First Job Resume Australia

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First Job Resume Australia:

Complete Guide with Examples and Templates 2025

 

 

Creating your first resume can feel overwhelming, but landing your first job in Australia is an achievable goal with the right approach. Whether you’re a high school student, recent graduate, or young adult entering the workforce, this comprehensive guide will help you create a professional resume that showcases your potential—even without formal work experience.

This guide offers comprehensive first-job resume examples, templates, and expert tips tailored to the Australian job market.

 

Understanding the Australian Resume Format

Australian resumes differ from those in other countries:

 

Key Differences

Length:

  • Entry-level/first job: 1-2 pages
  • More experienced: 2-4 pages
  • Unlike US resumes (typically 1 page), Australian resumes can be longer

Personal Information:

  • Include: Name, phone, email, suburb and postcode
  • Don’t include: Photo (unless requested), age, marital status, religion

Terminology:

  • Use “resume” or “CV” (both accepted in Australia)
  • Use Australian spelling (e.g., “organisation” not “organization”)

Date Format:

  • Use day/month/year format (e.g., 15/01/2025)
  • Or write out: January 2025

 

What to Include When You Have No Experience

When you lack formal work experience, focus on:

 

  1. Transferable Skills

Skills developed through:

  • School projects and group work
  • Sports and extracurricular activities
  • Volunteer work
  • Family responsibilities
  • Hobbies and interests

 

  1. Education

Highlight:

  • Current or completed studies
  • Relevant subjects
  • Academic achievements
  • Awards and recognition

 

  1. Volunteer Experience

Include:

  • School canteen work
  • Community service
  • Charity work
  • Sports coaching assistance
  • Any unpaid work

 

  1. Extracurricular Activities

Demonstrate qualities through:

  • Sports teams
  • School clubs
  • Student council
  • Performing arts
  • Community groups

 

  1. Personal Attributes

Highlight character qualities:

  • Reliability
  • Positive attitude
  • Willingness to learn
  • Teamwork
  • Communication skills

 

First Job Resume Structure

Follow this proven structure:

 

  1. Contact Information
  • Full name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Professional email address
  • Suburb and postcode (full address not required)

 

  1. Career Objective or Personal Statement
  • 2-3 sentences describing your goals and what you offer
  • Emphasize enthusiasm and willingness to learn

 

  1. Key Skills
  • 6-10 bullet points of relevant skills
  • Focus on transferable skills and personal qualities

 

  1. Education
  • Current or most recent school/institution
  • Year level or completion date
  • Relevant subjects
  • Academic achievements

 

  1. Work Experience (if any)
  • Include casual work, part-time jobs, even brief employment
  • Babysitting, lawn mowing, tutoring all count

 

  1. Volunteer Experience
  • Any unpaid work or community service
  • Describe responsibilities and skills developed

 

  1. Extracurricular Activities
  • Sports, clubs, hobbies that demonstrate positive qualities

 

  1. Achievements and Awards
  • School awards, sports achievements, community recognition

 

  1. Personal Attributes (optional but helpful for first resume)
  • 4-6 bullet points describing your character

 

  1. Availability
  • When you can work (crucial for employers)

 

  1. Referees
  • 2-3 references or “Available upon request”

 

Complete First Job Resume Examples

 

Example 1: High School Student Seeking First Job

Plain Text

OLIVIA MARTINEZ Mobile: 0412 345 678 Email: olivia.martinez@email.com Location: Penrith, NSW 2750 CAREER OBJECTIVE Enthusiastic and reliable Year 10 student seeking first part-time position to develop professional skills and work ethic. Strong communication skills, friendly personality, and genuine interest in customer service. Quick learner with excellent attendance record and flexible availability including weekends. Eager to contribute positively and grow with a supportive employer. KEY SKILLS • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Friendly, approachable personality • Strong work ethic and reliability • Team player with positive attitude • Quick learner and adaptable • Good time management and organization • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, email) • Cash handling (through school fundraising) • Flexible availability EDUCATION Year 10 Student Penrith High School Current (Expected completion: 2027) Relevant Subjects:

• Business Studies • Food Technology • Mathematics • English Academic Performance: • Consistent B average across all subjects • Perfect attendance (2024) • Student Representative Council member VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE School Canteen Assistant Penrith High School 2024 – Present • Serve food and beverages to students during lunch breaks • Handle cash transactions and provide change accurately • Maintain food hygiene and cleanliness standards • Work efficiently during busy lunch periods • Collaborate with other volunteers • Demonstrate punctuality and reliability Community Clean-Up Volunteer Penrith City Council 2023 – 2024 • Participated in monthly community clean-up events • Worked as part of volunteer team

