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 but not mandatory | Expected in every bullet point |
| Keywords | Good practice | 8–12 from job ad required |
| Referees | 2 required or on request | 2 required or on request |
| Spelling | NZ English | AU English (same as NZ) |
The Most Important Difference
Australian employers expect quantified achievements in every single bullet point of your work experience section. Numbers, percentages, dollar values, team sizes, and measurable outcomes are not optional in the AU market — they are the expected baseline. NZ CVs benefit from quantification but are more forgiving when it is missing.
If you are crossing the Tasman with your NZ CV, the primary rewrite task is adding metrics and measurable results to your experience bullet points before applying for Australian roles.
Which Document Should You Send?
Use the format appropriate for the market where the employer is based. For Australian employers: AU-style resume with full quantification. For NZ employers: NZ CV. JobTailoring automatically detects the target market from the job description and applies the correct conventions.
Ready to tailor your next application?
Start free — 3 applications with no credit card needed.
Try JobTailoring free →