Starting your career journey begins with a standout resume. For students and recent graduates in Australia, crafting a professional CV without much work experience can feel daunting — but the right resume builder can make it simple, fast, and stress-free.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best resume builders for students and graduates in Australia. Whether you’re applying for internships, graduate programs, or your first full-time role, these tools will help you present your skills and achievements confidently.
What Students and Graduates Should Look for in a Resume Builder
When choosing a resume builder, it’s important to find one that understands the unique needs of early-career applicants. Here’s what to prioritise:
- Templates Optimised for Simplicity: Clear layouts that highlight skills, education, and achievements over job history.
- ATS-Friendly Formatting: Ensures your resume gets past Applicant Tracking Systems used by Australian employers.
- Real-Time Writing Assistance: Helps you craft strong, relevant content even if you have limited work experience.
- Free or Affordable Access: Ideal for students on a budget who want quality without hefty fees.
- Australian English Options: Supports the correct spelling and formatting standards used locally.
Top Resume Builders for Students and Graduates in Australia
Here are the best tools to help you create a professional, job-winning resume in 2025.
1. Resume.io
Resume.io offers a free basic plan with access to clean, professional templates that are perfect for graduate applications. The real-time writing tips make it easy to focus on skills, volunteering, and coursework when paid experience is limited.
2. Kickresume
Kickresume is a student-friendly resume builder that combines stylish templates with an AI writing assistant. It even offers resume examples from real companies, helping new jobseekers understand what recruiters want to see.
3. Canva
Canva offers free access to dozens of creative, professional resume templates ideal for students wanting to showcase personal branding. With drag-and-drop editing and Australian English support, it’s a great choice for customising your CV.
4. Zety
Zety provides step-by-step guidance for building a resume, offering smart phrasing suggestions perfect for first-time applicants. While full downloads require a subscription, you can preview your resume for free and decide if upgrading is worthwhile.
Tips for Students Building Their First Resume
- Focus on Skills and Education: Highlight transferable skills gained through study, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.
- Use a Strong Objective or Summary: Even without extensive work history, a confident opening statement sets the tone.
- Keep it One Page: For students and graduates, a concise, focused resume is expected.
- Tailor Each Resume: Adjust your CV slightly for each application, aligning with the role requirements.
- Proofread Carefully: A typo on a first resume can make a poor impression — double-check spelling, grammar, and formatting.
Conclusion
Building your first professional resume doesn’t need to be overwhelming — and it certainly doesn’t need to be expensive. With the right resume builder, Australian students and graduates can create polished, ATS-ready CVs that open doors to new opportunities.
Try the options listed above, pick the one that fits your style, and take your first confident step into the professional world.
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