How Many Words in a Resume?
400-800 words
Typical length: 600 words
Word Range
400-800 words
Typical Length
600 words
The typical word count for this type of document is 400-800 words, with 600 words being the most common length. The ideal length depends on your purpose, audience, and the specific requirements of your task.
Typical Structure
- Contact details and professional summary (50-100 words)
- Key skills (50-80 words)
- Work experience (200-400 words)
- Education and qualifications (50-100 words)
- References (available upon request)
Guidelines and Tips
In Australia, resumes are typically called CVs. For most roles, keep yours to 2 to 3 pages.
Graduate and early-career resumes should be 1 to 2 pages (400-600 words). Mid-career resumes should be 2 to 3 pages (600-800 words).
Academic CVs can be longer — 4 to 6 pages is acceptable as they include publications, grants, and teaching history.
Use dot points rather than paragraphs for work experience. Each dot point should start with a strong action verb.
Include quantifiable achievements wherever possible (e.g., 'Increased sales by 25% over 6 months').
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Open Word CounterFrequently Asked Questions
How long should a resume be in Australia?
Most Australian resumes should be 2 to 3 pages (400-800 words). New graduates can use 1 to 2 pages, while senior professionals and academics may extend to 3 to 4 pages.
Is a one-page resume enough?
A one-page resume is suitable for graduates, career changers, and those with less than 2 years of experience. For most other roles, Australian employers expect 2 to 3 pages.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
In Australia, it is not standard practice to include a photo on your resume. Unlike some European countries, Australian employers do not expect one, and it may introduce unconscious bias.
What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
In Australia, the terms are used interchangeably. In academic contexts, a CV is a comprehensive document of your entire career. For most job applications, a concise resume (2-3 pages) is expected.