Your resume is one of the most important documents you will need. It is the first step to showcasing your skills and talents to a potential employer. 

We have provided tips for you below, and you can download our resume templates to help you at the bottom of this page.

TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT RESUME

1. Name and Contact Details 

State your first and last name clearly at the top, and include contact details, such as email address, phone number and postal address.

2. Brief Summary

This is where you have a few lines to “sell” yourself to a potential employer. Highlight the things that make you stand out and try to keep it to 25-30 words if you can.

3. Work History

List your work history,  begining with your current job, and work backwards through your career. Give the name of the organisation that employed you, your job title, key responsibilities and achievements (2-3 for each job you have held) and the dates you worked in that job.

4. Qualifications, Training and Education

List from your highest qualification first. Provide the name of your qualification, the date you achieved it, and the institution from which you achieved it. Begin with University or Trade qualifications, and list down to high school.

5. Key Skills

List, briefly, your most important skills. These skills should relate mostly to the job you are applying for.

6. Interests

You can choose to list 2-3 interests and hobbies that you enjoy in your spare time. This is not always needed.

7. References

List the name and contact details of at least 2 people who are willing to be references for you and your skills.

The best way to approach things is to be well prepared so that you can answer questions with confidence. 

1. Prepare ahead of time

Make sure you can explain everything you have set out in your resume. Have examples of your skills and experience to discuss. Think about your strengths and any weaknesses, and how you plan to overcome these.

2. Know about the company

Visit their website and find out more about what the organisation does so you can answer why you wish to work for them.

3. Be on time and well dressed

These days, the interview is likely to be online. Present yourself well, be on time, turn off your phone and ensure you have no other background distractions. Speak clearly and confidently. 

4. Answer questions that relate to the job

Stick to questions that cover the job you have applied for. You could discuss a special project you have been successful in. Avoid talking about politics, religion, anger over past jobs or family problems. 

5. Prepare any questions you have

Be ready to ask about the organisation, your potential job role, training and development opportunities, and how your performance will be measured.

You will need the following documents and evidence for your visa and travel to Australia:

Passport

Your passport will need at least 12 months left before expiry when we apply for your visa. Given passport processing times, it is important to apply for a new passport or get a renewal early so it doesn’t delay your move to Australia.

Apply for your passport online by following this link onlineappform.passport.gov.ph.

Passport photos 

Please have 2 recent passport size photos (clear or blue background) ready to provide for your visa application. 

Qualifications and certificates

Copies of your training certificates and qualifications. If your high school or college taught in English, we will need a Medium of Instruction Certificate. 

Work photos 

Please provide some pictures of you performing tasks at work. These are an important part of your visa application.

Employer reference letter

You will need employer reference letters to prove the number of years of work experience required for your specific visa. If your visa requires 5 years of evidence, you will need a reference letter from each employer you have worked for in that 5-year period. You can download a template at the bottom of this page. 

Proof of employment 

You will need to provide proof of your past work history for up to 5 years as part of your visa application. You will have to provide at least 2 of the following for each year of employment:

• Certificates of employment
• Official Government tax records
• Bank statements showing employer name
• Three pay slips per year
• Employment Contract
• Company health insurance card
• Philhealth

Police clearance

You will need a recent National Bureau of Investigation Clearance and the equivalent for any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the previous 10 years. We can help you with this when it is required.

English assessments

You may need to take an IELTS assessment for your visa application. The good news is that Cirrus is here to support you through this. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) provides a fair and accurate assessment of your English proficiency for working in countries where it’s the native language. IELTS is designed to be fair for test takers from all backgrounds. Read more about it here ielts.org.

Trade assessments

Depending on your trade and type of visa, you may need to have your skills assessed. This is a legal requirement for migration to Australia. At Cirrus we understand what is needed and we help prepare you and guide you through this step. You can find out more about this in the handy guide here vetassess.com.au.

Once you are in Australia, there are several things you will need to put in place to make sure your new life works smoothly! Cirrus and your new employer will guide you through these and answer any questions you have. 

Below is a brief overview and explanation of what to expect.

Tax File Number (TFN)

You can apply online, or we can help you. You can continue to work while your TFN is processed. You can find more information and see individual income tax rates at the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website here ato.gov.au or phone: 13 28 61 (within Australia).

Superannuation

This is like a compulsory pension contribution paid automatically by your employer to a fund, even if you are a temporary resident. The current contribution is 10.5% of your salary. Find more on superannuation and accessing it when departing Australia here ato.gov.au/super or call 13 10 20 (within Australia).

Banking 

Opening a bank account in Australia is simple and you have many choices. You will need your passport and one other form of identity (credit/bank card, photo driver’s licence or student card). You can withdraw cash from international bank accounts through most local banks and ATMs if your bankcard has an international symbol, such as Cirrus or Maestro.

Driver’s Licence

If you want to drive in Australia using a licence from your home country (and International Driving Permit if applicable), you must have a current licence that is not suspended or cancelled, and not be disqualified from driving. You can apply for your International Driving Permit online via the State Driving Authorities. Remember there are many important driving laws you must obey in Australia relating to seatbelts, the use of mobile phones, alcohol and drugs. 

Utilities and services

If you rent a property (house or flat) you will need to have services such as water, electricity and gas connected. The providers may be government agencies or private companies, depending on your location. You can find out more online. Remember it may take a few days for service connections.

Childcare and schooling

If your family joins you after some time, you can be sure of great options for childcare and education. Find out about childcare here childcarefinder.gov.au. 

For primary and secondary schooling, the standards in Australia are excellent, and you can learn more about this here bettereducation.com.au.

Emergency Assistance - Australia

In an emergency dial 000 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade. Dial 112 from your mobile phone in an emergency. For non-urgent police matters, please call 131 444.