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Sydney Uni Resume Template

Resume template modeled on the University of Sydney Careers Centre format: Australian résumé/CV, 2–3 pages, referees named, no photo.

Key Takeaways

  • 2–3 pages is normal in Australia.
  • Personal Statement opens the page.
  • Named referees at the end (2–3 contacts).
  • Cite WAM on Sydney's scale if competitive.
  • Work-rights status noted for international graduates.

Introduction

The University of Sydney Careers Centre teaches an Australian résumé/CV that differs from both the US one-page resume and the UK CV in two specific ways: named referees are listed at the end (with name, role, organisation, and contact details), and 2–3 pages is the norm for graduates and professionals. Australian recruiters also expect a short Personal Statement at the top.

Format rules at a glance

Length
2–3 pages
Personal Statement
Yes, at the top
Referees
Named at the end (2–3)
Work rights
Stated for internationals
Photo
Never

Sydney resume format

  • Length: 2–3 pages.
  • Font: Arial, Calibri, or a clean serif at 10–12 pt.
  • Margins: ~2 cm.
  • Dates: right-aligned, Month Year.
  • Photo: never.

Personal summary

Open with a 3–4 line Personal Statement: your stage of study or career, your specialism, the role you want. Australian recruiters lean on this paragraph more than US or UK ones.

Experience section

  • Open with a verb in the correct tense.
  • Name scope and result.
  • Treat volunteering, student-club leadership, and tutoring as Experience entries if substantive.
  • Cap each bullet at two lines.

Education and certifications

  • The University of Sydney, then degree (e.g. Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering), graduation date.
  • Include WAM if competitive — Sydney uses a WAM/grade-point system; cite it on its native scale.
  • Honours class noted on the degree line if applicable.
  • HSC achievements can stay for current undergraduates.

Skills guidance

Skills sits before the Referees block. Group by category — Technical, Languages (CEFR levels), Certifications. Australian recruiters expect specific tools and any work-rights status ("Australian citizen", "Permanent resident", "Working visa, no sponsorship required").

Mistakes to avoid

  • Omitting referees. Australian CVs typically include 2–3 named referees at the end.
  • Forcing a one-page version. 2–3 pages is normal here.
  • Adding a photo.
  • Omitting work-rights status when applying as an international graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sydney Resumes

Yes — Australian convention is to list 2–3 named referees (name, role, organisation, phone/email) at the end of the CV, with their permission. 'References available on request' is uncommon in AU.

More Australia templates3

Disclaimer

Based on public career-center best practices. Not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Sydney.

Source: sydney.edu.au

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