This step outlines what to include in your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, with examples to help you get started.
A curriculum vitae (CV), also known as a resume, is a document that shows your:
- work experience
- education
- skills
- contact details
It helps employers understand who you are and what you can do. Outlined below are some simple steps to preparing your CV.
Steps to write your CV
1. Your contact information
At the top of your CV, write your:
- full name
- phone number
- email (professional)
- LinkedIn or website (if you have one)
2. Personal summary (this is optional)
A short paragraph (2 to 3 lines) about who you are and what you're good at.
"Dedicated administration assistant with 3 years of experience supporting a team in a busy office environment. Highly organised, reliable, and skilled in managing schedules, handling enquiries, and maintaining accurate records. Seeking a new opportunity to grow my administrative skills and contribute to an efficient, well-run workplace."
3. Key achievements
You can include a paragraph about your key achievements or accomplishments. This is optional.
- Improved operational efficiency: Streamlined document management procedures, reducing processing time by 30% and improving team productivity.
- Cost saving: Negotiated new supplier contracts that cut office supply expenses by 20% annually without compromising quality.
- System implementation: Led the implementation of a new digital filing system, enhancing data retrieval efficiency and reducing physical storage needs by 80%.
4. Key skills
List 5 to 8 skills that are useful for the job you want.
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Microsoft Office
- Time management
5. Work experience
List your most recent job first. Include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Dates you worked there
- What you did in the job (in bullet points)
Volunteer or unpaid work
Voluntary work is an important part of your CV, especially if you are starting your career or haven’t had paid employment yet. It shows that you are proactive, community-minded and willing to contribute your time and skills to help others.
Volunteering can also help you build valuable experience in areas like communication, teamwork, organisation, and leadership.
If your voluntary work is related to the role you’re applying for – such as administration, customer service, or event support – it can be just as relevant as paid work. Always include it on your CV, clearly describing your duties, the organisation, and the dates you volunteered.
Administration Assistant – Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
March 2022 to June 2025
- Answering and directing incoming phone calls and emails in a professional manner
- Scheduling meetings, booking rooms, and maintaining calendars for staff
- Preparing and formatting documents, reports, and correspondence
- Data entry and maintaining accurate digital and paper filing systems
- Ordering office supplies and monitoring stock levels
- Supporting team members with general administrative tasks
- Maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information
- Assisting with the onboarding of new staff, including preparation of materials and documentation
6. Education
List your most recent education. Include:
- Course or qualification
- School or university
- Dates
[XYZ] Secondary College
2016 to 2021
Completed VCE
7. Courses or certificates (optional)
Write any extra training you’ve done.
- First Aid Training (2023)
- Food Hygiene Certificate (2022)
8. References (optional)
You can list your referees here. Include:
- Name of referee
- Name of organisation
- Contact email address
- Contact phone number
Or you can simply write: References available on request.
You may not have a recent work history and be unable to provide references from former employer. Don’t worry!
The Royal Melbourne Hospital will accept references provided by Community Leaders or Elders who can vouch for your credibility, capability and experience to undertake a specific role.
Top tips for an effective CV
- Keep your CV short (one or two pages)
- Use simple, clear language
- Always check for spelling mistakes
- Change your CV a little for each job you apply for
- Use bullet points – they are easy to read!
- Save your CV file with your first and second names (for example, JohnSmith_CV.pdf)
Avoid these mistakes
- Don’t use funny or silly email addresses
- Don’t add personal info like your age or photo (unless asked)
- Don’t lie – be honest about your experience
- Don’t just say what your job was – explain what you did and what you achieved
Next steps
Continue with the job application guide to build the rest of your application and apply.
Your cover letter is where you can introduce yourself and explain why you’re a strong match for the role.
Write your cover letterYour selection criteria responses explain how your skills and experience are what the employer is looking for.
Respond to key selection criteriaSee our step-by-step guide on how to complete and submit your application through our online jobs portal.
Submit your applicationThe interview is an opportunity to share your story and show how your experiences and values align with the role and the RMH.
Prepare for your job interview
Our First Nations Workforce Coordinator can help you find roles and pathways at the RMH that align with your interests, skills and experience.
Express your interest in working at the RMH by completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form and submit to Aboriginal.Workforce@mh.org.au