You’re losing opportunities by using fancy resume designs that ATS can’t read, or by skipping keywords from the job ad. You’re also likely leaving out measurable achievements, like “boosted sales by 25%,” or mixing tenses and formats. Not including a customized cover letter? That’s a missed chance. Are you downplaying transferable skills or hiding employment gaps? Fix these now—because small changes can open big doors, and there’s still more you can do to stand out.
TLDR
- Failing to include exact keywords from the job description reduces ATS compatibility and visibility.
- Using complex layouts or graphics that ATS systems cannot read, leading to parsing errors.
- Omitting measurable achievements, making it difficult to demonstrate proven value to employers.
- Submitting inconsistent or cluttered formatting with mismatched fonts, margins, or heading styles.
- Neglecting to tailor the resume and cover letter, resulting in generic applications that lack impact.
Optimize Your Resume for ATS (Not Just Humans)
You’ve worked hard to build your skills and experience, so don’t let your resume get lost before a human even sees it—chances are, it’s an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that screens your application first.
Are you tailoring your resume with the right keywords from the job description? Use exact terms like “Project Management” or “Agile,” and include measurable achievements such as “cut costs by 20%.” Be sure to include a balanced mix of hard and soft skills to appeal to both ATS and hiring managers.
Avoid fancy designs, as ATS can’t read graphics or complex layouts. Simple, clear formatting wins.
Have you tested your resume with tools like VMock? Most resumes fail ATS checks—yours doesn’t have to.
Many Australian employers, including NSW Health and Rio Tinto, use ATS to filter applications before any human review.
Always Include a Cover Letter: Here’s How to Make It Count
You should always include a cover letter, even when it’s optional, because 78% of recruiters prefer it and many say it can land you an interview despite a weak resume.
Make your letter count by tailoring it to the job, showing real examples of your skills in action—like how you increased sales by 30%—and proving you’ve researched the company.
Wouldn’t you want to stand out by showing enthusiasm, fit, and professionalism in just one page?
Research the target employer to demonstrate cultural fit and reference specific company details in your letter.
Cover Letter Essentials
While your resume lays out your experience, it’s your cover letter that gives employers a real sense of who you’re and why you’re the right fit for the role—so don’t skip it.
You show passion, align your values with the company’s mission, and explain how your skills meet their needs.
Are you ready to make a meaningful difference? Personalise each letter, keep it clear and concise, focus on how you can serve the team, and always proofread.
Tailor Your Message
With a strong cover letter in hand, you’re not just applying for a job—you’re starting a conversation with the employer.
Have you shown why you’re passionate about this role? Tailor your message by highlighting motivation, addressing gaps, and aligning with company values.
You prove care and commitment—qualities that strike a chord deeply when you serve others.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Imagine standing out in a stack of resumes, not just by what you’ve done, but by how you tell it—this is where your cover letter becomes your strongest advocate.
You show, not just tell, by sharing specific achievements, like increasing sales by 30%, or leading a team that improved efficiency.
You prove your motivation, address gaps with honesty, and connect your values to the company’s mission—making your application impossible to ignore.
Be Honest About Gaps: Here’s How to Frame Them Positively
You might worry that a gap in your work history will hurt your chances, but being upfront about it actually builds trust with employers.
Did you take time for family, health, or study? These are normal life events, not failures.
Frame them honestly, highlight skills gained, and show how you’re ready to contribute again—your honesty and growth matter more than the break itself.
Show any relevant online courses or volunteer work you completed during the break to demonstrate continued professional development.
Highlight Transferable Skills Like a Career Changer Pro
You can bring worthwhile strengths to a new role, even if your background seems unrelated, by focusing on skills that apply across industries.
Have you ever solved problems under pressure, communicated clearly in tough situations, or managed a team toward a common goal? These transferable skills—like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving—are exactly what Australian employers look for, no matter the field. Employers increasingly seek a mix of technical and soft skills, so emphasise how your interpersonal strengths complement any job-specific abilities.
Transferable Skills Mastery
While changing careers might feel like starting from scratch, you’re likely already equipped with a strong set of transferable skills that hiring managers in Australia actively seek.
You communicate clearly, solve problems, and adapt under pressure—skills valued in any role.
Have you led teams, managed projects, or improved processes? These experiences matter.
Showcase them with real achievements, not just job titles, and let your impact speak for itself.
