Common resume mistakes international students make in Australia is one of those topics that doesn’t get talked about enough. Most advice focuses on what to do, but knowing what not to do is just as important. I’ve made resume mistakes, and I’ve watched friends make them. Some mistakes were minor. Others cost opportunities. The difference was learning from mistakes quickly.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve written many resumes and helped friends write them, and I’ve learned what mistakes to avoid. Some mistakes are common. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding what can go wrong and how to avoid it.
So here’s everything I know about common resume mistakes international students make in Australia, based on what I’ve seen go wrong.
Using Your Home Country Format
This is the biggest mistake, and I’ve seen it cost people opportunities.
Resume formats vary by country. Australian resumes have specific expectations. Don’t use your home country format.
Australian resumes are usually: concise, achievement focused, and professional but not overly formal.
But here’s what I’ve learned: format matters. Don’t assume your home country format works. Learn Australian resume expectations, and adapt your resume. It makes a difference.
I’ve written about Australian style resume guide if you want more detail.
Not Showing Achievements
This is common, and it makes resumes weaker.
Many students list tasks instead of achievements. Don’t just say “I worked in a shop.” Say “I handled customer inquiries and processed payments, resulting in positive customer feedback.”
Show what you achieved, not just what you did. Use numbers and results where possible.
But here’s what I’ve learned: achievements matter more than tasks. Don’t just list what you did. Show what you achieved. This is what employers want to see.
Including Irrelevant Information
This is tempting, but it weakens resumes.
Many students include: photos, age, marital status, personal details, or irrelevant experience.
Australian resumes don’t usually include: photos, age, or personal details. Focus on relevant experience and skills.
But here’s what I’ve learned: relevance matters. Don’t include information that doesn’t help you get the job. Focus on what’s relevant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what I’ve seen go wrong, so you can avoid these mistakes:
Typos and grammar errors. Proofread carefully. Typos and grammar errors make a bad impression.
Using vague language. Be specific. Don’t say “good at computers.” Say “Python, JavaScript, React.”
Not tailoring resumes. Don’t use the same resume for every job. Tailor it to show relevance.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these mistakes are avoidable. Proofread, be specific, and tailor your resume. It takes effort, but it makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the biggest resume mistake?
Using your home country format. Australian resumes have specific expectations. Learn the format, and adapt your resume.
Should I include a photo?
No. Australian resumes don’t usually include photos. Focus on content, not appearance.
How do I show achievements?
Use numbers and results. Don’t just say “I worked in a shop.” Say “I handled customer inquiries and processed payments, resulting in positive customer feedback.”
Should I list all my experience?
Not necessarily. List relevant experience. Don’t include everything if it’s not relevant. Focus on what helps you get the job.
How do I avoid typos?
Proofread carefully. Read your resume multiple times, or ask someone else to check it. Typos make a bad impression.
Should I use the same resume for every job?
Not ideally. Tailor your resume to show relevance to each job. But for similar jobs, a similar resume often works.
I’ve written about how to tailor your resume if you want more detail.
Final Thoughts
Common resume mistakes international students make in Australia include using home country formats, not showing achievements, and including irrelevant information. Learn Australian resume expectations, show achievements, and focus on relevance. Avoid these mistakes, and your resume will be stronger.
Don’t assume your home country format works. Learn Australian expectations, and adapt your resume. It makes a big difference in how employers respond.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Learn from mistakes quickly. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. Learn Australian resume expectations, show achievements, and focus on relevance. Your resume will be stronger.
If you’re still writing your resume, check out my guides on Australian style resume guide and how to tailor your resume. And when you’re writing, avoid common mistakes: use Australian format, show achievements, and focus on relevance. Your resume will be stronger.