• Demonstrated environmental awareness and community spirit • Showed commitment by attending regularly EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES School Basketball Team Penrith High School, 2023 – Present • Train twice weekly and compete in weekend matches • Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration • Show commitment and reliability Drama Club Member Penrith High School, 2024 – Present • Participate in school productions • Develop confidence and communication skills BABYSITTING EXPERIENCE Casual Babysitter Various Families in Penrith 2023 – Present • Care for children aged 3-10 years • Prepare meals and snacks • Supervise homework and activities • Demonstrate responsibility and trustworthiness • Receive positive feedback from families ACHIEVEMENTS • Perfect Attendance Award (2024) • Student Representative Council Member (2024-2025) • Basketball Team “Most Improved Player” (2024) • School Values Award for Respect (2023) PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Punctual and reliable • Friendly and customer-focused • Eager to learn and develop new skills • Comfortable working in fast-paced environments • Strong attention to detail

• Positive attitude and team spirit • Responsible and trustworthy AVAILABILITY Available for: • Weekdays after 3:30 PM (3-4 hours) • All day weekends • School holidays (full availability) • Public holidays • Can work 10-20 hours per week during school term • Can work 30+ hours per week during school holidays REFEREES Ms. Sarah Williams Canteen Coordinator Penrith High School Phone: 0423 456 789 Email: s.williams@penrith-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Mr. David Chen Basketball Coach Penrith High School Phone: 0434 567 890 Email: d.chen@penrith-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Mrs. Jennifer Brown Parent (Babysitting Reference) Phone: 0445 678 901 Email: jennifer.brown@email.com

 

Example 2: Recent School Leaver Seeking First Full-Time Job

Plain Text

JACKSON THOMPSON Mobile: 0456 789 012 Email: jackson.thompson@email.com Location: Frankston, VIC 3199 CAREER OBJECTIVE Motivated and hardworking Year 12 graduate seeking first full-time position to begin career journey. Strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and genuine enthusiasm for learning and professional development. Proven reliability through volunteer work and extracurricular commitments. Eager to contribute positively and grow with a supportive employer. KEY SKILLS • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Strong work ethic and reliability • Team collaboration and support • Problem-solving and initiative • Time management and organization • Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite) • Cash handling experience • Customer service orientation • Full availability (all shifts) EDUCATION Year 12 Certificate (VCE) Frankston High School Completed: December 2024 ATAR: 72 Relevant Subjects:

• Business Management • Information Technology • Mathematics • English Academic Achievements: • Business Management Award (2024) • Perfect Attendance Award (2023) • School Captain (2024) WORK EXPERIENCE Lawn Mowing and Garden Maintenance Self-Employed, Frankston VIC 2022 – Present • Provide lawn mowing and garden maintenance services to 8-10 regular clients • Manage scheduling and communicate with clients professionally • Handle payments and maintain basic financial records • Demonstrate reliability by completing jobs on time • Receive positive feedback and referrals from satisfied clients • Develop time management, customer service, and business skills VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Youth Mentor Frankston YMCA 2023 – 2024 • Mentored younger students (ages 12-14) in after-school program • Assisted with homework and activities • Supervised sports and recreational activities • Communicated effectively with young people, parents, and staff • Demonstrated responsibility and leadership • Received positive feedback from program coordinators School Fundraising Committee Frankston High School 2023 – 2024

• Organized and ran school fundraising events (BBQs, bake sales, car washes) • Handled cash sales and managed money responsibly • Collaborated with team members to achieve fundraising goals • Developed organizational, communication, and teamwork skills • Raised over $3,000 for school programs EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES School Football Team Frankston High School, 2021 – 2024 • Trained regularly and competed in weekend matches • Demonstrated teamwork, commitment, and reliability • Served as team captain (2024) Student Leadership Program Frankston High School, 2024 • Participated in leadership training and development • Organized school events and activities • Developed leadership and communication skills ACHIEVEMENTS • School Captain (2024) • Perfect Attendance Award (2023) • Business Management Award (2024) • Football Team Captain (2024) • Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award (2023) • Youth Mentor “Outstanding Contribution” Award (2024) PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Punctual and dependable • Strong work ethic and initiative • Friendly and customer-focused • Eager to learn and develop skills

• Comfortable in fast-paced environments • Responsible and trustworthy • Positive attitude and enthusiasm • Good under pressure AVAILABILITY Full availability: • Early morning shifts • Day shifts • Evening shifts • Weekends and public holidays • Can work 38+ hours per week • Available to start immediately REFEREES Mr. Anthony Russo Program Coordinator Frankston YMCA Phone: 0467 890 123 Email: anthony.russo@ymca.org.au Ms. Rebecca Taylor Teacher & Leadership Coordinator Frankston High School Phone: 0478 901 234 Email: r.taylor@frankston-hs.vic.edu.au Mr. Peter Davidson Client (Lawn Mowing Services) Phone: 0489 012 345 Email: peter.davidson@email.com

