How to Write a Deadly CV – A Guide for Our Mob
Let’s Yarn About CVs
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a job — or thinking about making a move. That’s a deadly step in itself. But I know for a lot of our mob, writing a CV can feel hard, awkward, or even shame.
Maybe no one ever taught you. Maybe you’ve been doing unpaid work in community or looking after family and wondering, “Does this even count?”
It does. Every experience matters. You just need to learn how to write it strong, so employers can see what you bring to the table.
What Is a CV — and Why Does It Matter?
Your CV, or resume, is a short document that shows:
Who you are
What you’ve done
What skills you bring
Why you’re a good fit for a job
It’s not about bragging — it’s about owning your story. And your story matters.
CV Writing Basics
1. Keep It Simple
Stick to 1–2 pages
Use clear headings
Avoid colours, images or over-designing it
Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri
2. What to Include
Here’s the standard layout:
Full Name and Contact Details
Short Summary/About Me (2–3 lines)
Work Experience (starting with most recent)
Education & Training
Skills
Community Involvement or Volunteer Work (if relevant)
Referees (or “Available on request”)
Tips for Blak Excellence on Paper
1. Use Action Words
Instead of saying “Worked at Woolies,” say:
Served customers
Restocked products
Helped train new staff
Supported team during busy hours
Words like organised, led, supported, delivered, created — they all show what you did.
2. Include Life Experience
Raising kids, caring for Elders, organising NAIDOC, volunteering at the footy canteen — all of that shows responsibility, leadership, time management, and community spirit.
If you’re unsure how to write it, reach out. At Indigenous Job Match, we’ll help you translate your life into workplace language.
3. Match the Job Ad
Read the job ad closely. If they’re asking for “good communication,” “teamwork,” or “attention to detail” — show examples of that in your CV.
4. Gaps Are Okay
If you’ve had time away from work, just explain it briefly. Employers appreciate honesty and life happens. Write something like:
2021–2023: Full-time carer for elderly family member.
Referees
You can list them (with their name, job title, phone, and email) or just write “Available on request.”
Pick people who’ve seen you in action — at work, at community events, or in volunteering roles.
Real CV Examples
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Name:
Eddie Solien
Contact:
me@myemail.com.au
0433 555 555
Kingston, QLD
Connection to: Gunggari and Wakka Wakka Nations
Professional Summary / About Me
Organised, calm under pressure, and great with people — I’ve spent the last 6 years raising my kids, running our household, and supporting school and community activities. I’m now ready to step back into the workforce in an admin or reception role.
I bring strong time management, people skills, and an eye for detail. Whether it’s handling school forms, budgeting on Centrelink, or coordinating appointments for the whole family — I’ve been doing admin without the job title. I’m a quick learner and always happy to help others.
Key Skills
Scheduling and calendar management
Strong written and verbal communication
Basic computer skills (email, Word, Excel, data entry)
Handling phone calls and appointments
Document filing and digital organisation
Customer service and problem-solving
Time management across competing priorities
Confidentiality and cultural sensitivity
Relevant Experience
Primary Carer / Home Administrator
Solien Family Household – Logan
2000– 2023
Managed school drop-offs, appointments, and childcare routines
Created shopping lists and weekly meal plans
Coordinated NDIS support and therapy appointments for youngest child
Completed online forms, budgeting, and correspondence with Centrelink
Supported school activities, including event planning and uniform orders
Organised bills, receipts, and family paperwork
Volunteer – School Administration & Events
Kingston State Primary School – Office Support
2020 – 2022
Assisted front desk staff with basic filing and copying
Answered phones and took messages
Helped coordinate school BBQs and sports days
Used Word and Excel for school newsletters and flyers
Education & Training
Certificate II in Business (Completed 2015)
TAFE Queensland
Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
Current – Valid to 2026
Refresher: Microsoft Word & Excel Basics
Free online course via Hello Future
Community Involvement
Active P&C member and event organiser
Assisted with NAIDOC community BBQ and Welcome to Country ceremony admin
Part of First Nations mums support circle in Inala
Regular volunteer with Elders Luncheon Program
Referees
Available upon request — can include school office, P&C President, or community worker.
