What makes a winning Resume or CV?
With AI, anyone can apply in seconds & most candidates are screened out.
Many Melbourne job seekers miss out because their resume or CV simply does not cut through.
In today's competitive job market, your CV is not just a record of work history,
it is a marketing tool that positions you as the right person for the role.
A generic or poorly targeted resume can quietly shut doors before you ever reach interview.
Sending the same CV for every job no longer works in an age of automated screening
Writing a CV or resume takes time and effort, which is why many people rush and reuse the same version with only minor tweaks to the cover letter. For almost all roles, employers now rely on ATS screening to filter out resumes that do not match what they are looking for. A winning CV needs to be clear, well organised, and easy to scan, but above all it must be shaped around each role.
When your skills, experience, and qualifications are presented in a way that directly reflects the employer’s needs, your application stands a far better chance of making it through the initial screen and onto the shortlist.
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Why does authentic voice matter?
Use AI as a tool, not a crutch
With AI churning out thousands of polished but generic applications, recruiters can spot an artificial or over-engineered CV or resume a country mile off. What cuts through is a clear, human voice that sounds like you, reflects how you actually think and work, and makes sense in the context of the role. Authentic applications feel grounded, credible, and easier to trust, which is exactly what employers are looking for when deciding who to shortlist.
Think of your CV or resume as a short marketing document, not a list of jobs. In Melbourne’s competitive job market, employers and automated systems scan quickly, so your CV needs to do the hard work upfront. Practical ways to lift your chances include:
- Job-specific focus – Shaping your CV or resume to suit the specific role, industry, and employer.
- Authentic voice – Writing in your own voice, not an AI persona.
- Achievement-led language – Using clear, active wording to explain what you have achieved, not just what you were responsible for.
- Keyword alignment – Mirroring the key terms and phrases used in the job ad.
- Clean structure – Keeping the layout logical, readable, and easy to skim.
- Attention to detail – Carefully checking spelling and grammar before submitting.
Having a professional review your CV or resume can make a noticeable difference. A well-targeted CV or resume, written in plain Australian English and grounded in the job ad, is far more likely to survive initial screening.
Typos, poor structure, or sloppy formatting suggest a lack of care. In a crowded Melbourne job market, that can be enough for an employer to move on.
Structuring your CV or resume
Your CV should be easy for both people and Applicant Tracking Systems to read. Keep sections clearly labelled and place key information where it is expected.
Layout and formatting
A simple, consistent layout works best. Bullet points help break up information and guide the reader.
- Consistent formatting – Use the same font, spacing, and style across your CV or resume and cover letter.
- Clear section headings – Label sections clearly so employers can find what they need quickly.
- Readable layout – Allow enough white space to keep the document easy on the eye.
- Word docx format – Older Word doc formats and documents converted from other programs are often unreadable.
Spelling and grammar
Errors can cost you an interview. If possible, have someone else review your CV or resume before you submit it.
Employment history
- Logical order – List roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
- Dates included – Show clear start and finish dates for each position.
- Earlier roles summarised – Older positions can be covered briefly.
- Recent roles prioritised – Focus on key tasks, responsibilities, and outcomes.
Highlighting achievements
Show how you added value. Numbers, outcomes, and results help employers understand your impact, particularly in competitive Melbourne roles.
CV or resume length
There is no fixed rule. Follow the employer’s instructions if they specify a length. Otherwise, focus on relevance over page count. Two or three pages is usually the limit.
Meeting the employer’s needs
Job ads spell out what matters most. If your CV or resume does not clearly address those points, it is unlikely to progress.
Missing key requirements, deadlines, or instructions can stop your application before it reaches a hiring manager.
- Application details checked – Confirm closing dates and submission instructions.
- Requirements followed – Stick to any stated length or format guidelines.
- Employer language used – Reflect the wording and keywords used in the job ad.
- Selection criteria addressed – If asked to do so, create stand-alone statements.
Why one-size-fits-all CVs fail
Employers do not have time to interpret generic applications. A CV or resume that is not clearly matched to the role is easy to screen out.
Always copy the full detail from your CV or resume into online application fields. ATS software scans this information for keywords from the job ad.
If required keywords are missing from the online application, your CV or resume may be rejected before anyone reads it. Using a compatible browser and checking your submission carefully can help avoid unnecessary setbacks.
The aim is a thoughtful, credible application that reflects who you are and why you make sense for the role.
If you need help with your CV or resume, you view the packages by clicking the buttons below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with the outcome. Additional services are also available if needed.
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CV or Resume, which should I use?
First job or haven't needed a resume for a long time? Start here.
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Resume - In the Melbourne job market, a resume is usually a concise two to three page document that summarises your skills, education, strengths, and experience. It should focus on what is most relevant to the role, and make it easy for an employer to see why you should be shortlisted.
CV - A CV (curriculum vitae) is most common in academia and research, and in some highly technical fields. It covers similar ground to a resume, but typically includes additional credentials such as publications, presentations, grants, professional affiliations, and referees. The term is Latin for "the course of one’s life".
Not sure? - In parts of Australia, "CV" and "resume" are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Always follow the employer’s application instructions, and if the role is important, seek advice so you submit the right document. Choosing the wrong format can cost you an interview.
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Do I need a cover letter?
Resumes or CVs almost always need to be accompanied by one, but what type?