Career Change Advantage
Because the Australian job market is shifting so quickly, you’re actually in a stronger position than you might think—especially if you’re changing careers.
Employers face skill shortages and value adaptability, so highlight your transferable skills with confidence.
You’re not behind—you’re uniquely equipped to serve where others can’t. Could your fresh viewpoint be exactly what teams need right now?
Fix These Common Resume Formatting Mistakes
When it comes to landing a job in Australia, your resume’s format matters just as much as the experience you’ve gained—after all, even the most impressive skills can get lost in a cluttered or inconsistent layout.
Have you checked your font size, margins, and spacing? Use 11 pt Calibri or Arial, 1-inch margins, and bullet points to guide readers. Keep headings consistent, tenses uniform, and save as a PDF or Word file so nothing gets lost—your clarity shows you care. Also be sure to include a clear, error-free contact section so recruiters can follow up without hurdles.
Write Career Goals That Recruiters Actually Believe
If you’ve ever wondered why some career goals grab a recruiter’s attention while others get skimmed over, it’s likely because the strongest ones sound specific, believable, and focused on what you can offer—not just what you want.
You build trust by naming the role, company, or industry you’re targeting, and showing how your skills solve real problems.
Instead of saying you “seek growth,” prove your value: “With 5 years in community services, I’ve increased client engagement by 40%—and I’m passionate about bringing that impact to your team.”
Match Company Culture Before You Apply
You can save yourself time and frustration by checking a company’s culture before you hit submit, because a strong match increases your chances of long-term success.
Ask yourself: do their values, communication style, and team environment align with how you work and grow?
When you prioritise workplaces that support wellbeing, inclusion, and trust, you’re not just applying for a job — you’re building a career where you belong.
Cultural Fit Research
Though company culture mightn’t top your checklist at first glance, it plays a powerful role in whether you’ll thrive in a new role—so don’t overlook it.
You’re more likely to stay motivated and committed when you value respect, support, and care in your workplace. Did you know 66% of Australians prioritise culture over strategy? Research shows friendly, respectful cultures enhance advocacy—wouldn’t you want to work where you truly belong?
Values Alignment Check
Because your values shape how you experience work, checking for alignment with a company’s culture before applying can make a real difference in your long-term satisfaction and success.
Do you thrive in caring, collaborative environments? Does purpose matter more than pay? Research shows aligned values enhance engagement, productivity, and retention—especially for those who want meaningful work.
Isn’t it worth finding a workplace where you truly belong?
Work Environment Compatibility
When you’re keen to land a new role, it’s easy to focus only on your skills and experience—but overlooking the fit between you and a company’s work environment could cost you more than you think.
Have you researched their values, teamwork style, and communication habits? Do they support growth, collaboration, and wellbeing? Applying where culture aligns with your own increases your chances of thriving—and being accepted.
When (and How) to Talk About Salary
How do you bring up salary without pricing yourself out or leaving money on the table? Wait until after discussing the role, unless asked.
If needed, share a researched range—15–20% spread—and justify it with your skills and market data.
Always negotiate after an offer, using email to prepare.
You’re not just seeking pay, you’re offering value.
Communicate Confidently in Emails and Interviews
You’ve landed the interview—now it’s time to make every word, gesture, and email count.
Maintain steady eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and avoid fidgeting. Respond clearly, listen actively, and follow up with a thank-you email within three days.
Avoid bad-mouthing past employers or oversharing online—would you hire someone who respects boundaries and communicates with care? You’ve got this.
No Local Experience? Prove Your Value Anyway
Landing interviews is a big win, but what happens when you’re in the room and they ask, “What local experience do you have?” You mightn’t have worked in Australia yet, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got nothing to offer—far from it. You can prove your value by highlighting transferable skills, volunteering locally, and networking strategically.
Have you shown how your overseas achievements match Australian job needs? Can you demonstrate adaptability and local understanding through real examples? You’ve got relevant experience—now frame it so employers see its true worth.
And Finally
You’ve got what it takes, but small missteps could hold you back. By fixing formatting issues, speaking confidently, and tailoring your resume and cover letter, you’re already ahead. Have you shown your value clearly, even without local experience? Did you address gaps honestly and highlight transferable skills? When you align with company culture and communicate with purpose, opportunities open up. Keep improving, stay professional, and trust that your effort will pay off.