✅ Printable Resume Checklist — Australian Graduates 2026

Print or save as PDF • Tick every box before submitting any job application • Free from Elite Resumes

How to save as PDF: Click Save as PDF above → Set Destination = Save as PDF, Paper = A4, Margins = Default. Print it out and tick each box by hand as you review your resume.
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Australian Graduate Resume Checklist 2026

Tick every item before hitting submit. Every. Single. Time.

Name: _________________________    Job Applied For: _________________________    Date: _____________
Total items: 40  |  Target: 40/40 ✅
📞 Contact & Header
  • Full legal name — larger font, bold
  • Mobile number in Australian format (04XX XXX XXX)
  • Professional email address (firstname.lastname@)
  • City and state only (not full street address)
  • LinkedIn URL — customised (no random numbers)linkedin.com/in/yourname
  • Portfolio / GitHub URL (if relevant to role)
  • Photo or headshot
  • Date of birth or age
  • Marital status / religion / nationality
🎯 Career Objective / Summary
  • Tailored to this specific role (not copy-pasted)
  • Mentions your degree and university
  • Highlights your strongest transferable skill
  • States what value you bring to the employer
  • 2–3 sentences (50–80 words) — concise and punchy
  • Generic objective ("seeking a challenging role...")
  • Mentions salary or working hours expectations
🎓 Education
  • Full degree name, major & specialisation
  • University name, city, and state
  • Graduation year (or "Expected [Month Year]")
  • GPA / WAM — only if 65+ or distinction average
  • Academic awards, scholarships, Dean's List
  • Relevant subjects listed (maximum 5)
  • High school / HSC results (if university graduate)
💼 Work Experience
  • Reverse-chronological order (most recent first)
  • Each role: job title, employer, city, date range
  • 3–5 bullet points per role
  • Each bullet starts with a strong action verb
  • At least 2 bullets include quantified achievements
  • Internships, part-time, and volunteer work included
  • Lists job duties instead of achievements
  • Unexplained gaps longer than 6 months
📄 Formatting & Layout
  • 1 page (or 2 max if experience warrants)
  • Font: Arial, Calibri, or Georgia — 10–12pt body
  • Consistent heading sizes throughout
  • Margins: 1.5cm – 2cm all around
  • Left-aligned body text (not justified)
  • No tables or multi-column layout (ATS risk)
  • Saved as PDF (or .docx if employer requires)
  • File named: FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf
  • Fancy graphics, icons, or infographic sections
  • Text inside headers / footers / text boxes
🤖 ATS & Content Quality
  • Keywords from the job ad appear naturally in resume
  • Standard section headings used (ATS-safe)
  • Australian English spelling throughoutorganisation, behaviour, programme, colour
  • Zero spelling or grammar errors (use spell-check)
  • All claims are truthful and verifiable
  • Consistent tense: past tense for old roles, present for current
  • "References available upon request" at end
  • Keyword stuffing (unnatural repetition)
  • Skills listed that you can't demonstrate in interview
🏛 For Government / APS Applications (Additional Checks)
  • Australian citizenship stated prominently
  • Security clearance eligibility noted
  • Resume length 2–3 pages (APS standard)
  • Selection criteria addressed (STAR format)
  • APS Values referenced (integrity, impartiality)
  • ILS capability language used in descriptions
  • Referee names and contact details provided upfront
  • Cover letter addresses role-specific criteria

📊 My Resume Score Tracker

📞 Contact & Header (9 items)___ / 9
🎯 Objective / Summary (7 items)___ / 7
🎓 Education (7 items)___ / 7
💼 Work Experience (8 items)___ / 8
📄 Formatting & Layout (10 items)___ / 10
🤖 ATS & Content (9 items)___ / 9
⭐ TOTAL SCORE
___ / 40
If your score is below 35/40: Your resume likely needs improvement before applying. Focus first on any "✗" items (things you included that you shouldn't have), then on any empty checkboxes in the ATS and Content section. A score of 38–40 puts you in the top tier of applicants.

Still unsure? Submit your resume for a free expert review at eliteresumes.co/resume-review-form

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