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Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Melbourne role. For many employers, it is the first screening step. If it does not meet expectations, your resume may not be reviewed. It provides a short narrative that links your experience to the employer’s selection criteria.
What to include - Use your cover letter to explain how your skills, experience, and qualifications fit the role, and to demonstrate genuine interest in the organisation. Both the resume or CV and the cover letter exist to market you, so employer needs should always come first.
When a cover letter matters - Each application requires a tailored cover letter. Reusing generic letters is one of the most common reasons candidates fail to reach interview stage.
Online applications - In online systems, the cover letter may appear as a short written statement or eNote. It serves the same purpose, and carries the same weight, as a traditional cover letter.
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LinkedIn and CVs or resumes
Should you consider creating a LinkedIn profile, and why?
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Do I need LinkedIn? - LinkedIn is most relevant for executives, professionals building a career trajectory, and those in sales, marketing, or leadership roles. It is not essential for every general job application, but it becomes increasingly important as seniority increases.
Why LinkedIn matters - LinkedIn is now a key self marketing tool for career focused candidates. A well written profile can attract headhunters, Melbourne based recruiters, and direct approaches from employers. It also supports networking and visibility in ways a resume alone cannot.
Consistency counts - Employers commonly review LinkedIn to sense check a candidate’s background. Your LinkedIn profile should align closely with your CV or resume, as inconsistencies can raise doubts.
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What are your qualifications?
The industries I specialise in, and why I am qualified to help you.
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Professional background - I have worked directly with major organisations in biotech, mining, resources, marketing, HR, and recruitment. Over many years, I have supported applicants pursuing roles across Australia, the UK, and the United States. With a degree in Information Science, I bring a practical understanding of how digital recruitment systems and screening tools operate, and how candidates are assessed within them. I hold dual UK and Australian citizenship with extensive experience across both markets.
Sector experience - My consulting work spans a wide range of organisations, including energy providers, universities, police services, the ADF, state government bodies, health services, information services firms, and large private enterprises. I regularly work with candidates across sectors such as:
- Mining, resources, oil and gas roles
- Pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and nursing positions
- Primary, secondary, and tertiary education, including leadership roles
- Corporate management and C suite appointments, including international roles
- Political, chief of staff, and party pre selection applications
- Government roles at local, state, and federal level
- Franchise applications and commercial operator submissions
- Capability statements for professionals and contractors
- Marketing and sales leadership roles
- IT, AI and digital leadership positions
- ADF and former ADF applications
My credentials - I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.
Corporate consultancy - I have delivered resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for Australian state and local government employees, as well as universities in Australia and the UK.
Click the phone icon anytime, day or night, to book a complimentary 15-minute call at a time that suits you.
What is the Resume creation process?
A resume carefully designed to pass ATS filters & appeal to the employer.
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My role is to guide and support you with clear, honest advice as your resume takes shape. It must sound like you, because you will need to stand behind it at interview. If you are not targeting a specific role, I will shape your resume around broader industry expectations to appeal to multiple employers. Where a particular role is in scope, a tailored resume will always deliver stronger results.
How we create your resume together
Here is how the process works:
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Initial conversation
We begin with a detailed discussion about your background, experience, and career goals. This gives me the context needed to represent you accurately and effectively.
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Drafting your resume
Using our discussion as a foundation, I develop a resume that reflects your strengths and aligns with what employers are looking for.
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Bringing your strengths forward
The focus is not just on listing roles. We draw out what differentiates you, so your experience feels relevant and compelling rather than generic.
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Review and refinement
We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.
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Ensuring it gets through screening
As most employers use ATS software, I ensure your resume is formatted and written to pass automated screening and reach human decision makers.
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Do I need a General or Executive Package?
Executive applications typically involve more complex selection criteria.
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General roles - These applications are for positions where you are not accountable for overall staff or budget management. You may supervise others without full managerial responsibility. Common examples include hospitality, healthcare, trade, and operational roles.
Executive roles - Executive applications require a different level of strategy. These roles involve direct responsibility for people, budgets, and outcomes, from senior management through to C suite appointments. Selection criteria are often detailed and demanding, and an executive resume must demonstrate leadership capability, strategic judgement, and measurable impact.
When choosing between a general or executive package, consider the level of accountability involved and the complexity of the selection criteria for the role you are targeting.
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How do I choose the right package?
It pays to start with a close look at the job ad and job description.
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Start with the job advertisement - The job ad sets out exactly what the employer is seeking, and should guide which documents you need and how comprehensive they must be.
What the packages include - Resume packages are built around four core components: the resume or CV, a cover letter, LinkedIn, and selection criteria. A resume on its own is rarely enough to secure an interview in competitive Melbourne roles.
- Resume or CV - A focused summary of your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements, written to align closely with the role’s selection criteria.
- Cover letter - Often submitted online as a short written statement, this translates your experience into a clear, role specific pitch.
- LinkedIn - Developed from your resume, LinkedIn supports your application by reinforcing credibility and visibility. It is essential for senior, commercial, and network driven roles, but less critical for entry level or general positions.
- Selection criteria - Many roles require written responses addressing essential and desirable requirements, covering skills, knowledge, experience, and outcomes.
- In government, education, health, and not for profit roles, a separate selection criteria document is commonly required.
Click the phone icon anytime, day or night, to book a complimentary 15-minute call at a time that suits you.
