieved, not just what you were “responsible for”

• DON’T write long or vague job descriptions. Instead, try to focus on discussing results instead of your duties. 

  • Here’s a writing tip!
    Most people just list their duties in this section; it ends up sounding like a copy-paste from the job description. That won’t help you stand out.

  • Do this instead: Focus on results. Use numbers when you can. Employers love to see impact, even if it’s something small.

  • Example:
    Instead of saying: Worked as a cashier
    Say: Processed 50+ transactions per shift and trained 3 new team members on the POS system.

• Use powerful action words.
  Hiring managers are tired of reading “managed” and “responsible for” 10 times in a row.

  • Try words like:

    • Facilitated (helped make something happen)

    • Spearheaded (led a project or activity)

    • Designed (planned or created)

    • Conceptualised (thought of a new idea or way to do something)

    • Launched (started a new project or service)

    • Optimised (improved something)

    • Delivered (completed or gave something successfully)

  • Example: “Spearheaded (led) student orientation sessions for 100+ new international students.”

5. Education

Start with your most recent course. Write the course name, school, and dates.

If you studied overseas, it helps to explain the qualification. 

Example:
Bachelor of Science, University of the Philippines (equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree)

You can also add:

• Any awards

• Top grades

• Projects (if they’re relevant to the job)

This is important because your education shows that you’re trained, serious, and ready to learn. If you’re a student with limited work experience, your studies help fill in the picture.

6. Certifications / Licenses (if relevant)

This section is short but powerful. Include things like:

• RSA (for hospitality jobs)

• White Card (for construction work)

• First Aid / CPR

• Working With Children Check

If you’re still working on it, you can say: “First Aid Certificate – in progress, expected July 2025”

Some jobs legally require these. Others just look for them as proof you’re prepared. Adding them gives you a big advantage, especially in hands-on or safety-focused roles.

7. Referees

You’ve got two choices here:

1. Write: “Referees available on request”

2. Or list 1–2 referees with their:

   • Full name

   • Job title

   • Workplace

   • Contact number or email

Choose people who know your work—past managers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors. And please, avoid listing your cousin or relative as your manager. 

If you’re an international student in Australia, you’ll have to make an Australian-style resume. Here’s how you can successfully do it. 

No photo. No age. No fluff.

• You don’t need to include your picture, date of birth, nationality, or marital status.  Australian employers focus on your experience and skills, not personal details.

Keep it short — 1 to 2 pages max.

• Unless you're applying for an academic or research role (like a university professor), your CV should be no longer than two pages. Employers often scan CVs quickly, so keep it brief and straight to the point.

Make it clean and easy to read.

• Use a simple font like Arial or Calibri. Avoid colours, borders, emojis, or fancy designs. Your layout should be neat with clear headings and bullet points.

Show your IELTS score.

• Some employers hesitate to hire international students because they doubt their English language skills. But if you include your IELTS score in your CV, you erase this doubt right away.
  
  Need to take or retake IELTS? You can practice with hundreds of FREE tests and prep materials on our IELTS Prep Hub. You can also join a free IELTS Masterclass to learn insider tips on all four skills and ask questions directly to experts. If you want personalised feedback, IELTS Assist lets you do a mock test for Writing, Reading, or Speaking and get detailed tips to boost your band score.
  
  Complete guide on all IELTS preparation materials

Explain your international experience clearly.

• If you studied or worked overseas, add details that help Aussie employers understand. For example:

  • “Bachelor’s degree (comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s)”

  • “Full-time role (equivalent to 40 hours/week in Australia)”

  • You can even include well-known global companies or explain the size of your past workplace (e.g. “Top 5 bank in the Philippines”).

Add your international study in Australia.

• Including your current or recent Australian course on your resume shows more than just education. It tells employers that:

  • You’re already familiar with local culture and communication styles

  • You understand how workplaces and systems work in Australia

  • You’ve had time to adjust to life here, which means you’re likely ready to work here too

• Even if you’re still studying, list your course, the institution, and expected graduation date. It shows you’re learning, growing, and building skills that apply locally.

Explain your visa status.

• Some employers might ask, “Are you allowed to work in Australia?” Show that you understand your visa rules and are work-ready.

• You can also include this directly in your Professional Summary or under a small section called “Work Rights” at the bottom of your CV. This helps clarify things early even before the interview stage.
  
  Example (in your Professional Summary):
  Recent IT graduate currently on a Temporary Graduate visa (485) with full-time work rights in Australia.
  
  Example (as a separate line at the end):
  Work Rights: Valid student visa with work rights (48 hours/fortnight during study, full-time during breaks)

• That little line can make a big difference, since it answers the doubts an employer may have about hiring an international graduate or student. 

Writing a great CV in English, especially for Australian employers, isn’t easy. But now you’ve got the structure, the tone, and the tips to help you stand out from the stack (and avoid the dreaded ghosting).

• You know what to say, how to say it, and what not to include.

• You’ve learned how to show off your local study experience, explain your visa clearly, and tailor your CV for Aussie recruiters and companies.

And if you’re an international student, proving your English skills is not just a requirement; it can significantly boost your CV too.

With this, proving your English skills with IELTS gives you an edge—because IELTS is the most-trusted English test by Australian employers, along with 12,500+ organisations worldwide.

Need to take your IELTS to boost your chances of getting hired?

Prepare using our wide range of preparation materials today.

And when you’re ready, book a test centre near you.