Why your CV works in your country, but not in Australia (and how to adapt it so that it does work)

If in your home country you had a good job, frequent interviews, and a CV that opened doors—but in Australia you’re not getting responses—it doesn’t mean you’re not a good professional.

It means something very different:👉 your CV is not speaking the language of the Australian job market.

And we’re not just talking about English.

Australia has unwritten rules, clear expectations, and a very specific way of evaluating professional profiles. Understanding this can be the difference between sending 100 CVs with no response or starting to get interviews.

The key difference: in Australia, it’s not just what you did—it’s how you prove it

In many countries, a CV:

• is chronological

• highlights job titles and degrees

• shows years of experience

• focuses on responsibilities

In Australia, a CV:

• is strategic and results-oriented

• prioritises measurable achievements

• is tailored to each job application

• is designed for recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

👉 A generic CV that works “in general” does not work here.

Mistake #1: translating your CV instead of adapting it

One of the most common mistakes is literally translating your CV from your home country.

The problem:

• Job titles don’t always mean the same thing

• Responsibilities don’t impress

• The language sounds vague or too generic

In Australia, phrases like:

“Responsible for…”“In charge of…”

say very little.

What’s expected instead:

• What exactly did you do?

• What results did you achieve?

• What impact did your work have?

Mistake #2: focusing on tasks instead of achievements

Typical example (that doesn’t work):

Managed a sales team.

Australian-market version:

Led a team of 6 sales consultants, increasing quarterly revenue by 18% through process optimisation and client retention strategies.

👉 In Australia, numbers matter—even if they are estimates.

Mistake #3: a CV that’s too long (or too short)

In many countries:

• more pages = more experience

In Australia:

• 2 to 3 pages is ideal

• clear, scannable, well structured

• easy to read in under 30 seconds

A long CV with no focus gets discarded.A very short one fails to demonstrate value.

Mistake #4: not tailoring your CV to each job

Sending the same CV to every vacancy is one of the biggest blockers.

In Australia:

• recruiters expect tailored CVs

• job ad keywords matter

• ATS filters happen before a human ever sees your profile

👉 If your CV doesn’t reflect the language of the job ad, it won’t pass the first filter.

Mistake #5: ignoring your migration status

Even if it’s not always mentioned on the CV, your migration status matters.

Many recruiters look for clarity around:

• availability

• visa type

• length of work rights

A well-adapted CV doesn’t lie—but it communicates your situation strategically.

The factor few people consider: your CV is also part of your migration strategy

In Australia, your CV is not just for getting a job.It can also be key for:

• sponsorship

• proving local experience

• strengthening future migration processes

That’s why it needs to align with:

• the role you want

• the right industry

• your medium-term career projection

👉 A poorly focused CV can close both job and migration doors.

Documentation and consistency: everything must tell the same story

Your CV must be consistent with:

• employment reference letters

• contracts

• professional profiles (LinkedIn)

• migration documentation

When something doesn’t match, it shows.

And if your documents were not originally issued in English, you’ll need NAATI-certified translations for your experience to be valid in formal processes.

At Entrelingo Translations, we understand that it’s not just about translating—it’s about presenting your professional profile clearly and credibly in Australia.

It’s not that your CV is bad—it’s that it’s not adapted to Australia

If your CV worked in your home country, your experience is still valuable.But Australia plays by different rules.

Adapting your CV means:

• understanding the market

• communicating value, not just experience

• aligning work, migration, and your future

👉 When your CV speaks the right language, opportunities start responding.

If you need a fast, valid, and stress-free solution, this service can make the difference between a night of anxiety and a process resolved on time. Click here to access it.

👉 Book your free consultation today to help you reach your migration goals in Australia. Click here to reserve your free consultation.

If you’d like to connect with other migrant professionals and get support in your migration journey, we invite you to join our Latino Professionals in Australia community. Share your experiences, resolve doubts, and find support as you move forward toward permanent residency in Australia.

If you are in Australia and still haven’t found a job, JobPRO Talent by Entrelingo is your ideal ally. We connect you with Australian employers who value your international experience, provide personalised advice on visas and Skills Assessment, and help you plan your career step by step. You are not alone! Join our community of successful migrants and start building your professional future in Australia.

To stay updated on the latest news about migration and Skills Assessment, and to connect with other professionals on the same path, join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There you can share experiences, solve doubts in real time, and receive ongoing support from our team and fellow migrants. You are not alone on this journey—join now and become part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia.