How Long Should an Australian Resume Be?

Resume length is one of the most common questions Australian job seekers ask — and one of the most misunderstood, often because candidates rely on US-centric advice that simply does not apply in Australia.

The Australian standard: 2 to 3 pages

The standard length for an Australian professional resume is 2 to 3 pages. This is consistent across major Australian recruitment firms including Hays, Robert Half, and Michael Page. A single page is considered insufficient for most professionals — it signals lack of experience, not efficiency. Australian employers want to see evidence of your achievements, and that evidence requires space.

The length by career stage:

• Recent graduate (0–2 years): 1 to 2 pages. Include academic achievements, placements, and any part-time or volunteer experience.
• Early to mid career (2–8 years): 2 pages. Standard for most professionals. Every line should earn its place.
• Senior professional (8–15 years): 2 to 3 pages. Use the extra space for quantified achievements, not repetition.
• Executive (15+ years): 3 pages maximum for most roles. Focus on the last 10 to 15 years.
• Academic or research roles: A full CV may be required — these can extend to 5 or more pages with publications, grants, and academic appointments listed.

What should fill those pages?

Australian employers want to see evidence, not decoration. The pages should be filled with:

• A tailored professional summary (3 to 4 sentences)
• A skills section with 8 to 12 keywords from the job description
• Detailed work experience with quantified achievements for each role
• Education and professional qualifications
• Referees or "References available on request"

Do not pad your resume with: generic personality claims ("hardworking team player"), irrelevant early career roles, or decorative elements.

How to handle a long career

If you have more than 15 years of experience, you do not need to document every role in full. Roles from more than 10 to 12 years ago can be summarised in a single line: "2010–2013: Various project management roles in construction — full details available on request." Focus the detail on your most recent and most relevant experience.

Industry variations

• Technology: 2 pages standard. Include a technical skills section. GitHub or portfolio URL is a useful addition.
• Healthcare and nursing: 2 to 3 pages. AHPRA registration, clinical placements, and CPD must be documented.
• Government (APS): The resume may be 2 to 3 pages, but the selection criteria response or pitch document is separate and can be 1 to 2 additional pages.
• Trades: 1 to 2 pages. Licences, tickets, and white card status are essential inclusions.
• Finance: 2 to 3 pages. CPA or CA ANZ membership status should appear prominently.

Format to maximise space efficiently

Use 10 to 11pt body text, 1.0 to 1.15 line spacing, and 2cm margins. This gives you enough space for content without the document looking cramped. Avoid decorative borders, sidebars, or infographic elements — these waste space and break ATS systems.