 

Example 3: Young Adult Seeking First Job (Gap Year)

Plain Text

SOPHIE NGUYEN Mobile: 0490 123 456 Email: sophie.nguyen@email.com Location: Brisbane, QLD 4000 CAREER OBJECTIVE Enthusiastic and reliable 19-year-old seeking first job opportunity during gap year before university. Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, and genuine passion for customer service and teamwork. While I don’t have formal work experience, I have developed valuable skills through extensive volunteer work, travel, and personal projects. Eager to contribute positively and develop professional skills. KEY SKILLS • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Friendly, outgoing personality • Strong work ethic and reliability • Team collaboration • Quick learner and adaptable • Time management and organization • Problem-solving and initiative • Computer skills (Microsoft Office, social media) • Flexible availability (all shifts) EDUCATION Year 12 Certificate (QCE) Brisbane State High School Completed: 2023 ATAR: 78 Relevant Subjects: • Business Studies • Hospitality Practices • Mathematics • English VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Volunteer Teacher Assistant Community Education Program, Thailand January – March 2024 • Assisted teachers in English language classes for 30+ students • Prepared lesson materials and activities • Supervised students during activities • Demonstrated adaptability working in different cultural environment

• Developed communication, patience, and teaching skills • Received positive feedback from program coordinators Op Shop Assistant Salvos Stores, Brisbane QLD 2022 – 2023 • Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries • Processed cash and card payments using POS system • Organized and displayed donated items attractively • Sorted and priced incoming donations • Maintained clean, welcoming shop environment • Demonstrated reliability by attending all scheduled shifts • Developed customer service and retail skills Meals on Wheels Volunteer Brisbane Community Services 2023 • Delivered meals to elderly and disabled community members • Provided friendly conversation and checked on wellbeing • Demonstrated punctuality and reliability • Developed communication skills with diverse individuals • Showed compassion and patience EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES School Volleyball Team Brisbane State High School, 2021 – 2023 • Trained regularly and competed in weekend matches • Demonstrated teamwork and commitment Travel Blog Personal Project, 2024 • Created and maintained travel blog documenting gap year experiences

• Developed writing, photography, and social media skills • Demonstrated initiative and self-motivation PERSONAL PROJECTS Event Planning Family and Friends Events, 2022 – Present • Organized and coordinated family events and friend gatherings • Managed budgets and logistics • Developed organizational and planning skills ACHIEVEMENTS • Volunteer of the Month (Salvos Stores, June 2023) • School Service Award (2023) • Volleyball Team “Best Team Player” (2022) • Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award (2023) PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Punctual and reliable • Friendly and customer-focused • Responsible and trustworthy • Eager to learn and develop skills • Comfortable in fast-paced environments • Patient and compassionate • Positive attitude and team spirit • Adaptable and flexible • Good under pressure AVAILABILITY Full availability: • Early morning shifts • Day shifts • Evening shifts • Overnight shifts (if required) • Weekends and public holidays • Can work 30-38 hours per week

• Available for 12-month commitment before university REFEREES Ms. Amanda Wilson Program Coordinator Community Education Program Thailand Phone: +66 2 123 4567 Email: amanda.wilson@cep-thailand.org Mr. Giovanni Rossi Store Manager Salvos Stores Brisbane Phone: 0401 234 567 Email: giovanni.rossi@salvos.org.au Ms. Sarah Thompson Coordinator Meals on Wheels Brisbane Phone: 0412 345 678 Email: sarah.thompson@brisbanecommunity.org.au

 

Tips for Writing Your First Resume

 

  1. Focus on What You DO Have

Don’t apologize for lack of experience. Instead, highlight:

  • Transferable skills
  • Volunteer work
  • School achievements
  • Personal qualities
  • Willingness to learn

 

  1. Use a Strong Career Objective

Your career objective is crucial for first resumes:

  • Express enthusiasm for the role
  • Highlight your positive qualities
  • Show willingness to learn
  • Mention specific skills you bring

Good Example: “Enthusiastic and reliable Year 11 student seeking first part-time position to develop professional skills. Strong communication abilities, positive attitude, and genuine interest in customer service. Eager to learn and contribute to team success.”

Weak Example: “Looking for a job to earn money.”

