What makes a winning Resume or CV?

With AI, applications can be submitted in seconds and many candidates are screened out early.

Many Brisbane job seekers miss opportunities because their resume
or CV fails to stand out. In a crowded employment market, your CV is
not simply a record of past roles, it is a professional marketing document
that positions you as a credible candidate for the position. A generic or
poorly aligned resume can quietly eliminate you from
consideration before an interview is even offered.

selection criteria writer brisbane
RIP Generic resumes

Using the same CV for every application rarely works in an age of automated screening

Preparing a strong CV or resume takes time, which is why many candidates reuse the same document with only minor adjustments to the cover letter. In practice, this approach is increasingly ineffective. Most employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter applications that do not align closely with the role requirements. A strong CV must be clear, well structured, and easy to scan, but most importantly it should be tailored to the position being targeted.

When your skills, experience, and qualifications are presented in a way that reflects the employer’s priorities, your application is far more likely to progress through the initial screening stage and reach the shortlist.

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Why does authentic voice matter?

Use AI as a tool, not a substitute

With AI now producing large volumes of polished but generic applications, recruiters are increasingly quick to recognise content that feels artificial or over engineered. What stands out is a clear human voice that reflects how you actually think and work, and that makes sense in the context of the role. Authentic applications feel grounded and credible, which is precisely what employers look for when deciding who progresses to interview.

Tips for writing a CV or resume that stands out in Brisbane

A strong CV is one that leads to interview, not one that simply lists your work history.

Think of your CV or resume as a short marketing document rather than a catalogue of jobs. In Brisbane’s competitive labour market, employers and automated systems review applications quickly, so your document needs to make its case early. Practical ways to strengthen your chances include:

  • Role alignment – Tailoring your CV or resume to the specific position, employer, and sector.
  • Authentic voice – Writing in your own language rather than relying on AI generated phrasing.
  • Achievement focus – Explaining the outcomes you delivered, not just the duties you held.
  • Keyword alignment – Reflecting the terminology used in the job advertisement.
  • Logical structure – Presenting information in a format that is easy to scan.
  • Attention to detail – Reviewing spelling, grammar, and formatting before submission.
A professional review can often strengthen a CV or resume. A document written in clear Australian English and aligned with the job advertisement is far more likely to progress beyond initial screening.

CV or resume basics that still matter

Small details can eliminate candidates early when employers are reviewing multiple applications.

Spelling errors, poor organisation, or inconsistent formatting can signal a lack of care. In a competitive Brisbane job market, that can be enough for an employer to move on to the next applicant.

Structuring your CV or resume

Your CV should be easy for both employers and Applicant Tracking Systems to read. Clearly labelled sections and familiar structure help reviewers find key information quickly.

Layout and formatting

A simple and consistent layout generally works best. Bullet points help break up information and guide the reader through your experience.

  • Consistent formatting – Use the same fonts, spacing, and styling throughout your CV or resume and cover letter.
  • Clear headings – Label sections clearly so employers can locate information quickly.
  • Readable layout – Allow sufficient white space to keep the document easy to read.
  • Word docx format – Older Word formats or files converted from other programs may not display correctly.
Spelling and grammar

Errors can undermine an otherwise strong application. Where possible, ask someone else to review your CV or resume before submitting it.

Employment history
  • Reverse chronology – List positions starting with the most recent.
  • Clear dates – Include start and finish dates for each role.
  • Earlier roles summarised – Older experience can usually be covered briefly.
  • Recent roles prioritised – Focus on responsibilities and outcomes that remain relevant.
Highlighting achievements

Where possible, show how you added value. Outcomes, measurable improvements, and tangible results help employers understand your contribution.

CV or resume length

Follow any length requirements specified in the job advertisement. Otherwise prioritise relevance over page count. For most roles, two or three pages is generally sufficient.

Meeting the employer’s needs

Job advertisements usually outline what the organisation values most. If your CV or resume does not address those points clearly, it may not progress.

Start with the job advertisement

Before writing anything, read the job advertisement carefully and follow the instructions provided.

Missing key requirements, instructions, or deadlines can prevent your application from reaching a hiring manager.

  • Application details confirmed – Check submission instructions and closing dates.
  • Guidelines followed – Respect any stated format or length requirements.
  • Employer language used – Reflect wording and keywords from the advertisement.
  • Selection criteria addressed – Where requested, respond with separate statements.
Why generic CVs struggle

Employers rarely have time to interpret broad applications. If your CV or resume does not clearly match the role, it can be screened out quickly.

Online applications and ATS screening

Many Brisbane employers rely on online forms and automated systems to filter candidates.

Where online forms are used, copy the relevant detail from your CV or resume into the application fields. ATS systems often scan these fields for keywords drawn from the job advertisement.

If required terms are missing, your application may be filtered out before a recruiter reads it. Submitting through a compatible browser and checking the final submission carefully can help avoid preventable issues.

The aim is a considered application that reflects who you are and why you are a credible match 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. More...

Resume - In the Brisbane 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? More...

Purpose of a cover letter - A cover letter tailors your resume or CV to a specific Brisbane 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? More...

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, Brisbane 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. More...
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.

Certified Resume Writer 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. More...

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Review and refinement

    We review the document together for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone, refining it until you are confident submitting it.

  • 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. More...

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. More...

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 Brisbane 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.