Stage 1: Quick Formatting Scan
Before you obsess over words, confirm that the structure is clean. A tidy layout keeps attention on your achievements and makes the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) happy.
- Use a clean sans-serif font between 10pt and 11.5pt.
- Keep margins consistent (1.5–2cm) for ATS parsing.
- Apply a single-column layout with clear section headings.
- Limit the document to 2–3 pages unless you are in academia or research.
If you are unsure about spacing, download one of our modern ATS templatesand copy the spacing framework.
Stage 2: Core Content Audit
Now review whether the story you are telling is fresh, targeted, and persuasive.
- Summary. Use a 3–4 sentence profile that speaks to role scope, career highlights, and what sets you apart.
- Skills snapshot. Cluster capabilities under clear headings such as Delivery, Leadership, Technical, or Compliance.
- Experience. Limit each role to a short overview and 4–6 metrics-based bullets.
- Education & certifications. Highlight Australian qualifications, licences, and security clearances first.
Everything should support the position you are targeting. If content feels outdated or irrelevant, archive it in a master resume for future use.
Stage 3: Credibility Signals
Your resume has to prove value quickly. Make sure each page is loaded with evidence of results and trusted partnerships.
- Lead every bullet with action + metric + outcome.
- Quantify scope: team size, budgets, locations, or volume handled.
- Show progression with promotions, acting roles, or project leadership.
- Reference compliance, safety, or regulatory wins specific to Australia.
Borrow metrics from performance reviews, finance dashboards, and stakeholder feedback. If you need help with storytelling, revisit the cover letter frameworkfor narrative prompts.
Stage 4: Compliance & Final Checks
Finish with the technical checks that keep your resume searchable and professional.
- Remove tables, graphics, and text boxes that break parsing.
- Spell out acronyms the first time they appear.
- Save and upload as PDF unless a Word file is explicitly requested.
- Double-check that hyperlinks work and are descriptive (no raw URLs).
Once complete, save a PDF for submitting and a Word version for quick edits. Store a checklist copy in your job search tracker so you can repeat the process in minutes next time.
Next Steps
Confident in your resume? Make sure the rest of your application pack is equally sharp:
- Tune your LinkedIn profile to match the resume positioning.
- Draft a reusable cover letter structure that complements the achievements above.
- Prepare post-interview follow-up messages in advance so you stay responsive.
Keep the checklist nearby and iterate after every application round. Consistency beats last-minute rewrites.
