If you are applying for jobs on both sides of the Tasman — or moving from New Zealand to Australia — understanding the differences between NZ CVs and Australian resumes is essential. Using the wrong format in either market signals that you do not know the local conventions.
Key Differences: NZ CV vs AU Resume
| Feature | NZ CV | AU Resume |
| Name | Called a CV | Either CV or resume |
| Length | 2–3 pages | 2–3 pages (senior: 3–4) |
| Quantification | Valued where genuine | Often valued where genuine; not a reason to invent metrics |
| Keywords | Good practice | Use relevant vacancy terminology where accurate |
| Referees | Follow employer instructions; otherwise provide on request | Follow employer instructions; otherwise provide on request |
| Spelling | NZ English | AU English (same as NZ) |
The Most Important Difference
Australian employers value specific evidence of scope and impact, as do New Zealand employers. Use genuine numbers where they exist, but never invent or estimate a metric just to make a bullet look stronger.
If you are crossing the Tasman, review local terminology, work-rights context and the evidence most relevant to the role rather than forcing numbers into every bullet.
Which Document Should You Send?
Use the format appropriate for the market where the employer is based. For Australian employers, use an Australian-localised resume. For New Zealand employers, use an NZ-localised CV. Select the target market in JobTailoring so the generated application can use the relevant market conventions while staying grounded in your supplied experience.
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