Why This CV Works:
Frames motherhood as a period of skill development, not a gap
Connects everyday tasks to workplace language
Includes formal and informal experience (school, community, family)
Shows cultural connection, initiative, and readiness to learn
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Name:
Eddie Solien
Contact:
0422 444 444
Caboolture, QLD
Connection to: Erub Island, Torres Strait
Professional Summary / About Me
Caring, respectful, and reliable. I’ve spent the last four years as a full-time carer for my grandfather — supporting him with daily tasks, mobility, medication, and emotional wellbeing.
I’m now ready to move into paid care work, bringing my cultural understanding, natural empathy, and hands-on experience into an organisation that supports Elders, people living with disability, or those in aged care.
I’m a people person who knows how to hold space for others — especially mob — and I believe in treating every client with dignity, patience, and care.
Key Skills
Personal care and mobility support
Medication prompts and reminders
Meal planning and cooking (cultural dietary needs)
Safe manual handling
Companion care and emotional support
Household cleaning and infection control basics
Communication with health professionals
Cultural awareness in care
Respect for privacy, trust, and family dynamics
Work Experience
Full-Time Family Carer
Private Home – Caboolture, QLD
2019 – 2023
Provided daily care for Elder with diabetes and early-stage dementia
Supported bathing, dressing, and medication routines
Managed home cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
Accompanied to GP, hospital, and cultural events
Worked closely with visiting nurses and My Aged Care support workers
Maintained personal dignity, cultural safety, and gentle encouragement at all times
Community Volunteer – Elders’ Transport & Meals
IJM Caring Circle (Community Group)
2022 – Present
Assisted with transport and delivery of meals to Elders
Sat with clients for yarning and emotional wellbeing
Provided help with shopping and attending appointments
Education & Training
Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) – In Progress
TAFE Queensland – Expected Completion: 2025
Mental Health First Aid – Completed 2023
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA
Infection Control and PPE Use (COVID Response Training)
2022 – via My Aged Care Registered Provider
Cultural & Community Involvement
Volunteer with Women’s Healing Group
Active in Sorry Business support (transport, cooking, hosting)
Assist Elders during NAIDOC and cultural festivals
Speak basic Torres Strait Creole (Yumplatok)
Referees
Available upon request – personal and professional.
Why This CV Works
Validates unpaid carer work as skilled labour
Shows emotional intelligence, cultural respect, and patient handling
Uses language care providers understand
Bridges lived experience into formal qualifications (in progress)
-
Name:
Eddie Solien
Contact:
me@myemail.com
0455 555 555
Ipswich, QLD
Professional Summary / About Me
Hardworking and reliable warehouse pick packer with over five years of experience in fast-paced, high-volume logistics environments. Known for being dependable, calm under pressure, and always willing to help others on the floor.
Now ready to step up into a Team Leader role to support operations, mentor new staff, and help create a respectful, efficient, and safe workplace. Strong communicator with leadership potential, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of what makes a team run well.
Key Skills
Team Leadership & Mentoring
Stock Control & Inventory Systems (RF scanners, SAP)
Time & Performance Management
Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Compliance
Forklift Operation & Loading Procedures
Order Picking & Packing (manual and digital systems)
Shift Coordination & Daily Task Allocation
Communication Across Teams & Supervisors
Cultural Safety & Inclusion in the Workplace
Work Experience
Warehouse Pick Packer
IJM Logistics – Wacol, QLD
2019 – Present
Picked and packed between 150–200 orders per shift with high accuracy
Helped train 12+ new casual workers across two peak periods
Stepped into acting team lead when supervisors were away
Coordinated shelf restocking and back-order fulfilment
Operated forklifts, pallet jacks, and RF scanners
Reported low stock and raised health & safety issues with supervisors
Supported multicultural team with positive communication and teamwork
General Labourer (Casual)
IJM Australia – Brisbane
2017 – 2019
Assisted in unloading trucks and preparing warehouse stock
Learned to follow daily task sheets and meet targets
Built confidence working in structured shift environments
Improved communication and punctuality skills
Education & Certifications
Certificate III – Warehousing Operations
TAFE Queensland – 2021
Forklift Licence (LF)
Valid through 2026
White Card – Construction Safety Induction
2018
Cultural Safety & Inclusion Workshop – Internal Training
Big Move Logistics – 2023
Community Involvement
NAIDOC Week Safety Talk presenter for warehouse team
Volunteer – Local junior footy team water runner and BBQ helper
Participant – Blak Men’s Circle (supporting young blokes entering work)
Referees
Available on request.
