While there is no one model of how to prepare your resume or CV for a job in the Australian Public Service, here are some guidelines that will help with what to include.

1. It is unlikely that a resume or CV is the only part of an application. Most applications include providing a statement, pitch, or responses to selection criteria, as well as a resume.
2. There may be a page limit on your resume, often 2-3 pages. It is therefore essential to check the application requirements for details of any limits.
3. There are many resume templates and examples available online. Choose options that are Australian, credible, and space efficient. Some templates look grand but waste much space, limiting how much content you can fit into any page limit.
4. Resumes and CVs are written in the third person rather than the first person. This approach saves space and focuses the reader on the essential information. An example demonstrating the difference comes from How to Write and Talk to Selection Criteria, 7th edn:

‘Administrative Officer

In this role I have responsibility for coordinating briefs, keeping the section’s finances up-to-date, writing correspondence and contributing to projects. I have been in this role for two years and during that time I have been trained in a range of computer skills so that I have a sound knowledge of records management and finance systems. During the last six months I have acted as an APS 5 taking on higher levels of responsibility in coordination and finance.’

When explaining what you do, select the key words and phrases and write them as dot points or as a short paragraph. For example:

‘Administrative Officer

Key responsibilities:

Coordinate briefs, update section finances, prepare correspondence, contribute to projects.’

5. Some departments and agencies refer you to a document, called Cracking the Code, for advice on preparing your application. While this document is not particularly useful to applicants, it does provide broad advice on preparing your CV as do some departments and agencies.

6. Content to include in your resume:

• Personal details: name, contact email, phone number.
• Career profile: it may be useful to include a short career profile that summarises your experience and skills for the role you are applying for, particularly if it involves a promotion or change of role.
• Education: relevant education and qualifications. If you have tertiary qualifications, there is no need to include secondary education. While you may have completed multiple qualifications, certificates, licenses, training programs, they will not all be current nor relevant to the role you are applying for.
• Work experience: list your work experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent, and working backwards. Work experience may include volunteer work and work experience programs. Provide the dates of employment, the employer, your role, main responsibilities relevant to the application, results delivered from each role. Explain any gaps in this record.
• Other experience: it may be useful to mention relevant interests, community work, committee work in which you have participated and which gave you work-related skills and experience.
• Referees: most application requirements include providing the name and contact details of referees who can validate and support your application. Mention any sensitivities associated with contacting your referees. For example, you may not want a referee to be contacted unless you are being seriously considered for the role.

7. Notice that the word ‘relevant’ is used multiple times here.  A resume is not a biography: it does not have to cover everything you’ve ever done and every skill you’ve ever acquired. Selection panels are interested in what you offer that is relevant and of value to them and the role.

8. Finally, you may be asked to provide a resume pitch. An article provides suggestions on how to do this.