 

  1. Highlight Transferable Skills

Connect your experiences to job requirements:

From School:

  • Group projects → Teamwork
  • Presentations → Communication
  • Meeting deadlines → Time management
  • Studying → Work ethic, commitment

From Sports:

  • Team sports → Collaboration
  • Training → Discipline, commitment
  • Competing → Handling pressure

From Volunteer Work:

  • Any volunteer role → Reliability, community spirit
  • Customer-facing roles → Communication, service orientation

 

  1. Include ALL Relevant Experience

Don’t dismiss experience as “not real work”:

  • Babysitting → Responsibility, problem-solving
  • Lawn mowing → Customer service, reliability
  • Tutoring → Communication, patience
  • Pet sitting → Trustworthiness, responsibility
  • School canteen → Food handling, cash handling

 

  1. Get Strong References

Choose referees who can speak to your character:

  • Teachers
  • Coaches
  • Volunteer coordinators
  • Community leaders
  • Employers (if you’ve done any casual work)
  • Family friends in professional roles (not relatives)

What to Tell Your Referees:

  • Ask permission before listing them
  • Tell them what jobs you’re applying for
  • Provide them with a copy of your resume
  • Give them a heads-up when employers might call

 

  1. Emphasize Availability

Clearly state when you can work:

  • Specific days and times
  • Weekends
  • Public holidays
  • School holidays
  • Hours per week

Flexibility is valuable for first jobs.

 

  1. Use Professional Language

Write professionally but authentically:

  • Use proper grammar and spelling
  • Avoid slang or text speak
  • Be specific and concrete
  • Use action verbs

 

  1. Keep It Honest

Never lie or exaggerate:

  • Employers will check references
  • Dishonesty can result in termination
  • It’s okay to be honest about being a first-time job seeker

 

  1. Proofread Thoroughly

Check for:

  • Spelling errors
  • Grammar mistakes
  • Consistent formatting
  • Accurate contact information
  • Correct dates

Have someone else review it too.

 

  1. Create a Professional Email

If you don’t have one, create a professional email address:

  • ✅ firstname.lastname@email.com
  • ❌ partygirl123@email.com
  • ❌ cooldude99@email.com

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

  1. Making It Too Short

Don’t think “no experience = short resume.” Include:

  • Education details
  • Volunteer work
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Achievements
  • Personal attributes

Aim for 1-2 pages.

 

  1. Using Generic Objectives

Avoid:

  • ❌ “Seeking a challenging position”
  • ❌ “Looking for a job to earn money”

Use specific, enthusiastic statements:

  • ✅ “Enthusiastic Year 11 student seeking first retail position to develop customer service skills”

 

  1. Including Irrelevant Information

Don’t include:

  • Age (unless required)
  • Marital status
  • Religion
  • Political views
  • Unrelated hobbies (unless they demonstrate relevant skills)

 

  1. Poor Formatting

Avoid:

  • Multiple fonts and colors
  • Inconsistent spacing
  • Cluttered layout
  • Tiny or oversized fonts
  • Fancy graphics or borders

Use:

  • Clear headings
  • Consistent formatting
  • Professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
  • Font size 10-12 points
  • Adequate white space

 

  1. Typos and Grammar Errors

Proofread multiple times. Errors suggest carelessness.

 

  1. Negative Language

Avoid:

  • ❌ “Although I don’t have experience…”
  • ❌ “I know I’m not qualified, but…”

Use positive language:

  • ✅ “Eager to develop skills and contribute…”
  • ✅ “Quick learner with strong work ethic…”

 

  1. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements

Even in volunteer roles, show what you accomplished:

  • ❌ “Worked in school canteen”
  • ✅ “Served 100+ students daily in school canteen, handled cash transactions accurately, and maintained food hygiene standards”

 

Where to Apply for First Jobs

 

Retail

  • Supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, IGA
  • Department stores: Kmart, Target, Big W
  • Fashion: Cotton On, H&M, Uniqlo
  • Hardware: Bunnings

 

Hospitality

  • Fast food: McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway
  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Cinemas
  • Entertainment venues

 

Other Entry-Level Opportunities

  • Delivery services: Uber Eats, Menulog, DoorDash
  • Tutoring
  • Babysitting
  • Pet care
  • Lawn mowing and gardening

 

How to Apply

 

Online Applications

1.Visit company careers website

2.Create account

3.Upload resume

4.Complete application form

5.Apply to multiple positions

 

In-Person Applications

1.Print professional copies of resume

2.Dress neatly

3.Visit during quiet periods

4.Ask to speak with manager

5.Hand deliver resume

 

Email Applications

1.Use professional subject line

2.Write brief, professional email

3.Attach resume as PDF

4.Proofread before sending

 

Conclusion

Creating your first resume might feel challenging, but remember that every professional started exactly where you are now. Employers who hire entry-level workers understand you’re learning, and they value enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to learn more than extensive experience.

By highlighting your transferable skills, volunteer work, school achievements, and personal qualities, you can create a compelling resume that demonstrates your potential. Use the examples in this guide as templates, customize them for your specific situation, and proofread carefully before submitting.

Your first job is an important step in your career journey. With a well-crafted resume and positive attitude, you’ll be well-positioned to land that first opportunity and begin developing the professional skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

Good luck with your job search!

 

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