Why This CV Works:
Highlights leadership without formal title: Shows initiative, mentoring, stepping in during supervisor absence.
Grounded in practical outcomes: Talks results — orders picked, teams trained, safety raised.
Speaks employer language: Balanced with culturally grounded language and mainstream job readiness.
-
Name:
Eddie Solien
Contact:
0411 777 222
Redfern, NSW
Connection to: Wiradjuri Nation
Professional Summary / About Me
Dedicated finance professional with over 8 years’ experience in payroll, accounts, and finance support across not-for-profit, government, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Currently working as a Payroll Officer, I’m ready to step into a Finance Manager role where I can lead a team, drive financial planning, and support culturally responsive decision-making. Known for being reliable, honest, and organised — and for understanding both the numbers and the people behind them.
Key Skills
End-to-end payroll processing (up to 150 staff)
Award interpretation and Fair Work compliance
Financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting
Superannuation, PAYG, and payroll tax
Xero, MYOB, and Microsoft Excel (advanced)
Month-end reconciliation and journals
Understanding of NFP & ACCO funding and compliance
Internal audit and grant acquittals
Supporting procurement and financial policy reviews
Staff training and system improvement
Work Experience
Payroll Officer
IJM Youth Aboriginal Corporation – Canberra, ACT
2020 – Present
Managed fortnightly payroll for staff across youth, health, and family programs
Ensured accurate processing of leave entitlements, overtime, and award conditions
Produced monthly payroll reports for board and senior managers
Supported annual audit preparation, including grant acquittal data
Trained new admin staff in payroll and finance systems
Acted as backup to Finance Manager for BAS lodgements and budget tracking
Finance & Admin Assistant
NSW IJM Child & Family Services – Sydney, NSW
2016 – 2020
Processed invoices, purchase orders, and staff reimbursements
Assisted in reconciling funding streams across various family support programs
Maintained supplier records and supported procurement compliance
Prepared monthly bank reconciliations and liaised with external accountants
Supported internal transition to Xero from manual systems
Trainee Bookkeeper (School-Based Traineeship)
Local Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre – Dubbo, NSW
2014 – 2015
Entered receipts and reconciled petty cash
Supported with fundraising budgets and small grant tracking
Learned office administration and financial compliance basics
Education & Training
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
TAFE NSW – 2019
Diploma of Accounting (In Progress – expected Dec 2025)
TAFE Digital
Microsoft Excel – Advanced Reporting & Pivot Tables
Short course via AccountingPod – 2023
AICD Not-for-Profit Finance Governance Workshop
Completed 2022
Community Involvement
Treasurer – Local netball club supporting First Nations girls’ teams
Volunteer bookkeeper for NAIDOC Ball Committee (2021–2023)
Mentor – Young Women in Finance program through local ACCO
Referees
Available on request — includes current Finance Manager, Director of Corporate Services, and community board member.
Why This CV Works:
Frames the candidate as already operating beyond their role, ready for leadership
Uses strong financial governance language, while staying grounded in community
Connects technical skills (payroll, compliance, reporting) to strategic outcomes
Shows growth over time, including current study and stepping into backup responsibilities
You don’t need a university degree or fancy job titles to write a powerful CV. You just need to tell your truth in a way employers can see and understand.
Mob, your lived experience is real experience. Your community work is real work. Your worth doesn’t start with a job — but your CV is the bridge that gets you there.
If you want help writing it? We’ve got your back. For just $20.00, Indigenous Job Match will build a strong, professional CV that tells your story right.
Let’s get you seen, heard, and hired.
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